ASK WES

To send in questions to "Ask Wes", send an e-mail to Scott and put in the Subject Line either "Ask Wes". You can ask both a question as well if you'd like, or send multiple questions at a time. Not all questions can be used, but we'll try to get as many answered as we possibly can. This is just supposed to be a short and simple column to maybe add a little something to the AGW for all of us.

Most answers will be given "OOC" or "Shoot-style" if you will. Hope you enjoy it. Thank you!

2005-2006

Wes

"Where the hell has your Ask Wes column been? Stop slacking!!!"

-- Speed Racer, D.C.

Wes: You ain't the boss of me no' mo' Speedy. Actually to be fair, Speed would ask me that question on a weekly basis. It's been over a year since we updated this. I'll admit, a lot of it was because my partner in crime for this was Rhapsody, and she's not really with the company on a full-time basis anymore and they haven't been able to find me a full-time commentary replacement, and I don't know if they will. But hey, I'm psyched to get this AGW Magazine thing going, so I agreed to answer some new questions.

Question For Wes

"Is it true that you're back together with Morrigan after over a year? Did it have anything to do with her feeling the need to read you the new Harry Potter in lingerie and a pointed wizard's hat like she did in that one promo a couple years back? And how will this affect your commentary since you tend to call out the heelish things people do as despicable, and yet you're dating one of the more despicable heels in the women's division?"

-- Burt, St. Petersburg, FL

Wes: Wow. Well, let's just say that us getting together had nothing to do with the new Harry Potter book, nor the new Harry Potter movie. However I will say that she has read the book to me in private, wearing some rather revealing things. And we did have a private screening of the movie, which was cool. Look, she and I love each other. I don't understand all the witchy stuff she does, and we're different in a lot of ways, but I think we were meant for each other.

As for what she does when the AGW cameras are rolling, she knows that I'm going to call them as I see them. I don't want her to get hurt, but I'm also a professional broadcast journalist who won't get involved unless she's about to get herself really, really hurt. She knows what she's doing....she's been in the AGW for like three years now, and she's working with veterans of the industry like Moonspell and James Vandenberg. So she might do despicable things, and I'll call her out on them. But I can't and won't stop her from doing what she does.

Question For Wes

"Dude, what the hell was up with that Cory Cash chick at Ultimate Survivor? She didn't completely botch all her moves, but you guys in the AGW couldn't find a better wrestler in the home country of the Hart Family than her? She's just a kid. Oh, and on that note, can you post a picture of her? Thanx!"

-- Marty, Green Bay, WI

Wes: OK, so you chide us for throwing a trained 17-year old out there, and then want a picture of her? She ain't legal in most states, dude! Anyways, I thought Cory, or as her family and us in the back who know the family call her "C.C." did a good job out there for her brief appearance. She did as good as job as any youngster we could have found. Normally, we'd have just used our resident women's division jobber, Flower Power, but she got herself suspended for possession of the wacky weed. Silly hippies.

Anyways, for those not in the know, she IS Kathryn Cash's younger sister, meaning she's Joseph Cash's daughter. Kathryn has been on and off TV since August, where she got a concussion at AGW Vs. The World and unfortunately has had some bad post-concussion syndrome symptoms ever since. So the Cash family has spent a lot of time and effort in training Cory, who believe it or not, has actually completed two years worth of college courses. And she's only 17. You'd think she'd be smart enough to find a better profession than wrestling, but hey, it's not like she can't take over a division of Joseph's business one day.

But since when she turns 18, she could be listed under the category as Jo Hardy in the "Learned Librarian Cutie" category, here is a Cash Family authorized pic of the kid.  Despite it being authorized, I still feel like a dirty old perv. I mean, I am....but I don't like feeling like one.

Question For Wes

"What was your favorite match at Ultimate Survivor? And your favorite moment?"

-- Elaine, Bangor, ME

Wes: Finally, a nice easy question. Or not so much? I had three. I know that's a cop-out, but this is MY column, dammit. I loved the 3-way Anything Goes Title match involving Brad Steel, Eddie Bruce and The Paladin. There's no way in hell going into that match that Steel should have retained, but he did because he's a tough bastard. Good for him. I also loved the Bridge Match. I mean, it's the freaking Bridge Match, how can you like it. Each year, everyone wants in on the Bridge Match except for the World Champ. Hey, being a champ in October and November ain't easy, I'll give 'em that. This year, Brian Hill was the one who lost the gold. Tough luck, Bri Bri. And then I have to say I found the Tennant/Fire/Mandy vs. Campbell/Pandemonium match to be good fun. Time and again, the women of the AGW steal the show, and while the other two matches I mentioned may have been better, they poured their hearts out to make that Lightbulb Match memorable.

Favorite moment of the show? Mark Payne's performance for one. How could it not be? The guy has been a downright colossal prick in the past. Mark Payne is not the most popular person backstage, and he'll be the first to admit it. But the man has been nothing but professional upon his return to the AGW to EVERYONE. People might take cracks at him here and there, and when he hears about them, he just shrugs them off, whereas the old Payne would fire back. Words mean nothing without performance to back it up. And at Ultimate Survivor, he showed that he's not washed-up, and that he can back up what he says in AGW Studios. Let the nay-sayers say what they want.

On that note, I'd have to say my other favorite moment was Kid Nitro's winning the Bridge Match. It's been like 8 or 9 years since he won the first ever Bridge Match where he almost died. So this was an Oprah-caliber heart-warming story if there ever was one. Some of the boys in the back might bitch that Hall of Famers like Kid Nitro and Mark Payne came back in August and are getting so much talk. Well, there's a reason, boys. These are two of the finest talkers AND competitors you've ever seen compete in an AGW ring. If there was ever an all-time Top 10 compiled throughout AGW history (something we're working on by the way), these two would be there. Top 5 even. Nitro's one of the most giving competitors you'll ever see. He gives so much to communities both in Japan and here in the U.S. while Mark Payne has finally earned the right, in my book, to call himself the top Mark P. the AGW has ever seen, surpassing the burnout Mark Paris.

And let's add the fact that Nitro earned his spot in the Bridge Match by being a tremendous Pure Champion and winning a best of 3 series against Mark Payne upon both their returns. And Payne has earned the talk by single-handedly defeating six competitors in one night. That's something I'm not sure has EVER happened on a non-tournament-filled show. So to the haters, just let their performances speak for themselves.

Honorably mentions go out to the performances of Hazard and Righteous Bounty Hunter. These aren't two guys who are afraid of being in big matches, but they also weren't expected to be the wild card entrants into the Bridge Match. Trust me, these guys were never in awe of the position they were put in, and when match time came along, they lasted longer than the World Champ and a couple other favorites in EVD and TC Mason. Not bad fellas.

Anyways, now that I got that rant out of the way, that's all from me. You know where to send your questions. Later dudes.

2004 ARCHIVE

11/11/04

Question for Wes.
"So, many questions I want to ask, so I'll ask this: what wrestlers if, any, are you close with? Have you formed any close bonds in the cold business that you're in?"
-- Marcus James. Montpelier, Vermont.

Wes: Obviously, there's one in particular in my fiancée Morrigan Anastasia. She means the world to me and hopefully I mean the world to her. As for others, I actually get along great behind the scenes with Eric and Anna Von Doom. Our diatribes against each other are merely for fun and entertainment. I've also obviously got a good relationship with Violet, as she was the one who hired me years ago, and has stuck with me despite my somewhat controversial commentary at times. Same with Rhapsody, she and I hit it off well as commentary partners, and that's led to a friendship away from the cameras as well. These are just some examples, as there really isn't anyone I DON'T get along with.

Question for Speed.
"I, along with many other fans across the world read on the internet that you will tell it like it is. What do you think of the AGW at the current time, the established vets, and the rising rookies...So, be real, put it all out there."
-- Paul, Ribbons.  Manhattan, NY

Speed: I think the AGW's going quite well. One difference from the AGW of several years ago is that right now we have about as solid a roster as we've ever had. Right now we've got over 30 tremendous superstars in the men's division and over a dozen talented females representing the Divas. Whereas this time 5 or 6 years ago, we probably had about 100 active wrestlers, only 30 of which really mattered. Now we've got 30-some superstars, ALL of whom matter. It's also different, because we probably have the fewest AGW veterans now than we ever have. Folks like Most Holy and the Legendary Pretty Boys may very well be the last attachment to the "old days" that we have, although I'm in continued talks to bring other AGW legends and Hall of Famers back. We shall see how that turns out. As for the rookies, I'm impressed by all of them. Some have attitude problems, which is natural for any rookie pushed into the spotlight, but generally I'm happy with what we've got right now and look towards a successful future.

Question for Speed, Rhapsody and Wes.
"I just want to get it off my chest that I hate Michael. Why cant he be more like Brisco, Ground-zero, Holy, Tennant. Stars and talents with good heads on their shoulders. I hope somebody puts him out of the sport for good. He's so smug and full of himself. Why on earth is he allowed in the AGW?"

-- Guy Torre. Madison, WI

Rhapsody: Good question. There's only so much room in the AGW for so many egos. Between Michael, Misery, Clint and the Pretty Boys, we're mired in egotistical BS. I guess the front office and Michael himself feel he can be the younger, newer version of those others I just mentioned. Younger and newer doesn't mean better though.

Speed: Yeah, Michael's a hell of a talent. He's a bit of a loner backstage, who doesn't really talk to a whole lot of folks, but when the camera hits him, it's like he's a whole different person. I was a bit hesitant to let this kid in the AGW, but he's shown he's got talent and heel charisma that few people can have. He's got a knack for entertainment when the show starts, and is a very good in-ring performer for such a young kid. So I, for one, don't regret signing him one bit.

Wes: Really Speed said it all. I hate the guy personally, but he does what he does well. I'm not going to compare him to any of the truly great heels of AGW past: Mark Paris, Mark Payne, Shawn Michaels, etc. But given time he could be mentioned in the same sentence with those fellas.

7/21/04

Q for Rhapsody- "In this business, today, with so many of the younger stars becoming wealthy so early in their careers, and having so much fame. What, is it about professional wrestling, in your opinion, that makes it such a respected sport?"
- Alexandra, Rake. -Las Vegas Nevada

A - Rhaps: That's hard to say. A lot of people simply say it's appeal is that it's the male viewer's equivalent of a soap opera, and I guess in a lot of ways they're right. I mean if you take a look at a lot of our current angles, this is stuff that Days Of Our Lives and Passions could only dream of thinking up. Not only does the sport of wrestling have some of the most skilled and talented athletes in the world, but it also has some pretty damn good actors.

As for the young stars becoming so successful so early on, that only happens to certain newcomers. Throughout history, for better or for worse, the AGW has always had a pecking order with the veterans on top and the youngsters on the bottom. The only way for these youngsters to crack through is by their sheer talent. Luckily, with this year's newcomers like Ground-Zero, Brian Hill, Terry Conklin, Shane Power and Michael as well as the folks from the "UWL Invasion" as the smarks have called the Misery-Tylor-Myte-Wildfire-Brisco grouping, any sort of previous pecking order has been torn down, spat upon, and ignored.

But you may also notice a lot of people not being able to take that early success. One example is Wren Silverphoenix was THE future of the Women's division and given whatever she wanted when one day she just flipped out, cursed out the front office and bolted. That's the typical case of someone becoming too successful too fast. Several champions have been the same way. They were unproven youngsters given a title bigger than them, and they simply couldn't live up to expectations. So yeah, it's great to have the mix of veterans and rookies that the AGW has and they all deserved to be admired worldwide. For some though, it just becomes too much.

Q for Speed Racer - The AGW has come a really long way from seven years until now. Describe how the AGW has changed, over the course of those years, and where its likely headed.
- Mark Wine.- Columbus, Ohio.

A - Speed: Well, the AGW's had it's share of "eras". Mostly these eras corresponded to our closing and reopenings. At first, in 1997, we had nothing in the way of "big name" talent. Not for lack of recruiting attempts on my part. But let's face it, in the feds I was in prior to opening the AGW, I was never the most popular guy backstage. Big shocker, huh? But back to the topic. Back then we started from scratch and that's where our first true legends such as the Dark Church, The Cripplers, The Saiyans, The Immortals, Smooth Operator, Kid Nitro, Gris Lee and Gryphon were born. It was a great time as we were all amazed at how quickly the AGW found success in just it's first few months. Unfortunately, that became too much to handle and we closed down. I dub that era "The Golden Era" though, because everything that happened then shaped what the AGW is now.

Then there was the Second Era which could be considered the AGW's "Renaissance". This happened from late 1997 throughout 1998. This is the time where some of our BIGGEST stars were born. We rescued Most Holy and Mark Paris from the undercard of our sister fed, the EEMWF, and they took that opportunity to soar to become 2 of THE most recognizable figures not just in the AGW, but in wrestling. But not only did this period spawn those two, but we also got the Legendary Pretty Boys, Chocolate Thunder, Brad Steel, Bill Goldberg, Terrance Garvin and Shawn Michaels.....all of whom were keys to the AGW's success of the time and beyond. This was the peak of wrestling in general, so obviously this was the peak of the AGW's success financially.

The Third Era went from 1998-2000. You might call this the "Dark Ages" of the AGW because this is when things started falling apart. Wrestlers were becoming unhappy and unruly. The business was on a downswing. Gates were low, ratings were low, everything pretty much sucked. Now don't get me wrong, we still had some great talent pass through during this time. Tom Tennant, Blackhawk McKnight, Mark Payne, Monarch, Alex Star. These are all tremendously talented wrestlers, however despite their talents, things just fell apart in general. Superstars went to rehab, arguments flared up in the locker rooms, people were fired, and morale was at an all-time low. Monarch finally put an end to it in 2000 by dumping the World Title and leaving the company. Sure, I'd already ironically decided to close down before even seeing that, but it just showed what everybody thought.

I took a couple of years off to recoup my money, rethink my goals, and Violet and myself found financial backing....a lot of which came from Mr. Joseph Cash unfortunately.... and restarted the AGW in 2002. In a weird little twist of fate, we found ourselves in the same boat we were in back in 1997. We had to rely HEAVILY on new, unproven talent. We had some veterans, for sure, but even the most loyal AGW wrestlers had to think twice or thrice about returning to the AGW after all the turmoil it was in 2 years previous. Luckily, we had some great talent carry the opening stages of the AGW like Cedric Donahue, Eric Von Doom, Bill Goldberg, The Paladin, Nelson and William Regal just to name a few. And of course the old stalwarts like Nitro, Tom Tennant, Holy, the Dark Church and Smooth were here as well to make sure that nobody forgot about them.

Of course with the high turnover that's natural to wrestling, we have a far different roster than we did this time 2 years ago, however there's no shortage of talent. We've got the young guys just looking for a shot, we've got the veterans looking to keep their places in history, and we've got those who simply want to make a name for themselves here. Of course I'd always like to have more talent to add to what we have, but I certainly can't complain about the guys we've got. And we just came off what I think was one of the best PPVs from beginning to end that the AGW has EVER had. Sure, the tag and women's divisions can use some work, but I really think the future looks bright. It's just a matter of us getting past the usual lull that occurs this time of year and things will be square. Thanks for the question, Mark.

Q for Rhaps- A few weeks ago on your column, you guys talked about a dream PPV of guys duking it out. Well, with todays stars, what would be five big matches you'd love to see happen in the distant future?
-Mason Harrison- Cape Town, South Africa

Rhaps: Whew, that's a tough one. We've already seen almost every possible dream match we can see, but based on current events, here's what I'm looking forward to in the near future.

Clint Tennant vs. Sean Tylor: Simply because Clint is obviously using and abusing Sean, and when Sean finally breaks free of whatever control Clint has over him, there will be hell to pay and it will be fun to watch as a fan. If I were Clint, I'd be booking me a room in the hospital.

Ground-Zero vs. Michael: This feud is still in it's fledgeling stages, but it's still very heated and when all is said and done, will end up being a brutal contest. These are two special athletes, and both will be World Champions before their careers are over. So let's enjoy their feud now before they get old and jaded.

The Paladin vs. Gris Lee: Obviously, The Paladin wants to go after one title that's always eluded him. This guy has more wins than anyone since the AGW reopened in 2002, and yet he's never held this gold. It won't be easy to take it away from big Gris Lee though. Especially when Paladin just alienated and pissed off Brian Hill and the I.W.A.

Terry Conklin vs. Dan Sexton: I know, I know. We've already seen this match a million times already, but each and every one of the matches these two have had with each other have been entertaining as has their verbal sparring.

Tom Tennant vs. Most Holy: I'd love to see these two fight with no interference, no other wrestlers, no nothing. These guys had a Match of the Year candidate last year, and both of their 3-way matches with Ground-Zero could very well compete for next year's Slammys as well. A year ago, Tom and Duncan Macleod gave each other some of the best matches they could possibly have in that best of 5 match series. What I wouldn't give for a Tom-Holy series of matches this year.

Honorable mentions go to Brian Hill, Nelson, Misery, Wildfire, Brisco and others. It's hard to choose just 5 matches, but those are just my personal choices of the "crème de la crème"

Q for Rhaps- What do you guys expect out of the huge, AGW VS. The World event? Since every year it seems to balloon, and balloon. I, for one expect great action

- Kelly Billington- Madrid, Spain

Rhaps: Kelly Billington from Spain? Must be an exchange student. Anyways Kelly, AVTW is one of the most well-regarded and interesting events of the year. Where else can you find 90% of the world's best wrestlers in one place? Exactly. Luckily over the past year or two, it's stayed at about 768 men in the singles version. I think that's where it's going to stay too. Sure, I'm not looking forward to no getting any sleep at all that day, but you're right. We'll see some great action. I'm not sure if we'll see a women's tourney like last year, but I think a tag team tournament is in the works as well. As for predictions.....there's no chance I can predict that this early. Out of the blue I'll pick Nelson to win the singles tourney and The Nightmare Express to win the tag tourney.

6/23/04

Q for Wes "What do you think, of the influx of new talent into the league, and whom do you see making a major impact"
Joe Randolph "Tuscon Arizona".

A - Wes: I have to say that the influx of talent in the AGW in 2004 has been tremendous. Brian Hill. Ground-Zero. Tylor. Rage. Brisco. Michael. And the list could go on and on and on. I could try and choose just one of these "rookies" but there's no point really. I think ALL of them will be a big part of not just the AGW, but the entire industry in the years to come.

Q for Rhaps "What has been the most rewarding part of professional wrestling for you, being an active wrestler, or your current role as an announcer, and fan?"
Mike James "Detroit, Michigan".

A - Rhapsody: I never, EVER wanted to be a wrestler. I probably watched maybe 2 or 3 matches TOTAL, and those were only when ex-boyfriends were flipping through channels and some sort of T&A happened to be occurring in the ring at the time. At 18, I moved out to Hollywood to become a model and actress. Not having any luck there, a friend of a friend introduced me to Craig Martin, who you know as Scion. He hooked up with an interview with the FCW's James Crawford and the rest is history. I was dominant in the FCW against women. I was dominant in the UWL against men. So really, I'd have to answer your question by saying that being a wrestler meant more to me overall, especially coming from such a non-fan background. I like being an announcer but I always imagine what it would be like if it was me out there competing against these ladies. I guess at Battlezone I'll get my chance against Jo Hardy.

Q for both "Which two athletes not here anymore do you guys miss the most"?
Thomas Young "Little Rock, Arkansas.

A - Wes: Obviously, I'd have to say Mark Paris. As much of an unreliable, arrogant asshole as he was outside of the ring....he was the same way inside the ring, which is part of what made him great. The character of Mark Paris WAS Mark Paris, and he thrived off of the fan's boos. I'm not sure if we'll ever see him back again, or if Speed would even consider it even if Mark was clean and sober again. However, he was a great talent that burnt out, literally, before his time.

A - Rhapsody: Man, that puts me on the spot. Being an FCW alum, I'd have to say Monarch. He was only in the AGW for like 6 months at most. But he is the only man who can ever claim to have single-handedly put the final nail in the AGW's coffin when it shut down in 2000. Sure that wasn't exactly a proud day for Speed or the AGW, however that was one ballsy move that Monarch made, for damn sure. As serious and stand-offish as he was, I talked to him often in the back, and he probably gave me the most intelligent conversations of my life. I don't know if he considered me a friend, since he was proud not to have any friends. However, I considered him one, and miss him greatly. Oh, and don't fire me for mentioning him, Speedy.

5/31/04

-- Due to the popularity of the Ask Wes and Rhapsody column, we plan on expanding it to include AGW stars and personalities, past and present. This week, our special guests answering one question each are former Women's Champion Mandy and AGW VP Ray Foresman. --

Q - "Hey Wes who in your opinion has been the best wrestler so far of 2004?" -- Jake Cronally, Vermont

A - Wes: That's a good question. Few can argue that The Horde-New Blood feud has been THE penultimate AGW feud, possibly the best feud in it's long and illustrious history. And all of the wrestlers within have been impressive. Misery's been impressive. This is a guy who hated Speed Racer so much that the two didn't even talk for years, and then he became the World Champ. There's Nelson, who had one of the longer World Title reigns in recent memory, and who is the best young star in the AGW today. But right now, to answer your questions, I've got to say that Clint Tennant is the best wrestler so far this year. This is a man who truly has been in his brother's shadow for his whole career. And since 2004 began, he won the World Tag Titles with Scion and just last night, won the World Heavyweight Title. Clint Tennant has become a household name, and that alone deserves accolades....for a year ago, nobody could have predicted that would happen.

Q - "Rhapsody...why did you quit wrestling?  In your short career you were unbeatable, and always seem to be holding a title...so why quit?" -- Sally Yost, Olympia WA.

A - Rhapsody: Awww. When you put it that way, that almost makes me want to come back. And who knows, maybe one day I will. Thanks for the compliments. But why did I quit wrestling? Mainly it was just the toll it took on my body. Wrestling in the UWL, I fought men almost exclusively, and despite my success at it...it really took a toll on me physically. I may be considered a tough wrestler for fighting in some of those matches I did, but in reality, I'm just a big wimp when it comes to pain. So that's the main reason I quit, plus I decided to resume my acting career that I had before wrestling. It's safe to say that if I do return to the ring, it'll be in a women's division exclusively.

Q - "Dear Mandy, are you really a sl*t?" -- Brian Schumacker, Tampa Bay, FL.

A - Mandy: I figured why not get this question out of the way now before I get flooded with them.  No Brian, at least
not anymore...I was before I got into the AGW.  I needed money and that was the only thing that I could find that made decent enough money so I could live. Detroit was a rough place for a girl like me and it did take its toll. But now I'm in the AGW and getting paid more then I ever did as a street walker.  I just play a dumb sl*t on TV...cause I can have fun with it and it reminds me of what I don't want to be.

Q - "Ray, you've been in the business a long time and have seen a lot of things...so you tell us.  Out of all the places you been and worked for...what was your favorite?" -- Mark Reynolds, Chicago, IL.

A - Ray Foresman: Well Mark I expect people would think I would say the AGW...while I love working here and love the people I work with and for.  Nothing can compare to the atmosphere that was TEW.  I was there from the beginning all the way to it's final demise.  I've seen star after star in come to Morgantown to fight the extreme wars that took place in TEW Arena.  From Burkey to Speed himself...it just seemed to me that everyone tried a little harder when they were
there...but then again maybe it's just me.

Q - "Wes, With all the new comers and returning veterans to the AGW who do you  think has the best chance of posing a challenge to the current World champion?" -- Richard Collins, Ratone NM

A - Wes:  That's a tough one. Clint Tennant, despite me praising him as the top wrestler of 2004, still is young and arrogant. So I imagine he'll get himself into a bad situation with a future opponent. Who has the best chance against him? I'd say Misery will challenge him once again, as could Tom Tennant or The Paladin, both of whom are perennially in the top 5 of the rankings. My surprise pick though, is Gris Lee. Gris was one of the more dominating Intercontinental Champions we've seen in a while, and as shown last night, he is hungry for some AGW World Title gold. And who knows? Maybe all isn't hunky-dory between Clint and Nelson after all. I can't see Nelson playing second fiddle to him, so that's another possible challenger. So really, I can't pick just one of those five....but I think all of them could pose a viable threat to Clint Tennant's World Title reign.

Q - "Rhapsody, despite the Paladin's constant boasting about his religion he has yet to capture the World championship.  Do you believe his fire has died out, as seems the case since his losing streak?" -- Christine Wakely, San Fran, CA

A - Rhapsody: Well honestly, it doesn't matter what one's religious beliefs are when inside the squared circle. I've seen Paladin fight in the UWL, FCW and XWA, and for whatever reason, he's never won a World Heavyweight Title. He's had some of the best matches in each league, and has been in the top 5 of the AGW rankings for over a year straight. So I'd say maybe his fire has died down to an extent. Part of it could be that just when he's ready to make a move for the World Title, new big-name people come in and steal his thunder. Honestly, I'm not sure what goes through Paladin's head, but I just don't think he's ever really TRIED to capture a World Title with 100% effort. If he decided to do that, then I'd be worried if I was the champ.

Q - "Rhaps, why did you break things off with Lariat Brisco? Was it because he was an overbearing jerk or because you realized you're better than him? Either way, next time you're in California, let me know and maybe we can meet up for a drink or something." -- Sincerely, E. Degeneres, Hollywood, CA

A - Rhapsody: You know, let's just say there were other factors involved. I can't get into any details about it, but right now just wasn't the best time for myself and Barry to be together. Do I think he's an overbearing jerk? Maybe a little overbearing, but not a jerk. Do I think I'm better than him? Not really. There's just a lot of little factors that all added up quickly and suddenly. But hey, I still live out in L.A. most of the year, so we can always get together, Ellen. I'll even go on your show.

Q - "Wes and Rhapsody, if you could put together an AGW 'Dream' PPV putting AGW Legends against AGW's current stars, who would you like to see fight each other?" -- Aaron Curtis, Hollywood, FL

A - Wes: Wow, that's a doozy. Rhapsody and I both worked on this on the drive to the AGW's home base in D.C. last night, and we decided to come up with a 10-match supercard featuring AGW stars of the past against AGW stars of the present. This is what we came up with.

Arrogant Jerk Classic I: Mark Payne vs. Clint Tennant

-- Not sure if these two have ever fought in the past, but they don't get much more arrogant than these two individuals. Payne had many wars with Clint's older brother Tom, and I imagine this match would be just as heated as any of those ever were. Maybe even better?

Arrogant Jerk Classic II: Mark Paris vs. Sean Tylor

-- I've compared these two with each other on more than one occasion, and that's meant to be nothing but a compliment. Mark Paris is the most controversial wrestler in the AGW's history not named Shawn Michaels. Tylor has the potential to be just as controversial. Paris has held the AGW World Title more than anyone, and before it's all said and done, Tylor could reach that pinnacle too.

Crazy Badass Match: Monarch vs. Misery

-- Sure, this match would never happen given the heat between these two from that one fed in 2000 that formed from the ashes of the AGW and UWL. But regardless, these two are serious and methodical in the ring, and diabolical outside of it. If there were 2 guys I'd like to least meet in a dark alley, these two would be it.

Hardcore Mayhem: Blackhawk McKnight vs. Extremely Hardcore Brawler vs. Tom Tennant vs. The Paladin

-- 3 of these 4 essentially kept the AGW running by themselves in 2000. McKnight, EHB and Tennant had the bloodiest 3-way hardcore matches you could ever imagine. So it's only natural to throw the best current hardcore wrestler, The Paladin, into that mix.

Cruiserweight Brawl: Hybrid vs. Terrance M. Garvin vs. Most Holy

-- Bar none, these 3 are the most decorated and talented cruiserweights in the AGW's history. And yes, this very match has happened before several times, but it would rule if it could happen again.

Tag Team Turmoil: Dark Church vs. The Cripplers vs. Legendary Pretty Boys vs. BIG And Smooth vs. Xtreme Killers vs. Ghetto Boys vs. The Immortals vs. The Nightmare Express

--  I just picked the 8 best tag teams in the AGW's history, and this would simply be one killer match if it ever happened. Rhaps and I couldn't come close to whittling down these 8 teams so we'll just keep 'em all.

Battle of the Giants: Brolly vs. Nelson

-- No AGW wrestler was ever feared as much as Brolly was. With his wildman tactics, and borderline caveman talk, this supposed alien was as dangerous and unorthodox as they came. However, Nelson would be more than up to the challenge of stepping toe-to-toe with the giant. Nelson is probably the most feared current wrestler, so it all works out.

Old School Feud: Kid Nitro vs. Shawn Michaels

-- These two had a hell of a feud as Shawn and Alex DiGiacomo did everything they could to make Kid Nitro's life hell. They even kidnapped his young son at one point, I believe, although it was so long ago I may be wrong. Regardless, these two high-flyers had some entertaining bouts and were even more entertaining in AGW Studios.

Young Studs Bout: Chocolate Thunder vs. Eric Von Doom

-- Thunder aka CDogg, was one of the most highly-regarded young talents when he joined the AGW in 1998. EVD was one of the most highly-regarded young talents in 2002 and 2003. So it's only natural that a match between these two former World Champions would be a great one.

Hello Ladies Match: Lollipop vs. Qetesh vs. Fire vs. Moonspell

-- Lollipop is without question the best women's wrestler in AGW history. Nobody can even deny that if they tried. Qetesh is a close second though, and plus Q was the most imposing force in the women's division. But Fire and Moonspell are probably the two most sheer talented women right now, so I'd have to throw them in this one.

Whew, that was a lengthy list. But that's how Rhapsody and I would see a supercard. Let us know what you think! That's all for this week, see you later folks! -- Love, Wes and Rhapsody

5/16/04

Q - "Rhapsody, you and Fire had a lot of heat in the FCW...was that all for show or did you guys really hate each other?
- Mark Snider, Waco TX.

A - Rhaps: You know, I'll be honest with you, Mark. A lot of that hatred was very real. The FCW locker room could be tumultuous at times, as has every locker room in every fed I've been in. But since there were so few women in the FCW at the time, Fire and I both felt a lot of pressure AND had to work the lion's share of the women's matches ourselves. We both carried that division until Fire left due to injury, differences or whatever. Right now though, I've got no issues with Beth. She and I haven't even talked in years, but I'm willing to work stuff out if she doesn't keep a grudge.

Q - "Wes, What's your opinion on Sean Tylor turning on The Horde? - Aaron "Tylorbreaker" Jones, Charleston SC

A - Wes: I'm not surprised one bit. I'll admit, I don't know everything about all of the history that the Horde members have had in their UWL careers. I don't know who feuded with who, and over what. But both The Horde and The New Blood have members with such egos, and such history, that there's no way anyone in either group should trust all of their stablemates 100%. Misery, Tom, Brisco and others are all shocked over this, but I'm not. Over the past few weeks, Misery and Tom have been in so many big matches and main events, leaving the rest of the Horde in a supplementary role on the undercard. Guys like Tylor, Wildfire, Brisco and Dynamite can ALL main event shows and SHOULD main event shows.

My feeling is that Tylor thinks Misery and Tom and the rest of the Horde were holding him back from realizing his destiny. I guess we'll see if he's right. While I'm not fan of the New Blood OR especially what Sean did to my pal Violet by defecting, I do understand it to an extent. On top of that, Sean Tylor reminds me of a young Mark Paris in a lot of ways, and I mean that as a compliment. You couldn't trust Mark, but you had to respect his ability in the ring and in the mind games department. Paris was the top heel the AGW has ever seen, and who knows? Maybe in a few years we'll look back and think of Tylor the same way. I think he's got that sort of potential

A - Wes: I think DOOM's picked a good time to return. The AGW is in the midst of a veritable "golden age" with the amount of veteran talent we have returning, and new talent making their mark quickly. That said, DOOM knows what he wants, and that's to kick the butts of those who he feels are disrespectful to him, the business or the AGW. A couple years ago, all DOOM could talk about was destroying Speed Racer, but I think now he has a better game plan. It always amazes me how many people obsess over Speed, since he's NOT a member of the active roster. But regardless, I see DOOM's return as being very successful.

With Eve, it's interesting. Thelma Lou is huge. So obviously some of the smaller ladies will always have trouble harming Thelma Lou, while the bigger, muscular gals like Eve, Hysteria and Lexa will always have a better chance against her. Thelma Lou's lost quite a few matches, let's not forget that. She's not sporting a perfect record against tiny opponents or anything. But to answer your question, Eve isn't the only woman who can defeat Thelma, but she may be the only woman who can potentially beat Thelma DECISIVELY.

5/10/04

Wes Powers: This is a brief edition of "Ask Wes & Rhapsody" being that it's our first. That said, here goes.....

Q - "Wes, why haven't you been more outspoken against the people who hurt your girlfriend Morrigan and put her out of action indefinitely?" - Paul, Yonkers, NY

A - Wes: It's all out of professionalism. I really don't even know the entire history that Morrigan and this Lexa have together. It's not that I don't want to help Morrigan, it's just that she's not letting me help. She doesn't want me to get hurt by these people for her sake. I'm willing to take that chance though, when the time comes. So don't worry, I might not have said much about Cash and his crew last week, but I'm watching them. On a related note, Morrigan's doing fine in rehab and hopes to be back in action in a few months.

Q - "Rhapsody, what do you think of the Women's Division as opposed to the others you've been in?" - Tricia - San Diego, CA

A - Rhaps: The AGW's Women's division has it's ups and downs, but the fact remains that it's been here for years when other feds disbanded their women's divisions or refuse to start women's divisions due to a perceived lack of interest. The competition is fierce in this business amongst the women, because they know this is their best chance at making a name for themselves in the wrestling business. Being a valet or all-T&A just doesn't cut it anymore. I was in the FCW and the Women's division was fine at first....but eventually, lack of interest from the fans, the athletes and the ownership led to it's demise. The AGW's division has had such disinterest in the past, but they stick with it....and there are dozens of female athletes who thank Violet and Speed for that.

Q - "Damn you Wes, for getting to sit next to Rhapsody each week. I'm jealous. My question is this....you've been in the AGW for 2 years now. Who do you think has made the greatest strides in their careers over that period? And what do you think of the new batch of rookies that have everyone buzzing?" - Tommy - Milwaukee, WI

A - Wes: Damn right, I'm lucky to sit next to Rhapsody. First Violet, now Rhaps. As a man, I certainly can't complain. As for your question, that's actually an easy one. When the AGW first returned in 2002, we had some veterans, but for the most part, we had to make due with a roster filled with rookies and young upstarts, many of whom were unproven in the business. While I don't think I can pick just one, I have to say that Nelson, Paladin and Eric Von Doom all have grown so much in the last 2 years. Yeah yeah, that's a "safe" answer since those 3 are usually in the top 5 or 10 of the rankings, but honestly that's what I've seen so far. However, this 2004 group of rookies....guys like Ground-Zero, Brian Hill, The Dawg, Shane Power, Terry Conklin, Caleb Reynolds and Garrett Hes....Hep.....whatever his name is, could be the greatest rookie class the AGW has ever seen. To this day, people insist that the '97-'98 class that included Most Holy, Mark Paris, Brad Steel, Chocolate Thunder and the Legendary Pretty Boys was the best ever. But this new class has the potential to be that good.

Q - "Rapsdy, wil you marrey me?" - Lrry - NY, NY

A - Rhaps: If I marry anyone, they have to have at least a basic grasp of the English language...something you don't seem to have. Now if it turns out you have a huge bank account, then we'll talk.

Rhaps: OK, that's it, you feebs. Hope we informed you. And I hope I'm getting paid extra for this. I hate the stupid Internet.

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