Bix replied to my last post and wrote:
"On this level of the business, the monies made don't support a drug-fueled lifestyle."Then explain the physiques of much of the ROH roster, which includes a wrestler whose gimmick is that he is on steroids.There are also plenty of roided up guys in indies much smaller than ROH. It's disingenuous to suggest otherwise.
Bix, I am not suggesting that no one on the indys takes steroids. My point was that the money one makes as an independent wrestler isn't so great that you could support a significant drug habit on it. As long as the national companies put a premium on the bodybuilder physique, and endorse cosmetics over talent, people who want those spots badly enough will turn to whatever aids them in reaching that goal. Are you suggesting that ROH encourages steroid use? I highly doubt that.
I can't say for certain what other promotions do, but I can say what NECW does. We push people based on working ability, not based on physique.
The most important thing that we can do as a wrestling promotion is to continue to operate with that standard and have success with it. Meaningful change comes when you lead by example.
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Gotcha, except for one thing: Doesn't pushing Tank Toland with the gimmick of "LOL, look, he's on steroids!" indicate approval of his steroid usage on some level?
Thanks for taking your time to reply.
My Name is Bill, and I and I had the pleasure to promote for NECW in Connecticut during the year 2003. We ran Show’s in Hamden. I can speak first hand as to the level of professionalism and athleticism of the NECW locker room during that time. Sheldon Goldberg is not only a great promoter but a great mentor and teacher. I can first hand vouch for how he treats his talent both inside and outside the business. He cares for his wrestling family. I can also say that I had the chance to see the updated shows and new faces of NECW this year and I can see he still promotes the same atmosphere as 2003 today.
The first thing I can remember Sheldon teaching me about the business (after I asked what now I can say was a foolish question) is that a great wrestling show is based on a wrestler’s talent and charisma. He added “that plus a great story will draw a great crowd. The performer whether a face or a heel, and his ability to win the crowd over is what makes the show special and will make the fan come back for more. The size of the person is irrelevant. I can remember during our time in Hamden, due to Sheldon’s reputation and that of NECW and its locker room, talent from all different promotions in Connecticut and beyond coming to try to be apart of our venue and show. I believe that says something about the way NECW is. Remember this was in 2003 when he spoke to me. That was Four years before the current situation in Wrestling.
I wanted to share that story to reinforce the point Sheldon is making and that he means what he says.
Now to say that a company promotes certain behavior because of a story line is just plain crazy. Stories are the basis of this business regardless of the storyline being told. The fan has to take some responsibility and recognize the fact from fiction. If you can’t make that distinction, then you should not be watching.
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