|
The DOI's Third Billy Firehawk Interview
How many cows were sacrificed for this outfit?
What's up everyone and welcome to another rousing McInterview, here on the DOI site. This time I sat down with one of the
more colorful characters in indy wrestling, NWA Cyberspace promoter, Billy Firehawk. Billy Firehawk has been known for his
zany actions and wild business decisions outside of the ring, but in the ring, NWA Cyberspace is known as one of the better
indy companies out there today.
As you'll tell below, Billy Firehawk was asked everything and confronted all rumors head on. While most of the questions
asked received a question in response, the interview turned out very informative. However, as you will tell, Firehawk spent
more time talking about message boards & calling things "Internet Rumors", rather than setting the record straight on several
topics.
Billy was given an opportunity to answer and clear up every rumor about his company today. You decide how he did, and if you
think he spent more time answering questions rather than avoiding the task at hand below:
To read the first two Billy Firehawk interviews that I've conducted, check out:
Billy Firehawk Interview #1
Billy Firehawk Interview #2
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: First off, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to
do this interview with us. This is now your third interview on DOI, and
alot has come to pass since your last interview here. My first question
to you is what's going on in the life of Billy Firehawk & NWA
Cyberspace? NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
My life is my own and my family and I are doing quite well. As is
CyberSpace dispite all the b.s. rumors and such started by those that
wish they were getting a taste of what life and success are all about.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What are your thoughts about NWA Cyberspace's growth from a
promotion drawing 30 people in Flemington, NJ to a promotion averaging
250 fans per show? NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
Yes we've come quite far in the short 4 year history of CyberSpace. At
our last event, Super-Brawl Saturday IV we had S.R.O. in that building
with a total of 407 tickets sold. And according to Al(he runs the Kearny
CYO) we outdid the last wrestling event that was there as they only had
a grand total of 36 fans. And if that sounds like a dig against someone,
it was. I'm quite proud of the facts that our numbers are continuing to
grow dispite the best efforts of those that do their best to start crap
and fail if only cause we ourselves don't waste our time with petty
little b.s..
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: There's been alot of rumors thrown around about your company.
Hopefully in the next few questions we can get your side of the story.
First off, is it true that NWA Cyberspace is funded with prostitution
money. You yourself have said in the past that you have accepted money
for sexual favors (On the 7/22/05 edition of the Masked Maniac Hotline),
and there are rumors that your wife uses money made from dominatrixing
to fund the company. Is there any truth to this? NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
Until recently I was more than willing to overlook all the pathetic
little b.s. comments made by shall we say lesser intelligent folks. It
stopped bothering me as it was being done on message boards by small
little minds that don't have the courage to say anything to the faces of
those they write about while hiding behind the safety of their
keyboards. But when I read what you wrote in a "report" you made on the
main page I got more than a little pissed off. Now dispite all the
internet b.s. & all the dreck that Frank Goodman started on his little
hotline let me state that there is nothing illeagal going on within the
lives of both myself or my family. No prositution. No drugs. Nothing but
good old fashion hard work. And you should note that I never said that I
took money for sexual favor. Mr. Goodman made that joke and to be blunt
I went along with it because the idiot wouldn't shut up about it
repeating it over and over again. So why waste time arguing with an
idiot wannabe Morton Downey Jr. when I have better things to do?
And as to how my company is funded I will say this. When Frank Goodman,
Joe Panzarino, Fat Frank and all the other local promoters start
revealing their sources of funding then maybe I'll do the same. Until
that happens why should I reveal my resources?
After all my company
isn't a publically owned one. It's a private business that is owned by
D&H Unlimited. That's all there is to it.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: There
are currently rumors that Jeff Jarrett & Jeremy Borash want nothing to
do with your company after your booker Derek Gordon wrote a very long
script going against TNA angles. There are also rumors that Jeff Jarrett
has received a bounced check from you. Can you clear the air on this
situation? What's your current business relationship with NWA TNA? NWA Cyberspace Promoter,
Billy Firehawk:
Again a message board question. Got to love those. My business
relationship with TNA is the same as it's always been. I hire some of
their workers to work my shows. There's no heat between Jarrett, Borash
and myself. And just because a certain former employee tried to start
crap between all parties involved does not mean it worked. And just
because my wife desided to cancel a certain check, and not one with the
name Jarrett on it, does it mean we have ever bounced a check or fail to
make good on any payments we have ever made. If I remember correctly it
was on this website that certain people started calling me a "money
mark" and were saying how I triple pay the wrestlers. Now I bounce
checks. Make up your minds will you?
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What's the current situation with the NWA Cyberspace front
office team? It seems that former booker Dave Levy, and former
Cyberspace associate, Eric Nyenhuis do not like current Cyberspace
booker, Derek Gordon, while it seems that Derek Gordon does not like
Levy or Nyenhuis. What's currently going on with this mess, and what do
you feel about the possibility of their being a "Mole" in your company? NWA Cyberspace
Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
This question I will not mince any words on. When it comes to personal
feelings of those in my I don't have any problem with the way they feel
toward each other unless it interferes with productivity. And in the
case of the three gentlemen you just mentioned it was important that
they be able to work together. But when it got to the point that such
wasn't the case I had to step in and look at what needed to be done. Not
for personal sake but the greater good of my company. Thus it's been
resolved. And while I had to make a few hard choices it wasn't personal
on my part until someone tried to make it personal. I won't allow idiocy
and egos to ruin what we've built in CyberSpace. Now it won't make me a
popular person but this isn't about my being popular. It's about making
CyberSpace the best it can be and keep the right people in place that
will make my company a successful one. Now if Dave, Nyenhuis, Derek or
anyone else doesn't understand that then they have no place in my
company. And thus the removal of those elements that wasn't conducive
toward good business.
As to this "mole" business I know who's in my company's "inner circle".
And if any real important information was being revealed I would know
where any leak was. Dispite the fact that others try to paint a picture
of me being a buffoon it should be known that I'm not one and that I am
on top of everything that goes on in CyberSpace. And the real buffoons
are those that think otherwise.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What are your thoughts on the NWS, and Wayne Ploghofft (NWS
Employee) kicking fans off of a line waiting to enter your 1/21
Cyberspace event? What are your thoughts on Wayne removing a fans
dinosaur from the show? Do you think he tried, for lack of a better
term, fucking with Cyberspace business that day? NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
I believe I said it best in one of my blogs. When I heard what Mr.
Ploghofft was doing during the night of our show I along with several
members of my security went out to "thank" him for his "concern" over
the safety of our fans. But he was no where to be found when we looked
for him. I really want to let the NWS staff know just how much I really
apprieciate the wonderful efforts they made in trying so hard to inform
the staff of the Kearny CYO and the general public of the kind of "show"
they said we were running. And one day I just might be willing to return
the "favor". And when it comes to that kind of "favor" I always return
it with interest.
But truth be told I don't think that would even be worth the mild effort
it would take. Let others play this high school crap. I have better
things to do with my time.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Is there any truth to the rumor that you now own the rights to
NWA Las Vegas? In the past you have said that you'd like to run
wrestling shows in your hometown of Vegas. Will Cyberspace branch out to
Vegas in the near future?
More Wholesome Entertainment At NWA Cyberspace
NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
That would be telling. But then again according to your "sources" deep
within CyberSpace we're running out of money and we're about to close
down. How could I afford to run any show in Vegas if that were the
case?
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What are your thoughts on Dave Levy? Do you think he's been
mistreated by Cyberspace at all? NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
A person gets the treatment they've earned. If he feels he has been
mistreated then what can I say? After he's put out such a tremendous
effort of late going out and helping. Giving his all for the cause.
Helping when asked to flyer or look at buildings or even contacting the
right people when asked. He has given it his all and thus he gets the
respect and treatment he has earned.
Now if it sounds like I'm somehow being sarcastic well than that's for
you to read into what I'm really saying here. If a person goes out of
their way and shows he wants to work he will not only get that work but
he'll be rewarded for that work and be given the praise and respect due.
If a person wants to sit around and groan and live off of past "glories"
while doing nothing but complain about the fact that they're out of the
loop and then go around talking crap that they shouldn't and then
agrivate those that are busy busting their asses working hard and then
on top of that lie about what they've said and\or done then they are not
worth dealing with and have no place within my company. And that is all
there is to that.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What are your thoughts on Eric Nyenhuis?< Do you think he flaps
his gums too much? NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
Personally I think he's a total dissappointment. Now I will give credit
where credit is due. When given a job he did bust his ass to get it
done. You give him instructions and he's good. His only problem is when
he starts to promise things. He'll convince you that he can get them
done but when it comes to delivering on his promise he'll come up with
every excuse in the world about why he couldn't do it. I could have over
looked a lot of his b.s. but he started to cross the line by assuming a
position of authority that was not required or given to him. He started
upsetting key people and almost cost us many key personel and even
almost cost us the Kearny CYO. Plus he was trying to play us all against
each other while trying to make himself look good. He would tell me one
thing, tell Daisy another and then tell Derek or others a third thing
claiming that he was instructed by either myself or Daisy to do so. And
the straw that finally broke the camel's back was when he started
sending out reports to you talking about stuff without getting an ok
from me. Then going on Goodman's hotline without even getting that
cleared through me. Even Derek knew better than to do that. And leaving
me a message on my cell phone while I'm on a flight home does not
constitute getting my clearance. What it came down to is that he could
no longer be trusted and his actions since his termination have proven
me correct. An intelligent person would have known to keep quiet and
work toward regaining that trust. If he did who knows? One day I might
have had need for his services. Alas that will never be the case. And he
has no one to blaim but himself. I seriously doubt that anyone will ever
give him the chance I gave him. And seeing that a majority of the people
I have spoken to think of him as a joke I doubt he'll ever really be
heard from again. A pity really.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: You and Frank Goodman of UXW have obviously not seen
eye-to-eye in the past. Is there any way to reconcile this relationship
and potentially do business together? NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
Do you know what's totally f%cked up about the situation between Mr.
Goodman and myself. None of it needed to happen the way it did. I've
said that I'm willing to work with anyone and I still stand by that
statement. But he chose to play games with me and disrespect both me and
my family. And I don't give a damn what line of garbage he'll feed you
about it all being in the spirit of fun or whatever. There are certain
lines I won't cross. Talk all the crap you want about me. On a very real
level whatever you can say about me won't bother me. Hell, I might even
laugh about it if it's something funny or even original. It's when I
hear stuff about my wife and kids I get more than a little pissed off.
And even if he himself may or may not be saying it he's deffinatly
encouraging it and that is a line that should not be crossed by a true
professional.
That being said I have no problem doing business with him or anyone as
long as you show me the proper respect. I've earned it no matter what a
few little minds out there might think. You show me respect and I'l show
you respect. It's as simple as that.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Is it true that NWA Cyberspace is scaling the amount of money
they spend per show? Is it true that the money is starting to run out a
bit, hence the removal of several big names from upcoming events? (Such as Jarrett, D-Lo Brown, James Storm, etc) NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
Lets see. On or net show we have Abyss, Rhino, Rodney Mack, Jazz, Matt
Bentley, Bobby Roode, Josh Daniels, All Money Is Legal, Amazing Red,
Chris Harris, Mana, Quiet Storm, Xavier plus a couple of surprise
debuts. Really sounds like we're really scaling down. You should stop
listening to internet b.s. rumors started by others.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What are your thoughts on current NWA Cyberspace Champion,
Abyss, appearing at an autograph signing the same day as the 3/26
Cyberspace event? Is there any truth to the rumor that Abyss is finished
with the company, per TNA's orders? NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
I just told you Abyss will be there. Having spoken to him I already knew
he was going to be there way before all the internet rumormill got
started. Listening to the internet message boards again Sean. You should
be ashamed.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: How come you are still on NWA Cyberspace shows at least 10
times? Wouldn't your appearances mean more if it was cut back to one per
show? NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
Oh that again. You see out there hosting the preshow. You see me out
there during intermission. You see me at the commentators table joining
in for commentary(Vince used to do it; why can't I? ). Other than that I
play commisioner when Jasmine isn't there. If that means I'm out there
"10" times as you put well then so what? But remember this, at least I'm
not putting on a mask pretending to be a wrestler.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What has been your favorite NWA Cyberspace memory?
Firehawk, ready to take care of business
NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
For me personally it was at Fatal Attraction last year when I made the
announcement about us becoming NWA CyberSpace. The fans started singing
happy birthday to me. I swear I almost cried.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What has been your favorite NWA Cyberspace match?
NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
The Last Man Standing Match between Abyss and Mana will always be one of
my personal favorites. Although I will admit that the Kazarian\Lethal
match and the Monster's Ball Match between Rhino and Abyss from
Super-Brawl Saturday IV are on top of my lists too.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Being around the indies for the last several years, I have had
the opportunity to see loyal fans of different promotions. It seems that
NWA Cyberspace has a loyal following, especially with the "Loud Idiots".
What are your thoughts on the NWA Cyberspace loyal, and what's it like
having fans that only attend NWA Cyberspace events? NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
I love the fans. And that's not hype. The Loud Idiots, Morbius & his
"Revelation" and various families that I see coming to all the shows
have in my opinion become a very strong part of CyberSpace. I honored
that they keep coming back for our shows. They themselves at time become
part of the show. I find some of their antics to be very entertaining.
And they show just which wrestlers they love and those they hate. Even
those they love to hate. I mean you've got to give them their due. When
they sing the National Antheme just to annoy Bobby Roode or the times
they would fight over Mo Sextyn(the Idiots for, Morbius against) it
something you just don't see anywhere else.
That's why I take time to get to know them. And that why I thank them.
Cause without them there wouldn't be an NWA CyberSpace. And I want them
to know just how much they mean to me. Not just cause they're spending
their money on our product but that they come back and let me know that
what we do is worth it to them to do just that. And I pray that we're
always worthy of that kind of faith and devotion.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Is it true that NWA Cyberspace loses at least $10,000 per
show? NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
Always listening to the message board rumormill aren't you. Like I said
before, when others reveal how much they spend, make or lose then maybe
I'll let you know. Til then next question.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What is up with the 3/26 "Disturbing The Peace" event? Any
truth to the rumors that John Shane stole Ricky O's old/NWS's
current Garfield building? Do you think you will have a good house that
day, considering that 4 other major wrestling events featuring the same
talent are running the same weekend, on better days? (Friday/Saturday as
opposed to Sunday) NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
I was unaware that Ricky O or any of the NWS staff held leases on any
buildings I plan on running any shows in. And I was unaware that Mr.
Shane was acting in any criminal way.
And considering that the last two times we ran on a sunday
afternoon(Cybercade II & September's Shockwave)we had pretty good and
solid houses I wouldn't say that it will be a bad thing to run a show
on a sunday afternoon.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Why did you tell Eric Nyenhuis that you were "going to cut his
fucking legs off"? What are your thoughts about Eric making that news
public on the Masked Manaic hotline? NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
If you're going to ask a question like that then I'll have no choice but
to end this right here and now so don't waste time with such garbage.
And that's also answer to your question. I don't waste time with
garbage. Simple as that.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What are your thoughts on your competition, Jersey All Pro
Wrestling? NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
I've always said that they put on one of the best shows in the business
today. I respect their product and always will.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Cyberspace has been known to bring in some of the biggest
names in wrestling to this area before any other company. (Such as Mack,
Jarrett, DDP, Luger, etc) Will we see any more big time debuts this
year? NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
A few moments ago you were asking about us trimming our shows and
cutting "big name" talent. Now you're asking if we plan to bring any new
faces in. Make up your mind will you.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What are your thoughts about the rumors of NWA Cyberspace
losing money and might not be around by the time 2007 rolls along? NWA Cyberspace Promoter,
Billy Firehawk:
Again you switch gears on this subject. I'll answer this one only cause
it's funny to me.
2003 the same thing was said. 2004 it was said again. And it was said
again in 2005. How many times and how many years will this same question
be asked I don't know. But I do know we ain't done yet. Not even
thinking about it. Maybe it's time others stop thinking about it too.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Message boards- good or bad for wrestling and why?
NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
Good only when they're moderated and written on by people that are
serious about what they write. Fake posting b.s. is a waste of time and
does nothing to help anyone.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Whaat is the current status of April Hunter/Slyck Wagner
Brown? Why did you say April wasn't at the 1/21 show when she was
sitting in the crowd? Why didn't you employ April's services that day? NWA Cyberspace
Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
What makes you think there's any change in their status? The only reason
they were taken from the show in January was because the Kearny CYO were
"informed" that their being there would cause all kinds of troubles(I
wonder who did that too). They've both been a part of CyberSpace for
years. And unless they don't want to be then I don't see any reason why
that should change. And as to my saying she wasn't there all that was
meant was that she wasn't a part of the show. It's internet marks that
tried to make it sound worse than it really was.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What'ts the biggest misconception about Billy Firehawk and/or
NWA Cyberspace? NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
The biggest misconceptions about me is the type of person I am and the
role I have in my own company. They see me having fun and a good time
and they think I'm some sort of fat idiot without a clue. Well that's
good cause truth be told I want them to keep underestimating me. I want
them to think I'm someone that they can try and get over on. Cause when
I lower the boom on them and they're caught with their pants down and
with egg on their face I get the saticfaction of knowing that I'm a lot
better than they ever expected and then I can use that my fullest
advantage.
And as to my roll in my own company. Yes I play an "on camera" roll of
the crazy owner. And yes Derek runs the shows. But I'm in charge and he
can't do anything without my knowing and approving of it.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Will we ever see Firehawk/Duke Snider Taped Fists Match II? NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
Both the "Pitbull" & I are retired from active wrestling. But for him
I'd be willing to put on the tape one more time. It might be fun.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What do you want to say to anyone reading this?
NWA Cyberspace Promoter, Billy Firehawk:
I say always be true to youreslf. Keep God in your heart. Love and honor
your family. Never forget who you are and where you came from.
And keep a close eye on NWA CyberSpace. 2005 was a year of growth and
learning. 2006 is where we show you just how good we can and will be.
Remember March 26th is Disterbing the Peace. The main event is for the
NWACS Heavyweight Title, Abyss vs. Rodney Mack. Keep an eye on
www.nwacyberspace.com for more details. Thank you.
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Thank you for this interview, and good luck with NWA Cyberspace.
NWA Cyberspace returns on 3/26, with "Disturbing The Peace". It will take place at the Boys & Girls Club in Garfield, NJ.
(Formerly the home building of JCW, for you hardcore indy fans, who know venues better than directions.)
For more info, visit NWACyberspace.com
Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey BULLSMC@aol.com
All Photo Credit goes to Robert Payes of STIFFSHOTS.com
The information on this website is exclusive property of the Declaration of Independents and cannot be used elsewhere without proper link credit. All DOI purchases are non-refundable. All mail (electronic or postal) sent to the DOI becomes property of the DOI which allows the DOI to reprint that e-mail in it's entirety by doing so, if the email is considered newsworthy.
Copyright declarationofindependents.net & doiwrestling.com. All Rights Reserved.
|