Jim Kettner: I am not sure we could be called the "best" independent promotion today, but in terms of longevity, respectability, content, production, affordability, recognition, having a great fan base and friendly locker room, the ECWA has earned a good reputation and carved out it's own slot in independent wrestling history.

The ECWA was officially formed in August 1967. My friend Earl Holt and I started the ECWA with two pieces of rug in my backyard. From that point, a wrestler who worked for Vince McMahon, Sr., taught us how to wrestle, how to build a wrestling ring, how to start a wrestling promotion, and taught us all about the wrestling business.

The ECWA has evolved for 37 years and went through many changes. The program now has 4 owners and I am the only original founder left. My friend Earl passed away several years ago at a young age. Through this program, I have met people, traveled places and lived out dreams that I never thought would happen. I am just as proud of the ECWA today and I was in 1967. It's been a very special part of my life for 37 years and still is.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: How did it feel like to go from the ring as a performer, to being one of the most respected promoters today? Being a wrestler and a promoter must be two different mindsets, so how did you make the adjustment?

Jim Kettner: Like anyone who ever stepped in a wrestling ring, I felt the disappointment when it was time to hang up the boots and trunks. There is no greater feeling than hearing your name and stepping into the ring and performing in front of a live crowd. After wrestling from 1967 to 2000 my body told me it was time to stop. Being recognized as a promoter is a nice thing, but it will never compare to being a performer.

Being a promoter and wrestler for most people are two different mindsets. I have been fortunate enough to be on both sides of the fence and for many years I wrestled in the same shows I promoted. In 37 years, I was only in about 4 main events, and held the ECWA Tag Team Championship twice for 6 month reigns. I usually stayed in the opening or mid card matches and let the better athletes perform. It made for a better locker room and especially made for a better show.

My adjustments handling both wrestling and promoting came early. My mentor in the wrestling business beat the hell out of me one night during a show. After the beating and lecture I had a very clear understanding about being a wrestler, promoter and especially an important lesson on how to treat people. Being a wrestler for several years has also helped define my role in being a successful promoter.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:We are less than 2 weeks away from the most international Super 8 in the tournaments 8 year history. How did the luchadors wind up getting into this years tournament, and do you think that the local ECWA fans will be able to connect with them?

Jim Kettner: I am very excited about the Super 8 this year and the fact we are reaching out and including other markets for the event. The Super Luchas magazine is sending someone to cover the show. Each Super 8 needs to be different in order to perpetuate the concept. Our local fans seem to be really excited about having the luchadors in the show. It will be very entertaining and "different" making this year's 2004 Super 8 as special as the other seven.

Christopher Daniels called me and recommended Rocky Romero and Ricky Reyes. While having dinner after a recent WWE event wtih Charlie Haas and Rey Mysterio, Jr., it was suggested by Rey that Nicho (Psicosis) be given an opportunity to compete this year.

I have the utmost respect for Rey Mysterio, Jr. and Christopher Daniels and when they talk, I listen!

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:Alot of people have likened John Walters and his success, to Paul London's 2003 year. London won the Super 8 that year as well. Both men have alot of similarities, from having strong ROH careers and both being ECWA wrestlers. Do you consider John Walters the favorite this year?

Jim Kettner: I am very proud of both Paul London and John Walters. Paul has made it to the WWE and it looks very promising that John may go there as well. I am also very proud that the ECWA both through our local shows and Super 8 could provide these two talented young men a platform to show their great abilities.

They are very similar in their abilities, but more especially in their personalities and the pathways they have taken in their careers. The positioning and exposure from ROH and ECWA certainally has helped them, but we shouldn't forget to mention the Texas group which launched Paul, and the Chaotic Wrestling group which launched John.

Paul London ad John Walters are both tremendous athletes and most importantly they are nice people. I hope I am around in the next 5 years, because I think these two will become even bigger wrestling stars.

John is favored to win the tournament, especially listening to fans and peers in the Northeast. In dealing with the Super 8 and hearing from fans, wrestlers and media from other areas, each area tends to have their own favorite, especially if the contestant comes from their region.

As for me, I am looking forward to all 8 partcipants competing in the 2004 Super 8.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:Where did the concept of the Super 8 come from and now looking back at it, do you wish that you did it sooner?

Jim Kettner: In January 1997, we secured a deal to produce a local weekly ECWA Television program. I was wondering how to crown a television champion. Simon Diamond, Ace Darling, Billy Kidman and Devon Storm who were regulars on the ECWA roster approached me with the concept of doing an 8 man tournament. I was against the idea, but decided to try it. As it turns out, it was the best business decision ever made for the ECWA.

After the first year we knew we had lightning in a bottle and the rest is history. The timing of the first Super 8 was perfect. Within our market in prior years, light heavyweights were not too fashionable in wrestling. So the Super 8 came along at a time when light heavyweights were being more accepted.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:What was your favorite Super 8 moment? What was your favorite tournament out of the 7 editions?

Jim Kettner: A lot of my favorite moments happen behind the scenes especially with the Super 8 contestants and with my local roster preparing the event.

There have been exactly 7 favorite moments and all eaqually stand out as special. Those 7 favorite moments have been when the bell sounded to end the final match of each of the tournaments. Seeing the emotions of the winner, the proud accomplishment of the runner up, the other contestants coming back in the ring to congratulate the winner, the locker room emptying to congratulate the participants and most of all the fans displaying their appreciation to all 8 competitors have been my favorite Super 8 moments.

All 7 tournaments have been equally special and as much as I try, I cannot pick a favorite. Each year has had a special field of 8 great athletes and each year has had a special feeling to it.

Pic Credit: www.ecwaprowrestling.com

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:What is it like calling a wrestler up to tell them that you want them in your tournament?

Jim Kettner: It amazes me how well known the Super 8 has become, in every region of the United States as well as other countries and how it is a goal of many young performers to be a part of it. When I would call many of the Super 8 competitors over the past few years to offer them a slot in the tournament, they would tell me how they have followed the Super 8 when in high school and even some followed it before they broke into the wrestling business.

It's a great feeling to call an individual and to hear the excitement in their voice when offered a position. To this day it's hard for me to understand the Super 8's popularity, but it's rewarding to know so many want to be a part of it.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:What do you think about other tournaments with the same concept of the Super 8? Do you consider them unoriginal or a sign of flattery?

Jim Kettner: In the first years of the Super 8 I often wondered if so many other tournaments would water down the concept, but as it turns out, the concept seems to be stronger now for the ECWA and other organizations as well. I am very proud of the Super 8 and its legacy and hope we continue the success of it.

I also applaud the other groups and their tournaments, because if done correctly it all becomes a positive for independent wrestling.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:One of the best managers of all time, JJ Dillon, will be on hand to host the Super 8. What led him to join the ECWA for this occassion?

Jim Kettner: I have known J.J. Dillon for many years. J.J. and I talked back in November about him doing something for the ECWA. When I found out that Paul London could not make the event due to his WWE schedule, I thought J.J. Dillon, given his backround, prestige and class would be perfect as the 2004 Super 8 host.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:In the 37 years of ECWA history, who has been your favorite wrestler to watch?

Jim Kettner: In the ECWA? Reckless Youth
In the WWE? Chris Benoit

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:Where did the ECWA-WWE association come from? You've been featured on many WWE programs, as a result of this relationship, from being a security guard to other roles, how did it feel like to be on live TV?

Jim Kettner: Capt. Lou Albano was the man who introduced me to many in the WWE. It was fun appear on their TV.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:What do you feel is the best angle to be executed in the ECWA?

Jim Kettner: In 1997, story had it that a new company bought the ECWA and the new majority owner turned out to be The Master (one of the most hated and talented managers ever to appear in the ECWA). He fired me and I actually disappeared from the group. He turned the ECWA upside down for almost 18 months even threatening to move the promotion out of Delaware. The fans hated him, but they came back month after month to see what he would do next. At the end of the 18 months, I returned and teamed with the promotion's fan favorite at the time, Cheetah Master, and we wrestled The Master and his partner in a cage for control of the promotion. We won, I got the promotion back and everyone was happy.

I think it was the best angle because it was done for almost 18 months and we did tremendous box office and entertained the fans.

I was only seen twice in the 18 month angle, once at the beginning and end. It was not my performance, but more my position and lack of appearances that really helped. But the true star of the 18 months was The Master. He deserves the credit for the success.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:Running in Delaware, what are your thoughts about the other promotions in Delaware, namely CZW and DCW?

Jim Kettner: Besides CZW and DCW, there are about 5 other promotions that run in Delaware from time to time. Our attendance never went down so I never gave much thought to others running in the State. Delaware is 110 miles long and CZW ran about 40 miles away and DCW runs about 75 miles away. As you can see by the distance, we were all running events in different areas of the State and each has it's own loyal fan base.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:ECWA is proof that family entertainment wrestling is successful. What are your thoughts about the other groups that rely on extreme wrestling and profanity at their shows?

Jim Kettner: This is America and I feel that every group has the right to produce what they want and how they want to present it is their own business. It's up to the wrestling fans. In the end, they are the ones that dictate the success of any organization.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:What are your thoughts about the 8 men participating in the Super 8? You have 2 ECWA Heavyweight Champions, 3 of AAA's best, and 3 other stand out talents. How hard is it to put together first round matches?

Jim Kettner:
MIKE KRUEL-our current ECWA Heavyweight Champion. He is a very talented mat based wrestler who brings a lot of intensity to the ring. Wrestling fans are just now catching on to just how talented this young man really is.

CHRISTOPHER DANIELS-being a former ECWA Heavyweight Champion and past Super 8 winner, brings a level of experience to the tournament that is phenomenal. He is loved and respected everywhere he appears.

TYSON DUX-brings a mix of martial arts an technical wrestling to the event and he is looking to branch out of his area to make a name for himself. He has had no exposure in this area and fans are excited to see Tyson.

RICKY REYES-brings the Lucha-libre, Japanese and American styles to the tournament and since he has ever appeard in this area, fans are hyped to see part of the Havana Pitbulls in action.

ROCKY ROMERO-just like Reyes, he brings those same styles to the Super 8 for the first time and he too has had no exposure to fans in the Northeast. He along with his partner Reyes, bring a level of excitement and experience to the Super 8.

AUSTIN ARIES-brings a unique style of innovation to the tournament that fans will enjoy. He has had little exposure in this area and he is looking to expand his name in the independent markets. He is a tremendous talent on the rise and has all the makings of being a star.

JOHN WALTERS-I mentioned John earlier in the interview. He is another young man on the rise and he brings a level of intensity and experience to the tournament that will help make this year's event special.

NICHO (Psicosis) brings name value and the most experience to the tournament. With his skills and his backround, he should be one of the most exciting performers ever to appear in a Super 8.

All 8 individuals bring experience, intensity, different styles and something very unique to the event. It will be very hard to book the 1st round matches, but it promises to be a fantastic night of wrestling!

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:ECWA recently went under a period of roster cuts and roster additions, dropping guys like Mega, Joey Maxx, Tyler Payne, and others, while adding The Shaolin Wreckin Crew, J- Busta and others. Why were these roster modifications needed and what do you expect from the new ECWA talent?

Jim Kettner: While our fan base pretty much stayed the same, our expenses to run the events did not. Our rent and other expenses went up at the end of 2003. We cut our fixed expenses as much as we could without raising ticket prices so that fans could still come to the shows, especially since we market to a lot of families. As costs went up, and the fixed expenses were cut, other cuts had to come from the roster side. Mega, Joey Maxx and Tyler Payne were all great guys and good talents, but they were not the only ones that we had to let go. Kevin Kelly, Zachary Springate III, Cyco, and a team known as Less Resistance were all let go as well. The Shaolin Wrecking Crew and J-Busta were not added after the cuts. They were on the roster before the other cuts came about.

Independent wrestling is more uncertain now than ever with groups closing everywhere, so long term booking for slots on any roster may change more frequently as wrestling evolves into the future.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:37 years ago, there was no internet. Today, what do you feel about the internets role on pro wrestling, and indy wrestling as well?

Jim Kettner: Internet is just another form of communication. Before the internet came along, passionate wrestling fans would gather outside the arenas before and after shows to share information, news and even debate about the wrestling business. After they left for the evening, much was forgotten until the next show and they all met again.

The internet changed all that. Now information is shared, reaches more people and sits there for all to read thus lending to quicker news service but spawns more spirited debates. In the news end, the information, if accurate, is a cool thing. In debates, there is usually no right or wrong and it is harder to tell online sometimes the exact emotions behind what is written.

In the end, Internet is a sign of moving into the future and like all things that move ahead, there is good and bad to be found. Most folks will sort it out for themselves and make their own opinions.

I enjoy the internet for up to date news, advertising and anything positive it can bring to the wrestling business.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:What's the status of Kevin Kelly in the ECWA?

Jim Kettner: Kevin Kelly is not with the ECWA at this time as I expained earlier. Our budget constraints made it necessary to quit using his services and knowing the wrestling business, Kevin fully understood. He has done a lot for me and the ECWA. I wish Kevin and his family the very best and I hope we could have him return to the ECWA at some point in the future.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:Outside of ECWA, which wrestling promotions do you enjoy watching?

Jim Kettner: I receive about 10 promo tapes each week from wrestlers who want to come to the ECWA. I see their matches, but I do not watch tapes of other wrestling shows, nor do I attend many wrestling events. Nothing against the other groups, but ECWA takes a lot of my time and when I get free moments, I like to spend my time away from the wrestling business.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:Why should anyone, if they need any more convincing, go to the Super 8 this year?

Jim Kettner: This years Super 8 has the most diverse field of 8 competitors ever to be assembled in one night in the history of the Tournament. It's a chance to see many different styles, an extremely talented group of performers and a fantastic night of wrestling. This will be another part of Super 8 history!

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:Where do you see the ECWA at the end of this year?

Jim Kettner: Looking for 2005 Super 8 competitors! LOL I see the ECWA continuing to be a part of the independent wrestling scene and evolving with the business as we have for 37 years.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey:What would you like to say to anyone reading this?

Jim Kettner: I thank everyone who supports our Super 8 and other ECWA programs. More information about our group can be found on our website www.ecwaprowrestling.com .

There are plenty of good seats left for the upcoming tournament and we hope for another successful Super 8 evening on April 3rd.

I hope that the wrestling business can reverse its downward trend so that the wrestling fans, promoters and workers can continue to enjoy this part of our culture.

Thanks for inviting me to talk about the ECWA and the Super 8. I don't do that many interviews, so if I rambled a bit, I apologize.

Thank you Sean for your contributions to supporting and covering the wrestling business and continued success with the DOI.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Thank you for giving up your time for this inteview and good luck at the Super 8.