MR PUERTO RICO/RALPH SOTO SHOOT INTERVIEW

What up everyone, and welcome to another McTape Review. Today I reviewed The Mr. Puerto Rico Ralph Soto shoot interview, which was conducted by Eric Simms of ESS Promotions. This interview was talked about alot in its heyday, and even circulated ECW locker rooms when ECW was in its prime. It's definitely one of the most funniest things I've ever seen. I hope you enjoy this review.

(Note I'm doing this review off of one hours sleep, so there maybe a few names misspelled.)

This Ralph Soto aka Mr. Puerto Rico Shoot was conducted in 1999.

We open up with what looks like a promo.

Vicious Vin is the host.

Vin interviews Soto, and Soto says that Rocky Maiva is his blood cousin. He said The Rock taught him everything. He says Rock made him everything that he is.

Puerto Rico talks about WWF guys, from Sid, to Ahmed Johnson to Stone Cold. Mr. Puerto Rico says that "Sid is a legend in his own mind."

He calls Vin a fatso and belittles him. Mr. Puerto Rico asks Vin if he thinks he's worthy of fighting Sid. Vin says no, so Mr. Puerto Rico slaps him, and hits the weakest body slam in the world. The then drops the people's elbow and says "sorry" because he was a little stiff. HOLY SHIT! I'm cracking up. Vin does a laughable job selling Puerto Rico's offense.

We go to some matches now.

Mr. Puerto Rico vs Ahmed Johnson
This match was after Ahmed got released from the WWF.

This match starts slow and has lots of stalling like any Mr. Puerto Rico match. Ahmed Johnson was mad over with the crowd. Mr. Puerto Rico hits Ahmed Johnson with the weakest chair shot in the history of wrestling. After some very basic offense, Ahmed Johnson hits the Pearl River Plunge in 3 minutes to win the match.

A promo for a match with Sid is up next.

Some "highlights" of Mr. Puerto Rico up next.

We then go the the shoot part of the interview. The interviewer is Eric Simms.

Mr. Puerto Rico says that Ricky O asked him to get into wrestling, when Ricky was watching him in a gym.

Ricky O says that Mr. Puerto Rico came to Ricky and told him to get him into wrestling. He says that Mr. Puerto Rico was wearing a Megapowers shirt. Ricky reminisces about Mr. Puerto Rico and tells us a road story. Ricky and his friend talk sarcastic about Ricky saying that he's the biggest draw in wrestling today lol.

Mr. Puerto Rico talks about his training and his various trainers. He says that Gino Caruso's school was his main influence, but he had alot of others. I guess one person doesn't want to take the blame lol.

Ralph Soto then talks about the injuries he's suffered in the third person, saying Ralph Soto got hurt with an injured back. He must really think he's The Rock.

Mr. Puerto Rico says that D-Lo Brown needs to go back to the monster factory after injuring Droz. Wow.

Ralph Soto says that he has used steroids, but under doctor's supervision. He says he has never used steroids while being in the wrestling business. He says he might think about it if he ever got signed by WWF or WCW. (Remember this took place in 1999.) Hey, at least the guy was honest here.

Soto says that Dennis Carolluzo was the one who gave him his first break. He says that Dennis made alot of promises that were never kept, as in regards to paydays. He credits Dennis for making him a star, and runs down ex WWF wrestlers that he wrestled for Dennis. He says that Dennis paid him in checks, which bounced more often than not. Soto says he confronted Dennis about this, and he was let go by Dennis.

Ralph says after working for NWA, he moved onto Sal Contes USCW. He says Sal was a great promoter and treated Ralph like he was in the WWF.

Ralph talks about his friend Sal Petrillo, who recently passed away in 2003. Ralph talks about how Sal was his hair dresser, and how he made Sal a star. He then follows it up and says that Sal stabbed him in the back. He says Sal screwed him. He says that he needed Sal to work with him for three days, on Ralphs 3 biggest shows ever. He says that Sal decided to go to a WWF show. He says Sal is a mark and wasn't a true friend.
McNote: I do think Ralph and Sal patched up their differences before his death as Sal accompanied Ralph to the ring at the September SSCW show.

We then go to a different day, and we actually see Mr. Puerto Rico and Sal making up. Ralph says they are boys and they are cool again. Cool way to piece this together. Ralph tells Fierro "To fucking book me."

Now, Ralph interviews Sal Petrillo. Sal talks about having fun with Mr. Puerto Rico. Ralph asks Sal all types of questions designed to put Mr. Puerto Rico over. Sal talks about managing Ralph, when Ralph fought Pyscho Sid. For anyone who knows Sal, this will give you goosebumps seeing him talk and having fun after just recently passing away.

Ralph talks about how he is made for this business and that he was ready for his first match after 2 months of training.

Ralph says he will continue to wrestle because his son is about to born. He says he will train his son to be a wrestler.

Ralph talks about a falling out he had with Tommy D. He says Tommy D. couldn't pay him one day so Ralph threatened to call the Athletic Association with Tommy D. He says that wound up being the last Tommy D. show. He then talks about Tommy D. getting his ass kicked.

Soto then talks about a promoter named Barry Geiger. He says Barry Geiger was one of the best promoters he ever worked for. Soto comes off a little marky and just says all the big names he wrestled and doesn't talk about the quality of the matches. He said that he worked with Jarrett, Dibiase, Virgil, and all these other big names. He says after every match he has, he goes to a strip club. What a party animal.

Ralph says he worked for LIWF and called Lombardi the biggest mark he ever saw, and says that Lombardi never treated him right. He says he had to put people over and was pissed that he had to put over Skull Von Krush.

Mr. Puerto Rico calls Kevin Knight the biggest ass kisser he's ever seen. He said he's a jabroni and he's a dicksucker. Soto talks about a bad business deal with Kevin Knight. Soto talks about another bad payday. I wonder what his payday is supposed to be, because he complains about it all over the interview.

Mr. Puerto Rico calls himself "The People's Cousin." He talks about shit stirrers, stooges and ass kissers, who he calls every other wrestler who is looking for bookings. Soto calls himself the real deal, because he doesn't kiss ass. He gets a little bit agitated with Eric, and says he's pissed because he never sucked up and all these other wrestlers, or how he refers to them- gophers, all suck up and get promoters coffee. He calls all these other wrestlers bullshit. Soto says he was born to be a heel.

Soto talks about past gimmicks that he had, including Clubber Lang. He calls Mr. T a jabroni.

Soto talks about being related to The Rock. He says he'll be in the WWF soon.

Soto talks about working more big names, this time for Tommy Fierro. Soto says that Fierro is going to take Eric Bischoff's job in WCW. He talks about being on the outs with Fierro, because Fierro blew him off. He says that Fierro wouldn't return his calls. He calls Fierro a "rooty poo jabroni ass." He says that Fierro tried taking him down, and Fierro tried hurting him. Simms says that it was supposed to be a rib. Soto says that's crap and you don't rib your wrestlers.

We then cut to an ISPW party. Soto recieves an award for best gimmick of the year. He calls Dave Levy one of the better workers he's seen. This is pretty funny shit as Soto roasts the crowd. This is funny and worth seeing.

Back to the interview, where Soto calls Fierro "sneaky." He calls Fierro a baby and talks more about his past deals with Fierro. He says he's angry that they had a falling out because he loves Tommy's family.

He talks about an opportunity about working a WWF Monday Night Raw show. He says he was at a 1997 Raw in Binghamton. He talks about working with Killer Kowalski before the show with Triple H. He says that Jim Cornette told him in the locker room that he couldn't use him. He said Cornette had a personal vendetta against him, and thinks this happened because "the bald headed douchebag, Dennis Corralluzo" called Jim to screw him. He says he really wanted to impress Vince McMahon, and never got the shot. Soto talks about getting paid well, despite not working, but was crying on the way home. He says it should've happened but he got screwed.

Carmine Sabia, president of SSCW is up next. Eric Simms and Soto both say that Carmine knows nothing about wrestling. He says that Carmine never leaves his house because he's always playing on the computer. He says that Fierro has taught Carmine alot. He says SSCW gave Soto a match with Jannetty. He says Jannety bragged to the locker room that Soto was one of his best matches. He says that Jannetty and himself were bagging chicks left and right after the show. He said that they both spent alot of money and were going to strip clubs left and right. It's funny how he says Carmine knows nothing about wrestling, then talks about how Carmine gave him a title. I guess Carmine really didn't know what he was doing. Soto talks about a match he had with Samu. He said that Carmines booker at the time, Johnny Dreamer tried pulling a fast one on him. Soto talks about SSCW plans, on how Carmine promised him two titles, the National Title and the Heavyweight title. Soto says he was pissed cause Carmine asked him to put over Flash Wheeler. Soto says he would never lose to Flash Wheeler, because it wouldn't look right. He just said he was a team player a few minutes ago too lol. Simms then talks about SSCW booking plans at the time. He says that Carmine was going to push him, but Soto jumped the gun. Soto says he will never lose to Flash Wheeler again. He said that it would be like the British Bulldog putting over X-pac. Hey Soto, it happened a few times. Soto then says he should never ever lose on the indy circuit because of his size. He says every promoter should make him win and push him to the moon, so the WWF can sign him. Another great example about how Soto is a team player.

Gino Caruso then has a few words about Soto. He says he's a good guy. He says he's a great wrestler and if you don't believe him, ask Soto yourself, because he will tell you. Well as far as this tape goes, it looks to be that way.

Simms tries talking sense into Soto. He says that it's good business to job. Soto says he was born to be a star. Simms tries talking more sense into Soto. Simms says "Don't you think you have an ego?" Soto says "SHUT YOUR MOUTH JABRONI!" OH MY GOD I'm crying laughing. Soto is not trying to be funny either, which makes it even more funnier. Simms says come on, you have an ego, and Soto says I'm born to win and I don't job. Soto then talks about paydays again. Another example of him being a team player.

Simms then throws names out there for Soto to compare himself to:
On Reckless Youth: "I don't need to do 99 flips to get over." He calls Juventud Guerrera a fucking jabroni. He wasn't even asked about Juventud! LOL.
On Inferno: He says Inferno is talented.
On Ace Darling: Great guy.

We then go to Ace Darling, who tells a funny rib that he, along with others pulled on Soto. FUCKING HILARIOUS! Oh my god, I'm crying laughing! This is great!

Inferno follows this up with a story of his own. Oh god, this is great shit. The tape is worth watching for these two stories alone, which I'm not going to blow up here, because it's the best part of this tape.

We go back to the main interview.

On Cheetah Master: I will throw his monkey jabroni ass in the ring.

Soto talks about more paydays. Soto calls Fierro the best promoter, despite his heat.

We go back to more talk about SSCW. He says he wouldn't do the match with Flash at all. Simms then asks how come 3 weeks later, why did you put Flash Wheeler over in ISPW? Soto says the only reason he wouldn't lose to Flash in SSCW is because he didn't want to lose the belt. Who is Ralph Soto? The Honky fucking Tonk Man? Damn lol. Soto says he was screwed by Carmine Sabia. He calls Carmine a "vicious.. diabolical" then says Carmine put a hit out on Eric Simms. He says Carmine is heavily mob connected. He says Gambino is his uncle. Soto says that Carmine can kill Simms if he wants to. LOL Carmine Sabia, I'm pissing my pants about this.

Soto says that both parties reconcilated, and that they are on working terms now. Soto says the only reason Carmine acted like a dick is because Tommy Fierro was influencing him. He says Tommy was running SSCW for Carmine. Soto says that Carmine pays Fierro big money.

The talk then goes to Frank Goodman. He said he has a great relationship with Frank Goodman and loves him like he's his brother. He says that Frank buys him dinner and gave him the best paydays.

Soto talks about his personal life, and his wife and soon-to-be-born child.

He calls Tom Cusani a legend in his own mind. I think that phrase can be used for someone else. Soto makes fun of him and says he's homeless. He calls Simon Diamond "a fucking jabroni." Man everyone but Ralph Soto is a "fucking jabroni," according to this shoot. Soto talks about Tom negatively and calls him a "stupid fat dumb fucking son of a bitch." He talks about getting stiffed by Tom. Soto says "no schyster promoter gets over the real deal Ralph Soto." Oh god this is getting worse lol.

Soto then talks about smacking Dennis Corraluzo, "Like the bitch that he is."

Ralph says that if anyone bootlegs this shoot interview, he's gonna lay the smackdown on the jabroni. He then does some more Rock catchphrases. Ugh.

Simms then thanks Soto for doing the interview, and talks about future products with Simms. Soto then starts doing more Rock promos. Simms calls Soto a mark. Soto says that Eric Simms is the most underrated person in wrestling and calls him a jack of all trades. Simms then gives all his contact info for anyone looking for business opportunities. Soto puts over Simms... I don't know if that's a good thing after seeing this lol. Soto then calls every promoter in NJ a jabroni. LOL this is getting ridiculous. I wonder what Vince McMahon's reaction would be to this shoot. The last 20 minutes of this shoot is a plug for ESS Promotions.

EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE:
We go to what is dubbed as "The Hospital Scene". Soto had to get shoulder surgery. I can't get into all of this, but it's definitely worth seeing. Soto almost crashes his car driving to the hospital, as he lost attention to the road because he was threatening to slap Eric Simms who was dubbed as a ..... WAIT FOR IT..... WAIT FOR IT.... WAIT FOR IT... "A fucking jabroni." This hospital scene is great shit, and full of funny things. Even if Ralph Soto never gets to the WWE, this shit is fucking hilarious. This scene is even better than the shoot. Just good stuff, including Ralph Soto jerking off to a big tittied nurse.

Final McWord:
This is fucking hilarious. Soto really does believe he's the best thing to ever hit the wrestling business. While it's hard to take anything he says too seriously, I think he gets his side of the story out, despite looking extremely egotistical. I like how Eric Simms, the producer of this tape, flowed in scenes, and other people talking about Ralph. The ribs that Darling and Inferno talked about were fucking hilarious. Soto does come off as a funny guy. The Rock shit does get annoying as hell though. The word jabroni must've been used 9979789733434 times.

Overall, if you want to fucking laugh your ass off, buy this. The way Ralph talks, despite being disrespectful at times, is fucking hilarious. I never laughed so much watching a shoot interview. I really enjoyed this interview, and I have never seen anything like this before.

You can purchase this shoot interview for $20.00 by contacting Eric Simms. You can contact Eric Simms by shooting him an email at ESS316@aol.com
Also you can find this tape at www.esspromotions.com

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey
EMAIL: BULLSMC@aol.com