Match Maker Court Bauer Goes in Depth
Credit to Toby Wachter of MLW.com

MLW.com: How do you think Summer Apocalypse went?
Bauer: I think the execution of a few items could've been better, but that's just me nitpicking. All in all, I signed off on it as a hit building show for War Games on September 19th in Fort Lauderdale.

MLW.com: What can we expect from War Games next month?
Bauer: Danger, solid wrestling, revolutionary junior heavyweights, blood, sweat, and hopefully a major turning point for MLW, hybrid wrestling, and its fans. It's our company's objective to always give the fans their monies worth and then some. In my opinion, this show may knock off Reload as the company's best outing. Time will tell, but I have that same feeling I had going into Reload last September.

MLW.com: In the past year, MLW has made monumental progress. You're gone from running shows every few months, to weekly television and monthly events. How has that transition been?
Bauer: Frankly a bit shocking. I anticipated our attendance figures to be drastically lower than they are based on the economy, current level of interest in wrestling, and our entry level position in the marketplace in several southeastern markets. I was wrong. I didn't think TV ratings would be as high as they are. I was wrong. I didn't anticipate the level of interest to be as high at this point in time. I was wrong. We instantly saw a spike in attendance, ratings and overall interest with our "re-launch" in May at the Orlando event. This trend continued in June with over 1,500 fans attending our first annual Hybrid Hell event. Then in July and August - notoriously the slowest months of the year in the industry with business down across the board, we continued to make stabilized or grew in arena figures when returning to the same markets or entering new ones. I suspect that trend will continue hopefully on September 19th but I refuse to work with anything but ultra conservative projections at this stage in the game.

MLW.com: Why was there such a large gap in-between MLW events in December and May?
Bauer: It was decided after the successful King of Kings event in December 2002 that in order to stabilize and truly deliver the product I envisioned, I would need to aggressively restructure the entire company from a corporate point of view. As a result, I came to terms with several significant players in the media and events realm who would better ensure both the short and long-term success and stability of MLW. Steve Karel, the former general manager of Extreme Championship Wrestling came aboard. Greg Bagarozy signed on as the director of event operations after having a similar role with ECW, Joey Styles agreed to do commentary for our TV series, editor and producer Charlie Bruzzese and his studio became our production house for TV and home video releases, Dan Kowal joined the team working as a promoter and in promotional logistics, Sam Anoa'i came to terms with us an talent liaison and agent, and Stonecutter Media became the TV and media distributor for the promotion. This combined with a stellar staff that already included the likes of Andy Vineberg (who heads up P.R. and is an agent), John Finegan (an agent), and countless others created a dynamic that I felt and quickly proved to make for a winning team. Going into our first show down in Orlando in May '03 I felt like I was part of the New York Yankees on opening day of a pennant run and now I sit here in my office just a few months later and think "hell, we're doing it!" The best thing we did was to restructure the company this past winter as it ended with us getting TV through out Florida and nation wide on DirecTV and other DSS services via The Sunshine Network, in Dallas, on Fox Sports Net Digital Atlantic, and soon overseas in the UK. In fact, we just came to terms for Underground to air weekly in Dayton, OH starting Friday, September 26. Check MLW.com for station listings.

MLW.com: What's your short-term goals for MLW at this point?
Bauer: To slowly expand our TV affiliates and continue to stabilize our house show business. We are also expanding our merchandise line with several new video releases and more items on the way. That may seem inconsequential, but it is a major factor in the scheme of things. Hopefully the economy will continue to rebound as that has a direct impact on how fast our goals are achieved obviously. However, my goal is to continue running successful house shows and TV tapings in Florida and expand on out accordingly. By when? It all depends on the rate of the response from the fans. My other short-term goal is to establish hybrid wrestling. The heart and soul of MLW is hybrid wrestling, make no mistake about it. Right now I think fans get MLW but don't fully register hybrid wrestling as a critical layer within MLW. From a economic point of view, our goal is to consistently hit the 400-500 mark in attendance per live event. Thankfully, we've not only hit that number each and every time since May '03 but surpassed it by nearly 100% to 150% depending on the market. We came up with this magic "500" number based primarily on the average attendance of ALL major independent promotions on the east coast. Sure, some of the more popular groups claim larger numbers but we know the real... the hard numbers and they aren't close to the claimed figures. But that's wrestling. Anyway, beating the goal of 500 on each and every show was a major indication that we are on the right path. For that, I thank my wrestlers, the crew, my office, the street team and most importantly - the fans.

MLW.com: Based on MLW's success in its performance with its attendance, would you consider expanding to two or more events per month?
Bauer: While we have indeed seen an outstanding response with our live events and we've surpassed our attendance objectives, I do not feel we've stabilized our house show figures yet. I look for long-term consistency when it comes to stabilization. Once that has occurred, we will then consider running additional shows on a monthly basis. However, to claim we'll be running "x" amount of shows in January at this point in time would be foolish.

MLW.com: After running events in Philadelphia and New York, you settled in Florida. Why?
Bauer: Opportunity. No one is truly running in the state. Sure, you have your "one off" groups but they don't have the right structure or elements to take the product to the next level. The same pretty much goes for Philadelphia and New York, however you have an over saturation of the "one off" groups combined with critics lowering their standards due to being starved for quality product. These poorly run ventures may show potential for some relative short-term success but in the long-run they don't have the corporate structure, financial stability, long-term vision, a managerial structure, etcetera and etcetera to make it past running gyms in front of a few hundred fans. Sure, you can do this in market "x" and then move the show to market "y" but at the end of the day you still are delivering the same show in front of the same fan base with more traveling expenses and no drastic movement in your revenue. I doubt 95% of them even have business plans, which is another story onto itself.

MLW.com: Are there any plans in the immediate future to run events elsewhere?
Bauer: Yes however negotiations are extremely sensitive at this point in time so to say anymore would be inappropriate.

MLW.com: As match maker, how do you decide who fights who and in what order on the line-up?
Bauer: Talent and professionalism decides who gets placed where they do in MLW. What I mean by "talent" is not the level of exposure he or she has achieved at the national level or face value as a box office commodity. Instead, I mean ability as a performer both in the ring and outside of it. I also am big on professionalism. Showing up on time, not being a prima donna, giving 110%, helping the younger talent with their wrestling, etc. You won't see guys who headline elsewhere just because they are considered bigger names headline in MLW. I think we proved that by promoting then World Champ Satoshi Kojima as "The Man" for ten months and he had zero domestic exposure outside of MLW TV and live events but is one of the best performers both athletically and otherwise I've ever worked with and this approach proved itself in gold when his first world championship title defense stateside post the start of MLW TV drew 1,536 rabid fans that threw streamers and chanted HIS name and not the more stateside established and hometown boy Mike Awesome's. That's something...

MLW.com: What's the status of the All Japan/MLW partnership?
Bauer: Tremendous, we continue to have a solid relationship. I'm proud to say that in 2003 MLW successfully freelanced with three major offices in Japan - Pro Wrestling Zero-One, All Japan Pro-Wrestling, and World Japan. This year alone, MLW has been able to deliver to fans top names like Tanaka, Hidaka, Kojima, and newcomer Suzuki. I suspect more of the same is on the horizon.

MLW.com When will we see Taiyo Kea back in action?
Bauer: Right now we are aiming at January 2004. Hopefully in time for the Global Tag-Team Crown Carnival.

MLW.com Can you expand on the Global Tag-Team Crown Carnival comment?
Bauer: December 31st of every year MLW will vacate the tag team titles and hold a tournament to decide the new champions in January. We are tentatively calling the 2004 version of this event the GTC Carnival.

MLW.com: What's the status of Satoshi Kojima?
Bauer: Kojima will return to MLW. When? I'm not at liberty to say at this point. But Kojimania will return.

MLW.com: Are there plans to bring in more luchadores?
Bauer: Yes. Negotiations are on going as we speak.

MLW.com: What are your thoughts on Steve Corino as a MLW Champion, and in a greater sense, the figurehead of the company?
Bauer: What can I say? Steve Corino is one of the most passionate pros I've ever met in any business. He lives, eats, bleeds, breaths and sleeps wrestling. He also is perhaps the most dedicated father and wrestler I've ever encountered. However, I sometimes don't understand his rationale. For example, when he decided to choke Funk on the fly at Rise of the Renegades. It was bizarre and created a great deal of agony for everyone involved in that mess. Of course, we were able to market the incident, which is both positive and negative.

MLW.com: How about C.W. Anderson, Simon Diamond, and the Extreme Horsemen unit as a whole. You've given them the ball, how have they carried it?
Bauer: Like the all stars we all knew they were for years. It's disturbing to me that these three weren't put together in the past as it seems like such a no brainer. To me, these guys are money whether you like them or not.

MLW.com: People have called the "Legends vs. The Extreme Horsemen" feud old school. What's your reaction to that?
Bauer: Does intense, suspenseful, unique, violent and critically acclaimed mean old school?

MLW.com: Fuego Guerrero. In July MLW announced he was no longer with the company. What happened?
Bauer: In June or late May, Jonathan (Fuego Guerrero) was hit with a knee injury that seemed pretty nasty. We asked him to go and be seen by a physician and if required, a specialist to ensure he was physically okay - not only for himself but for his future. He down played the injury and continued to work abroad for All Japan Pro-Wrestling. At this point, I stated I would not put him back on the booking sheets until he was examined and possibly treated for his injury as it wasn't in his best interest or the talent he would be in the ring with. On a weekly basis I checked in with him to see how he was doing and he said he was improving and doing much better. I was then told by either him or his family that he was good to go and cleared for July 26. I repeatedly asked him and his family if he was absolutely positive about being cleared and physically up to competing and I was assured he was. We then added him to the line-up and went public that Jonathan would be returning to MLW. We advertised it on TV, radio, and online. Then under 48 hours out from the show I was informed by a third party that he had injured his leg once again and could not attend the show. I followed up with more questions but was unable to speak directly with Jonathan. I then asked his family to relay word that he should still attend the taping as he would be paid and would do a photo shoot and commercial that was being filmed for airing both stateside and in Japan. He obviously was out of the line-up and we would never put him in a physical situation if he had an injury as we would be endangering both Jonathan and his opponent. Regardless, he no showed and didn't bother to call resulting in MLW advertising a wrestler who ended up not appearing. I was extremely disappointed that I did not receive a phone call from Jonathan to inform me of his cancellation. MLW believed in Jonathan and invested some serious coin in the Fuego Guerrero character. We also made it possible for him to enter All Japan Pro-Wrestling. I am appreciative that Joel & Jose Maximo took the initiative to patch things up between both sides in mid August during a TV taping at our studios in New York. However, for whatever reason Jonathan simply couldn't grasp what had gone down I guess and I closed our conversation by simply laying down what had occurred and the ramifications of such. It saddens me to see Jonathan conduct business this way however I was really depressed when I got a call from Japan a few weeks ago informing me that Jonathan had succumbed to another devastating knee injury that would most likely keep him out the ring for an extended period of time. I knew then that Jonathan had probably not given his minor injury at the time the necessary attention and treatment needed to avoid such a potentially career crippling situation. That to me is the true tragedy. Hopefully, he'll take his time with recovery and we can do business down the road again once his maturity catches up to ability. I wish him nothing but great wealth and success in his career as his ability and passion for the business is simply amazing.

MLW.com: Starting a week or so back in the MLW.com Backstage Report, it was hinted that there would be a new season of Underground TV starting September 22nd. Can you give us any more specifics on this?
Bauer: Sure. I guess I should preface this answer by saying that MLW and our television distributor basically came to terms with The Sunshine Network way before I had anticipated which was a great thing but also created some insanity from a production point of view. I had to accelerate my progress with pre-production on the show so we would be ready to go live with principle photography with vignettes, angles, and promos with talent a good 30- 60 days before I had anticipated. This meant my studio had less time for rendering graphics, creating an unique format, getting the right set in place for Joey, and ultimately laying out the show as I had envisioned it. Once the show hit, we started a pace that kept me from focusing on the details that I had really wanted to and that was the true vision for Underground. However, once we got the show going and everything settled I decided it would be an opportune time to go back to the drawing board and put the final touches on Underground TV. This resulted in me spending the majority of the summer going over CG animations, sets, new music, and perfecting a format that will be unique to MLW. Presently, we are in the final touches of this process and I know Andy had chimed in a few weeks back with the magic date being 9-22 but I think that date may be moved forward a week as our team is nearing completion well ahead of schedule. One thing about MLW that you can bank on is that we have a dedicated crew and in this case, they really went above and beyond the call of duty to assist in the development of a solid new product.

MLW.com: Will the new format have more or less matches?
Bauer: I cannot really speak at length about the new format as I don't want to taint the expectations either positive or negative of the fans at home. However, I can say that 75% of our future TV will have three matches, something the fans really wanted.

MLW.com: Corino is scheduled to put the belt on the line in Finland, which makes the third continent the MLW World Heavyweight Championship has been defended in. Is this international attitude essential to giving the belt prestige?
Bauer: Absolutely. It wouldn't be a "WORLD" heavyweight championship if he didn't defend it worldwide. I feel it's my duty as the match maker to ensure the integrity of the quality of titles and matches for our fans so we can offer them the best possible product. If the World Champ didn't defend the title against all comes anywhere anytime, what sort of World Champ would he be?

MLW.com: What do you think about Corino defending the belt against Shane Douglas, a man who MLW obviously had problems with?
Bauer: Wrestling controversy = interest and that is what you will get with this match. Finnish fans will have a rare opportunity to see something very unique and unlikely to repeat itself stateside. I encourage European fans to drive, fly and swim if need be to check the match out.

MLW.com: Will we see Corino defend the title in Japan as Kojima did?
Bauer. It wouldn't be prudent for me to say yeah or nah at this juncture however I can confirm negotiations are on gong as we speak.

MLW.com: We've seen Abdullah the Butcher and Jerry Lawler make appearances in MLW. Can we expect more appearances by legends in the future?
Bauer: Never say never.

MLW.com: Speaking of legends, MLW has a unique philosophy of booking them alongside younger talent. What's your reaction to internet wrestling fans who advocate work rate over everything else, and would criticize the use of someone like Jerry Lawler, or even Terry Funk?
Bauer: The internet is just like anything in life in that you have the good and bad. There are those who sheltered by the glorification of independent wrestling and a one dimensional criteria for a great deal of the product out there today due to being starved for too long and subsequently having their standards lowered several bars. And then there are those who have a keen sense of what works and doesn't and can justify their criticism in an intelligent way. I think anyone - net fan or otherwise who bases one element of what makes wrestling "wrestling" as the definitive factor of what is good and not in wrestling is naive and in dire need of some help. Wrestling will never and has never been built on one ingredient. To think otherwise is foolish and a sign of ignorance.

MLW.com: How important are titles in MLW?
Bauer: Major League Wrestling is nothing without its championships. It's what each and every wrestler wants. As the match maker in MLW, I feel it's vital to not only promote the championships as the most distinguished honor one could achieve in the company, but as a defining moment in the challenger and title holder's careers. Part of this comes from the integrity of the belts themselves. How many true world championships can claim to have been defended on three continents in one calendar year? MLW can. Championships are also about legacy. For example, Kojima was the longest reigning World Heavyweight Champion of all major U.S. companies in the past 12 months, holding onto the belt for nearly ten months. That's one hell of a legacy. Ultimately, without titles in MLW, this wouldn't be a real wrestling promotion as you can't promote a sport without having a crown jewel to long for. Imagine if the NHL had no Stanley Cup? Or if NFL players had no SuperBowl rings?

MLW.com: Can you talk a little bit about some of the young talent in MLW that the fans may not be familiar with? For example, Sonjay Dutt made his debut in the company last month, and there seems to be a considerable amount of buzz around him.

Bauer: I don't know where to begin. Sonjay is certainly an awesome fighter and a pleasure to have as a part of the MLW roster. In fact, the moment he came back through the curtains after his debut in MLW I greeted him with an invitation to come back and be a regular with MLW starting at War Games, which he accepted. Expect Sonjay to light up the new junior division with a style that will be MLW's version of shock and awe. Homicide is another talented athlete who is a real athlete. This kid is a serious student of the wrestling game and treats it that way. When he's in our studio - which is almost every week, he is constantly watching and learning - and he's been wrestling for nearly ten years. You can see that he absorbs everything like a sponge and is hungry. That's just something you can't teach. I think Homicide will be a major player in MLW in the months and years ahead. There's also PJ Friedman who is recovering from surgery. I think he has a great deal of potential based on his background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and training under the guidance of Johnny Rodz and Doc Death. He will be heading to some Pennsylvania and Maryland promotions in the coming months to hone his craft before returning to the roster. I think the experience will be enlightening and positive for him. Then there are guys like Jose & Joel Maximo. They drive me nuts and I probably wouldn't accept them any other way. They train and bleed MLW. They've really gone the distance in upping their game in MLW and have learned a great deal by working with guys like Joey Styles during TV tapings at the studio in Westchester, NY and going that extra mile in training during the week. Criado is another strong hand that I think will be at where we all want him to be at by the end of the year. He's coming off a great deal of downtime and is anxious to go like he used to and he will. It just takes patience and dedication and he has both. Josh Daniels is another outstanding junior that I think will really shine in the coming months. I just wish he'd talk more! Kidding, Josh. Last and not least, there's Punk. One of the most gifted talkers of the new generation and a eluvia a wrestler. I think he's the modern day counter culture crusader in wrestling. Every time he's out there he's entertaining and puts on a great match.

MLW.com: What can we expect from J-Cup USA?
Bauer: J-CUP USA is a concept I've been toying with since 2000. I am a super fan of the old Japanese junior tournaments that revolutionized wrestling in the mid 90s and frankly felt nothing has touched those tourneys since. The Cup should be a ton of fun and a lot of work for the fighters involved in it and myself. Logistically it's overwhelming and for the talent - a one night tournament is a tough task. Nonetheless, I think some great matches will go down September 19th courtesy of the Cup. If all goes as planned, this will become an annual junior cup for the company.

MLW.com: Underground TV. Will fans see Underground TV expanding its clearance?
Bauer: Yes. However, it would not be prudent for me to speak in specific terms at this point in time.

MLW.com: What separates MLW from other promotions in the United States?
Bauer: MLW doesn't just promote one style or produce one sub genre of the wrestling product. Most fans that criticize MLW believe we do, but I suspect that it's simply a case of lack of exposure to the product as once you see it, obviously you will see a distinct difference from the big circus and hyped up shows at gyms. MLW offers fans and talent a buffet of styles to feast on ranging from the intense strong style discipline to traditional pro to hardcore wrestling to lucha libre. You won't just see "pure wrestling" or "hardcore" here. It's our goal to promote and produce the highest quality of all forms using premium talent.

MLW.com: According to what I've been told by others within the company, MLW will begin doing pre-show work outs with talent.
Bauer: Basically, I felt that the younger guys could learn a great deal from the vets and starting at War Games we will have "Dr. Death" Steve Williams working with the young guns to help them enhance their craft and matches. This isn't something new as its been going on for years over in Japan where the veterans will take all the boys who want it bad enough and work them through an extensive afternoon session. Sometimes, MLW may invite a few individuals that aren't with the company to join in so we can get a look at them however that is a rarity. I personally review all footage of the talent and the majority I see aren't even ready to really graduate wrestling school let alone wrestling live in front of a crowd. At any rate, yes the pre-show work outs will be a safeguard for us to continue providing quality talent and matches as MLW hopefully grows.

MLW.com: Some wrestling purists do not like the no disqualification/no count out rule and say to not have one is lazy match making. What are your thoughts?
Bauer: I've grown tired of both rules and the implications of the rules and a lot of fans have too. They simply don't give the fan as much bang for their buck when it comes to settling a dispute in the ring. If anything it often leaves the fan disappointed. How many times have you cheered a count out or disqualification finish? Exactly. Also, from an in-ring perspective, the majority of the rules in wrestling simply are not enforced by the referees and it destroys the credibility of the authority. How many times have you seen a referee make virtually no effort to count out two wrestlers brawling at ringside only to see another match end with a count out with only a small element of brawling? There simply is no consistency and the ability to enforce the rule during a match simply doesn't happen often. The same goes for the DQ rule. If wrestling is a form of art, which I believe it is, and hybrid wrestling is an evolving form within the confines of the art known as wrestling then why would we restrain our wrestlers who use various styles from around the world to these two antiquated rules? It makes no sense. Let's even the playing field and give them a ring, a referee, a manager if they chose, and ring the bell.

MLW.com: What are your thoughts on the Young Lions?
Bauer: Actually, I am mulling over a few issues involving the Young Lions division. I believe there will probably a very interesting announcement made regarding the division in the very near future. The talent within the division is the future of professional wrestling. Anyone who thinks otherwise doesn't "get it".

MLW.com: Let's jump back a bit and go over your background. For people that don't know you started out working for the Samoan family. How did that come about and where did you go from there?
Bauer: Growing up right outside of Manhattan I had the luxury of being in the heart of (W)WWF country. Every month there was a show at the Garden or at the Westchester County Center and I would be at it sick, without a ride, or otherwise. Hell, living in Westchester, I was 20 minutes from Titan Towers and had the likes of Heyman, Skaaland, Rodz, Albano and others as fellow Westchester residents. I guess I was in a wrestling hub so to speak. By the time I was in college I came to the conclusion that while it was important to finish up my education, "the business" was my chosen profession. I got in contact with Sam Anoa'i and basically wouldn't leave him alone until I got my foot in the door. Slowly but surely I befriended Sam Anoa'i and his father Afa of the Samoan family. Within a matter of weeks, they entrusted me with the opportunity of a life time – to pursue my dream and be involved with wrestling at several different levels from broadcasting to scriptwriting. I floated around in their promotion and school assisting with the creative and marketing end of their business as well, which led to a greater role within their organization and subsequently other promotions. I truly am indebt to them for giving me the opportunity to work with some of the greats of the business including, Gary Albright, Bruno Sammartino, The Rock, the Head Shrinkers, The Undertaker, Tommy Dreamer, Owen Hart, and countless others. For that, I am eternally grateful as I learned more than I would ever believe possible. I owe a lot to the Samoans and Albright. Without them, I wouldn't be here. From there I began to expand my activities and worked with several promotions as a talent liaison and with talent representing them both domestically and abroad. I also hosted a few sports talk and wrestling radio shows in the Mid Atlantic area. MLW was a concept that I had been toying with back in 1999 with Sam and Gary. I suggested bringing a variation of All Japan Pro- Wrestling stateside as I felt there was a significant void in the marketplace and we figured with Gary's connections in All Japan there was a great opportunity present to offer fans a product that wasn't being offered elsewhere in the states. However, by the time I had completed the first stages of structuring the company, Gary had passed away of a heart attack in January 2000. This devastated me personally and obviously professionally as Gary was a dear friend. This resulted in the MLW venture regrouping which caused a major delay in the roll out of MLW. During this period, WCW was acquired and ECW went bankrupt resulting in some key opportunities for us. At this point, I hooked up with several associates who I had met through the ECW days including Andy Vineberg. After being in development for nearly two years, I began a thorough round of recruiting both at the administrative and talent level that took a great deal of time. From there, the rest is history. However, in an interesting side note, my first pick for Genesis was not Philly. In fact, it was probably #6 due to 1-5 having all the venues I wanted to run MLW events in locked up with other bookings through 2002. Did that answer your question? (laughs)

MLW.com: Who or what promotions were you influenced by as a match maker?
Bauer: I gained a great deal of my knowledge from Sam, Afa, the late legendary Gary Albright, Steve Williams, and Terry & Dory Funk Jr. All of which I had the opportunity to work with. I also have had the luxury of learning from Scott Levy. As a match maker, I don't think you ever can say you've mastered all there is to know about the creative end of the wrestling spectrum as that would be naive and also leave you and your company vulnerable. Now as far modeling my efforts, I would have to give the nod to those mentioned above, as well as those who have creatively inspired me via their work from afar. These individuals include: Jim Cornette, some of Riki Choshyu's efforts, Sam Mushnick, Jim Crockett, Bill Watts, Giant Baba, some of Dusty Rhodes' efforts, Yoshihiro Asai, Vince McMahon's promoting of the spectacular, and Paco Alonso.

MLW.com: In a side note, how’s the Judo going?
Bauer: I just completed a tournament and am looking forward to the next one in November.

MLW.com: What's in the immediate future for MLW, and what can we expect years down the line?
Bauer: Continued growth for the company and prosperity for everyone involved with the company.

MLW.com: We have several questions that the fans have emailed in and at this point, would like to tackle.
Bauer: Sure, shoot.

Fan question: Would you like MLW's TV show to air internationally, like in England, Canada, Australia and Japan? If so, are you working on TV deals in international markets?
Bauer: We have had a deal in place Japan with Gaora TV for well over a year and we also just inked a deal for MLW to air MLW Underground weekly in the UK on an off-shoot of Sky Sports. I cannot discuss any other deals at this point in time.

Fan question: What do you think about people comparing MLW to ECW? Do you want MLW to be the new ECW or would you like MLW to be thought of as it's own unique brand?
Bauer: As I discussed earlier, those who compare us to ECW are not educated to the product. ECW emphasized the hardcore wrestling style while MLW encompasses all styles. Words simply don’t do MLW justice. One has to witness the sacrifices, the blood, sweat, and athleticism that our talent brings to every MLW show in order to truly capture the essence that is MLW. Labeled as hybrid wrestling, MLW showcases on each show several styles including: strong style, royal road, lucha libre, hardcore wrestling, American traditional, shoot wrestling, etc. To expand on that, MLW offers fans an affordable alternative featuring the most diverse roster from the Taiyo Keas' and Sonjay Dutts' to the CM Punks', Kojimas' and Ravens. You simply wont find such a wide array of talent on the same show anywhere in the U.S. that delivers the goods and has such a solid work ethic that is supported by realistic and controversial angles and interaction. All one has to do is go to a MLW event and see what the difference is between MLW Hybrid Wrestling versus ECW Hardcore Wrestling and that should remedy the situation.

Fan question: What are you doing differently so that MLW doesn't run into the same problems that ECW, WCW and many other promotions did?
Bauer: Keep within the budget. Maintain and reassess long- term creative objectives. Make the right moves at the right time and learn from the mistakes of other companies both alive and dead. WCW was killed by creative and a corporate structure that did not understand the industry. Creativity didnt kill ECW. A lack of a true corporate structure and poorly constructed deals is what did the promotion in. I would never allow that in MLW.

Fan question: What are your thoughts about the Florida wrestling scene? How does it compare to the wrestling scenes in Philadelphia and New York? Do you think that the Florida wrestling scene is overpopulated? Are you afraid that with so many promotions running in Florida that the Florida fans might become sick of wrestling?
Bauer: After a very challenging decade, the Florida wrestling scene seems to have regenerated into a fertile market as evident from our recent boom in house show business. Comparatively, like Florida, Philadelphia is another market rich in wrestling history. Unfortunately, it has been overwhelmed by the underwhelming creating hysteria of mass proportions for everyone. The fans. The promoters. The talent. The commission. New York is New York. I loved running in my backyard and having a hot crowd on hand for our company. However, without television to promote potential events it would be an exercise in futility.

Fan question: Is MLW trying to compete with WWE and NWA- TNA? Do you think that MLW will ever be on the same level as WWE?
Bauer: Comparing WWE’s product to ours is like comparing a Disney production to a night at CBGBs. WWE and its sports entertainment product is very milquetoast despite millions be poured into it. Its not a knock on the talent or crew behind the scenes but a knock on the current vision. TNA is strictly a pay-per-view company with a pay- per-view oriented business plan. They do not tour nor do they have major TV clearances. We tour with house shows and have TV in a growing number of markets. Subsequently, it's hard to compare us to them because we're two different animals in a dysfunctional jungle called the pro wrestling industry.

Fan question: What wrestlers are not welcome back in MLW?
Bauer: Those that act unprofessional or don’t give 100% for the fans. Nothing disappoints and disgusts me more than when an athlete dogs it or holds himself in higher regard than anyone else. We are all contributing to a joint effort with the ultimate goal being to deliver the goods to the fans. By no showing, going 50% instead of 110% or otherwise, you shit on yourself, the fans, the company, the other wrestlers, performers, and crew.

Fan question: What are your feelings about Shane Douglas? Is there legit heat between Shane and MLW?
Bauer: Shane Douglas was a tremendous asset for ECW in the mid 1990s as one of their premiere heels and main events. He had an amazing ability to generate heat and major box office money matches with several homegrown ECW wrestlers during their glory years. He's had a solid career in WCW and post WCW working independent gigs. He worked for us for one night and became our first heavyweight champion. However, in early September after a month of dialogue between myself, Shane and his people regarding conflicting dates for his next MLW appearance, both parties went their own way and I stripped him of the championship which opened the door to one of my favorite moments ever as a fan of wrestling - Reload. Is there legit heat between Shane and MLW. There absolutely was at one point. Now? We're doing our thing and he's doing his and I doubt we'll cross paths again unless he wins the championship over in Finland later this month. If then, who knows?

Fan question: What mistakes has MLW made that you plan to avoid in the future?
Bauer: Not running Florida from the get-go. Running markets without the support of TV is hazardous. MLW Underground TV has dramatically changed our house show business. Also, I would've launched our TV series differently. Until the season premiere hits, I won't be happy. Hell, I still probably will be bitching about something then.

Fan question: Will MLW have a US/IC/TV Belt in MLW?
Bauer: I do not envision a U.S., I.C. or T.V. belt in MLW. These belts represent companies that are now ghosts. Why would MLW want to do that when it could create new names and championships and start a new legacy?

Fan question: Do you see a ppv in your future?
Bauer: There are way too many goals both short-term and long-term before even considering such. To do so now would be a catastrophic mistake.

Fan question: Do you ever intend on bringing back Masato Tanaka?
Bauer: Masato Tanaka should be returning to MLW shortly. Being a phenomenal wrestler, he naturally has a very hectic schedule in Japan with the Zero One group, however and I am very much looking forward to working with him again in the immediate future.

Fan question: Will MLW have a Hardcore/Deathmatch title in MLW?
Bauer: No. MLW is about hybrid wrestling. If I had a hardcore title then wouldn't we need a strong style title? A lucha libre title? It becomes a tired act.

Fan question: Will MLW have show in Japan?
Bauer: TV may expand in Japan but as far as live events? That is not on tap at this point in time simply due to the enormous financial undertaking such a venture would be. Imagine flying a crew of 50 people to Japan for one show? That isn't a cheap ticket.

Fan question: Question: I am a huge MLW fan from Philadelphia and I was wondering in your opinion who do you believe is the best all around wrestler currently in MLW?
Bauer: Hmmm.. I think anyone that doesn't acknowledge the extraordinary athletic ability and ever multi layered persona of CM Punk is missing the boat. I think anyone that doesn't understand just how hard working and how much Kojima epitomizes MLW would be missing the boat. I think anyone that doesn't look at Steve Corino and see without question THE impact player of MLW is missing the boat. I think anyone that watches Homicide and doesn't marvel at how serious he takes this game doesn't understand just how good he is as well. I think anyone who doesn't realize how much Raven has given to the MLW fans is missing the boat. There are many, many great performers who have yet to even begin to hit their stride. And whose work in the next year, two years, three years and so on is going to blow everybody's mind. As a producer, as a talent coordinator, I am indescribably excited about motivating, publicizing and furthering the work rate of Sonjay Dutt, Los Maximos, Josh Daniels, Taiyo Kea, Michael Shane, PJ Friedman and the entire crew of individuals in MLW.

Fan question: Will you bring in Vampiro again?
Bauer: When we severed ties with Vampiro it was a very unfortunate situation as I personally and professionally was very tight with him. To this day we still talk and email all the time, but Vampiro back in MLW??

Fan question: I also have another question; What does it take to become an owner of a promotion? My life-long dream is to actually create my own wrestling federation, as I do know the tools as to how to create a ring, etc. But could you give a few tips on how to break into the business?
Bauer: Be persistent. Get in with the right people. Work hard and keep your mouth shut until you've earned the respect of your boss and peers.

Fan question: What is your favorite MLW moment of the past year?
Bauer: I really can't name just one. There were so many... The Sabu-Christopher Daniels/Mikey Whipwreck feud; accentuated Kojima and birth of Kojimania; the rise of the Extreme Horsemen; Jerry Lawler entering an MLW arena as a hated man and leaving it with the fans cheering him and his arch nemesis Terry Funk; the multiple-show build to War Games; the Dr. Death beat down by CW & Simon; the night a star was born when Sonjay Dutt debuted in MLW; the night New York fell in love with Kojima; the Terry Funk bounty hunters; the potential that Vampiro-Raven had; the impromptu world title match at Hybrid Hell. That one hour of nonstop action on Underground TV, that one hour of progressing all of our storylines leading into Summer Apocalypse, that one hour of highlighting so many of our top pieces of talent at the beginning of our TV. That was a very special moment for me.

MLW.com: With all of those positive moments, was there something that you would never let happen again?
Bauer: The second half of Genesis on June 15, 2002. But it was a valuable learning experience that I am thankful for as I learned a lot from it and subsequently MLW grew because of it.

Fan question: Are there any plans for MLW to make a stop by Florida's Capital, Tallahassee?
Bauer: Never know! I'd love to check it out and know it was an old stomping ground for Championship Wrestling from Florida.

Fan question: Will MLW sell DVDs of its latest shows?
Bauer: Not at this point in time. However, you can get all events on VHS and the first three MLW shows on DVD at Highspots.com. For our newer stuff, you'll want to check out MLW.com.

Fan question: How big of a challenge is it when WWE can come in and sign anyone they want from MLW like they did with the talented Paul London?
Bauer: It's a part of the game. You can't expect and don't want the Yankees to keep the same line-up for the next decade even if they're racking up pennants because the game changes. The players change. They evolve, break down, move on, retire, and on and on. Same applies to wrestling. You want a healthy balance of newcomers, vets, and mid- level guys chomping at the bit to get to the top. If you don't rotate or freshen up this environment it gets stale and the product suffers as well.

Fan question: How long until WWE goes to hybrid wrestling?
Bauer: That would require them to accept and promote other cultures and I do not think that is a realistic scenario. Imagine sports entertainment's warped version of strong style or lucha libre? Wait, we've seen it and it wasn't too pretty.

MLW.com: Before closing, do you have anything you would like to say to the fans?
Bauer: Yes, thank you. It is with the growing support that MLW is able to deliver quality, inexpensive events and weekly TV for our fans. With a growing passionate fan base, all we can do is hope to grow and continue achieving the success we are experiencing. Every ticket purchased, video sold, T-shirt bought, and fan that supports us keeps MLW rolling. For that - thank you!

MLW HEADS TO SOUTH FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 19!
MLW will make its way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida on September 19th at the War Memorial Auditorium located at 800 NE 8th Avenue with a bell time of 7:30 PM for WAR GAMES. MLW will set a new standard in violence with its brand of hybrid wrestling with an event not to be missed on September 19th.

Tickets are now on sale online at
http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/874955 via charge-by- phone at: 954-523-3309, and at all Ticketmaster outlets throughout Florida. All general admission tickets are just $10.00. Ringside reserved tickets are $30 with all general reserved only $15.

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