My last column had to be one of the more controversial columns that I did. I made an observation about a certain indy manager that I guess most liked or agreed with, but for the 4 or so fake posters on the message board that didn't had some very strong comments for me. One of them who I wont mentioned IMED me to talk to me. He likes what I write except when I mentioned Dana. Its nice that he likes Dana but I think he just wants to get in her pants. He also agreed with what I wrote just that he didn't like that I wrote it. This person gets enough heat already so I wont out him. Lets see if you can figure out who I am talking about.

I just want to thank everyone for reading and enjoying my work. When I heard there was going to be a rebuttal for my last column I kind of figured that she was going to trash me. It came as no surprise when I read it. I still stand behind my observation and I thank those of you that agreed with it. I had a few exceptions to what she wrote. First, she called me a skinny old man. Now, if she took the "magic glue" that was shutting her eyes and actually opened them she would notice that I am not skinny. I am not fat either. I am weight proportionate to my body size. I was also called an old man. I might be a dirty old man but definitely not an old man. At 35 I can still go. Next, get my name correct. I was also questioned about what I have done in this business. I have done every aspect of this business from setting up rings, to wrestling ( I have pics of me wrestling Chris Candido if you want to question it. Just see me when I am vending and I will show it to you), refereeing, ring announcing, promoting, vending, booking, acting as an agent/middleman for various promotions, and whatever else has been asked of me. My credentials should not even be questioned.

This past Saturday the ESS PROMOTIONS a-z legends tour continued with a stop in Morristown, NJ for ECPW. I picked up my helper Anthony around 1230 and we headed up to the hospital. A good friend of mine was in there. He is a pro wrestler known as Cousin Luke. For anyone that doesn't know, Luke is an old timer that is liked and respected my many. He has been very good to me for many years and I knew he was having a rough time with his health. Luke has a lower back problem that basically has him confined to a hospital bed now until they can find what is exactly wrong and do surgery on him. He has already had a few surgery's. The hospital was in the same town as the show so I decided to stop by and visit. He was happy to see me. We talked about a lot of things and got caught up. Luke has lost a lot of weight. It was real good to see him and I wish him well. So many of the legends are starting to fall ill for whatever reason and its sad to see that. After a close to 90 minute visit I headed over to the Mennen Center met up with Gino Caruso who was the promoter of the show to go over some details. After a brief trip to the Italian restaurant for lunch it was back to the building to get set up. Once I got there I was I met one of the other vendors there who's name is Terrance. He usually does all the big shows. We usually vend at all the shows. I think we are in competition with each to see who gets to the building first. Both of us like to scope out the building to see where is the best place to set up. In this business location is everything. Both of us took spots at the front entrance. He is one of the top vendors and has a very good set up, as he has invested wisely and has all the current stuff. It was like vendor city in there as there was 8 or so vendors not including the wrestlers selling there stuff.

My good friend and famous ring announcer Gary Michael Capetta was there. I am a huge fan of his and really enjoyed his work when he was working. If you want to read a good book get his book called Bodyslams. It is top notch. He holds nothing back. Gary is one of the few guys I met that is a stand up guy. Honest and straight to the point. This guy in my eyes has a lot of class. The other legends were starting to arrive. I met up with David Sammartino who I have become friendly with as of late. He is another good guy. David is in good shape and is looking to work more often. I told him I would help him out so if there is any promoters that want to use David just drop me an e mail and we can discuss business. As usual my email is ess316@aol.com. Once the fans were let in there was a frenzy at the merchandise tables. I believe all the vendors did well with Terrance probably doing the best. Once the show started I had the time to go over to Superfly's table and talk to his lady friend carol. She handles all of Jimmy's bookings. We got caught up for while and talked some good business. When jimmy came back out I greeted him as well. He was happy to see me. Jimmy and I go back a few years.

As far as the show goes I thought the first half was better than the second half. I liked Crowbar and David Sammartino's match. David continues to impress me. Kara and Alicia had a good match. I like both of them. Alicia is getting good and once she has more time under her belt and a little more polishing she is going to be something special in the ring. I think she is one of the better of the young girls working the circuit. Unlike someone else I mentioned in a previous column this girl has respect, class and understands the business. As far as the legends go on this show. The fans popped big for the legends and there signature spots. The matches are what you would have expected from these guys. Snuka vs Slam Vader and Jim Duggan vs Big Bossman. The final match on the show was the big cage match that I thought went to long. Those guys tried hard but for being the 10th match and going on around 11pm or so I felt the crowd was spent. It was a big spot fest in the cage that didn't make sense in my eyes. Remember my principle LESS IS MORE. This should have been a 10 minute match instead of 25 minutes and set up for the one big spot not including the cage spots which was a tombstone from the top rope which got a good pop. One of the kids tried doing the Snuka dive from the top of the cage but saw a ghost about 4 times before going off the cage.

After the show I made a quick stop to eat, I took my helper Anthony home and then hit the sack once I got to my house. Sunday I did the mother's day thing. If your ever down near the shore in Ocean Grove stop by Captain Jacks. That is a great restaurant. Once I got done with my family I went to my girlfriends house. I spent the rest of the day there. I had to be nice to her if I wanted her to be nice to me if you get my drift. She was nice to me twice this weekend so I consider it a good weekend.

FINAL THOUGHTS

A good crowd turned out to support ECPW and the charity it did the show for which was St. Jude Childrens Hospital. Everyone enjoyed the legends. I forgot to mention that I also like the 3 way match with Ivan, Jay Santana and Mo Sexy. All in all a good day.

As usual you can check out my website at www.esspromotions.com and I can be reached on the net at ess316@aol.com

ERIC SIMMS