Shootin' with The Snapshot

After reading some reviews regarding the cancer show in Hamburg, Pa I thought I would chime in. First off I was not present in Hamburg so I did not see any of the show. I was originally contacted by Jaden to come vend at the show. I thought this was a good cause but I had prior commitments outside of wrestling that took precedence. As was written in press reports and what was e mailed to me, it was stated that over 500 fans would be there. I thought that would be great but if many of the normal promotions that run are not getting that then how would they. Jaden asked me to make a donation. I thought this would be a good cause so I sent him a dozen shirts for raffle or for whatever purpose they needed. I later found out that Jaden pulled out. I contacted Terry the promoter and told him that I sent Jaden t shirts and to get them from him so I hope that he did. As I was speaking to some of the boys they told me that this is a charity show and no one was getting paid. It seems like there are a lot of charity shows these days. Ever since 9-11 where everyone and there mother ran a charity show to raise funds. I feel cancer is a very good cause as I hate to see anyone sick and suffer. The no shows at the show was because of talent having paying gigs. This is a business where you have to make money. Most agreed that if they did not having a paying show then they would be there. That is why some did not make it. Now I see written that Afa the Samoan who runs WXW and is a big player in the area tried to sabotage the show. I remember being at a roast and toast for Afa in NJ a few years ago. After every one got done ribbing and toasting him it was his turn to talk. Afa spoke about love and family. Listening to that I find it hard to believe that Afa would try to do anything to harm a good cause especially one such as cancer. Afa is a business man and runs a business. Timing is everything in this business. Afa just happened to run a show that night and a few of his regulars chose to work it as it must have been a pay day for them. As for the cancer show itself I have heard from a few people and keep in mind I was not there that there was more workers there than fans which is a shame since this was for a good cause.

I have a few concerns. Why did Jaden pull out after contacting me and publicizing the show? After reading Jaden's rebuttal, where he pours his heart out explaining his side of the fiasco here is what I think:

1. HE SHOULD HAVE FINISHED WHAT HE STARTED.

2. HE WORKS AND HAS ALIGNED HIMSELF WITH 2 INEPT PROMOTERS AND BOOKERS WITH THE LARGEST EGO'S IN NJ.

3. Jaden happens to find his way in his own words to over 2500 different sites, you would think that someone with this ability to maneuver around the web to know enough not to change letter casings and to put down an address exactly as written. Since he admitted fault to this we will forgive him for this transgression ( MAYAKUPA ).

4. I also find it stupid that as a promoter on limited funds your spending money that your hoping will come into the box office to cover your expenses.

5. I also find it ridiculous to schedule a show when there are 3 other shows running and one close to your building. To hope in this tight market to expect 500 plus people in attendance is just plain ridiculous. Especially since Hamburg which was once a great town and building is now burned out as a wrestling town

6. I find it hard to fathom that you are basing a show around a soap opera extra and hope to draw wrestling fans based off her celebrity status is just plain asinine.

7. Why was it being publicized that Bam Bam Bigelow would be wrestling since he retired as an active wrestler in the late spring. The answer to this is Doc Diamond. According to what Jaden posted what Dan O Connel told him no further comment is needed. After reading Bret Schwan's review of the booking and the finishes we now understand why Fred Rubenstein is a better bus jockey than wrestling personality. That was another of Dan's great quotes about the integrity of this individual.

8. Why was all this extra curricular burden put on a man with a medical condition? Lets hope in the future if someone has a good thought and wants to help someone, then they should show there own charity in there heart by there words and deeds. They should also finish what they started. Never let a worker do what a promoter should.

9. According to Brett Schwan column this show was a cluster ****. When you have everyone going into business for themselves this sort of thing will happen. No one should be throwing a bitch fit because they cannot get there way. This is the Indies not WWE

Eric Simms
ESS316@aol.com
www.esspromotions.com