|
REF HANSON Nate Stein interviews a breakout star on the independent scene. But, he’s not a wrestler. He’s THE WHOLE REFFIN’ SHOW, Referee Shawn Hanson. REF HANSON: Well, I am a referee for starters. I have been in the sport of wrestling for nearly 3 years. I think I would say that when I am in the ring, you don't have to wrry about biased reffing. HANSON: I have always idolized the sportsmanship, the entrance music, the exciting ladder, cage, falls-count-anywhere, and all other sorts of "specialty" matches. When most kids idolized Michael Jordan, Joe Montana, and Wayne Gretzky...I was idolizing Ric Flair, Bret Hart, and Shawn Michaels HANSON: I began training to become a pro wrestler at the JAPW School in Bayonne, NJ. I was training for 2-3 months and one day was refereeing for 2 guys doing an exhibition when I caught a promoter's eye...next thing you know I was JAPW' head referee...from that point it kind of snowballed and now I referee for over 12 different federations! HANSON: Well, Money. I was as poor as I ever was when I entered the JAP School. I had no job, no future in college. I had heard of the JAP school from SSCW President Carmine Sabia, he mentioned it was close and only $10 a lesson. That night, I took 2 buses, the Newark city Subway, another bus, and walked 12 blocks to my first official wrestling class. HANSON: For me it is in my blood, I wake up everyday thinking about wrestling. It is my fix I guess you would call it. Growing up, I had a dysfunctional family and was raised by my grandparents who both passed away before I graduated High School. So growing up I always turned to wrestling as an escape and never let go of it. HANSON: My drive and determanation. Also everyone who lended a helping hand to me. Guys like Samu, The Metal Maniac, Rockin Rebel, Don Montoya, Low-Ki, The hit squad, and many others have helped guide me and taught me the ropes so to speak. HANSON: Well, REF YOU! Most people don't understand that the referee is actually the glue to the match. A good referee helps a match more than a refereee that doesn't pay attention. We are there to make sure the wrestlers dont get hurt, and help the overall show. HANSON: There are a few so here goes: Mikey Whipwreck vs. Little Guido 10/20/01 USA Pro Wrestling (Mikey's retirement match), Jerry The King Lawler vs. Don Montoya 7/7/01 JAPW, and Shane Douglas vs. Steve Corino 6/22/02 JAPW. To ref for Shane Douglas and Jerry Lawler was amazing since I looked up to them when I was a kid. And to ref Mikey's last match was something I will remember for the rest of my life. HANSON: Well, I hope not. I don't want to have to end a wrestler's career! LOL. But seriously, if the situation arose...I would go at it HEAD ON! We referees take a beating in the ring sometimes anyway...so a regular match wouldn't be all that bad. HANSON: To referee as many matches as possible, and to get my name out there even more. HANSON: Good question. First off, I have told him this and I mean this...LOW-KI is without a doubt the greatest athlete I have ever reffed for. Taking nothing away from anyone else, he is sometimes inhuman in what he does in the ring. I also think XAVIER, STRIKER, and QUIET STORM will soon explode on the scene. When it comes to tag teams....THE HIT SQUAD and THE BRISCOE BROS. are 2 teams worth the price of admission. HANSON: Well for starters...less women valets, and more women wrestling. I am a big fan of the wrestling that women can produce more than the managing. Women have more to offer to pro wrestling than standing around the ring in a short skirt and make up. HANSON: Good luck, but that is not going to happen without DEDICATION and HARD WORK. You have more athletes competing in pro wrestling now than ever before. You do have to have charisma, but don't underestimate the power of health and strength. HANSON: I think it is HOT! With WXW, JAPW, and RING OF HONOR, to name a few promotions, running action-packed shows. I say the east coast is the hot ticket. Every time I referee a show I always see new faces from the Mid-west and south. Competition is at an all-time high. And the action gets better and better. I urge the fans of wrestling in PA and NJ to go see an Indy show, you will definitely enjoy it! HANSON: I think that wrestling is starting to die down a bit from the 1998-99 explosion of the "Sone Cold" Steve Austin era. It'll come back though. Wrestling is a cycle and will never die. I see wrestling becoming more of a sport than entertainment in the upcoming years. I see a 20 minute wrestling match replacing the 20 minute interview soon. Some think I am wrong, but look at the marquee outside...it says, "WRESTLING". HANSON: To referee for one of the Japan wrestling companies, and one day possibly, the WWE. HANSON: I appreciate the forum you gave me here, I appreciate all of the support independent wrestling gets; and you fans keep it up. You come to the matches, and we'll give you a show...it's that simple. Have a reffin' great day! Peace out, from the Whole Reffin' Show!!! Once again I have to thank the fans. It is them that make what we do that much more enjoyable...and thank you "Nasty Nate", The Whole Reffin Show appreciates the time you give him and looks forward to more of it. PEACE, LOVE, and ZEBRA SKILLZ! WHOOOOOOO!
|
||
