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By Dan Parris
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Hello everyone I'm Dan Parris for my
new monthly column for USA! Indy.com.
I've been around the indy scene for
about 12 years. Usually I ring announce
or do commentary for indies TV. I've
done commentary stints for ECCW, UWF,
and APW TV. This month I want to focus
on Main Event talent who has been here
in the past and present. Working inside
the business, I get a glimpse past peoples
gimmicks and get to see folks some what
as they really are. First off I would
say these guy's try to help draw fans,
past the hardcore audience. So these
individuals reputations are to draw.
Back in 1997 Omega Pro Wrestling held
shows for a few years. At the time I
met Matt & Jeff Hardy, Shannon Moore,
Joey Abs, and Shane Helms. This group
was and still is American Lucha Libre
at it's finest. These guy's were young,
small, but very talented. Shannon Moore
was only 16 years old then, in high
school. Just a kid, very shy but very
muture. High Flying youngster then known
as Kid Dynomo. A real nice young guy,
never got into any trouble. Shane Helms
teamed with Mike Maverick (former WWE
devolpmental talented) as the Serial
Thrillaz. Both were talented. Very witty,
nice but could be viewed then as a perfectionist.
Helms wanted it to be exact. I guess
that's dedication. Jeff Hardy then worked
as Willow The Wisp and as "Wolverine".
Then even had a awesome team with brother
Matt. His style was wild, showing no
fear doing moonsaults or planchas in
the ring to the floor. Real bashful,
but super nice. Matt Hardy worked as
"Surge". Underrated as a single's
wrestler. I'll say he is as talented
as Jeff, but not quite as charismatic.
Had a excellent mind for the business.
Did Omega's booking, very creative.
A untapped resource. Real nice guy,
always cordial. Studied Lucha Libre,
New Japan, and his own shows (Omega
owner) on tape. Can't say enough good
things about all of these guy's!
Buddy Landel I've been around a few
times. Low Key, Professional. Still
can go. I would describe him as trying
to be a business man. We all should
be. But occassion I've seen him rough
shape (ie; suspicious possibly drunk).
Ivan Koloff very nice, Christian man.
Still in good shape. He'll help the
young guy's. Makes no bones about wanting
to be a part of a clean show. That's
very admirable. Bill Eadie (aka Demolition
Ax & Masked Superstar). Still in
excellent shape. Quite capable of still
doing a 30 minute match. Very intelligent,
teaches school in Georgia. Always nice,
pleasure to listen to his road stories
of the past. His mind is great! Ricky
Morton a master of psychology. A real
nice guy. Tried to book NWA Mid-Atlantic
in 2000, but didn't do to hot. Goes
out of his way for fans. Sometimes will
phone it in, sometimes works hard. His
attitude is to be a pro, but have fun.
Marcus Bagwell recently did a few stints
in Mid-Atlantic. I heard a lot of bad
stuff about him. But he was nice. Seemed
when I saw him he tried to stay out
of trouble.
Wahoo Mcdaniel really nice, in bad health.
Today doesn't look good, unfortunately.
Has a vivid memory of the past. Can't
keep up with today's indie stuff. I
commentated with him. He told me off
camera, "Don't ask me too much
about these kids". So maybe his
mind is bad. Made me feel sort of sad.
A real nice guy, loves talking about
hunting and fishing outdoor sports.
Jimmy Valiant great at psychology. Will
work a town like nobody else. Definitely
past his prime. Still has great charisma.
Never has a unkind word about anyone.
Sometimes he's all comedy, but I've
seen him in several decent brawls. Nice
beyond belief to everyone. Respects
everyone. I respect him a lot for that.
I'll never forget he told me, "Dan
I read your stuff and I enjoy it".
Maybe he was being nice. But I damn
near fell over in shock. I guess some
of you guy's get to see this if your
lucky enough to be in the business.
If not, well I'm sorry. I'll be doing
this a long time. It's what I've wanted
to do all my life. Have a good month!
Dan Parris
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