My ECW Arena Memory

Tomorrow one of the most newsworthy, buzzworthy and (quite possibly) meaningful wrestling arenas/venues in the United States will hold the final wrestling events within the historic walls as they stand now. The building (seen above) will continue to reside at the corner of Swanson & Ritner in South Philadelphia, but the blood, sweat and tears that are embedded within the walls will be removed as part of a re-model and re-direction project as the venue changes into a 3,000 or so seat concert hall of sorts. Now, if you are a wrestling fan, then this news is not news to you. This building will always be the "ECW Arena" to so many people, even with the myriad of name changes and pro wrestling promotions that ran there after the original ECW ended over 10 years ago.

I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend one of the "famed" ECW Arena shows, seeing ECW live in the confines of this building. For me, as a 19 year old kid at the time, who traveled with my future wife and mother-in-law to celebrate Thanksgiving with my future family, in all honesty my heart and my passion was knowing that on Saturday, November 27, 1999 I was going to get be part of an experience that I had always hoped for. One that I read Pro Wrestling Torch newsletters cover to cover seeking out "Arena Reports." One that I had seen so many times before, thanks to trading tapes and expanding my pro wrestling horizons. One that I made damn sure I would not miss when ECW broke the pay-per-view barrier and held "Barely Legal" in 1997. Those are just a few examples of many I could offer.

Here is the card I was able to see and take in from my 2nd row seat:

November 27, 1999 in Philadelphia , PA ECW Arena drawing 1,700
1. Nova & Kid Kash beat Bo & Jack Dupp when Nova pinned Jack
2. Jerry Lynn pinned Little Guido
3. Super Crazy pinned Ikuto Hidaka
4. Simon Diamond pinned Jazz
5. Chris Candido & Rhino beat Danny Doring & Amish Roadkill when Rhino pinned Roadkill
6. Spike Dudley pinned Mikey Whipwreck
7. Axl Rotten & Balls Mahoney beat CW Anderson & Bill Wiles when Rotten pinned Wiles
8. ECW TV Champ Rob Van Dam pinned Uganda
9. Sandman pinned Raven; Tommy Dreamer was the guest referee.
10. ECW Champ Mike Awesome pinned Justin Credible

Now, for the way I positioned my feelings about this venue, you'd likely think that there is a sole, singular memory, especially about the wrestling that I would carry with me, right? Not so. The card, the crowd, driving into South Philly by myself for the first time ever, the lining up outside, the atmosphere, the fear of not wanting to leave my seat and explore the Arena and more all unfolded in the experience I had.

But for me, wrestling shows and wrestling trips have always been about more than just what I go to and will see in the ring. When I ventured to Ring of Honor's debut show in February 2002, I made sure that the day of that event, before the ROH show that I took my Dad (who passed away last year) to the venue, even if only to see the outside (which we did) as it looks above, so he would know where ECW grew and became what it was to me and so many other fans. So many other groups have run this venue over the last 10 years, again, some to great success and some not so much. While I would have liked to go to some those shows (ROH, Dragon Gate USA), there was always something that prevented it and deep inside, I didn't want to change the way I experienced it back in 1999.

As the doors open to let fans in tomorrow for a wrestling doubleheader (CZW in the afternoon and EVOLVE 10 at night, which you can attend live or can be purchased on iPPV (right here: http://www.wwnlive.com/signup.php?id=219), many will be seeking that one final great moment that the Arena will give them. There have many before, but the final moments and memories will occur for many tomorrow. I will be watching EVOLVE 10 live and think they are set to deliver a great show. I will be excited to have one final memory that they help create, but also remain thankful for that venue, my opportunity to be there at least once live and the memories that I will hold onto forever.

13 Questions with Dragon Gate USA Star Jon Davis

Jon Davis is an 8 year veteran who has made an impact in both Dragon Gate USA and EVOLVE this year and fans likely also remember him from his dominant team with Kory Chavis, The Dark City Fight Club. Dragon Gate USA wraps up their live event schedule this week for the year, with 3 big events on the East Coast in Revere, MA, Philadelphia, PA and Manhattan, NYC. You can order those events right here: http://www.wwnlive.com/signup.php?id=219 Davis will look to end a feud with The D.U.F. that has carried on over 7 months! We cover that with him and more - Enjoy!

1. You were trained by the legendary Dory Funk Jr. and Chris Turner. How did you get into pro wrestling and connected with those trainers?

I was doing a bunch of things in my life trying to decide on what path I would eventually travel down as a career. I'd grown up watching pro wrestling but had no idea how I would ever get into it. I was given a card for a school run by Chris Turner and decided to call. 2 weeks later, I was in the ring and was officially bitten by the bug. I worked for him for almost 2 years and then met Dory at a show in North Florida. No sooner had I introduced myself did the promoter come up and say that we were working in the Semi-Main Event. I was a bit nervous going into as I felt like "Hey, here's this legend who won his first WORLD title 10 years before I was born, what did I do to deserve this?" I didn't have the size I have now, but I was a solid 225 and I was kind of worried about seriously hurting Dory.

My bad.

That man beat my ass for 15 minutes straight. There was a point in the match after he hit me with a European uppercut where I forgot what I was doing until I hit the ropes. I learned a lot from him that night and was given the chance to learn even more over the next year and a half. I owe a lot of my toughness to Dory Funk Jr., who is easily the toughest man I've ever met in my life.

2. What are your favorite memories of pro wrestling as you were growing up? What promotions did you follow? What wrestlers were your favorites and why?

I loved anytime wrestling was on. My fondest memory was Summer Slam '92, which made me decide that I would become a wrestler one day. I was a big NWA fan young and didn't really get into the then WWF until I moved up North. My favorites were Arn Anderson and Bret Hart. Mainly because of their precision, but Arn's spine buster always got my attention. I always bit when he hit it and never expected anyone to kick out of it. Bret was more of the reason I decided on wrestling though. He was a "little" guy in a then land of giants who not only thrived, but became the champ and carried the company on his back for quite a while.

3. Fans that have only recently become familiar with you might not know about your tag team history and role as one half of The Dark City Fight Club with Kory Chavis. Do you have a preference in a singles or a tag team role? Is success in one avenue versus the other any more rewarding or meaningful?

The Dark City Fight Club is something that is very near to my heart. Kory and I went from "Rain man and that big light skinned dude, what’s his name?" to the NWA World Tag Team Champions (reigning and defending) in the span of two and half years. I would never trade my time learning from Kory for anything. We work as a singular unit so there is no real difference when I'm tagging opposed to singles except I get to rest more. The NWA World Tag Titles are rich in heritage and history and it is an honor to have our names etched into the history books along side the best of all time.

My singles career is really just getting started too, so we will see where that goes. But notice to whoever sits atop the mountain when I get there, move over or get off as I tend to take up a little space!

4. Do you feel tag team wrestling in general gets the attention/time/promotion it deserves? Does that impact your feelings one way or the other in terms of being a tag wrestler?

I don't feel that tag wrestling gets nearly the amount attention it deserves. Very few companies take it seriously and put any time into even having a tag division. It is usually just two guys they throw together and have the audacity to call a team. Tag team wrestling is responsible for some of the biggest moments in wrestling, and it is a shame that we seem to be losing it day by day.

5. You suffered a pretty severe injury to your wrist in April 2009. You were already back in the ring about 5 months later. How did you overcome that injury and what was your motivation to get back so quickly?

I was never supposed to wrestle again according to my doctor. However, I don't do well with being told what I can and can’t do, and through diet and an insane amount of exercise I somehow managed to change his mind.

My motivation was simple, no one was going to pull me away from success. A few dislocated bones and shredded ligaments and tendons is pretty small compared to other injuries I've seen in this business.

6. You debuted with DG USA in April 2011 and your feud with (what would become) The D.U.F. of Sami Callihan, Arik Cannon and Pinkie Sanchez started almost immediately. This weekend you look to end that feud. What are your thoughts on the feud coming to an end once and for all?

Pinkie, Arik and Sami are all legit bad asses. The things I've seen them do and the beatings I've seen them walk away from are astounding. I respect them all, but my issue is the way they are going about doing what they are doing. They feel they are different from everyone else, fine. They think that they are outcasts, cool. MY issue is the new found, cocky attitude that they have found with the formation of their little group. It started in Atlanta. I have no problem losing as it’s a part of our sport. Learn from it and move on. But when a group of "outcasts" form a gang and start attacking everyone who is not like them, then I have a problem.

At first, it was whatever. But then I started thinking, had they lost the first match as a team (against Dark City Fight Club) then maybe the little group doesn't happen. Maybe they wouldn't be attacking a young talent like A.R Fox. Maybe they don't decide to go after the legend that is Sabu. So I feel somewhat responsible for the D.U.F starting as I had the chance to stomp it out from jump and didn't. So I was more that happy to throw my name in the hat to be there to make it end.

7. Your singles match on Friday against Sami Callihan is not only important in the context of your feud, but also a battle between two of DG USA’s homegrown stars. What would a win over Callihan mean, not only short term but also for the future of you in DG USA?

It would solidify my place in DG USA. I've been busting my behind for years in this sport and am finally starting to get my due. I have no problem working hard and proving myself, and honestly who better to do that against than Sami. Dude has been up and down the road, FIGHTING anyone who steps between the ropes to oppose him. Though his attitude has sucked with his little buddies recently, he has earned his spot. Friday in Boston, I do the same.

8. Finally, on Sunday, you partner with the legendary Sabu and A.R. Fox in “Extreme Warfare” against The D.U.F. You made the declaration to be included in this match, which is the culmination of multiple feuds intersecting in one bout. What do you add to this match and to your teammates?

I'm a juggernaut. I add raw power and intensity. I can throw anyone out of any move at any time, plus I have a chip on my shoulder. Mix that with the "I have no idea what to call that move" style of innovation that A.R Fox has and the sheer insanity of Sabu, that adds to a big mess being made of the D.U.F.

9. What are your thoughts on joining forces to team with Sabu and in a match he helped make famous?

I'm honored to even be in the same building. He has accomplished so much and was on the front lines on defining "extreme" wrestling. I think it is going to be interesting what will happen when the both of us have tables and chairs at our disposal at the same time.

10. Other than Akira Tozawa, you have yet to be matched up with other Japanese Dragon Gate talents. Who is at the top of your list to be in the ring with and why?

Though he isnt exactly Japanese, Pac. He is a staple of the roster and has a match of the year candidate every time out. He is a very hard worker in the ring and I think he still hasn't reached his full potential. The chance to square off with him would be something I'd be beyond excited about.

11. Many of the American DG USA stars have seen success with tours of Japan. What would a tour of Japan with Dragon Gate mean to you?

That I would have a chance to learn and compete with the best. These guys go night in and night out with very little to no rest and I want to show that I can do the same. Every wrestler who goes comes back better and that's something I strive to be.

12. 2011 has also seen you experience success in EVOLVE. Many people were impressed with your match with Johnny Gargano and felt it was a breakout performance and it was a springboard for more opportunity. Did you get that feeling and what goals do you have when EVOLVE resumes events?

I went into the match with Gargano with one intention. To make people remember my name. I feel I did just that. Did I think that it would garner me the attention that it did? No. Am I mad about that? No. Do I plan on riding my current momentum and taking my seat at the top of the wins board here soon? ABSOLUTELY.

13. A little over 8 years into your wrestling career, what is your most memorable accomplishment?

My most memorable? I'd say there are a couple. In October 2008 I did a match on ECW. On the surface it was nothing special, but it was the last time my Grandfather saw me before he passed away and that meant a lot to me. EVOLVE when I wrestled Gargano. Towards the end there were dueling chants and I had a lot of support. If you watch the match you'll see me look to the crowd confused. That was huge for me! And of course when I killed Stalker Ichikawa in April and the crowd chanted "you hate fun!" Turns out I love to have fun, I just dislike losing!

Two Spot Monkeys thanks Jon Davis for his time and appreciates the opportunity to provide you more information on this rising talent.

Do not forget to catch Jon's matches this weekend along with all of the other great wrestlers on these Dragon Gate USA shows, whether live (tickets available at http://www.dgusa.tv/storetickets.htm or by calling 267-519-9744) or ordering and watching live via WWNLive.com.

13 Questions With: Johnny Gargano

I recently had the chance to interview Johnny Gargano, known best for his runs with Dragon Gate USA and EVOLVE, along with Chikara, AIW and other promotions. DG USA returns this coming weekend for a series of shows scheduled in the Midwest. Friday, September 9th they debut in Indianapolis, Saturday, September 10th they return to Chicago and iPPV (which you can buy right here: http://www.wwnlive.com/signup.php?id=219) and they wrap the triple shot up on September 11th in Milwaukee. Thanks to Johnny Gargano and Dragon Gate USA.

1. How does it feel to you to be known as a “Homegrown Star” for Dragon Gate USA?

I consider it an honor. I feel like that "tagline" couldn't be more true. Having been in the first match in DGUSA history, on the preshow, FRAY! I feel like I've grown a ton. I can really attribute my development to working with some of the absolute best talent in the world in Dragon Gate USA. It really makes you step your game up night in and night out.

2. I’ve read that Colt Cabana suggested to you to reach out to Gabe Sapolsky as the plans for DG USA were coming together. What were your hopes based on that lead and did you ever expect it to lead you to where you are today?

Never. The initial conversation with Colt went something like this.. "COLT: Have you talked to Gabe yet? ME: Gabe?..." I had no clue Gabe would even be interested in someone like me. So I was pretty taken aback when Colt told me to email him, and say that "Colt sent ya". I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason though. I think that's a prefect example of that, man. The stars just aligned.. BUT even at the first DGUSA show, If you would of came up to me and said "Johnny, I'm from the future, you're going to do THIS, THIS AND THIS.. in DGUSA" and be where I'm at today... 1. I'd think you were on a copious amount of drugs as you said you're from the future. 2. I wouldn't have believed it for a second.

3. Can you talk about the origins of Ronin? Did you know when you started the angle with CIMA, asking for a chance in Warriors, that it would lead to the Ronin faction forming with Chuck Taylor & Rich Swann?

Eventually, I did. I was really excited about it too. I wasn't TOO familiar with Rich Swann, but I trusted Gabe's vision. I was excited to work with Chuck though, as we have alot of the same personality traits and I feel we play off each other very well. I liken us to DX when I heard the initial idea.. I'm Shawn Michaels (DUH!) Chuck is HHH and Rich Swann is Chyna.

4. Ronin feels like a very organic faction, in the sense that you all fit so well together and it does not come across as forced in the least bit. Aside from the individual talents of you and your stablemates, what do you attribute that to?

After getting to know Rich some, he's a very exciting, charismatic dude! As you can tell... I feel not just our "wrestling personalities" but our "real life" personalities all mesh really well. We have the same sense of humor, and we all get along pretty well. You have too, when you spend 3 weeks in Japan with one another, Ha!

5. You arguably broke out against CIMA in a singles bout at “Enter The Dragon 2010” in Philadelphia. That was possibly the beginning of the Ronin-Blood Warriors feud that has been heating up DG USA and in Japan as well. What has this feud meant to you and what time of final match or “faction warfare” will bring it to an end?

The feud has really elevated me, not just in the fans eyes, but in the ring as well. Going into that match, I wanted it to be "THE match" that fans can look at and say "WOW! That guy can go!".. I was happy with the match, and it inadvertantly started the angle, but it wasn't what I wanted it to be. I truly feel I got the match I was looking for when I took CIMA on again at Open The Southern Gate (which of course you can watch now at WWNLIVE.COM.. PLUG!)... That match was a war, man. Something I'm really proud of. Coming from a guy who hates all of his matches, and is his own worst critic, that's saying something!

6. Talk a bit about your first tour of Dragon Gate in Japan. What was it like to work in Japan with some of the same guys you’d worked with him DG USA and in front of a new audience? What was the highlight of that tour, both professionally and personally?

The highlight of the tour was just getting the tour to begin with! Ha. My goal has always been to work in Japan. Chris Jericho is a huge idol of mine, and I pattern a lot of my career after his. So to find out that my tour was going to start in Korakuen Hall and end in Sumo Hall (Which is what Jericho did on one of his first tours) really blew my mind. Plus... Jericho actually Tweeted me "Good Luck, Have a great tour, and work SOLID!!!!!" which was something I personally "marked out" for! The crowds are a lot different then in the states. They treat wrestlers like superstars over there. The way we treat NFL players, or movie stars, are how they treat the wrestlers. It was quite the culture shock.

7. You debuted “The Gargano Escape,” which has been a pretty dominant finisher in DG USA, earlier this year. What are the origins for that move and how does it feel to have tapped out some pretty big names from Dragon Gate?

I wanted something new. I've always been a fan of submission style finishes.. So I went to someone, who I feel is without a doubt, one of the most knowledgable technical wrestlers in the world, Alex Shelley. He's always been like a big brother to me, and helped me out a ton. I asked him for some idea, and the it came up that maybe I should start using a variation of his old "Border City Stretch"...which he was all for. So he pretty much handed the move down to me.. which is huge. I have SO much respect for that guy and for him to think that highly of me, is an honor.

8. You were scheduled to face Naruki Doi in Atlanta over WrestlerMania weekend, in what likely would have been your biggest singles match to date in Dragon Gate USA. However, when Ricochet got hurt, Doi was re-positioned and you faced Jimmy Rave instead. Were you disappointed in that and how did you change your mindset from opposing Doi to Rave?

Naruki Doi, since day one in DGUSA is someone I've always wanted to wrestle. His match with Danielson is one of my favorites. I feel like our styles would really mesh well together. I was super excited for the match.. but understood the situation. I was pumped that I was going to be able to wrestle Jimmy though, he's super motivated right now, and really good! I feel we put on a cool little match, that was really different then anything else in DGUSA.

9. Now, you are scheduled to finally get that one on one match with Naruki Doi on September 11th in Milwaukee. Thoughts on that match-up finally happening, especially after your strong performance at the 2nd Anniversary Show in NYC, where you seemingly have the number of almost any Blood Warriors competitor?

It seems like that doesn't it? I'm still excited! The anticipation is building. The fans of Milwaukee were a pleasure to wrestle in front of last year, after everything that went down, so I'm glad they're getting the match. I sat in the balcony of the very first DGUSA show in awe of Shingo/Doi's match. I always dreamt of being able to be as good as those guys. Now I get my chance to see how far I've come.. It's a test, (one) I'm truly looking forward too, and feel i'm ready for.

10. Also coming up on the next Dragon Gate USA tripleshot, you are scheduled to meet Junction Three’s YAMATO & Masato Yoshino as you team with Chuck Taylor in Indianapolis and then Akira Tozawa in singles in another chapter of the Ronin-Blood Warriors feud in Chicago. How do you prepare for those matches and does your approach change at based on who you are scheduled against?

The tag match is special because I get another shot against Yamato. He's one of the best wrestlers in the world right now, and a worthy Open The Freedom Gate champion.. He's the guy right now. I want to show the world that I can hang with "the guy" in DGUSA. If you've watched Independent wrestling at all this year, you're a fan of Akira Tozawa.. How can you not be? The guy brings it. I'm sure we're going to bring out the best in each other and put on one heck of an encounter for the fans in Chicago. The little added dimension of Tozawa now joining Blood Warriors adds fuel to the fire.

11. You’ve had a pretty impressive 12 months, not just in DG USA, but EVOLVE, Chikara, AIW against Bryan Danielson and more. Is 2011 the Year of Gargano? What other goals exist for you?

Well Thank You. I just try to stay humble, man. I've reached a lot of goals this year, had a lot of incredible opportunities, and awesome moments that will live with me forever. Like I said earlier though, I'm my own worst critic.. I think I'm okay, but I can get tons better. When you become complacent is when you fail.

12. What are your favorite memories of pro wrestling as you were growing up? What promotions did you follow? What wrestlers were your favorites and why?

I was a big WWF fan. I did enjoy the WCW cruiserweights though. My Mom always made me costumes, and I'd dress and act like my favorite wrestlers. Some of the costumes I had growing up were...
-Shawn Michaels (Of course! Even though I was dressed like an 8 year old stripper.
-Rocky Maivia's head dress thingy he used to wear (Yep.)
-Bret Harts jacket.
-Stone Colds vest.
-Homemade Psychosis, Rey Mysterio Jr, Juventud masks.

I also walked around and acted like Dean Malenko (grab yours wrists and crack your neck) and Chris Benoit (pretty much the same thing...) on most days. I'm probably the only kid who can say such.

13. Is there anything you want fans to know about you, places they can see you live, or where they can reach you to buy your new t-shirt?

Where ever you see me, I can guarantee you're going to get all I have. I don't believe in "taking days off". The last DGUSA Triple Shot, I seperated my shoulder a week or two before, and was in an incredible amount of pain.. I taped it up and still went out there and tried to my darndest to give people there monies worth and steal the show. We all love wrestling. Just please Support Indy Wrestling. A lot of guys work really hard. You can find me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @JohnnyGargano - Buy my new shirt! It's super cool! Let's start a revolution with it! Email me at JohnnyGargano@hotmail.com about it!

Don't forget to check out Dragon Gate USA this weekend, whether live in Indianapolis, Chicago or Milwaukee. Go to www.dgusa.tv for more info. Again, you can order this Saturday nights show on iPPV, with YAMATO defending the Open the Freedom Gate Title against CIMA in a rivalry where each man holds only 1 win over the other, the next chapter in the PAC-Ricochet feud is written and SABU debuts, right here: http://www.wwnlive.com/signup.php?id=219

Thanks for reading and checking out Two Spot Monkeys!