Belly to Bellyaches
by B. Brian Burke on 2001-08-07

Today we open our e-mailbag to respond to only 2 of the many responses received about my in-depth analysis of the ECCW promotion and it's relationship to the National Wrestling Alliance. Dr. Luther wrote:

Thanks to the writer who wrote the story about ECCW/NWA. Thanks for putting me over…

That would be myself. You are welcome. It's easy to put over a guy who earns his money.

… but I don't think I would ever want to run the NWA it would be too much of a pain in the ass…you should write a story exposing the NWA for the farce that it is… the top brass there don't understand…they are manipulated by squatty little rolly men who don't know how to promote themselves.

Well, I thought that was the point of my last story, to give ECCW a kick in the ass and realize that however well intentioned, the NWA world champion as an attraction idea was a flop, as is their association with the NWA. As I said, they would have drawn a far better crowd with talent like Tyler, Gillis, Manson and Leatherface. When the NWA started going wrong is hard to figure, but you are correct, the problems start at the top. From Howard Brody on down.

The CWF (NWA Winnipeg) and its promoter are the biggest joke in wrestling and everybody knows this already…

I just wanted to make sure by putting recent events in the Canadian media involving , or more correctly not involving, Ernie Todd, into perspective. Maybe everybody doesn't know he's a joke, but everybody does know that a promoter threatening a reporter, then lobbying that same newspaper for coverage because he is jealous of Bobby Jay, Bobby Jay for chrissake!, well, readers can see him for what he is now, for sure.

A guy that runs one show a month with no talent on it and drawing no crowd should not have any stroke in the NWA or the business for that matter…

Thank you, Dr. Luther, for agreeing with the point I made in the article in question, that the NWA had a guy like this on their Board giving directions to Dave Republic and Steve Corino. Supposedly the lack of shows is the reason his champion, Robbie Royce, walked out without dropping the NWA's #2 title in the ring. Some promoter… for that matter, some champion too.

Is it any wonder why Royce was never booked in Winnipeg or Vancouver to wrestle you, Dr. Luther? That was an obvious title vs. title match-up except for one thing, the way Todd had promoted Royce into that belt. It was to satisfy Ernie Todd's ego, not because Royce was at that level. You'd have completely outclassed him, and Todd knew it.

He is trying to get me banned from performing for any NWA group…go ahead and ban me.

The challenge has been issued, Mr. Todd. Why are you trying to prevent a top-notch Canadian wrestler from earning a living? Are you also lobbying the NWA to ban he who books Luther, Cyrus/Don Callis?

The second piece of e-mail was written by a coward under a rather clever alias. It was heavily edited by Moondag Manson because some of the contents were, from what I have been told, subject to possible legal action. I will not delve into that aspect out of respect for due process, something this idiot is unfamiliar with. However, I will address a couple of other aspects. Allow me to address this fool directly.

Sorry but your "little birdie" who works in an office Notorious TID "was fired from" has played you for , well, a fool. TID responded he has never been fired. He has no reason to lie, so there goes one of your outlandish claims. Furthermore, this column IS NOT, has never and will never be written by Chris Tidwell. Tidwell told you he could never write that well. I couldn't agree more. As for Manson printing "bald-face lies", we assume you are referring to my last article. I dare you to publically state which aspects of that story about ECCW and Ernie Todd were lies , not supported by sources or documentation. I DARE YOU.