Journal 17
by Tony Kozina on 2001-05-14

Wow! That's about all I can say about the past few weeks. It's been so busy lately. I went back out to Delaware for another show with Jim Kettner's ECWA and had the opportunity to wrestle with Jayson Reign again and Reckless Youth in a three-way match. After the show we all went out for some eats and I was "baptized"- for lack of a better word into the ECWA brotherhood. It seems that there's an ongoing rib that's played on Jim Kettner and as Simon Diamond carefully explained to me it was my turn at bat. Now for those who know me- and for that matter for those who don't, while I'm the damndest fool to ever come down the pike, when I'm at a wrestling function- especially one where I'm relatively new I conduct myself in a professional manner at all times. Quite possibly to an insane degree as well. So for the most part the wisecracks and lollygaggin' are left at home. Now I'm handed this platter and everyone is looking my way to deliver the goods. Needless to say the pressure is on. Add to the mix that Kevin Kelly from the WWF is with us. What does that mean? Nothing much really. Everyone had been talking to Kevin all night as he was part of the show and he was really cool and complimentary, BUT to mister panicky pants here this is almost too much to handle.
Well sir...I'll have you know I waltzed on up to Mr. Kettner straight faced and laid the smackdown in a most convincing fashion. And when I threw that curve ball at him just as I was asked to do I pulled it off without a hitch to the delight of everyone. Later in my hotel room he strangled me in retaliation. I suppose I had it coming... As you can probably tell it was another fantastic experience out there- well except for the speeding ticket...ahhh there was no escapin' the watchful eye of Maryland's finest and he wasn't buying my "late for my flight" story either.

ECCW has been touring Washington state more so I'm getting out to alot of places I haven't been to before. The crowds have been great as well! There's alot of hungry wrestling fans in every nook and cranny out there. I'm very surprised that no one has traveled out to these places before. Hey- it's ECCW's gain! I traveled a little with Chris Daniels, and wrestled him again in Vancouver, WA. That was a good time as well. I always love talking with the other guys about how they get out to places and what not. It's always a learning experience for me because everyone has their own story of how they got their career going.

It was good to see my wrestling teacher, Matt Borne again. He came back to Oregon for a HUGE card in Eugene, OR called "Anarchy at Piper's Pit". Somewhere in the neighborhood of 3,000 people turned out to see the finest northwest and national stars for a jam packed evening. Curt Hennig, "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, Greg Valentine, Roddy Piper, Matt Borne, Sabu and U of O's Josh Wilcox were all part of the card.
I was booked in a match against Sabu and I felt incredibly honored. I only hope my performance was up to expectations for everyone. Sabu was very, very good and I hope to wrestle him again someday.

The traveling continues throughout May. I leave in a few days for Wenatchee, WA, Coeur d" Alene, Idaho, and then back to Longview, WA. After that it's another tour of about the same distance so I'm gearing up for some driving time.

Alright everyone, that about raps it up, but before I go I pose one question...

Did the Giant REALLY break his neck at the pay-per-view?

Jim....you da man