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http://www.stormwrestling.com/060504.html

Looking Back: My Biggest Influences 
June 5, 2004 

I was asked in one of my more resent Q and A Commentaries, why I was
successful in this industry while so many other are not. I joked that
it was because I was so much better than all of those who didn't make
it. While that certainly isn't the case in all or even most
incidences, I'd like to think there is at least a grain of truth to
that statement. I'm proud of the worker I've become, and I owe a lot
of people for my success. I thought I'd take this opportunity to thank
those who have taught me the most over the years. I will try to do
these in chronological order as it would be too hard to decide who was
the bigger influences over the years.

Chris Jericho: If not for Chris I likely would have quit wrestling
camp before it even started. We learned so much from each other in
camp, and he is responsible for getting me more jobs than anyone else
in my career. When we broke in he managed to get his foot in a lot of
doors, and never pulled it out until he pulled me through with him. I
will always be grateful for everything he did for me in my career.
Chris has also been a great friend and a great opponent over my entire
career.

Gerry Morrow: Gerry was the first real veteran I ever worked. Most
veterans of his era take advantage of young guys breaking in. They eat
them up in the ring and try to do as little as possible. Gerry saw an
opportunity in me to have good matches and I'd like to think pass on
his knowledge. I learned almost everything I know about ring
psychology from Gerry Morrow. He is one of the hardest and smartest
workers I ever had the pleasure to be in a ring with. I did an entire
commentary about Gerry Morrow a few years ago, and will get it back up
as an archive very soon. I would not be the worker I am today with out
Gerry Morrow. I think of him a lot now that I am in his shoes. I try
to extend the young guys the courtesy he extended me.

Fit Finlay: Fit is likely the most talent man I have ever been in a
ring with, and I was fortunate enough to work with him on his home
turf in Europe. I had maybe 50 matches with Fit and I learned so much
about being a heel working with him. His professionalism and attention
to detail is the standard I try to hold myself to today.

Al Snow: All is the one who taught me about being on the road in the
US. When I joined ECW full time I had no idea how to survive on the
road. Thankfully Chris Candito suggested I hook up with Al Snow and
Jerry Lynn. Al was the Dad of our car and taught me everything I
needed to know to be the Dad to Christian and Hurricane some 5 or 6
years later. I guess that makes AL a Grandfather! (LOL)

Paul Heyman: Paul taught me so much, and thanks to him my days in ECW
are the favourite of my career. Paul taught me how to do promos, and
how to add a personality to my wrestling ability. Okay before anyone
decides to be a smart ass, the man can't work miracles. I didn't
electrify crowds on the mike, but I always got my point across and was
believable, at least in my opinion. Paul also extended me the
opportunity to develop my skills as a booker, which I will always be
grateful for. I think that made me a better worker and booking TV with
Paul is what I miss most looking back on my career.

I developed a lot as a worker in WCW and WWE, but I don't think I can
credit that to anyone person, like my entire career, I learned from
everyone I was in the ring with, and really have to thank everyone for
what they brought to the table each and every night.

Till next week, 
Lance


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