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http://www.wwe.com/news/commentary/drtom/1256356

Phone calls and Danny Davis tapes

by Dr. Tom Prichard
March 1, 2004

With any job, some days are better than others. Even the "bad" days at
my job are ok. I really do have the best job anywhere. Being able to
do something you love and actually get paid for it is the greatest
feeling in the world. I have to admit there are occasions when I put
in a tape, take a phone call or read a letter, and I just shake my
head in amazement. I have certainly done and said more than my share
of moronic things in my life. But the old saying "you ain't seen
nothing yet" is constantly proving true.

I don't blame or discount anyone for trying new and innovative ways to
get into WWE. You've got to go for it and have some gumption, no
doubt. Last week, there came a call that finally made me realize why
WWE Superstars have to be on their toes at all times. For the most
part WWE fans are great and respectful. As a fan, you have the right
to cheer or boo whoever you wish. But there are those rare occasions
(that are becoming less rare) that a call like this will make me
think.

Some guy from Philadelphia called asking if he was Big Show's father.
He happened to "catch one of our shows a few years ago" that featured
Big Boss Man stealing Big Show's father's casket. If it sounds just a
little confusing, let me try to explain. See, this guy knew a girl in
the eighties who disappeared on him (wonder why?) and Big Show kind of
resembles him. He had a relationship with this girl, but she took off
with a friend of his and hey, you know he was just wondering if that
was really Big Show's dad in the casket that Boss Man rode off with.
When I asked this guy why he waited this long to call and ask about
this his answer was even better:

"Well, I was working a lot back then and I didn't get a chance to see
too many of your shows, but man, Big Show looks just like me!" So did
he want money? Why was he trying to contact Show now? "I just want to
call and let him know I'm here." What do you do for a living? "I'm a
‘nuclear fireman'. That's why we still have a planet." At this point I
assured him he wasn't Big Show's father, but I would pass along the
message "just in case."

I know that some of the people who call read this column. They've told
me so. Most who call are really looking for answers, suggestions or
advice. I don't always have answers, but I do have some suggestions
and advice.

Don't just outright lie or try to make up your history or experience
level. If you've been wrestling for 10 years, I always want to know
why you didn't try or even attempt to contact WWE before? And please
watch the shows and know what the company is now called. We are no
longer the "World Wrestling Federation"! Don't ask me about "what's
his name" or tell me how "over" one of your clients was at our shows.
By the way, a booker or agent in this business is not called a "shot
caller." If you can't understand why you can't get a dark match
without me seeing a tape or live performance, I'm sorry.

If I, one of the agents or other wrestlers tell you that you need to
get in the gym, and the next time we see you, you look the same as
before, please don't ask me "what do I need to do to get better." Look
at the athletes on our roster and tell me where "Choo Choo" fits in?
I'm not trying to be mean or nasty. I'm trying to help everyone
understand that WWE is the major leagues. If your goal is to get here,
have a plan. A serious plan. Don't just "wish" or dream it. DO IT.

Eddie Guerrero grew up in this business and dedicated his life to be
the very best. It didn't happen overnight. In fact it's well
documented how Eddie traveled down some pretty lonely, dark roads. It
wasn't easy. Same with Chris Benoit. He has the opportunity to walk
out of WrestleMania XX the World Heavyweight Champion. Anyone who
knows anything about Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit's history knows
the knocks and stormy times each has survived. Anybody looking to join
the same rosters as them along with the other Superstars in WWE needs
to take a long hard look at how they would measure up. Just because
you "want to" doesn't mean you can.

Dedication, passion, desire and hard work is what WWE Superstars are
accustomed to. They demand it from each other and will help those who
show they are willing to learn. Between the active roster, Ohio Valley
Wrestling and veterans with invaluable knowledge, if you are a young
WWE Superstar or developmental talent, there's no excuse for not being
able to learn your craft.

Because there are no regional territories left, video tapes are the
next best thing to use as a learning tool. Ohio Valley Wrestling
developmental talent have the opportunity to watch virtually any
wrestler or match from the modern era. I recently had dinner with the
Southern tag team champions Mike Bucci (Nova) and Aron Stevens.

We were discussing watching tapes of past tag teams and I wasn't
surprised to learn that they had studied some old Heavenly Bodies
videos. But one thing I did find interesting was they both studied
tapes of their present mentor and owner of OVW, "Nightmare" Danny
Davis.

Danny Davis and Ken Wayne were known as "The Nightmares." They were
very successful in the south and I would have to say they were one of
the top teams in the country back in the day. Nova and Aron told me
they learned a lot about tag team wrestling watching the Nightmare
tapes. As with most teams, Danny and Kenny went their separate ways
and competed for singles championships.

When the conversation turned to singles wrestling both guys said they
had been studying Danny Davis tapes! Now, I wrestled Danny many times
in my career and I can't recall a time when I didn't come back to the
dressing room that my chest wasn't beet red or bleeding! When fans
think about chops they think about Ric Flair. For the record, Danny
Davis is right on par with Flair. So when Nova and Aron told me they
had been watching Danny Davis tapes, I knew what the next question
would be. How stiff was Danny, really?

STIFF! Stiff enough for a young "Stunning" Steve Austin to leave a
note on Danny's locker one night that said "F#*{at} you and your chops!"
In Dallas, Texas at the world famous Sportatorium, Danny would
religiously chop the hell out of El Grande Pistilero when they were
trading the USWA World Jr. Heavyweight title back and forth. Yes, some
of those matches were on the famous Danny Davis tapes that Nova and
Aron have been studying.

Danny is now a mentor to young people training and hoping to fulfill
their dreams. I am proud of Nova and Aron for watching and studying
various Danny Davis tapes. I could hear the passion in their voices as
they described match after match on the DD tapes. I'm sure OVW will be
flooded with requests for "The Best Of" Danny Davis tapes. It's
nothing like the real thing, but you'll get the idea when you notice
Danny's opponent's chest turn into hamburger meat!

There's certainly a lot more than "meat chopping" on the Danny Davis
tapes. Danny knew how to get more out of less and never dogged it in
the ring. It's obvious the impression he left with Nova and Aron
Stevens.

Danny has helped a lot of present WWE Superstars get to "the next
level" including Brock Lesnar, John Cena, The Bashams, Matt Morgan,
Shelton Benjamin, Charlie Haas and many others. Thanks to video tape,
future Superstars will also get the chance to watch Danny Davis tapes.
I understand Danny is in the process of transferring all his VHS to
DVDs. No matter how they're viewed, my advice to anyone who wants to
know about having a good, solid wrestling match with just enough
brutality to let you know he means business, check out any volume of
the Danny Davis tapes. You won't be disappointed.


--- Internet Rex 2.29