I don't write like I used to, and I get frustrated with myself for it. In the past, I used to write over anything and maybe some of the things weren't worth the time. Now, especially this year, I've had too much happen to me and a lot of things I could have written about and yet I just haven't; or have felt it's safer not to.

I look back at this year, and it's hard to believe a lot of what I've had happen to me and be involved with. A good few up's, some serious down's; and a lot of in between. I've had at some points, four shows a month or even more, and that's been great. Maybe I lowered my standards by staying with ACW as long as I did, I know I certainly did too much for them by trying to raise the profile online of a company that didn't either creatively deserve or appreciate it; but that's me - too nice for my own good. I could expose ACW for what they are, quite honestly, and I'd be well within my rights and justified to do so but I won't do it fully. I'll leave that job to ACW themselves, and whilst they continue to put trainees with around 3 months experience of training sessions on their 'main' shows and risk the safety of them AND drop the quality of the show; I figure ACW are perfectly capable of burying themselves with their own actions so I'm leaving well alone. I'm so much happier in myself now I don't have to deal with playground politics, mindgames and manipulation, and worse; and whilst I have some fond memories of ACW I would rather quit the business than ever go back.

My life just fell apart the night of November 10th though, at EAW, when I suffered a second concussion and quite serious to add to it. It was my second in a month, and it's left me a very changed, far more driven and determined, but feeling somewhat more mortal; person. It did me one good thing though, more than ever before I know who I am, what I want, and where I need to be.

But the main point of this column for me, is to publically appreciate a few people who have been there for me. It's not really name dropping, because only one or two are actually famous as such; it's purely me wanting to show some people in my life that I love them for what they've done for me this year.

Matt Naylor : This guy has so much talent it's unbelievable. I wish HE realised it, I hate modesty! An attitude that needs to be cloned, one of the nicest guys I've ever met in my life full stop; and someone I am determined will make it in this business if there's anything I can do about it. One hell of a friend to have on your side.

Christopher Nowinski : When I had my lowest point emotionally in November, I went into my address book, and found the address of a man who sadly would know more than most about what damage concussions can do to you and your life. And Chris was a ray of support to me, even with thousands of miles between us. Just for the record, I want him to know the difference that made to me.

Tommy Gunn : What started off as on shows, with him being my bodyguard, has lead to him being my partner in crime on many levels. I couldn't imagine life without him now, and he's done a lot for me this year that I can only say 'thank you' for, in a way like this; for him to realise how grateful I am. Truly a one of a kind.

Gangster : And they don't make them like 'Unkie Gareth' anymore either. I've been very close with this guy for years now, and there aren't words to describe how I feel about him and how he's always there for me. UCW is my second home, even though I've never actually performed there as a mangager, and it's a pleasure to be a part of the 'UCW Family'. I know he's had a bad year on a few levels, he'd tell you his self, and here's hoping 2007 is a lot better for a guy who truly deserves it.

Brian Braddock ('Choz') : When I'm online, MSN Messenger especially, this is the guy who keeps me sane. He's my conscience, he's my common sense, he listens to me when I'm down; and he's got more wrestling talent than should be allowed! An intense student of the game, especially the Japanese scene, he embodies the desire to continually improve that all wrestlers should have. A truly genuine person, who WILL make it a lot bigger in wrestling than where he is now.

Steven Gauntley : This year, I finally got to meet up with 'Mr 1PW' himself and put everything in the past aside. There's always been a bond between us from starting 1PW, and I would imagine there always will be. Steven's a misunderstood and hot headed thing (remind you of anyone?!), and has a love of this business bar none. He and his wife Rosie are lovely people, and I hope to see more of them in 2007.

Shaka, Kris Krude, and Crazii Shea : Combining three US indy workers into one paragraph, because I'm lazy! Shaka is as intense in his desire to be known in Europe as he is in his character and look, and is one of the funniest but knowledgable guys around. Kris Krude, is just lovely, and a guy I always enjoy talking to. I want to take this chance to send Kris and his family (especially his mother) our love in the health situation that currently tests them, and my prayers that they will pull through it. Crazii Shea is another of those guys who there may be a lot of distance between us, but I love him to bits and know if I left wrestling tomorrow he'd still be one of my closest friends in my life.

There's people I've left off or forgotten. I know there are. I apologise to those I've forgotten, it's early here as I write this and I have a hangover!

So to finish up, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and I can absolutely PROMISE you that in 2007, you'll be hearing my name even more than usual!

The "Internet Icon"
Petey Staniforth
www.peterstaniforth.co.uk

Peter is a UK professional wrestling manager, and is currently working for EAW (www.eawrestling.co.uk), and BRAWL (www.brawl.tk); and also available for other independent bookings - please contact at this email address for details.

Peter is also a sports, computer games, and music journalist, currently writing on the following websites - www.pwbts.com, www.wrestlingclothesline.com, www.prowrestlingdaily.com, www.warned.net, www.jimmyvan.com, www.twnpnews.com. www.mikels.cjb.net, is the exclusive WWE writer for www.ukevents.net, and also writes for UK newsletter 'Piledriver'.

Peter is a very proud member of The Wrestling Clothesline.com's Independent Wrestling Hall Of Fame Selection Committee, which can be found at www.wrestlingclothesline.com.

Peter is available for talent relations work and more, any enquiries are welcome via email.

Peter has written for Bill Apter's 'Total Wrestling' magazine, the well respected US based newsletter 'Wrestling Then And Now', and has also written press releases for the UK's WWE Euro Shop merchandise company. He was also mentioned on the credits of the cult wrestling simulation freeware game by Adam Ryland - EWR 4.2.

When using any of this information give proper credit to Cactusb and the Wrestling Clothesline at http://www.wrestlingclothesline.com

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