Bud Lane Interview.

By P.Staniforth 2005.

Here’s a chance to talk with one of the brightest and groundbreaking young independent promoters in the USA, Bud Lane; of RAGE promotions in North Carolina.

PETER) : Hi, and thanks for the interview. Would you share with us a little about your childhood?

BUD) : Well, my life started off tragic with the passing of my father when I was seven months old, but I guess in a way it helped make me who I am today in a way. Plus it made me closer to my mother and grandfather who were HUGE wrestling fans, and exposed me to the sport at a very early age. Some of my earliest memories are from wrestling events. Life was pretty normal for the most part in my youth, and then at the age of fifteen I went from being an only child to a big brother; and got to pass on my love of wrestling to my kid sister who everyone calls my mini-me (which is kind of weird if you think about it!).

PETER) : So, when did you first view wrestling?

BUD) : I have always been around wrestling. A funny story I like to tell people is when my mother was pregnant with me the doctors would tell her not to go to any shows until after she delivered but she would lie to her dad (my grandfather) and tell him it was okay to do so. So whenever she tells me I should rethink my career I remind her she was the one that got it all started.

PETER) : It’s always good when you have someone to blame! So I would figure, that you always fancied being involved in the wrestling business?

BUD) : Yes, I always knew I wanted to be in wrestling. However, unlike most I didn't want to be a wrestler but a manager; like some of the great that I had the privilege to grow up watching and actually meet. People like Jimmy Hart, Bobby Heenan, Jim Cornette, The Grand Wizard. My friends and family always knew this is what I would do as it has always been my dream, and anyone that knows me knows that I don't give up until I pass my goals. But it is weird because while I saw myself in wrestling I would have never thought of me owning my own promotion, so that kind of happened by surprise.

PETER) : So, how did you get your first break in the business?

BUD) : I got my first break in the business at age sixteen, doing website design and ringside
photography for a local federation where I lived. Within six months, I had already been reassigned to talent scout, on air television announcer; and after one year was heading up the ladies division which was when I realized I wanted to own my own federation one day.

PETER) : Can you tell us about RAGE, your promotion; and how it began?

BUD) : Well, once I got a taste of the thrill of seeing your ideas put into motion I couldn't get enough of it; and changed my goals from making it as a ringside manager which I saw being phased out to being a successful promoter and adding a new flair to the scene here. RAGE (Renegade Alliance of Grappling Entertainment) is just that. It is built around the stars of tomorrow, and innovation. We pride ourselves on being the first to do many cutting edge
matches, and have gained worldwide recognition for many of them. What most people associate with RAGE is our Pure Adrenaline Division which is just what it sounds like, non stop action. In honesty, I don't know how to put it into words; it is just one of those things you have to see to get the grace, and mystique of. Thinking back it is kind of weird because RAGE almost didn't happen. I co-headed another promotion in this area and if my partner wouldn't have tried to get too big too fast, there is no telling what I would be doing right now but I know it would be anywhere close to the level RAGE has already reached in just the few shows we have done.

PETER) : How have things progressed so far with RAGE?

BUD) : We have only had two shows so far and have gained attention from all over the world. We are getting e-mails and calls everyday from people requesting tapes or interviews, and it is crazy. I honestly can't take the credit though because it was the guys on that first show that made it what it was, simply magical. Especially the guys that participated in the first ever Mayhem Ladder Match. Guys like Crazii Shea, Chance Prophet, Spyral, Alexx Sage; and so many other great rising stars. But RAGE is still early on, so it is hard to say really how we have progressed as we are still getting our feet under us.

PETER) : How would you describe yourself to those who don't know you?

BUD) : Well, I would describe myself behind the scenes as someone who listens to the wants of the fans, the concerns of the workers; but knows how to create a balance that makes for great shows and helps the business. Someone that is cutting edge, in touch with what the scene is looking for and needs. Someone who can take an ordinary idea and make it pop. Creative and innovative I guess would be good words to use. But when I am working as the personality of the RAGE Commissioner then I would consider myself ruthless, and stopping at no means to get what I want. Actually, come to think of it; that would describe me all the time!

PETER) : What has been your favourite match or show that you were involved in?

BUD) : My favourite match so far has definitely been the Mayhem Ladder Match for the
Pure Adrenaline Title. That match for anyone that saw it was just breathtaking and a thing of beauty. Someone even described it recently as a work of art in motion. As far as favourite shows nothing ever tops your first show. Just the feeling you get when it starts is something no one knows till they do it themselves. It was truly a moment I will never forget.

PETER) : Who do you consider your friends in the business?

BUD) : I honestly don't have many friends in the business because of the nature of the beast. But there are a few that we have each other's backs no matter what. Vinnie Vain & Vax, who are the trainers of V3 Training, Kid Silver, Robbie Cassidy, Tony Givens, and as much as I hate to admit it; Crazii Shea. We may not always see eye to eye at the ring but when we are on the same side there is no stopping us!

PETER) : What would be your lowest point in wrestling so far?

BUD) : My lowest point would be early in my career when I got too big too fast. Youth and responsibility don't mix, and is a recipe for disaster. I tell everyone wait till you are mature enough to handle it before getting in, or you are on the fast track to disaster. I was a handful around the age of seventeen. You couldn't tell me anything, and respect was a word I had yet to learn. Luckily I had some great guys that finally got through to me and helped set me straight. To those guys (Jeff Rudd, Thomas Simpson, Caleb, Corey Edsel, Brad & Randy) I am forever grateful; because without you guys I wouldn't be who I am today.

PETER) : Wise words that many could take heed from. What do you like to do in your spare time?

BUD) : What is spare time? I don't know what that is anymore. No, but seriously when I do have free time I am usually doing something wrestling related. A lot of my spare time is spent in the crowds and locker rooms of other promotions. Outside of wrestling though, I like to relax online when I get the chance, hang out with my friends whom I neglect lately; spend time with my family, and really anything else I get the urge to do at that moment. I'm a very spontaneous person.

PETER) : What five words you feel describe you best?

BUD) : Creative, Loyal, Innovative, Driven, and Ruthless.

PETER) : What would you say are your main plans for the future?

BUD) : My plans for the future short term are to build RAGE to the highest levels I can, and get my guys the exposure they need to make it big like I know they can. Also to once again raise the bar for the NC indy scene, and bring it back to the power it once was. Long term I see myself working for a major promotion on either the creative team, or scouting.

PETER) : What are your thoughts on WWE and TNA, and the indy's?

BUD) : Honestly, I don't really care for WWE outside of a couple of guys. I feel it is just too Hollywood and they have forgotten that the marquee says wrestling on it. TNA, I am a big fan of as it is giving a lot of tremendous talent a chance to shine on a national and international level; plus anyone that has seen their pay per views knows that these guys have what it takes to give Vinnie Mac some competition soon. The indy’s I see right now as in trouble. The scene is in a period of change and everyone is trying something different to try and get results. Add that with the facts that less great talent is available on the indy scene and it only makes matters worse. But I have faith within another six months or so, they will be back on the level they should be.

PETER) : Who do you like to watch, and to learn from?

BUD) : As far as who I like to watch that is a long list, but some of my top guys would be Ricky Steamboat, AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, Petey Williams, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Eddie Guerreo, Rey Mysterio, John Cena, Rob Van Dam, Crazii Shea, Damien Wayne, Kid Silver. Guys I have learnt from are Jeff Rudd (CWF-Mid Atlantic), Thomas Simpson (OMEGA), Dave & Connie (ACCW in NC), Johnny Glitter, Rick O'Brien, Kelly & Kyle (NWA-Virginia). There are
a lot more but these guys were the most influential.

PETER) : What indy talent do you personally feel is going to break through soon?

BUD) : I'm not going to count any guys that are mainstays in TNA, but definitely Crazii Shea, Damien Wayne, Flash Flannagan, Kid Silver, Alexx Sage, Pharoah, Krazy K, Kamakazi Kid, Chance Prophet, Azrieal, Krissy Vaine, Joey Silvia, Ouga Bouga, Brad Attitude, and Aaron Stride.

PETER) : And to finish this up, is there anything you'd like to promote, or anyone you'd like to thank?

BUD) : Well you can check out RAGE online at www.ragefans.com. I would also like to thank all the fans, wrestlers, supporters, and sponsors that have helped raise RAGE to the next level so early on. Without all of you it wouldn't be possible, and for that I would just like to once again
thank you. Also I would like to thank you for giving me this chance in this interview. Finally I would like to send a message to all the youth out there that have been told they can't make it. Don't let anyone stop you from accomplishing your dreams. The only one that can stop you from reaching your full potential is yourself. It is always better to try and say I did my best, than never have tried and always wonder what could have been. Life is what you make it, and nothing is out of reach if you never give up.

PETER) : It’s good to end an interview on such a positive note, and I wish you all the best in the future with everything you do.

Peter Staniforth.
www.pswrestling.net

Peter is a UK based sports and music journalist, for www.pwbts.com, www.kayfabememories.com, www.wrestlingdotcom.com, www.wrestlingclothesline.com, www.bgwwrestling.com, www.prowrestlingdaily.com, www.thesuplex.com, and the exclusive WWE writer and music reviewer for www.ukevents.net.

Peter has written for Bill Apter's "Total Wrestling" magazine, the well respected US based newsletter 'Wrestling Then And Now'; and also has written press releases for the UK's WWE Euro Shop merchandise company. He was also mentioned on the credits of the cult wrestling simulation game by Adam Ryland - EWR 4.0.

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