by Gerry Strauss
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Hola, mi nombre is Geraldo Strauss... When you think of the shrewdest, most capable, most succesful promoters in the wrestling business, you don't really think of too many that can't pee standing up, if you know what I'm saying. Most of 'em are guys, and many of em are downright grotesque looking (think Roland Alexander from "Beyond The Mat") But in the heart of Philadelphia is 3PW, and at the helm of 3PW is one of the hottest women ever to step in the ring, Jasmine St. Clair. She wrestles on occasion, she valets sometimes, but did you also know that her most impressive asset is her BRAIN? Read on and see what I mean.... and as usual, if you have any comments, questions, complaints, or any interview suggestions, let me know at gerrystrauss@aol.com..
1) Tell us about the origins of 3PW. What was, and what currently is, your role in the company, and what events and factors took place to enable the promotion to not only begin running shows, but to do so on a grand enough scale that it immediately made Viking Hall it's home?
3PW is my brainchild. It got started when a friend of mine wanted to buy the WWWF name & I told him he would be much better off giving me the money & I could run a show. Being that I have run 3 other businesses and have my degree from a prestigious NYC university and I am extremely organzied, I was automatically trusted.
I am the majority owner of the company. The Viking Hall was just convenient. We now have a new building & will also be running shows elsewhere in the USA.
2) How do you feel about XPW basically "buying" Viking Hall, or at least preventing you or anyone else from running shows there?
What people fail to realize is that it is just a building. It was a dumpy bingo hall Tod Gordon found 10 years ago & created an illusion that it was this great building.
No matter who runs there, they will never be like ECW. ECW has been dead.
3) A lot of promoters are saying that, in this down time in the business, it is important for wrestling companies to work together to make sure everyone has a chance of success. We have seen brief bouts of cooperation among companies in the Philly area, such as CZW and Ring Of Honor booking shows on the same day but at different times to encourage business for both. How do you feel about that theory, and who would you be willing to co-promote or work with?
I keep to myself. I do not care about working with anyone,unless it is necessary. I guess CZW would be the only ones to work with. ROH knew our dates & may God strike me dead if I am lying on that. (Interviewer's note: The previous comment was somewhat vague, but it is assumed that Jasmine was referring to an instance where Ring of Honor and 3PW ran simultaneosly, and ROH subsequently denied that they scheduled their show at that time on purpose).
4) Let's focus on the issue of Jasmine, the real life business woman vs. Jasmine, the "wrestling personality". What are the differences? Do you try to avoid any aspects of your widely-known prior professions or undertakings being used or mentioned in the wrestling business?
Well, I am very serious in whatever I do and put 150% of my effort into whatever my current projects are. Jasmin the wrestling personality is more bubbly & outgoing. Jasmin the businesswoman is a shark,ruthless,organized,serious and does not care what other people say. I have proven myself & come along a far way from the stupid adult fim business. I have no disrespect for my fans.
I also think anyone that really mentions my past in conjunction with wrestling is stupid since it is so done and over with for ages now. I have one movie I am releasing this year,but it is old footage that I own the rights to.
5) I'm sure this question is asked all the time, but it's so obvious that it can't be ignored: What exactly is the nature of your relationship with the Blue Meanie?
What do you think?
6) Ironically, on the cusp of what was speculated by some to by 3PW's
anniversary show of sorts, the promotion now finds itself withou a home.
What is the status on the future of the company? Are you looking for one
new homebase, or will you run in several? Is the Philly area still the
target?
As I said before, we have a new building & the show is on Feb. 15th.
We will always run the 3rd Saturday of the month,as we always have. I
was on vacation this past month.
7) Finally, we have seen over the past several months that a major way for a wrestling company to combat growing competition is to establish a unique identity. Well, Ring Of Honor has forged a rep for it's intense wrestling action. CZW are the self- proclaimed kings of ultraviolence. XPW seems to be attempting to become ECW version 2. What do you see as the identity of Pro - Pain Pro Wrestling?
3PW is what the logo is" Blood,Brawls & Broads".
We have something for everyone.
Previous Columns:
Billy Reil
Matthew Hendrickson
Chris Hamrick
Kevin Matthews
Pete Van Orton
Rockin Rebel
Fluff Dupp
Carmine Sabia
Tommy Fierro
