by Gerry Strauss
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the visitors of this
site to a new contributor, Gerry Strauss. Gerry has been working with
a variety of quality independents in the tri-state area for a couple of
years as a commentator, interviewer, and/or ring announcer. He lists companies
like PCW, PTW, IHPW, 3PW, KAPOW, and SmartMark video as among those who
have given him valued opportunities to contribute, and now, in an effort
to try something different, has come up with a unique spin on interviews.
I hope you enjoy his first column and stay tuned for many more.
-Brett Schwan (webmaster)
-------
What up, true believers? I'm Gerry Strauss, and I've been trying to think
of a unique column idea for this site for the longest time. It's kinda
tough because I work for several promotions on a regular basis, and I
wanted to come up with something that I could do without bias. Finally,
I came up with what I hope will be a regular feature, "Seven Deadly
Questions". The premise is simple: I pick an individual in the wrestling
business whom I feel has some burning questions surrounding him. In other
words, inquiring minds want to know some stuff. I come up with seven (hopefully)
hard- hitting questions, and let that person answer essay-style. The results
are then presented for all to enjoy. So, without further adieu, here we
go.
My very first subject is a guy who has been a fixture on the indy scene in the Tri- State area, and a guy who has made some headlines in the last couple months for a non-wrestling related act of heroism. His name is Billy Reil, and he pulls few punches when discussing his opinions on anything and everything.
1) There has been a great deal of talk regarding your heroic trashing of a mugger a few months back. You got a decent amount of local media coverage, and the story seems to have morphed over time, and depending on the source. For the record, can you tell us exactly what happened out there?
The morning that it happened I was over my little brother's house because he had been suspended from the school the day before. I came over that night to give him some guidance basically telling him to no sell the teachers egging him on. The next morning I woke up early, and went over to the Italian Market to have a cup of coffee with my friend Anthony. It would be ironic because the coffee was very strong, and it kept me awake. As fate may have it his mother would be getting mugged two hours after we hung out. I was upstairs on the third floor chilling, playing Madden 2003 on my brothers gamecube when I heard a familiar screaming for help. Without hesitation I ran as fast as I could down three flights of steps, and proceded to chase this guy. After about 6 blocks, I was passing a coffee shop called Sarcones Deli I think, and there was this girl sipping coffee and reading a book, so I asked her to borrow it. She was very reluctant at first, but afte 20 seconds of me explaining she gave up the bike. I jumped on the bike, and continued my pursuit. I finally caught up to him, and brought him down. After bringing him down, I saw that it was a kid, who I used to hang with in college, who must have recently had a heroin problem. He asked me to let him go, but I couldn't. I got the purse off of him, and the cops came. It really troubles me to see somebody that I used to be really close with in the condition that he was in. I just hope that going to jail ultimately saves his life.
2) Regarding that incident, there was predictably some backlash. Certain
individuals, ranging from fans to actual people in the business, have
gone as far as to call you a liar and insinuate that the story was exaggerated
just so you could get some attention and perhaps jumpstart your wrestling
career. How do you respond to those allegations?
I think that anybody that would try to make such a positive story into a negative one is a sad person who lacks something in their life. I know deep down in my heart that if my grandmothers were still alive, and somebody helped them if they were in that situation that I wouldn't be able to thank them enough. I think Bret Hart was half right when he said that there are no heroes left, There are heroes out there, but this society just doesn't believe in them anymore. As far as jumpstarting my career goes, Trust me it wasn't intended to do so. I was just helping somebody in need, Why should I be crucified for doing a good deed ? There's alot more to Billy Reil then Profession Wrestling. Some people in this business let the machine consume them. Not me...Professional Wrestling isn't my life, It's just a part of it. And as far as the people making these allegations, I ask them to come to the Italian Market and ask anybody that was there or anybody that knows the woman I helped, and the truth shall set the doubters free.
3)You have gone on record on your website as saying that you are not crazy about the current direction of the indies, that everyone is "turning japanese" so to speak. Could you clarify?
As far as the Japanese style overwhelming almost everybody it really
takes the luster out of the art. I'm a entertainer...Yeah I can work that
style, but I'm in this for the long run. I'm talking until I'm 50 years
old. Some Ric Flair Shit. I wouldn't mind doing a Japanese style 45 minute
match maybe once or twice a year, but thats it. Your body can only take
so much abuse. Look at the old timers like Stu Hart, who can barely walk
straight, and they didn't work half as hard as the new class does. Look
at Dynamite for Christ's sake, I don't want to turn out like that. If
anybody doubts that I can work that style just pop in some Best Of Lowki
tapes,and you'll see at least 3 matches with me in it. It works for Lowki,
I think he's great, but just like that eminem song " the real slim
shady" I ask will the real Lowki to please stand up because almost
everybody is trying to steal his spots, work stiff, and do his shit.
It makes me shake my head when I see a 150 lb kid doing forearms that
are supposed to knock someone out. It's laughable.
4) Knowing your dislike of the aforementioned styles of wrestling, have you ever refused to work with anyone in your career, or refused working any particular kind of match? Would you in the future?
Never, I am told to do something, and I do it. Whether or not I like it is another story, but it's my job and I treat it like a real job. I don't dislike the style, I just dislike everybody doing the style because it's not as special when it's overdone. Moderation anyone ?
5)Everyone knows how competitive the indies are in Philly, and the relationships and/or heat between feds are well documented. However, the NJ indy scene is sometimes just as heated and clique-ish, and much like in Philly, you tend to see some guys only work for certain promoters, while staying away from others. With that in mind, and keeping in mind that you perform primarily in PA and NJ, what are your thoughts on, and relationships with, the main promotions and promoters in the area? Who would you work for, who do you love to work for, who would you never work for, and WHY?
It all depends man...I would work for ROH, WXW is a fun place to work. I like the direction that XPW is going. Shane Douglas is a great leader in the lockerroom, and I may wind up there. I love working for ISPW when Fierro runs because everybody there are my close friends. I would never work for any promoter who screws the boys on pay...That is my ultimate dislike.
6) What are your thoughts and experiences on ring "rats" and recount your craziest experience involving one, if you have any.
I don't even know what a ring rat is man , you're asking the wrong person. <Laughs> When I was younger I had alot of experiences too shocking to tell publicly at this point. Remember I've been in this business for 9 years now man. I was 14 years old...LOL, I'm 23 now. I am writing 3 books to chronicle my life in and out of the ring. The first one should be done in about 18 months. It's going to focus on the first 23 years of my life, and I'm hoping to make the NY Times dude for sure.
7) Many workers are understandably worried about the state of wrestling today. In the eyes of many, the WWE is a barometer of the business as a whole, and since its ratings are dropping, they see opportunities drying up in the forseeable future. How do you feel about the state of the biz and your future in it?
Like I said , I'm in this for the long run man. I hope that business picks up, but it may take sometime. I know that wrestling will always be around in some form, and I just hope that one day I'll get my chance to prove myself on tv. For all my supporters and friends, I love you guys.. You keep me ticking, and to my main man Jesus Christ, thank you for everything. Peace, Billy Reil
Email me with comments, criticism, questions, requests for future interviews, or love letters at DJG4EVR@aol.com.
