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I/V:
Bill Behrens, Owner, Promoter & Television Syndicator
- NWA Wildside & Show Business Inc - 18th
June 2003
& 31st October 2003
What is your background, and that of
NWA Wildside?
I'm
a television programming syndicator, started in 1980.
I've
worked for my family company, Behrens
Company & Behrens Productions, then
Access Syndication, Great Entertainment Co., World
Sports, Sunbelt, ITC, Polygram, Universal Television,
and eventually also USWA, SMW,
WCW, & WWF, among others, holding titles
from Director to Vice-President.
I
eventually started my own company, Show
Business, Inc. I was involved with USWA
when it went out of business in 1997 after having
been bought from Jerry Jarrett and Jerry
Lawler by some folk who had no idea how to tun
it.
I
was syndicating it's TV show in a distribution relationship
with the WWF. Then one
Monday I had no show, and needed one by Wednesday.
Jerry Jarrett suggested calling Bert
Prentice in Nashville, who I had met at USWA,
and we set up Music City Wrestling,
and he got a show out by Wednesday. Music City Wrestling
became NWA Worldwide
in 1998, and at around the same time I began promoting
in Georgia as NWA Georgia
with weekly shows in Loganville, GA, but no TV. Steve
Martin and Ray Rawls
were do a cable TV show in Cornelia, GA under the
brand NCW. They approached
me about a partnership. I agreed. We created NWA Wildside.
Ray Rawls sold out to Steve Martin, and then Steve
to me.
NWA
Wildside will produce it's 200th TV hour on 7/5/03.
The show is seen in various parts of the US....Atlanta,
Phildelphia, Minneapolis, Dallas etc., in what has
been called the second largest
TV distribution other than WWE.
What
are your aims objectives?
To
keep it going...it being the TV, and to grow.
What
are the best attributes of your promotion?
We
are centered around TV, training young talent, and
helping that talent "make it" in pro wrestling.
NWA
Worldwide was home to future stars like WWE's Shannon
Moore and The Hurricane
(Gregory "Shane" Helms). NWA Wildside was
home to WWE/NWATNA star
Ron "The Truth" Killings
(K Krush), WCW/NWATNA star AJ
Styles, WCW
stars Air Paris and Jason
Jett, NWATNA stars David
Young, Jason Cross, Jimmy Rave, Rick MIchaels, Slim
J, and others.
Our
announce team of Dan "The
Dragon" Wilson and Steve
Prazak, plus frequent guest, Scott
Hudson are all standouts in Wildside. They
are the best announce team in wrestling.
At
one time we served as the "development"
territory for WCW. We promote approximately 100 shows
per year, and produce weekly TV. We are operated professionally,
and the "ring work" we feature is high quality.
Quite simply we are not a typical Independent Wrestling
company.
Who
are the most talented and bright prospects?
Our
whole roster which has guys from all over the us...nearly
50 at any one time. Guys who stand out include Iceberg,
Rainman, Murder One, Jeremy V, Salvatore Rinauro,
Alter Boy Luke, Hotstuff Hernandez, Onyx, Whitmer
& Stryker, Lazz, Seth Delay, Tank, Bulldog Raines,
The Dobbins Brothers, The Lost Boyz, Jeff G Bailey,
Al Getz and many more, plus many of the guys
who I mentioned work with NWATNA are still with us
too. It is tough to make our roster, very competitive
in a good way.
Where
do you promote?
In
Georgia....TV tapings are in Cornelia, GA....monthly
shows in Athens, GA, and various other towns for "spot
shows". We also have associates in Alabama and
Florida who promote regularly and we send talent to
promotions like Combat Zone
and Ring Of Honor in
Philadelphia where our TV airs, and of course Wildside
guys are seen weekly on NWATNA PPV's.
Who
are your biggest supporters?
So
many people.....Jerry Jarrett,
Jim Cornette, Tom Pritchard, Kevin Kelly, Bob Ryder,
Bert Prentice, Gabe & Rob at ROH, Zandig at CZW,
Dory Funk, Jr. and his wife Marti, Ron Niemi &
Joe Price, Jerry Lawler, New Jack, Terry Taylor, Matt
Hardy, JJ Dillon, Jeremy Borash, Jeff Jarrett, Dusty
Rhodes, and so many more, plus various of our
NWA Members, some more than others. And the great
magazine people like Bill Apter
and also Brandi at PWI.
Even the "sheets" like the Torch,
Observer,
and Larriot have helped.
As AJ Styles would say,
we've been blessed.
What
motivates you?
Seeing
some kid reach his dream and having a small part in
making it happen.
What
is the relationship between NWA Wildside and NWA TNA,
and the traditional NWA which enjoys a rich history?
NWA
Wildside is my company. I am the NWA Member for Georgia,
Alabama, Florida and E Tennessee. I am on the NWA
Board of Directors. We "sanction" NWATNA
and I work for them helping run the backstage area,
and what is called the "gorilla" position.
NWATNA has offered great exposure to our brand. And
it is great to have a part in the only
PPV that Australian fans can see.
What
are some of your success stories?
Some
talent mentioned above.......AJ Styles is the big
one...he is already great only 4 years in....Ron Killings,
Gregory "Shane" Helms, Shannon Moore, David
Young, Jason Cross, Jimmy Rave.....plus just surviving
is a big "success story", having TV is another.
What
a funny story from the road or locker room?
Lots
of funny stories, but I'm supposed to be the older
guy who stays above that stuff.....but the time I
was awakened in Florida by my panicked wrestlers who
did not know what to do with a passed out David
Penzer was one......he lived BTW.
What
are your current projects?
Sames
as always.....produce TV, sell merchandise, work weekly
at TNA, promote as often as possible....fans can visit
WWW.NWA-WILDSIDE.COM
for more info.
What
other important information should our audience know
about you and NWA Wildside?
We
care about our product and our fans. We are literally
like a family. When I get mail or orders from Australia
or interview requests like this it is great.
I
look forward to hearing from you and your team.
Thank
you for this opportunity. I hope I can visit Australia
again soon. AJ Styles and myself had the pleasure
of visiting Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth on a WWA
tour where we did a PPV, and we enjoyed the experience
greatly. The people, the fans are just wonderful.
Even back in early 2002 when we were there they knew
who I was, who AJ was, and NWA Wildside. If I were
to live anywhere other than the US it would be in
Australia.
...end.
Editors
note: These guys are kicking major goals in wrestling
and the television business. They deserve our support.
Links:
NWA-Wildside
NWA
TNA
NWA
Tribute (Greg Tingle's)
Contact
Details:
Show
Business, Inc.
NWA Wildside Wrestling
PO Box 941787
Atlanta, GA 31141
770-621-9533
I/V:
Bill Behrens, Owner, Promoter & Television Syndicator
- NWA Wildside & Show Business Inc - 31st October
2003
Media
Man Australia contacts a brief interview for an update.
What
are a few "secrets" of your success?
Only
real secret I know is not to spend more than you make,
and not to assume TV will make you money, and to avoid
overbooking a card and overpaying "perceived"
stars.
What
are your plans in Australia?
We
about to add a new Member in Australia. Formal announcement
will be made soon.
In
the US there is you, Vince McMahon and who else?
Thank
you for mentioning me in the same sentence with Vince.
There are other good US promotions, but none close
to WWE nor the combined reach of the NWA, but Ring
Of Honor's, Gabe & Rob do a very good job.
If
you have a bio or a CV you could share with me, or
just parts of it, that would be great.
I've
done several interviews with bio info...try reading
the three found here
NWA National
Wrestling Alliance Tackling Tradition Interviews
Also,
some of your team may like to advise of a few good
promoting traits of yourself?
Leave
that to them.
Can
you advise of how the JJ (Jeff Jarrett) / Hulk Hogan
deal came about / is coming about?
Hogan
was available. Jimmy Hart has always had a relationship
with the Jarretts. New Japan wanted Hogan. It all
just fell into place but has now been delayed due
to Hogan's surgery. Looks like Feb for the big PPV
now. Jimmy Hart is appearing now on TNA to promote
Hogan's future appearance. Really all I know is above.
In
any event, I am delighted to keep promoting you. Thanks
for your time and interest.
And
thank you.
...end.
Editors
note: looks like things are really heating up. Hogan,
Jarrett whats next?!
Links:
Media
Man Australia: Bill Behrens profile
NWA
National Wrestling Alliance Tackling Tradition Interviews
NWA-Wildside
NWA
TNA
NWA
Tribute (Greg Tingle's)
Article:
The Great Yankee Promoters, by Greg Tingle
Article:
The Great Aussie Promoters, by Greg Tingle
Wrestling
Managers and Announcers (Greg Tingle's tribute)
Jimmy
"Mouth of the South" tribute
Hulk
Hogan tribute
Jeff
Jarrett tribute
Vince
McMahon tribute
Greg
"Media Man" Tingle bio
NOTES
FROM THE PRESIDENT 11/17/03
I as thinking recently of how many NWA World Champions
and regional champions have appeared on NWATNA PPV.
Of
course there have been the World champions created
on the PPV, KEN SHAMROCK, RON KILLINGS, JEFF JARRETT
& AJ STYLES, but also we have seen recent champions
like STEVE CORINO, SABU & MIKE RAPADA, and legendary
champions like DORY FUNK, JR., HARLEY RACE, DUSTY
RHODES, RICKY STEAMBOAT & STING. SHANE DOUGLAS
was even very briefly an NWA World Heavyweight Champion.
NWATNA has furthered NWA World Title history and honored
it.
Quite
a few NWA in ring stars and backstage personal have
strong NWA lineage. DAVID YOUNG is a four time NWA
WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPION. RICK MICHAELS, who makes
most of the wrestling gear seen on NWATNA, is also
a four time NWA WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPION. RICK STEINER,
who has appeared several times, is a former NWA WORLD
TAG TEAM CHAMPION. TERRY TAYLOR, who works the backstage
area, had his most recent NWA title run as NWA NORTH
AMERICAN CHAMPION. Promoter JERRY JARRETT was a NWA
Member at one time, joining originally with NICK GULAS.
ERIK WATTS' father BILL WATTS was a NWA Member, and
influential promoter and TV producer. Numerous of
the TNA wrestlers have NWA title experience in the
NWA regional promotions including LOW KI, CHRIS DANIELS,
CHRIS HARRIS, JAMES STORM, ABYSS, KEVIN NORTHCUTT,
and numerous others.
I
received some results of a poll held recently on the
old NWA fan forum and NWA Virginia fan forum. Here
they are:
National
Wrestling Alliance
2nd Annual NWA Achievement Awards
NWA
Wrestler of the Year
2002 Winner: Spyder
NWA
Tag Team of the Year
2002 Winner: The Shane Twins
NWA
MVP of the Year:
2002 Winner: Jerry Lynn
NWA
Promotion of the Year
2002 Winner: NWA Florida/IPW
NWA
Promoter of the Year
2002 Winner: Joe Price
NWA
Rookie of the Year
2002 Winner: Madison & Slim J
NWA
Comeback of the Year
2002 Winner: Jeff Jarrett
NWA
Match of the Year
2002 Winner: AJ Styles vs. Jerry Lynn 08-21-02 (Best
of 3 Series)
NWA
Feud of the Year
2002: AJ Styles vs. Jerry Lynn
NWA
Event of the Year
2002 Winner: Independent Armageddon 11-30-02 (NWA
Florida)
NWA
Most Popular Wrestler of the Year
2002 Winner: Spyder
NWA
Most Hated Wrestler of the Year
2002 Winner: Vince Russo
NWA
Inspirational Wrestler of the Year
2002 Winner: Spyder
NWA
Most Improved
2002 Winner: Spyder
For those who may not be familiar with Spyder, he
is a regular and frequent champion for Ernie Todd's
CWF, but he has also been seen in various other NWA
regional promotions and on TNA Xplosion. Madison is
former NWA World Woman's Champion, who lost her title
to Lei Lani Kai in Nashville in a match that preceded
TNA PPV. She is a regular in NWA ECCW. Slim J is a
regular in NWA Wildside, and has appeared on NWA TNA
PPV. The Shane Twins are regulars in NWA Florida,
briefly were NWA World Tag Team Champions, and appeared
on NWATNA PPV as the Johnsons managed by Mortimer
Plumbtree.
More
next week.
Bill
Behrens
NWA President
NWA
WILDSIDE WRESTLING HISTORY (courtesy
NWA Wildside official website)
The
Georgia based promotion was created in 1999 through
a merger of NCW (National Championship Wrestling)
owned by Steve Martin & Ray Rawls and NWA Georgia
owned by Bill Behrens, who also served as Vice-President
of the National Wrestling Alliance. Behrens took sole
control of the company in December 2001. The WILDSIDE
television product is the primary calling card as
it airs nationally, it what may now be the second
largest television distribution in the United States.
NWA WILDSIDE is scheduled weekly on the URBAN AMERICA
NETWORK (WWW.UATVN.COM) , and NWA WILDSIDE also airs
on stations like WGTW-TV48 in Philadelphia (Fri 1AM),
KLDT-TV55 in Dallas, TX (Sat/Sun 8PM), and WHKY-TV14
in Hickory/Charlotte, NC (Tues 6PM), and in ATLANTA
on COMCAST CABLE CH-25 in DEKALB CO. and CH-24 in
METRO ATLANTA on SUNDAYS @ 8PM. NWA WILDSIDE can be
seen on the worldwide web on the World Wrestling Network
at WWW.WWN.TV. Television tapings are on the first
and third Saturdays of each month at the NWA Arena
in Cornelia, GA (4236 Level Grove Rd.), where weekly
Friday shows are also promoted. NWA WILDSIDE operates
a wrestling school at its NWA Arena on Monday and
Thursday evenings. NWA WILDSIDE features talent like
AJ STYLES, ONYX, JIMMY RAVE, , RICK MICHAELS, TONY
MAMALUKE, DAVID YOUNG, TERRY KNIGHT, S.A.T., ADAM
JACOBS, NEW JACK, SLIM J, AMAZING RED, ICEBERG, TANK,
THE BRISCOE BROTHERS, THE LOST BOYZ, RAINMAN, STONE
MOUNTAIN, TODD SEXTON and many more. WILDSIDE regulars
Rick Michaels & David Young, BAD ATTITUDE, were
4 time NWA World Tag Team Champions winning the titles
first in Tampa, FL in August 2000. World Championship
Wrestling (WCW) hired NWA WILDSIDE to serve as its
development territory, and sent POWER PLANT wrestlers
like DAN FACTOR, OMEN, THE BEAST (BOB SAPP), and television
stars like DAVID FLAIR, SHANNON MOORE, SHANE HELMS
(HURRICANE), MARK JINDRAK, SEAN O’HAIRE, KWEE
WEE (ALAN FUNK/BRUCE), KID ROMEO, ELIX SKIPPER, JUNG
DRAGONS (JAIME NOBLE & KAZ HAYASHI) to compete.
In 2000 WCW hired several WILDSIDE stars including
AJ STYLES, AIR PARIS & EZ MONEY (JASON JETT).
WILDSIDE stars, ONYX, DAVID YOUNG, RICK MICHAELS,
AJ STYLES and more have wrestled on WWF/WWE tapings.
AJ STYLES, DAVID YOUNG, JIMMY RAVE, SLIM J, RICK MICHAELS,
JASON CROSS, & TONY MAMALUKE appear on NWATNA
weekly PPVs (Wednesdays @ 8PM (ET), as have the S.A.T.,
AMAZING RED, BRISCOE BROTHERS, DEVINE STORM and other
WILDSIDE visitors.
NWA-WILDSIDE.COM
PO Box 941787
Atlanta, GA 31141
770-621-9533
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