2009 was the year that Chair Shot Reality began. I was 21 years old and a junior at Point Park University. Loving professional wrestling for as long as I can remember gave me an opportunity to pursue something that I never thought would be possible. I, along with Justin LaBar, created a show that would be different, unique and quite challenging.
CSR has never been easy. Whether it was the travel, the multiple sets, the lighting, the locations, the ideas, the money, the cast or the content it was always changing and always about the bigger picture. The bigger picture seemed so far out of focus, but it became a reality sooner rather than later. For two and a half years, I got paid ZERO dollars for my work, working that forced me to drive an hour one way to our make shift studio. It took time. It took dedication. Justin and I never gave up on the idea of our show and the idea that it could be great. Can it be bigger and better? Absolutely. I hate being complacent just because we have somewhat “made it.”
Credibility is very dangerous. You can talk about wrestling, interview former talent, study film and write about it but there will always be people that do not take your word at all as being credible. Many will critique that I have never been a wrestler so my opinions are invalid. Ask Todd Haley that question, the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers who never laced up a pair of cleats. Ask Mark Madden about wrestling or hockey. There is a difference between being a student from the outside and a student from the inside of a game or sport. Take your pick on which one can be credible. I choose both.
When my life was in limbo, I moved to Baltimore to pursue new opportunities, primarily with Major League Baseball and their media productions. I loved my time, but it took away from something that I helped create. I cannot begin to explain the countless times of tweets, texts, emails and phone calls from fans and friends wondering when I will be back on the show. Hell, even my boss at Wrestlezone wanted me back in studio on a regular basis. When the finances were in order, I was able to come back and take the show to another level. I was missed and it felt good.
Is my dream to work in professional wrestling for WWE? I would not call it my dream job, but it would make any wrestling fan intrigued. Have I passed up on other opportunities with other notable wrestling companies? Yes, but that is my business and I don’t need to promote myself like that to the public. I will reveal more plans in 2016 about some great opportunities for myself, but that is for another time.
My mind is set on bringing 300 more episodes of Chair Shot Reality. That is more of my passion than my job. Without LaBar, this show would not be what it is. Would it survive without me? Maybe. Would it be as good? No. Call me cocky or confident, but working with someone on camera for almost a decade in some form or fashion isn’t something that can be duplicated overnight. I have had the pleasure to work with LaBar in many areas and am happy to be part of this adventure that continues to amaze me. An adventure that has let me developed many friendships, from Pittsburgh to Boston, to Wyoming and all the way around the world. If I have met you before, it truly is my pleasure to speak with you and talk wrestling. If you have not met me, the next drink is on me! I truly appreciate all of the love and criticisms because it makes me become better at what I love to do. I never want to “go through the motions” and be complacent.
Love us or hate us, that is up to you. If you are watching or reading my opinions, my job is being executed. Thanks for all of the support and thank you for watching, listening and reading my thoughts. Most of all, thanks to the people that believed in me. Thanks to Chris Cash for giving us the chance and to Nick Paglino for being a big supporter and giving us the opportunity to take it to another level.
