Intro paragraph to be added

RON: Let's start off way back during your youth. What was the first wrestling show you ever attended live?

JOSH: My first memory of a live wrestling show would be in Detroit at Joe Louis Arena. I was maybe 7. It was a WWF show with Piper vs. Orndorff as the main event. I remember being fixed to the action, not able to move, speak or anything. I was just in awe of the spectacle of it all. I had seen it on TV, but only after seeing it live was I truly hooked.

RON: Every wrestling fan looked up to at least one superstar that they wanted to be like. Who was that idol for you as a child?

JOSH: Jake "the Snake" Roberts. His character and ability in the ring seemed effortless and ice cold. Something about Jake always fascinated me and held my interest. I always said that if I were ever a heel wrestler, I would strive to be the same way.

RON: Besides your love for wrestling, you grew up with a lot of musical interests. Care to explain your early days of playing music, perhaps the first instrument you ever picked up?

JOSH: I began playing drums at an early age (4 or 5). I would hit anything you would put in front of me with drumsticks. I began taking lessons formally at age 7. My Dad and Uncle were in a band together as I was growing up and I am sure that had an impact on me ultimately being a musician as well. My Dad taught me how to play basic guitar. Once I was taking drum lessons, I began competing for several years, taking multiple titles along the way. I then joined the 1st Michigan Colonial Fife and Drum Corps. They are a great group of musicians that play period revolutionary war music, complete with period dress and instruments. I spent many great years there with the group, travelling to New York, Vermont, West Virginia, Boston, England, Scotland and too many more places and events to list. We would march in Parades and the like. The Revolution theme seemed prevalent even early on!

RON: How close were you and one Bubba Mackenzie during your youth? Were you both always on the same level as wrestling fans?

JOSH: Bubba and I have been friends for most of our lives. It's hard for me to remember any time that we didn't know each other. Grew up in the same neighborhoods, went to the same schools. Even though he was a couple of years older, we were always mixing it up somehow. In fact, Bubba joined the 1st Michigan just prior to myself joining. We always were big wrestling fans and would go to the shows together. Either his dad or my dad would take us. We began in the N.A.W (National Allstar Wrestling the pre stranglemania or JCW fed that started it all) together with ICP and the rest is, you know...

RON: We'll discuss ICP in a minute, but first, were you always mostly into the punk rock flavor? What other types of music did you get into?

JOSH: Bubba is actually much better rooted in the punk genre. Don't get me wrong, I was a big fan of the Misfits, Ramones & Meatmen growing up, but also Anthrax, Metallica, Kiss, Whitesnake, Iron Maiden, Danzig, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc... I am into all kinds of stuff now, ranging from Johnny Cash to Ray Charles, Tom Petty to Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath to Howlin Wolf, Stevie Wonder to Clutch, Dr. Dre to Jimi Hendrix. Not a big fan of a lot of the current crop of pop music or the radio friendly tracks they try to shove down our throats repeatedly. But I digress.

RON: Explain the genesis of the Bump-N-Uglies for the uninitiated.

JOSH: Bubba and I were in a 3 piece local band called Blud Sosij together with our friend Phil from the Fife and Drum Corps. We played the local clubs in Detroit from when I was just 12 to 14. We broke up and seperated musically, but not as friends. Actually, I am not an original member of the Bump-N-Uglies band. Bubba Mackenzie formed the group with another friend named Spaghetti and original drummer Brian "Bunny" Bunnell. Brian was an Ensign (Flag bearer) in the 1st Michigan. They began the group as a 3 piece, with no bass player. At the time, I was in another project called The Ghouls, but I would frequently drop by the Uglies practice to say "Hi" and hang out. Rob (Rosetti) joined Bubba, Spaghetti and Brian to make it a four piece. One evening at practice, Brian was sick and couldn't make practice, so I sat in. From there, I was hired in permanently and shortly after, Amado (Movado) was added to make the current lineup that has been around for the last 9 years.

RON: Give us one of your most memorable stories from a BNU show.

JOSH: Too many shows, too many memories. Wow. I remember once in Cleveland, we were playing some dive and only a few people were there for the show. But for the few that did come out to see us and had heard about the wrestling, we figured we had to produce. So for our planned spot, "Dirty" Mark Johanson was the villain of the night. As he was taunting Bubba on stage, a fan that didn't realize it was a work, came up and grabbed Dirty in a shoot headlock. This guy happened to be BEYOND DRUNK and was not letting up on poor Dirty, punching him in the back of the head. Bubba was busy trying to explain things under his breath to this guy while pulling him off, but to no avail. Bubba had to step in on the guy, who fell to the floor in the tussle with Bubs. After a couple of punches from myself, the altercation knocked down the false walls in the club and it moved out into the street where I had to chase this guy away from the club. After all was said and done, he came back, apologized and helped us load in our gear. He was just trying to help in his own drunken way. A bizarre experience that I will never forget, that's for sure.

RON: Ok, going back to ICP-- Explain the early relationship between The Bump-N-Uglies and Insane Clown Posse.

JOSH: Bubba had been working at Hot Hits Records, which is owned by the Abbis Family (Alex Abbis is the manager of ICP) and had become friends with Alex and Joe & Joey (Violent J and Shaggy). At that time, they were still starting out and starting to make some money with the Ringmaster about to drop. The BNU had opened up a couple shows for ICP, and hung out to help with their concerts and whatnot. We got a call while partying one evening from Joe, who said they had purchased an honest to goodness wrestling ring. Of course being the marks we were, we just had to check this out. After that, Denny Cass came in with Breyer Wellington and helped out some of the guys with basic training. The Clowns themselves wanted us to wrestle for their promotion N.A.W. (National Allstar Wrestling) which was their childhood fantasy fed. So with very-little-to-no REAL training, we began our wrestling careers in that warehouse in Novi, MI. I became the N.A.W Pacific Champion (a title I still hold) as "Felix Von Jagermeister", my first gimmick, surviving an over the top rope battle royal and eliminating Shaggy 2 Dope. We would do shows every other Sunday, offer free beer and pizza and they would start to really draw well. It went on for maybe a year and a half before ICP just got too busy to keep running N.A.W and it closed it's doors. We then were brought in when Dan Curtis and ICP formed "Hellfire Wrestling". we all were really excited with the new promotion, as it really looked to be a legit and fun option for the area. A few days after the first show, unfortunately, "the Gypsy" Dan Curtis passed away unexpectedly and so did Hellfire Wrestling. By the time Stranglemania and JCW came around, we had a ridiculous falling out and were not figured into their plans. So the BNU, at that time, were more concerned with recording music, playing out of town and honing our rock-n-wrestling stage show. A couple years off really intensified our love of wrestling, though. We owe a lot to ICP, they gave us our start, whether it was right or wrong. They also gave us that wrestling ring, which was used by the IWR for quite a while in the beginning. They provided the spark that turned into the fire that I still hold to this day for this business.

RON: If I recall correctly, part of that falling out had to do with WCW. Go ahead and explain the ICP/WCW story and how it relates to the BNU.

JOSH: We had been promised so many things while trying to make it in music and wrestling with ICP. Countless tours were offered, but never came about. Opportunities were always being talked about, but never came to fruition. One of these was while ICP were wrestling and appearing for WCW. They had become friends with Vampiro while working there. With Vampiro being into punk music, ICP had put us over to him. At the time, WCW was looking to create a band for Vampiro that would look like him, play music during Nitro and be involved in his matches (since we wrestled also). THIS WAS AN OPPORTUNITY THAT FOR OBVIOUS REASONS HAD US REALLY EXCITED. Unfortunately, for some unknown reason, we never got the call they said we would get and it fell through. A couple of months later, we had to laugh when we saw WCW bring in the Misfits to be Vamp's allies. The Misfits were well known and we weren't, so there was our answer.

RON: In 2001 you put together the first-ever "Brawl at the Hall" in Downtown Detroit at Saint Andrews Hall. How did this show come to be?

JOSH: Well, after spending a few years watching the indies locally and after befriending a lot of the local workers, we decided that St. Andrew's Hall would be a great place for a big Super Bowl-like event for MI Indies. We invited the local promotions to participate and found that most of them didn't take us seriously and looked down their noses at us. It was frustrating, considering that we were trying to promote their products using our connections at the Hall. Nevertheless, we went ahead with it as simply the Bump-N-uglies promoting a one-off show that we envisioned would be yearly. At that point, that was the only plan: A yearly event promoting the coolest angles and feuds around the MI Indies. Since we were both fans and workers (Bubba and I), we thought that we could put together a big show that the fans would want to see.

RON: Talk about some of the stars and bigger moments from the original Brawl show.

JOSH: Yukon Braxton vs. Breyer Wellington, Anthony Rivera vs. Larry Destiny in a "winner goes to Smackdown" match, Handsome Johnny Bradford with Skull Ganz, Chris Sabin, Jimmy Jacobs, Tommy Starr, 8-Pac, HyZaya, Brimstone, Colt Cabana, Ace Steel, Chris Hero & CM Punk. I remember the Lynch Mob along with Necro Butcher & Mad Man Pondo getting pretty ruthless with Myself and Bubba with multiple light tubes/chairs. I will forever have those scars. Handsome Johnny Bradford (who is legitimately deaf) had a bit of a misunderstanding backstage that almost saw Skull Ganz go nutty on security at the hall, that was not so funny at the time, but funny now. Having the Toxic Avenger at the show was also fun, as I had seen the original one years ago. It was a frantic environment, but fun and exciting as well. Everyone seemed to just know that they had been a part of something unique and special. The energy that St. Andrew's Hall can give off at a wrestling show is something special.

RON: Speaking of the 1st Brawl, was a copy of this event ever filmed for release? If so, what are the chances it will ever see the light of day?

JOSH: It was filmed. The guy who we were dealing with at the time had also hooked us up with Toxie. He had made a deal with 2 guys to come down, film it, edit it and release the thing. He had arranged for these guys to do this for a small fee and when the day of the show came, he didn't show up. Because no money was left after paying the boys, these guys took the tapes with them, never to be heard from again. We hope, someday, we can get a copy of it and release it, but as of now, the only copy is a handheld cam and is pretty crappy quality. Who knows, maybe the guys will read this and contact us at this address. We would like to work something out and get this footage released. Hell, I would like to see it at least!

RON: While we're talking about Brawl tapes, jumping a few years ahead, what's the status of the 2004 & 2005 DVD's?

JOSH: As far as I know, the 2005 Brawl should be all done and on sale right now. Why it isn't, I don't know, but have been trying to get it worked out with Smartmark. I think the footage from 2004 is currently M.I.A. and is being researched by Sodie Pop Productions as to the whereabouts. Once we find it, we can have Smartmark release that as well. So soon, hopefully. But doing things independently and with no budget as we have for so long, sure makes things take long. This is why we are so happy with the Revolucha product we have created with help from Blah Blah Blah Productions.

RON: After the Brawl in 2001, how long was it before you decided to create the Independent Wrestling Revolution?

JOSH: The Brawl was August 25th. I think we got the pieces together and by November had decided to put something together on a regular basis. Before the first show, we already had the IWR name, but wanted to debut the product fresh at Sunnybrook.

RON: Talk about some of the individuals that helped create the foundation of the IWR, for those who may not know their IWR history.

JOSH: George Morbid (Brimstone, as he was known then), Deathdealer Tommy Starr, Randy Shenk from Sunnybrook, Yukon, Wellington & Rivera were the start of it. Chris Sabin, Gavin Starr, Elvis Elliot, Stevie Lee, Rip Malibu, CK3, Tommy Johnson, Frankie the Face, Jaimy Coxxx, Jimmy Jacobs, N8 Mattson, Kamikaze, Mr. Insanity, Deranged, Necro Butcher & Mad Man Pondo were major main stays of the early Sunnybrook days. We really all connected as a family that wanted to put out the best stuff possible, creatively. I remember how eager everyone was for us to do the next shows, the Warped Tours, etc.... Or maybe that was from all of the free Red Bull we had at the time! lol! As far as name talent that helped build our foundation, I would say Jerry Lawler, Hacksaw Duggan and AJ Styles were the guys that helped put us on the map of MI Indies at that time.

RON: Explain the signifigance of the IWR name.

JOSH: When we began talking about names for the promotion, Yukon always said the same thing, "You guys have to remember to always stay true to what we do". He said whatever name we chose, to make sure the words "Independent Wrestling" were included in the title. As far as the "Revolution" thing goes, Amado had hooked up with some guy who ran a hotline called the PWR or "Pro Wrestling Revolution". We had done some reports there for the BNU concerts and became friends with noneother than yourself. We decided to combine the hype of the hotline and your voice with the live events promoted by us. We also felt very strongly that many of the original IWR talents were not getting a "fair shake" so to speak with the other local promoters. So we did quite literally mean "Revolution", in the terms that we were doing things differently, with different ideas and connections. It definitely shook things up for a while and we have been finding new ways to keep Revolutionizing MI indy wrestling ever since.

RON: After the very first IWR show in January 2002, what was going thru your mind? Did it seem like you were on to something right away?

JOSH: It was something that was unexplainable. But we definitely knew we had done something right and had given the fans something new that they could sink their teeth into. We were all hooked at that point with the idea of making the IWR grow and become the standard for MI Indies.

RON: Jeff Dingess (RIP), otherwise known as "The Raging Bull" Yukon Braxton was the very first IWR Heavyweight Champion. Jeff has left a lasting impression on the state of MI indie wrestling. Can you please share some stories and thoughts for the fans today that may have missed big Yukon?

JOSH: Jeff was a very special guy in many ways. He was a great friend, helper, worker, brother and supporter of the IWR. Without the fire of Yukon Braxton, we would never have gotten started with the IWR. I miss Jeff everyday. He was on the verge of making it to the next level and had all the tools to be successful. When Yukon Braxton hit the ring, it was time to pay attention. It is difficult to talk about what happened and how he is not here anymore. His commanding charisma will forever be missed by the IWR.

RON: In March 2002, the IWR presented the second Brawl at the Hall featuring Yukon Braxton vs. Jerry "The King" Lawler. How important was that show to the future of the IWR product? Was there ever a feeling like that show just HAD to succeed for IWR to live?

JOSH: This was the show of all shows for us at the time and in fact, only the 4th show that we put on as a group. Being the first indy to bring Jerry the King Lawler to Michigan was a big deal for us and even bigger was having him face the pride of Southwest Detroit, IWR Champ Yukon Braxton. This show would put us on the map. The IWR had its time to shine and it was do or die. The main event still gives me chills to watch. Personally one of the most proud moments I have had in the IWR.

RON: Let's look at one controversial moment in IWR history-- What was the reason for Yukon Braxton's first departure from the IWR in May 2002, when he was stripped of the title?

JOSH: Yukon had become a hot commodity locally and was being booked by Ed Farhat for shows in Flint, MI. Their shows were being mysteriously booked on the same dates as ours. For our May show, Yukon called me and told me that he had to work his shoot job and could not get out of it. After the fact, I had learned that he and Breyer had both chosen to work for Ed (who was paying more) under different names. We always told our guys to work everywhere they could and get as much money as they could. We couldn't pay premium prices, so we just asked that if another show conflicted with ours, to just let us know. Give us enough time to put something else together and be up-front. Being that we were friends, I took this personally and the trust that I had in Jeff and Brian at that time was broken. After months of phone calls, talks with mutual friends and many shows, we had patched everything up. We began planning a big return for Yukon at the big Christmas Classic Show. For more memories and stories, log onto yukonbraxton.cjb.net.

RON: In the very beginning stages of the IWR, we watched the formation of a group known as the Raging Triple Threat, and later, The Threat. Describe the origin and evolution of this group and how they've shaped things in the IWR.

JOSH: The Raging Triple Threat was led by "the Raging Bull" Yukon Braxton as IWR Champ, along with Breyer Wellington and Anthony Rivera. The 3 were running buddies, training, traveling and wrestling alongside each other while starting out. When together, they were an unstoppable heel force that had to be showcased. Yukon's intensity, Breyer's pure wrestling ability, Rivera's brute force and all of their unmistakable heel charisma really kept those beginning days of the IWR focused around surviving the Threat's attacks. When Yukon left, Breyer came back and we decided that Truth Martini was a natural fit into the group. Once that decision was made, Martini & Rivera became IWR Tag champs and were unbeatable. Breyer became IWR Champion and the new induction, N8 Mattson became the King of the Indies Champ. They even broke us up (the BNU) and recruited Bubba Mackenzie as their manager. Under Bubba they had their biggest success. The Threat held all of IWR's gold for quite some time and provided a great heel stable for our faces to use to develop themselves as workers and characters.

RON: What are some of the difficulties with putting together the yearly Brawl events?

JOSH: Better question: What AREN'T some of the difficulties. lol Finding a date for one is always trying, due to the Hall's schedule. Fitting everybody in on the show is difficult. So many workers want to be a part of it. Picking a name talent is always difficult as well, with budget constraints and the like. Coordinating all the details with the Hall and Metro Times/Real Detroit ads is always fun as well. When everything comes together and the fans go home happy, it is all worth it.

RON: The IWR's original home was based in Sterling Heights, where some of the most important events took place. What really happened at Sunnybrook Golf and Bowl? Why did the IWR leave it's original home?

JOSH: Well, first of all, wrestling shows can get pretty messy. Not so much with the wrestlers (although they certainly can do a job on a locker room), but the fans. When alcohol and food are available, unfortunately some fans get pretty messy. The carpet had taken so much abuse from cigarettes, nacho cheese, mustard etc... that when it came time for Sunnybrook to remodel their banquet Hall, the management made the decision to no longer allow wrestling there after making such a big investment on the improvements. They asked us to find somewhere else to run our shows. We still love the people there at Sunnybrook and even returned in July 2005 for a special outdoor show. Who knows what the future holds. We would love to go back if they ever wanted to do another show at the Brook. The IWR had built something that we had to find a new home for. We weren't ready to quit.

RON: The IWR also had a period where the Warren YMCA was "home". Will more footage from the YMCA era of IWR ever be released?

JOSH: The YMCA was a great place as well. Unfortunately, word from the top of the organization was passed down to not run wrestling events there, as it did not coincide with their christian beliefs (that is what we were told). Even though the IWR shows are family friendly for fans of all ages. I think Sodie Pop Productions had bitten off more than it could chew with the video production. Great people that do good work, unfortunately we could never get the stuff out fast enough or even at all. I believe the rest of the footage they have has been turned over to Marquee Wrestling and maybe someday will see the light of day.

RON: At one point in 2003, the IWR had a working relationship with Border City Wrestling. After starting off so hot, what happened to the BCW invasion?

JOSH: TNA happened to it. I think that with Scott D'Amore being so busy with TNA, that he hardly had enough time to deal with the BCW or other indy shows. More and more people started helping over there that had no idea about the angle or had no use for the angle. We really pushed it on our side with our shows, but on their shows, it was basically ignored. With any relationship, it has to be a 2 way street and it was clearly becoming a one way street to put over BCW. Scott claims that he wanted A-1 to be booked on our shows in return and since we didn't use him on a regular basis, he forgot about the angle. I think it could have been much bigger and much more heated than it was. Had Scott or anyone over at BCW (Jeffrey Scott) put in the effort or time into it like we had, the angle could still be ongoing. But oh well, things just didn't pan out. Certainly didn't hurt Scott in any way and maybe ultimately we were just small potatoes to the Prince of Windsor. He is doing a great job at TNA and I wish him the best in all future endeavors.

RON: How do you strike a balance between being a promoter/booker and active wrestler?

JOSH: Still trying to. One thing that has helped is having people in the locker room that we can trust to make the things that need to happen, happen. Having an extra mind for angles and the things that inevitably have to change on the fly has been great. Thanks Chris! (you know who you are, brother) Bubba and I have been much more active as a tag team over the last 2 years, so we rely on his help during the live shows to keep things on track.

RON: Do you think you pattern yourself after a certain booker or bookers? In other words, have you tried to use the formula of any of pro wrestling's great bookers/promoters?

JOSH: I am sure I have, but no one in particular. I have great respect for many of them, but I also try to carve out our own niche in booking. Mostly everything has been done by now, so we just try to find ways of using old school angles and storylines with great workers who can carry the ball. Most of what we do, if successful, is a collaboration with the boys as well.

RON: The IWR is a big family, as mentioned earlier-- Who are some of the individuals that work behind the scenes today in producing the IWR shows?

JOSH: Ron Showtime, Jose Payan (Graphics Guru), Scott Random, Sodie Pop in the past and now Marquee Wrestling Home Video, Creeper, Cuz, Garrett, Ernestes (the man), Sign Guy Joe, Quazi, the House of Truth ring crew, Bubba, Myself, and most of the workers also communicate about the shows and angles and what not. Eddie Venom does a lot of work in helping promote our product on 97.1 FM radio as well.

RON: We'll try not to dwell on this one too much, but what do you have to say about the "shoot" commentaries over the last year that constantly take cheap shots at IWR and other Detroit wrestling promotions/Schools?

JOSH: I find all of these shoot commentaries really bush league. Here you have guys, who for whatever reason, have a grudge against all of the Detroit promotions (especially IWR). They tend to be the guys who feel the need to validate themselves and measure their own product against ours. They even went so far as to put our logo in a "shoot" post on their message board. That's brilliant, I thought. Running in an unsaturated and a non-smart market is a luxury that the IWR does not have at this point, nor do we care how many people drove to get Bret Hart's Autograph (with the promoter first in line for a poloroid! lol). Fans should know that the "shooters" are people that are not used by the IWR or were turned down when they tried to work with us, therefore they've made it their goal to try and prove how much better they are than us, in every way. Even if it is in some poll where they directed people to vote for them, every single day, repeatedly (even when the rules clearly stated to vote just ONCE per person PERIOD). The shooting on Truth's training/Students was unneccessary and just goes to show the level of professionalism that these promoters truly live up to. I guess when you run a promotion and a school, they think it's a great idea to blast others. Not too smart. So keep on shootin, cowboys. We love it. It is childish, bush league, but still kind of humorous in the end. While they are pounding their chests like show-off's, we will be running full steam ahead with our Revolucha Product and yet again change the landscape of MI indies like we did in 2002.

RON: This is the last we'll mention regarding this issue, but IS there a such thing as a "Detroit Clique"? And if so, how do you become a card carrying member?

JOSH: This is a great one. I keep hearing about the "Clique" in those shoots mentioned above. I am not aware of such a clique. Sure, some of the boys hang out/travel to shows together, but we have guys from all over, not just Detroit. Ohio, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Canada, and yes, Metro Detroit talent all work for the IWR, which translates apparently to them as the "Detroit Clique". I guess it only seems like a clique to these "shooters", since they seem to not be included! lol We use guys that work hard and have talent/potential. We pride ourselves on finding new names to push and present to the Detroit Market and we have done just that over the past 4 years. It makes no difference to us if you are from Detroit or Timbuktu. A great attitude and work ethic will get you everywhere with us. Really, the stuff theses guys stammer on about is laughable.

RON: Which big star that has come thru the IWR was the biggest pain in the ass to deal with?

JOSH: For the most part, everyone has been professional and friendly. We have been lucky in that regard. There have been a few that have never actually worked for us (Psicosis, Juvi).

RON: In May of 2005 the IWR presented a blockbuster event known as "Revolucion Enmascarada", the original Revolucha. When exactly did plans for this event begin to take shape?

JOSH: Plans began at the BNU's Halloween (10/04) appearance at the Majestic Theatre. Blah Blah Blah Productions came to us to ask if we could bring in lucha guys and the whirlwind started from there.

RON: Explain the genesis of Revolucha. Also, who are the other individuals involved in creating the Revolucha brand?

JOSH: I created and coined the term "Revolucha". To me it was obvious and had a great hook. We are the Independent Wrestling REVOLUTION and we were doing Lucha themed shows, so naturally, the new product of "Revolucha" was born. Blah Blah Blah Productions helps finance the projects and A Fine Mess Productions film, edit and do the graphic work for the DVD production. Also many people were involved with building the incredible set and setting all of that up as well.

RON: Revolucha Dos, "Dia de los Muertos" took place in October 2005 at Detroit's Majestic theatre. How different was this show from the first event?

JOSH: Well, we were determined to give the crowd more LUCHA. Psicosis and Juvi really screwed things up for our lucha portion of the 1st show by no-showing. The main event was the first thing booked, due the intensity of LA Park and Santo's exchanges at the 1st Lucha Show. I had seen pictures from Mexico of a cage match the 2 had in the late 90's and I called to make sure both parties would agree. The Blue Panther had been requested by some fans and workers, as were the Mini Luchadores. We would put Revolucha to the test with CK3 vs. Panther and Sharkboy vs. Super Parka. A lot of work went into planning every aspect of the show, more so than the first. We were more organized backstage and EVERYONE showed up! BONUS! Everything really came together and the pace of the show really worked. There was something for everybody on the show and the spirit of IWR Revolucha was truly cemented in indy wrestling.

RON: Revolucha 3 is coming up on May 6th 2006. This event has enough promise to be the biggest show to date. Please share any details regarding this supershow.

JOSH: More Lucha! More great intense feuds and athletic matchups! On the American side, of course along with your favorite IWR superstars, are Sabu, Christopher Daniels & P.O.D. returning, plus Delirious will be making his IWR debut. LA Park, Dr. Wagner Jr, Rey Bucanero, Ultimo Guerrero and one Luchador we are still waiting to confirm at this point in time.

RON: In late 2005, the world lost a great man in Russell Hardman, known professionally as "Sweet" Stevie Lee. What kind of man was Russ and what did he mean to the wrestling business?

JOSH: Russ was the kind of guy that if you had the pleasure of meeting him, you would not forget it. Russ was an incredible talent and a wonderful friend. Russ was always very giving in the ring and in the locker room. Never had an ego and always cared about the success of the IWR. He believed in what we were trying to accomplish and worked hard for us. He was a former IWR Heavyweight Champion and quite honestly, he only lost the belt due to his very busy schedule. Russ had become so busy on the indies, that he could only make a few select shows for us. He always felt bad for that and would keep in touch with me to try and take our bookings first, far in advance. Even if he were somewhere in Canada, Indiana or Ohio, he would always call me up on my cell phone after the show to see how things went. He was just that thoughtful and that great of a friend. Russ had a tremendous sense of humor and losing him is a blow that we will never recover from, much like losing Yukon. This world is too cruel for dreamers sometimes. Chews them up and spits them out. Two guys who had endless talents and lots to give to their families, friends and wrestling fans are now gone forever. We will NEVER Forget you Russ!

RON: You had the opportunity to wrestle during the Stevie Lee memorial show, "Russellmania". What did that event mean to you personally?

JOSH: It meant everything to me. I didn't care what match it would be in, I just wanted to get out there for my friend and our former Champ. I wanted to do it for Denise (his wife). I had a blast in the battle royal and the show drew great. The fans down there are really easy to work in front of, which makes it fun. However: The show was not inclusive of the other promotions Russ worked for, like how we do with the Brawls for Braxton. That was one thing I would have liked to have seen, is some selflessness from that promotion and more inclusion. Russ wrestled a lot of places other than Lima. We plan on focusing on Russ for this year's Brawl.

RON: What are some of the mistakes or misconceptions that you have had in promoting the IWR over the last 4 years?

JOSH: That I would get the money I invested into it back! lol! How naive and green to promoting was I? ;) I thought we might get more respect/recognition than we have gotten. I thought by now, we would be making money instead of losing it. That kind of stuff, ya know?

RON: In the next 5 years, where do you see yourself and the IWR standing in the pro wrestling business?

JOSH: Best Case: Selling lots of Revolucha DVD's and having fun with the franchise we worked so hard to create. Sold out shows, maybe even small tours of the Revolucha brand. Hopefully, by then Revolucha will be a household name! Worse Case: Out of the business. People just do not realize what it takes for an indy company like us to keep on running shows. We have been close before to closing down, so worse case is we finally close the doors, which nobody in our locker room wants.

RON: Are there any areas in the IWR that you hope to see tighten up in 2006?

JOSH: I would like to see more of the old style storylines return to the IWR. Of course, with not having a consistent building to run, month in and month out, it makes them difficult for the fans to remember. I would like to see more and better promos/vignettes utilized for the Revolucha DVD's. I would like to find a consistent base & building in Macomb County. I would like to see Revolucha grow to it's full potential as well.

RON: Outside of the IWR and it's core stars, who are some of the other Michigan wrestlers and companies that you enjoy either watching or working with?

JOSH: I really enjoy wrestling and working with Dan Severn's Price of Glory wrestling promotion. They have a great little setup there and a lot of young hungry kids trying to come up in the business. The fans are really great to work in front of as well. I really miss the MMWA. The fans, the crew, the crazy times, and everything. XICW always has that extreme flavor if your jonesing for that. MPW is fun as well. We have always had a good working relationship with them. There are a lot of workers in MI, A LOT! Too many to keep track of, but a few that are on the rise are Rastakhan & Sybil Starr. CJ Otis is making quite a name for himself. The recent crop of House of Truth graduates will definitely make an impact as well. Sonny & Vinnie Scarboni, Jeff Brooks, Chris Korvis definitely have potential and heart. Look for them to come up the ranks of the IWR.

RON: Looking back on the IWR's four year history, which matches would stand out as some of your absolute favorites and why?

JOSH: Wow, you are really putting me on the spot here. My mind isn't quite the steel trap it used to be. lol Yukon vs. Lawler = Classic encounter of heel vs. face. My absolute favorite moment or snapshot in time was watching the crowd go nuts thinking the King had won the IWR Title, only to be disappointed by referee AT Huck's decision to DQ Lawler (for using a chain that Yukon brought to the ring) and award the victory to Yukon. The King taking out the Threat at the end was also a treat. AJ Styles vs. N8 Mattson, The 8 man Match at Bar Room Brawl 2, Jimmy Jacobs beating N8 Mattson for the KOI Title at Sunnybrook, Chris Sabin vs. Jorge Estrada, Stevie Lee vs. Elvis Elliot, Brimstone and Jim Duggan vs. The Threat (where Yukon made his return in Rusty Baddwrench's gear!), Stevie Lee vs. Breyer Wellington for IWR Title, the entire N8 vs. CK3 feud, CK3 vs. Gutter's dog collar match, BNU vs. Threat cage match blow-off at YMCA, Parka vs. Santo in the cage, Parka vs. CK3 at the Crossroads, Wyld Stallyns vs. BNU @ Revolucha 2 with falls count anywhere-- You know what, there are too many to come up with here. But then again, I guess I am biased. I think we have made many memorable moments and matches over the past 4 years (longer if you include the 1st brawl in August of 2001). Those are a few of my favorites off the top of my head.

RON: What are your thoughts on the IWR's powerful tag team division? Is tag team wrestling a lost art in today's pro wrestling climate?

JOSH: Most Definitely. Tag teams for the most part have been forgotten about. This is why you have seen so many teams sprout up in the IWR. It was a conscious decision that we still work on to this day. Developing new interesting teams to go for the tag straps. Of course with Bubba & Myself being a tandem, I might also be a bit biased. I love working in a tag team and the IWR Fans really react well to our tag teams. The champs the Wyld Stallyns, Popular Mathematics now Electronics, the DSP with Baby Powda, The Threat, The elusive Beasts of Burden, The Family, Los Revoluchadores (Luchi-mon & Reverso), The House of Truth, the new team the Midnight Society (George Morbid & Harker Dirge w/ Handler X) and of course ourselves, the BNU All American Beatdown Crew. New teams will be coming as well, so keep your eyes peeled as the tag division develops and flourishes into the best in the Indies!

RON: Some people may have been confused when the Bump-N-Uglies adopted the lucha masks, considering the IWR fans have known your faces for several years. Can you explain the meaning behind your masks, why you wear them and why you feel your identities must remain hidden?

JOSH: It was much like 2 moths becoming beautiful all American (& a bit overweight! lol) butterflies. Last year we had been feuding with the Canadians, and they were so ANTI-USA, that we started to get a real pro USA vibe when working with those guys. We went with the crowd and knowing that we were about to launch the Revolucha Product, it seemed a natural fit. A new phase in our careers began. We started with the USA Singlets, then the capes the next month and the transformation was complete at the very first Revolucha show. It was so over, that we have never looked back. Regardless if people have seen our faces before, our masks are a point of pride and strength. To have the USA's colors around your entire body really gives us the confidence to do our best. IWR Revolted from the Indie Scene, just like the USA revolted from England. Revolucha and the masks go hand in hand. Respecting the traditions of Lucha Libre, we treat our masks and identities accordingly since adopting our Revolucha Gimmick.

RON: One of your signature moves is the ever-impressive LSVSE-- the "Longest Standing Vertical Suplex Ever". Take a guess here, how long could you physically hold the LSVSE if you were going for a record? Do you often count the duration of the suplex in your head, and if so, whats the longest count you remember?

JOSH: I have held Johnny Dynamo for 27 seconds and Bobby Bambino for just over 30, I believe. A lot about us (the BNU), as a team, is a throw-back (USA Gimmick, Masks, crowd work). That one move in particular has become pretty much, like you said, a signature move in our matches, even in falls count anywhere situations. If I was going for a record and had to guess, I would say not much longer than 35-45 seconds, but the receiver of said suplex would be begging me to let him down after 25! lol It is no joke that all the blood rushes to your head!

RON: What qualities do you look for in bringing new local talent into the IWR roster?

JOSH: Great attitude and humility, Respect for our locker room, Good ring basics, a look and dependability.

RON: Similar question as the last, what qualities do you look for when deciding on "name talent" to bring in?

JOSH: Drawing Power, popularity with the IWR Fan base, past experience or recommendations from other names. Cost of course is a factor as well, though we certainly have had the most expensive in Mexico and mostly the US (Santo).

RON: The IWR features a very wide field of young stars that are trying to move up the ranks in the business. Using your promoter instincts, give your thoughts on the following guys & their strengths:

Brad Freakin' Martin:
POTENTIAL - Loads of it. Great attitude and tremendous worker. He has skills on the mic that need to be strengthened and no doubt will be over 2006. New Gear and better mic skills would do Brad a world of good!

Phil Atlas:
The Ladies Love Phil and he really does have a good in ring charisma along with a great build. Phil needs to grow in his mic skills as well and find something that will make him stand out from the crowd. Again, though, great guy and tremendous worker.

CJ Otis:
Sabu's young boy! lol. CJ has a great build, which gives him a leg up. He is a strong shooter as well. CJ needs to find his niche in the business, which I believe is what he is trying to do now. Building a strong character would do well for CJ.

El Reverso:
The heart and soul of Los Revoluchadores. El Reverso is a hard worker who sometimes appears to be rushing in the ring. He is lightning fast, so maybe that's it. I think if Reverso slowed certain aspects of his game up, Los Revoluchadores could become IWR Tag team Champions!

Vinny & Sonnie Scarboni:
House of Truth graduates with tons of potential and fire. Solid in ring work. They just need some more big match experience to help season them as a team.

Johnny Dynamo & Jack Thriller:
You're killing me here. We have been beating each other up for almost a year, and now you want me to give my Promoter response to these guys? ;) Honestly, out of the new IWR breed that has formed, I am most proud of these 2 guys. They have come so far as performers in general and their charisma is unmistakable. The Stallyns have the titles because quite frankly they are the best tag team in the IWR (and in MI) and have worked the hardest to keep their spot so to speak with us.

Jeff King:
Greatest Indy Gimmick Going! The old timer pops me every time out. Jeff is a great guy who really is beyond his years in this business, which makes him acting old, even funnier.

Jeff Brooks:
Great athleticism and loads of potential. Jeff is a bit of a blank slate right now. He is very new to the business and needs to find something to separate himself. he needs to put on some weight and find a gimmick/look that will work for him in order to succeed. Nice Kid with a great attitude as well.

Chris Korvis:
Korvis, same as Brooks needs more time in the ring. Experience is everything. working different guys, and promotions should be their goals to get them where they need to be in this business. Korvis has good fire and strong basics, like all HOT graduates. Truth really does a tremendous job with these guys.

RON: Are there any young stars around the indie scene that you hope to one day see work in the IWR ring?

JOSH: I really like the Soul Shooters, but do not use them for political reasons as to not cause heat. Larry Sweeny is great. Delirious is coming soon, so that should be interesting. Once Rastakhan puts his gimmick together, we would use him. There are so many workers out there, it is difficult to list who is great and who we would like to work with, ya know?

RON: What are your thoughts on the current state of indie wrestling in MI? Are we in a down period or is the scene starting to make an up-swing for the better?

JOSH: Wrestling is down and has been for a couple of years now. I see an upswing coming with Revolucha. We are offering people something COMPLETELY different to the WWE & TNA with Revolucha, and Lucha Libre (Revolucha, Va voom) will be the next big boom in the wrestling business, mark my words. The Hispanic Audience is largely being ignored, as well as the U.S. Lucha fans. Lucha Va Voom is great, but has more of a titillating aspect to it, whereas Revolucha is for the whole Family! Jack Black's movie (Nacho Libre) will definitely help as well, putting lucha in the spotlight.

RON: Go ahead and make one bold prediction for the IWR in 2006 that we can look back on at this time next year.

JOSH: Revolucha becomes an even bigger Phenom, drawing record crowds to Detroit, putting all the naysayers in their place and the DVD product will grow beyond our wildest dreams. The product is so spectacular to view and is so unique, it has no where else to go but up!

RON: Thanks, Josh, for taking the time for this interview. Do you have any parting comments for the fans of the IWR?

JOSH: I would like to thank every fan who has ever attended an IWR show. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to perform for you. Thank you for your family-like support thru all the rough times and all the great times we have created over the years. I want to thank every wrestler who has ever worked with us as well. Your efforts are much more appreciated than you can know. We have lost a lot together (more than I care to think about now), but we have gained so much in our hearts over the past 5 years. Keep Yukon Braxton in your heart and memory, as well as Sweet Stevie Lee and their families. Everything we do, we do for you and for the IWR fans. Thanks for continuing to support the Revolution thru 2006 and beyond! Brawl coming in the summer, so get ready for another Brawl at the Hall as well! Viva Revolucha! www.IWRwrestling.com, www.MarqueeWrestling.com!