Tired
Legend
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2011
- Messages
- 4,768
- Reaction score
- 0
The past week has been a very bad week for independent wrestling companies.
First of all, Extreme Rising was forced to close down last weekend. The short-lived company had been struggling with financial trouble since their very first show. A number of higher-paid wrestlers showed up under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. One of the highest-paid performers had to be taken to hospital before the show even began. Extreme Rising management had no choice but to cancel some of the advertised matches at the last minute. The decision was also made to remove certain wrestlers from future events. As a result, Extreme Rising management felt obligated to refund most of the ticket sales for their first 3 shows. They would never recover from this. Some of the performers at their final event have not been paid, but management have promised to do so once they are able to.
Secondly, Vader refused to work and event in Germany this week. Vader was one of several former-WWE stars working a tour of Western Europe. For unknown reasons, Vader refused to leave his hotel room, and cancelled his appearance. Terry Funk and Chris Masters also tried to persuade Vader to do the show, but he refused. The promoters apologised to fans for Vader not appearing, but also pointed out that this was Vader’s own choice. The promoters also noted that Vader had signed a contract and accepted an advance payment.
Finally, and worst of all, over a dozen American wrestlers were left stranded in another country when promoter Mark Livingston ran out on them.
The wrestlers had been working a Hardcore Roadtrip event in London, Ontario, Canada. Just as the main event was starting, a mysterious man went into the locker room with a message from Livingston. He claimed that Livingston had been taken to the hospital by his wife. He added that Livingston had asked him to go to the hospital to get the money to pay the wrestlers. The man refused to reveal his own identity, or say where Livingston was. Booker Steve DeAngelis admitted to having never seen the man before.
To make matters worse, Livingston had failed to arrange transport for the wrestlers. This meant that they were unable to make their early morning flights, and were literally stranded in Canada. DeAngelis explained the situation to the fans and made an emotional plea for help. Thankfully, fans agreed to go home and get their passports, and then return to the arena to make the 2-hour over-night drive. The volunteers understood that they could not be paid or reimbursed.
It goes without saying that all future Hardcore Roadtrip events are now cancelled. It is unknown if fans who have already bought tickets will get a refund. So far, there has been no comment from Livingston or his representatives. DeAngelis is assuming that the company is finished.
American wrestlers are now petitioning fans and other wrestlers to never assosiate Livingston again. Rumours are circulating that this is in fact the second time that he has done this.
First of all, Extreme Rising was forced to close down last weekend. The short-lived company had been struggling with financial trouble since their very first show. A number of higher-paid wrestlers showed up under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. One of the highest-paid performers had to be taken to hospital before the show even began. Extreme Rising management had no choice but to cancel some of the advertised matches at the last minute. The decision was also made to remove certain wrestlers from future events. As a result, Extreme Rising management felt obligated to refund most of the ticket sales for their first 3 shows. They would never recover from this. Some of the performers at their final event have not been paid, but management have promised to do so once they are able to.
Secondly, Vader refused to work and event in Germany this week. Vader was one of several former-WWE stars working a tour of Western Europe. For unknown reasons, Vader refused to leave his hotel room, and cancelled his appearance. Terry Funk and Chris Masters also tried to persuade Vader to do the show, but he refused. The promoters apologised to fans for Vader not appearing, but also pointed out that this was Vader’s own choice. The promoters also noted that Vader had signed a contract and accepted an advance payment.
Finally, and worst of all, over a dozen American wrestlers were left stranded in another country when promoter Mark Livingston ran out on them.
The wrestlers had been working a Hardcore Roadtrip event in London, Ontario, Canada. Just as the main event was starting, a mysterious man went into the locker room with a message from Livingston. He claimed that Livingston had been taken to the hospital by his wife. He added that Livingston had asked him to go to the hospital to get the money to pay the wrestlers. The man refused to reveal his own identity, or say where Livingston was. Booker Steve DeAngelis admitted to having never seen the man before.
To make matters worse, Livingston had failed to arrange transport for the wrestlers. This meant that they were unable to make their early morning flights, and were literally stranded in Canada. DeAngelis explained the situation to the fans and made an emotional plea for help. Thankfully, fans agreed to go home and get their passports, and then return to the arena to make the 2-hour over-night drive. The volunteers understood that they could not be paid or reimbursed.
It goes without saying that all future Hardcore Roadtrip events are now cancelled. It is unknown if fans who have already bought tickets will get a refund. So far, there has been no comment from Livingston or his representatives. DeAngelis is assuming that the company is finished.
American wrestlers are now petitioning fans and other wrestlers to never assosiate Livingston again. Rumours are circulating that this is in fact the second time that he has done this.
