Fired by the WWF

Subject: Fired by the WWF
From: GUEST,Big Bad John
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 10:47 AM

I'm sorry to report that I've been fired by the WWF. They said I no longer fit into their plans. Two years of training and working for next to nothing are out the window.

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: Callie
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 10:58 AM

the World Wildlife Foundation?

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: JedMarum
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 11:01 AM

Sorry to hear that, John. But the silver lining is; now you can return your focus to your real interests - Folk Music!

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: john c
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 11:04 AM

Tough, John. Been there, seen it, done it. Sure wouldnt like to be the poor guy who had to give you the elbow - hope he wasnt too much on the recieving end of those 242 pounds of pure muscle. Things will improve.
Slightly-less-bad-John.

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: Night Owl
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 11:20 AM

Really sorry to hear your news John. I hope you're able to hold your music close, while you are accepting this news and transitioning towards your next adventures / chapters in life.

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: Tracey Dragonsfriend
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 11:40 AM

Sad to hear that, John - I was looking forward to seeing you on the screen. Why not try WCW (or am I being stupid?) or even over here in the UK - I believe we still have a wrestling circuit here... Best of luck to you, whatever you choose to do!

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: Bill D
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 01:06 PM

I love it! FIRED!...Says more about "wrestling" than anything I can think of....it's not about who is the better wrestler, but about whether YOU fit with THEIR entertainment/promotional/greed plans!.....wowee!...maybe you could try Roller Derby..(or whatever they call it now)...I gather it is much the same format, only with skates....and all the 'teams' are owned by the same company............but so all that practice bashing folks with chairs and elbows doesn't go to waste....

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 01:25 PM

I'm sorry to hear that 2 years training have to waste John but I am afraid that I take the same view point as BillD. It simply shows what a farce this wrestling is.

Jon

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 01:44 PM

As well as this thread...

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: GUEST,Big Bad John
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 02:45 PM

To Bill D: Say what you will about wrestling. Some people like it, some don't. Some think it's entertainment, some think it's a farce.

But saying you love it that I was fired from my job is personally hurtful and uncalled for.

It's true that wrestling matches are scripted, but so are folk music shows. I figured that out about ten years ago when I was still just a teenager and happened to see Utah Phillips do shows in three different cities in less than a year. Every show was almost word for word, story for story, joke for joke and song for song, exactly the same.

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: Sourdough
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 03:00 PM

Big, Bad, John -

I am sorry to hear about your setback. Even people who jump on you for your choice of goals will have to admit that working towards something for two years and having someone arbitrarily put your goal beyond your reach is a disappointment.

I hope you will ignore the people who feel they have to say things that are hurtful at a time when you are already hurting and stay around here. Part of the value and even charm of Mudcat is diversity and you bring a set of experiences and perhaps a point of view that is probably quite different from those of us who have been around here a while and have settled in.

With best wishes to you -

Sourdough

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 03:06 PM

John -

It's sad news to hear that you were fired. I grew up in the 60's watching Pepper Gomez, Bearcat Wright, Kinji Shibuya, Ray Stevens etc. here in the San Francisco bay area. How much is scripted never mattered to me. It allowed kids to have their heroes to look up to, and I've got to respect the hard work, training, and athleticism that goes into it, and the physical hazards of this line of work. You may be too much in shock and sadness mode right now to take steps in another direction, but here's something to consider when the time is right: you might want to think about going into teaching physical education. It's no longer the stereotype of knuckleheads and frustrated drill sergeants. They are looking for bright people who are seriously interested in the physical and emotional well-being of students. All the best you, Big Bad John, and I hope you will join the Mudcat as a member.

-chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: Bill D
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 03:11 PM

ahhh..I'm sorry I didn't make it clear..I do NOT "love it" that you were fired from you chosen career..I was only saying I love the irony...I realize that you, as an adult, knew the 'rules' and knew it was scripted, and it is NOT nice of them to toss you out like that. I'm sure it DOES hurt. I just can't help a bit of amusement from my point of view of the valuse system involved.

and...um..I don't think 'scripted' in relation to folk music concerts has exactly the same meaning. Utah Phillips NEEDS to have a routine worked up in order to have a smooth, timed concert...athletic competitions are SUPPOSED to have outcomes based on skill on a given day...wrestling has this 'pretense' that they are trying to win....sorry, John...I hope we can play some music some day and agree to disagree about the entertainment value of pro wrestling..

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: kendall
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 06:59 PM

Furthermore, Utahs show is not on national tv so, only that audience in that venue sees it.

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: Callie
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 07:04 PM

Oh WRESTLING. Sorry John - I hadn't meant to be funny when I mentioned Wildlife. That's what that acronym conjures up here in Australia.

Sorry to hear your bad news. Are there other avenues for doing it, or is it a closed shop?

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: Bugsy
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 09:02 PM

Sorry to hear your news John. I remember saying to you when wishing you well in this line of work, that I hoped you would be treated better than Brett Hart. (I recently wathced a video about his rise and fall in the WWF and the shoddy treatment handed to him by Vince McMann after many years of loyal service) It would seem that you have suffered the same fate, but much earlier in your career. I hope you can continue your chosen career with one of the other wrestling troupes and wish you well in your future endeavours.

Good luck mate.

Cheers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Jul 00 - 09:13 PM

I'll still buy you dinner at the WWF Restaurant when you're in NYC.
Bring your banjo.
Sorry for the setback John.
SS

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: Hollowfox
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 03:29 PM

Damn! It's horrible when your employer does you dirt! I can't offer much more than sympathy and kind thoughts, BBJ, but you've got them, for sure. Remember that this is a setback (I won't say "just" a setback), but nothing more. It can't be fun right now in your life, but there ARE better times coming. Keep us posted (this is one place I've found where people really do care), and if you ever get to wrestle on TV, I'll even watch.

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 01:10 AM

Sorry to hear it John. What are the options now? There are at least a couple of other major organisations aren't there? Hope you hook up with something that works for you.

Rick

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 04:08 AM

I was forced to resign (aka fired!) about 5 years ago. Big shock at first but I have not looked back since. Slight career change but still in the same industry (IT) and I have loved my work ever since - I used to hate it before. Hope this helps - any similar possible changes for you (Is Gladiators still going? Anything similar - get my drift) Good luck in whatever you try.

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: sian, west wales
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 04:49 AM

That really is the pits, BBJ. But you're obviously a guy with a lot going for you, and there *will* be another opportunity awaiting - wrestling or other.

If you're ever in the UK, let us know. (Who knows? I see posters around the place advertising American Wrestling, whatever that's supposed to be...)

sian

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 01:43 PM

I managed to get fired by my local council last year - admittedly I found a better job (not on my feet all day, comfy chairs, my own desk, a water cooler and a canteen with a cute chef) but I remember the hurt and indignation all too well. Take heart, if you look like the side of a barn, there are usually some quick cash jobs around = ever thought of being a professional bodyguard? There was a programme on it here (UK)a few years ago and it looked like it could be fun. I look like the side of a barn, but in a wobbly sort of way, so I'd be as much use as a paper bag.... mind you, I could yell in their ear and deafen them all....

Take care, and never stop hoping.

LTS

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 02:22 PM

Hey Liz! Stop yelling! Or was that a hiccup?
SS

Subject: RE: Fired by the WWF
From: Fortunato
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 03:24 PM

Sorry about the time lost. Have you considered acting? I'm not joking at all. Physically and dramatically talented people make money in the arts, and seldom get hit on the head with a folding chair. Just a thought.

All the best, remember the WWF's response is not a measure of you.

Cheers, Fortunato