The REALity of CSR!

By: Brian Gulish

Hello world! Those were the two words Tiger Woods exclaimed to the media at a press conference after turning pro in August of 1996. What was to come after that announcement has been nothing short of amazing, scandalous, and REAL. Everything Woods has done since putting against Bob Hope on The Mike Douglas Show when he was just 2 years old has been put under a microscope- his life has been a complete reality.

In early January, Chair Shot Reality creator and co-host Justin LaBar approached me about joining the CSR team. As a wrestling fan, I was familiar with Justin’s show. As a friend and fellow classmate in college, most of the time I watched and was critical of every aspect of the show- both production and the performance of Justin and fellow co-host Josh Isenberg. I was critical of them, as the media is of Woods, because I knew they would succeed.

Sure enough, after 162 episodes, change was needed. Not one person in the wrestling business, or from afar, could dispute the success of Chair Shot Reality. More than 3 years of weekly wrestling reality was being produced for you, and me, the fans. Something was missing in Justin’s eyes, he knew the show could be and would need to be better in order to continue its run.

Taking a step back, for those who know me only by character on Chair Shot Reality, let me introduce myself to you, the fans. I’m 30 years old, born and bred 12 miles north of Pittsburgh in a town called Fair Oaks. In Fair Oaks, we grew up on 4 things – fishing, bowling, the “courts”, and professional wrestling! All my friends had their favorites, Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, Bret Hart, and Shawn Michaels. All my friends were mainstream WW’F’ fans. Me, not so much, as I was the WCW “guy.”

Throughout the 1990’s, I watched both WCW and WWF programming, always drawn back to WCW by Sting. From his first World Heavyweight Championship win at the Great American Bash over Ric Flair, to his endless battles with the likes of Vader, Rick Rude, and the Great Muta, Sting always drew me in. Hell, I was Sting for Halloween on numerous occasions, including the crow version of Sting. I was one-hundred percent committed to the awesome Sting vs. NWO storyline from the summer of 1996 to Starrcade 1997, until the payoff match with Hogan.

It’s like the old saying goes, “I could spot you the C and the T and you’d still spell cat wrong!” Well, WCW somehow messed the match up with a different three letter word, REF. One of three things happened that night- A) Hogan didn’t want to put over Sting, B) WCW badly reenacted the Montreal screw job, or C) they were just that stupid in their booking of that match. Last time I watched that match, it still ended with a Hogan leg drop, a legit 1-2-3 count, and a Hogan win. That was the beginning of the end for WCW.

The WWF/E played a big part in my upbringing as well, as it honestly kept me out of trouble. For those who rip us wrestling fans for enjoying “fake” action, there is nothing fake about some of the great ‘on-screen’ role models the sports entertainment industry has produced. From eating your vitamins and saying your prayers, to intensity-integrity-intelligence, and hustle-loyalty-respect, Vince McMahon has created a culture that, together, is now tens of millions strong.

As for my WCW fandom, I never attended a WCW event. They were always held at the AJ Polumbo center here in Pittsburgh, but I always went straight for the old Civic Arena, turned Mellon Arena, turned parking lot last year! I recall sitting ringside numerous times for house shows reaching out my arm to Bret Hart, trying to be the one who got to wear his shades. I would be the kid who called, and redialed Ticketmaster non-stop, as soon as the 10 o’clock hour hit on a Saturday morning. I didn’t want to sit up high, I wanted to see my heroes. I wanted to be up close and personal to the action, where the reality was occurring.

The first pay-per-view event I attended was SummerSlam 1995 in Pittsburgh, main evented by Diesel vs. Mable for the World Wrestling Federation championship, but headlined by Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon for the Intercontinental Championship in a ladder match. The WWF was quickly growing on me. From here on out, I will get the “F” out.

Upon his debut in the WWE, I was immediately a Rocky Maivia guy. The Rock pulled me in to WWE as Sting did to WCW. And again, I was even the Rock for Halloween on two occasions! The attitude era of the WWF was amazing. In addition to the Rock- I recall vividly the many promos of Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, and the Undertaker, among others. My friends and I used to gather at one family’s house each month for pay-per-view parties. We were high school aged kids, being just that, kids!

Back to the Rock for a minute. For as much as the Rock has entertained me in a WWE ring, he has also touched my family outside the lights, cameras, and action. On February 8, 2000, my niece, Brooke lost her battle with rhabdomyosarcoma. Born on June 21, 1993, Brooke would be 20 this June. At the age of 7, Brooke battled her cancer each with amazing courage each and every day. In 1999, Brooke made a wish and, with help from several people and the WWF, Brooke was able to meet her hero, The Rock! That afternoon and evening meant the world to her. Escorted to the arena by a stretch limo, Brooke got to meet the Rock and hang out with the Rock, posing for pictures and conversing one-on-one.

I’ll remember the words he told Brooke, “call me Uncle Rock!” And sure enough, the next time the WWF came to town for Raw, Brooke and her mom, along with my mother and I, sat in level B, with a sign that read “I love you uncle Rock!” That sign made TV and that night, again, meant the world to Brooke. That is more than wrestling, that is reality.

Being from Pittsburgh, I was a homer for Kurt Angle, our Olympic champion- it’s true, it’s damn true. I look back now and think to myself, these days- it’s reality, it’s damn reality! Being the new guy on Chair Shot Reality has been great. When Justin first reached out to me, I was never hesitant, other than not being on a television camera in 7 years! Thankfully, I was continually in the television business, working for the local CBS affiliate (KDKA) here in Pittsburgh, as well as ESPN and company headquarters in Bristol, CT. This first month of CSR has been nothing short of awesome!

To recap, we’ve now filmed 4 episodes at the amazing television facilities at Point Park University, our alma mater. We’ve had great guest hosts, including former WWE announcer Jack Korpela (@JackKorpela), Pittsburgh radio personality Flick (@FlickFM), and the Handicapped Hero- Gregory Iron (@GregoryIron). The show has nowhere to go but up. And where does up take you? The first checkpoint moving up is at about the 12-foot mark. That would be the top of a ladder, where you will find former 8-time tag team champion Matt Hardy (@MattHardyBrand)!

On Thursday, March 21, thanks in part to the Latitude 40 (@Latitude40Pitt) entertainment complex here in Pittsburgh, Matt will join our show as special guest host, where he will spend the entire weekend with Chair Shot Reality. This is the reality of just how far CSR has come. That Thursday evening from 8-10P, Matt will appear at Latitude 40 for a meet and greet, as well as a question and answer session. This is the first of what we hope is a great future partnership with Latitude, not only here in Pittsburgh, but the entire Latitude360 group across the country.

On behalf of Justin, Josh and the entire cast of characters of CSR, let me be the first to thank the production students at Point Park University for the amazing job they have done to this point. The students of Production 216, as well as a few Practicum students, have controlled the show since day 1. They have fearlessly gone live-to-tape each week, learning as we go along. Not only are they learning, we are learning, too. Each week, we meet for several hours offset to discuss ways to grow the Chair Shot Reality brand. One thing I personally promise to you, our audience, is that I will continue to improve each week, always looking to be better than my last show.

As we continue our journey in to reality together, I know one thing is certain, as we grow, we will stay true to our roots and mission of bringing you the most up to date, breaking wrestling news and information in the industry. I am excited to get to know each one of you, so follow me on Twitter @BrianGulish and let me know what is on your minds. I want to thank Justin for this great opportunity to give my insight in to the reality of the world of professional wrestling. So grab a chair, sit back and enjoy the show. In the words of the greatest ever in his sport, “hello world!” It’s time to make Chair Shot Reality to the top of the ladder, and beyond!

February has been a life changing month. That’s probably why it’s been weeks since I’ve gotten to sit down and write a blog on here for you guys. I do apologize for that.

Some new dates in my schedule which include WrestleMania weekend will soon be added. Also, the next edition of the monthly newsletter will come out on March 1^st. Was thrilled with all the positive reaction to the first newsletter ever on February 1^st. If you haven’t signed up, go do it, its free.

This month saw the start of the new era of Chair Shot Reality. I took care of the paperwork for a new house I’m moving into in March and got a lot of things for the future in my career nailed down.

CSR has been great. I have a whole new life and energy with it. I’ll be honest on here, if you asked me my true feelings about CSR back in November, I was growing hatred towards it. Not because of the great fans, wrestling or my co-host Josh….but it no longer was fun,

The way it was financially structured provided no incentive or goals if we had a show that was better than a previous one. Creatively I felt drained in terms of the space and resources I had. Plus, I was fortunate to have so many new things coming up in my career that the CSR became in the way.

The move to Point Park University and the personnel additions have been a true shot in the arm. The vision and possibilities of where this show is going to go now is back to being unlimited and that is amazing fuel for me.

The show of course is improving every week as it’s being produced at Point Park. The crew and staff is mostly all students. Every week is a change. There is a different person who is directing the show and having to deal with me. There is a different person in audio and every other position. It’s a learning experience for them and me as a producer.

We’re also dealing with the process of shopping the show and drawing in sponsors. Fun but exhausting. Again, another learning process.

I’m excited in March for several things. Some good guests lined up to come to Pittsburgh and be part of CSR.

March is also going to feature the beginning of my career with Premier wrestling based in California. Former WWE announcer & frequent CSR co-host Jack Korpela and I will be the announce team for the first episodes of television that begin production in late March.

I’m thrilled with the concept and presentation of Premier Wrestling. It’s going to be entertaining but it won’t insult the fans. It will present a certain level of realism and logic to the entertainment. Check out their website Premierwrestle.com and the official Twitter account @premierwrestle.

Then there is Prime Wrestling. I’ve of course been involved for about 2 and a half years with Prime which is headquartered in Cleveland and airs on DirecTV every Sunday night. Big changes happening with them. Great advances have been made over the last 6 months with the production equipment and team. It continues to improve every month. March is going to see the start of a new chapter in many respects for the company. If you watched the recent Pressure Rising iPPV we had in the middle of February, you also know that my role with the company….well…..won’t be the same as what it’s been. I ain’t saying I’m done, I’m just saying, keep watching and see what happens.

Lots going on and the growing support has been great. I hope to be able to give more details to a lot of what I’ve mentioned and much more on the newsletter later this week. So go sign up if you haven’t and tell a friend to sign up.

Keep spreading the reality.

The show took place in Albany, Georgia at the historic State Theater. A venue normally holds concerts. Just down the street was an awesome Ray Charles memorial. For those who don’t know, I’m a huge Ray Charles fan.

The true significance from this show came courtesy of a guy who has become one of my closest friends in life and in the business of pro-wrestling. Bam Stone.

Bam is from Albany, Georgia. It’s where he grew up and still has a lot of family and friends. Bam doesn’t live in Albany anymore which made the night that much better.

He’s never worked a wrestling show in Albany. He is worked a lot of other towns in Georgia, Alabama etc….but never a show that’s been held in Albany. In addition to him coming “home”……one of his two major goals was for his Grandmother to see him wrestle. The other major goal would be of course to make it to the top of the wrestling world.

I was proud to be asked by Bam to come to Georgia to be part of this show and moment for him. We love working together in any way we can. On radio, on camera being goofs and especially working as manager/wrestler together on shows.

The venue was an amazing sight. All the crowd was basically on one side of the building…..there was no security railing to block them. This can be a catch 22. It provides a great extra bit of energy…..especially if your the heel….knowing these fans having nothing in between you and them…..but it can also be an issue when it comes to little kids (or the brother of a babyface getting his ass kicked) getting too excited and not knowing a limit of how close to the ring they should be. Gotta love the southern wrasslin’ fans.

State Theater in Albany, GA, getting ready for wrestling.

There wasn’t no big dressing rooms, just one small room with a couch, couple chairs, fridge and a 12 inch tv. One bathroom, that didn’t have the sink in that same room. The venue for wrestling was only set up to hold a couple hundred people.

The dressing rooms were full of guys ready to bust their ass, the movie Signs was on the television, the bathroom toilet did flush and the fans were standing to the door plus the upper balcony. It was professional wrestling in the most purest of forms.

It was a bunch of guys who just wanted to get in the ring and entertain. Straight good guy versus bad guy. Very easy to follow. Simple and straight forward worked. The venue and the fans had that place LOUD.

I was billed as the Special Guest Host for the evening. I was the first to be introduced and come out to start the show. The energy from the crowd was amazing.

It transitioned into Dirty Dave Tate coming out to push me around before Bam Stone’s music would hit and I would get us going in the first match of the night.

Bam got the win and debuted a new finisher. He didn’t just debut a new finisher but, on a personal note I can say, finally found his finisher. He has experimented and like many guys new in the ring, trying to find what fits them best. This worked. I can’t even do much justice in telling you what it is. Nobody in WWE or TNA does it so. But, it was safe, looked good and the people popped for it. Go see it for yourself.

We came back out later and Bam cut a very real promo talking about how happy he was to be in Albany. He asked me to bring his Grandmother who he calls Ma Sally in the ring. We bring her in the ring and proceed to sing Happy Birthday to her since it was her 80th birthday. Before we could do that, Dirty Dave Tate came back out and interrupted us.

Ma Sally had no idea any of this segment was going to happen. Thankfully, she listened to quick instruction from Bam and Tate got in her face and she hauled off and slapped Tate.

Tate hit the mat rolled out the ring and the State Theater exploded with excitement. Thank goodness for the adrenaline surge the crowd noise and music provided—otherwise myself and I KNOW BAM would have been in tears. It was hard enough to fight that off as it was.

We came out one more time after the main event when Dab Savage won the main event match. Dab was the one who put the whole show together and did a great job for his first time. The toughest thing Dab had to avoid which he did great….he didn’t try to do more than he could handle. Too often, those putting together wrestling shows get in over their head.

Their was an ass in every seat and then some standing. People were drinking at the bar but no incidents. People paid to get in, made noise the whole time. Everybody came in happy and left happier.

I got to give credit to Dirty Dave Tate. This was my first meeting with Tate and what a great veteran. Without totally killing any chance of him getting heat from those of you reading this who might ever see him perform……he was a great sport about everything. Lot of knowledge, valuable experience for both Bam and I.

For a minute, I didn’t know if I’d make it to Albany. Terrible snow in Pittsburgh made a 25 mile trip to the airport turn into a 4 hour drive of hell where many were having trouble staying on the road.

Through several missed flights and being bounced to different cities, I got to Georgia and it was all worth it to be part of that show with a great talent and great friend.

One goal down for Bam……no doubt the other one will come.

Bam coming into the ring and getting Dave Tate out of the ring

Bam and I getting a shot outside front after the show and crowd had left.

Wanted to take a minute to clear up something from this past weekend.

On Saturday, I had posted on Wrestlezone, and then later saw just prior to me, WrestlingInc.com posted similar information, that sources had informed me that Billy Gunn was going to be given the promotion of head trainer for WWE developmental and replace Bill DeMott. Nothing was ever said to me about DeMott being done with WWE but simply his future status with WWE was unknown.

I got some information that was presented to me by legitimate sources inside WWE and unfortunately they jumped the gun on the information they gave me and I jumped the gun reporting it with such a tone of “this is fact.”

So, for that, I’m sorry.

Here is my side of the story on what happened:

A lot of information and exclusive stories were posted by me between Friday and Saturday. Friday morning I reported to expect some releases to be announced by WWE in the next 24 hours. In the next 24 hours, the release of Trent Barreta and developmental Diva Skyler Moon was announced.

I also got information involving some news of Bam Bam Bigelow’s name being brought in the talks of this years WWE Hall of Fame class.

Point is, a lot of sources speaking to me and a lot of information coming to me in the last few days….all with good accuracy and confirmation from various people with respect positions in the company.

Once the story was published by both myself and WrestlingInc, I began hearing of questioning and denial by some in WWE of Billy Gunn getting the head trainer spot.

After further investigation and follow up to people inside WWE—I’ve found that NOTHING official has been announced as of this writing regarding any changes to WWE’s developmental staff.

I did find that the sources who originally gave me this story, and there was more than one person in different areas of the company, had been hearing it and were passing it on. They were speaking too soon and or were passing it on with more certainty that it was true than they should have.

In the end, what should have been said, if anything, is that this is a rumor and has been brought up of Billy Gunn being promoted to the head trainer spot but its just that….a rumor.

It was not as a fact or decision that had been made as originally presented to me.

Again, to fans/readers of mine, I apologize for the mistake. I also apologize to Bill DeMott and Billy Gunn.

I’ve seen on Twitter DeMott saying no changes have been made and having to field questions from fans who either saw mine or WrestlingInc’s report.

I don’t know DeMott personally and had no intention to put anything out there not true about him.

“Reporting” on the world of pro-wrestling is crazy. There is such an interest or demand for coverage on the behind the scenes of the genre. WWE doesn’t want nor gives out official PR releases of behind the scenes stuff so information comes in a very rogue, mafia code of silence kinda manner from those inside the company.

It’s something I’ve tried to move away from or at least picking my spots. I enjoy the roles I’ve evolved into in just speaking about the product, critiquing it as an analyst and someone who works in the business in different capacities when not in a coverage role.

I’ve found value in keeping the info I do have and using it to fuel my opinions in the most intelligent direction possible. Basically, don’t always report everything you know or hear….just use it to keep yourself in the “know” and it can potentially help my analysis of what is going on and what I’m writing/saying.

I never want or like to be lumped in with some who are out there in the “dirt sheet” world who toss darts against a wall and make up stories.

It’s because of never wanting that I’m writing this to set the record straight and own up to a bad decision on my part.

Again, given circumstances, who was talking to me and other factors—I had no reason to seriously doubt what I was being told originally in regards to the development changes.

So, as of this writing, no changes have been made and Billy Gunn being put in that spot is to me nothing more than a rumor that was talked/heard of by some in WWE but doesn’t have any more value than that AT THIS MOMENT.

Can’t always bat a thousand, can’t win them all.

Apologies to the readers, Mr. Bill DeMott and Mr. Billy Gunn.

I hope everyone enjoys the 20^th anniversary of RAW…..I still remember the first episode!! Can’t believe 20 years has gone by and can’t believe they ever let Rob Bartlett do wrestling commentary.

- Justin LaBar

I got to spend this past weekend going down to Maryland/DC to visit my family for the holidays. Better late than never. It was great seeing everyone but was smack dab in the middle of a hectic time for my career.

I’ve been teasing changes coming for me on the wrestling career front. To stop any fun rumors from those I have seen mention me on Twitter, no I have not been hired by WWE. It’s very flattering those of you who want to see that and think I would be successful in different roles there. That is not what is happening right now. I enjoy my role and position I’ve created in the wrestling world. I appreciate it and am thrilled to learn of the fans who appreciate me and those inside the industry and major companies. No WWE right now, but never say never.

2 things are happening right now.

The first being a new wrestling company based in California that I’ll be working with beginning in March. As far as I know I’ll be working on commentary. The interesting thing is the concept they are bringing to the table. Without giving away too much because I’m not their official spokesperson, a very intelligent and interesting approach is being taken by this new company to present professional wrestling in a new light. To capture the magic and excitement the art of pro-wrestling brings….while providing some more legitimacy and logic to the presentation. Perhaps you could even say an MMA environment with pro-wrestling entertainment. More details to come when I know them and am given the green light to mass promote. Of course you can expect my official site here to have details as well as more talk in the monthly free newsletter you can sign up for on this site. They get released on the 1st of every month.

The second and more immediate change/addition is with Chair Shot Reality. CSR was what put me on the map with many wrestling fans. From the beginning, I’ve had the goal and thought of what about a pro-wrestling talk/entertainment show on television. Why not? A blend of ESPN First Take with Chelsea Lately or Jay Leno and a talk show about pro-wrestling. CSR is that. You have a lot of radio podcasts for wrestling but few have done video well. The Pro Wrestling Report and Arda Ocal at the score have both done a great job attacking the video aspect of wrestling talk.

Just as if you have a new movie or album, you wanna be featured on Chelsea Lately/Leno/Letterman or any of the entertainment circuit shows. Wouldn’t it be great to have that for wrestling. Promote your upcoming wrestling show/merch/YouTube show and more. Do it on a grand stage that provides top notch, HD studio presentation.

In exactly a month, on 2/8/13—Chair Shot Reality takes a giant step towards the goal I’ve had from the beginning. Things are getting finalized so again, not going to give away everything yet but I’m proud to say this new venture involves a partnership CSR has struck with my Alma mater, Point Park University. PPU has always had a great interest in media as they have many alums stemming back to their days as Point Park College. Comedian & actor Dennis Miller, his brother Jimmy Miller (a big time Hollywood agent for top A-listers), Cleveland Cavs play by play man Fred McLeod are just a few to name.

In one month, CSR is going to get a drastic makeover in the look and presentation. I’ve heard and always gotten a chuckle at the haters who use to make comments at CSR, especially when it started. They were so turned off by two guys in suits talking so serious about wrestling. They loved to make fun of us wearing suits, what we were saying or insisting the small studio we were in was actually Mom’s basement. Sometimes I wish it was Mom’s basement, after visiting this past weekend, I miss her cooking.

The move we’re making leaves no room for basement jokes!! A top notch new facility with Point Park University. I plan to release some special behind the scenes pictures in the prep on this site and the first edition ever of the JustinLaBar.com newsletter….so go sign up.

The visuals of the show aren’t the only changes. There will also be some changes coming regarding the cast of CSR. Josh Isenberg will still be involved with the show. In time, he will be doing some new things which I’m very excited about for him. Beyond Josh still being with the show and some of the new things he’s going to offer…..CSR is also planning on having a new face to the team on a weekly basis. Not going to say just yet, but when I do….those of you on this site will be the first to know!

I’m very lucky to say the sun has been shining. Lot going on. Certainly some gambles on particular levels for me but….gotta gamble to get ahead.

I’m reminded of Paul Heyman’s career advice when he says he’s not afraid of failure. When you’re not afraid to fail, will get knocked on your ass, get back up with a little more fight cause and keep coming—you’re dangerous.

I’m not thinking failure. I’m thinking about the personal reward for me and the enjoyment this is going to bring to all of you! Just another step in SPREADING THE REALITY!

A very nice fan named Cody wrote this and I didn’t want it to go to waste. It’s a Christmas poem for all of you fans who follow myself and Josh Isenberg on Chair Shot Reality. Enjoy and a give Cody a follow on Twitter @C3Brix.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through CSR
Not a spoiler was stirring, not even by Labar.
The dirt sheets were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that Tensi wouldn’t be there.

The IWC were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of the attitude era danced in their heads.
With Vince’s creativity lost, and CM Punk feeling trapped
WWE settles out of court, with the fan that got slapped.

When out of the Gorilla Position there arose such a clatter,
“Good Ol”JR sprang from the desk when hearing the glass Shatter.
Anticipating the excitement that was about to unfold,
He screamed to the heavens “STONE COLD”‘STONE COLD”"STONE COLD”.

The crowd on there feet as he made his way down the aisle,
More happy then HBK when got back his smile.
When, what does the audience expect, seeing there hero of the past before them,
But a PG era, just waiting for him to Condemn.

With a can of,”Whoop ASS”and microphone in hand,
He runs down the product so well, even Isenberg could understand.
Comparing all those years, he and the roster raised Hell,
To the current products longevity, to that of the XFL !

The Superstars in back listen and watch as their idol berates them on screen,
They find it to be too intolerable to watch, even more so then watching “The Marine.”
Remarks about the product being Boring and Lame,
Using phrases that would make even Mark Madden’s Comments look tame.

Will it ever end, this onslaught of verbal brutality,
then we hear through the Arena, “Cult of Personality!”
CM Punk stands tall, and tells the, “Rattlesnake” he is going to make this Quick,
If he wants a fight, He’ll do to him what WWE did in good taste with Katie Vick.

Austin tells Punk that if he interrupts him again,
“He’ll Stomp a Mud Hole in Him, and Walk it Dry.”
CM Punk responds with,
I’m the “Best in the World,” go ahead and try.

Each describing in detail their personal Grudge
Neither Combatant willing to budge.
Two of the greatest performers with something to prove and full of pride
Decide at Wrestlemania 30 is where they will collide.

Vince sprang to life in the back and announced,
that he is the King of Sports Entertainment.
and will defend that it was his idea alone,
more then he did in the early 90′s during his steroid arraignment.

So now the IWC can now sleep in peace, and receive a main event that transcends time,
A match for the ages, Yours and mine!
However somethings will never change, like if Isenberg wears a suit or a tux,
Like the words that Cena hears every time he steps out in public,”HE SUCKS!”

So sleep tight Josh Isenberg and dream of cheap hotel rooms,
and those street corners you frequent alone.
Because if you are naughty this year, not only will Santa not visit you,
You will get your ass handed to you by Mr. Bam Stone!!!