Reported by Adam Martin of WrestleView.com
On Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 4:45 PM EST

Dan Hoff sent in the following interview with "The Promise" Antonio Thomas (Former WWE Heart Throb):

"The Promise"Antonio Thomas and wrestling reporter Dan Hoff

Recently, I caught up with and had the pleasure to interview one of wrestling’s top young talents and a man who I have the honor of calling a friend -- “The Promise" Antonio Thomas at a recent MXW wrestling event.

Dan Hoff: What is your earliest wrestling memory?

Antonio: My earliest memories would be watching wrestling on Saturday mornings with my older cousins who were huge fans.

Dan Hoff: When and where were you trained and by who?

Antonio: I started training under Kevin Landry in Springfield, Mass in 2001. I then continued on under Steve Bradley before signing my WWE contract.

Dan Hoff: Is there anyone that you pattern your style after or perhaps inspired you to move your wrestling career in the direction you have taken it?

Antonio: There were a lot of workers that I looked up to growing up, but the two that stand out the most and made me decide that I wanted to do this for a living were Shawn Michael's and Ricky Steamboat. I would say I definitely try to pattern my style after theirs as well as Brian Pillman and Arn Anderson. I try to take a little something unique from every style of worker.

Dan Hoff: What one match in the history of wrestling would you pick as being the most important?

Antonio: There have been many important matches through history, but if I had to pick just one, it would be Hogan/Andre from Wrestlemania 3. I was still young, but I can't remember another match that had that much hype and buildup going into it, not to mention the 93,000 people in attendance to add to the matches aura and electricity.

Dan Hoff: Having worked for many independent promotions from CT to Texas and beyond what
would you say is your favorite part of the country to work in and why?

Antonio: I find something special in every place I work, but if there was one place I would call my favorite, it would have to be the Northeast. I say this not only because this is where I started and came up, but because the Northeast has some of the most die-hard and knowledgeable fans anywhere. The Northeast is also populated with so many promotions with so many different styles and fan bases, that it gives you the opportunity to work many different styles in front of a wide variety of audiences.

Dan Hoff: In July 2004 you signed a developmental contract with OVW and began working with the WWE shortly there after as part of the Heartthrobs with your tag team partner Romeo Roselli. You were then released by the WWE On February 10, 2006... What are your thoughts on your experience working with World Wrestling Entertainment?

Antonio: Working for the WWE was a dream come true and for that, I will forever be grateful to them. Being a professional wrestler and making a living through this sport that I love so much had been my dream of mine since I was 8 years old and they gave me that chance and helped me realize that dream. WWE gave me the opportunity to see the world and showcase my talents on a worldwide stage, and that is something that I look forward to doing once again in the future.

Dan Hoff: The words Icon and legend are thrown around the wrestling world these days and attached to different wrestlers from different promotions, who do you view as being the top legends or Icons in wrestling today?

Antonio: There have been so many through time, but today I would have to say that Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Shawn Michael's, Triple H, Kurt Angle and just a few years ago the Rock, Steve Austin and Bret Hart all come to mind when using the words legend and icon.

Dan Hoff: On June 6,2005 you competed in a match in a match on WWE's Raw program in which current TNA Knockout Christy Hemme was involved in..What are your memories of that match and do you still have contact with Christy?

Antonio: I believe that match took place in St. Louis and was a 6-person tag involving myself, Romeo, and Victoria vs. Christy, Hurricane and Rosey. That match was a blast and Christy is a pleasure to work with and be around. She has come so far in this business in such a short time and that's a testament as to how hard of a worker she is. We still keep in touch every now and then through myspace.

Dan Hoff: TNA is presenting Bound For Glory this year in Detroit as opposed to staying within the safe confines of Orlando as they did last year,...Do you think it will be successful?

Antonio: I think it will be successful because I believe they ran their first house show there this year to a sellout crowd. It will give the fans of Detroit and TNA fans, in general, a chance to see a TNA ppv outside of Orlando and gives TNA the opportunity to expand upon their fanbase.

Dan Hoff: Looking ahead ten years what wrestler from any promotion do you feel will have had the largest impact on that given promotion and in what way?

Antonio: Its hard to predict what will happen in this industry in 10 days let alone 10 years, but I can definitely see Randy Orton, Carlito, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, CM Punk, Chris Masters, Bobby Lashley, just to name a few of the so many talented workers who might very well be at the forefront of our industry in 10 years.

Dan Hoff: If there was one thing you could tell people who were interested in pursuing a career in professional wrestling or other athletic field what would it be?

Antonio: I would tell them that if they were going to pursue a career in wrestling or any other athletic endeavor, that you must treat it as such-this is a job, one to be taken very seriously 24/7. There are many highs and lows that one will have to face, but keeping a level head and staying persistent and patient, as well as treating everyone you work with, with respect, will always pay off in the long run.

Dan Hoff: If a promoter is interested in booking you for an appearance how can they reach you?

Antonio: I can be reached via email at tjm2333@aol.com as well as my official website at Antonio-Thomas.com and myspace at myspace.com/promiseantoniothomas.

Dan Hoff: Thank you for your time and best of luck with your wrestling career.

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MidSouth AllStar Wrestling sent this in:

Founded in 2003, MidSouth AllStar Wrestling's goal is to bring an alternative style of professional wrestling to the Memphis, Tennessee area. Displaying some of the best talent around, MAW continues to entertain fans with innovative matches and concepts. MAW also supports local music and puts various artists on display at its live events.
MAW will play host to Extreme Impact: Round 2 at the New Daisy Theater, located on the world-famous, historic Beale Street, on Friday, September 8. This time around, Commissioner K.C. Gold is bringing in some heavy hitters to MAW.

Former WCW, WWE, and TNA Superstar Buff "The Stuff" Bagwell will also be in action, his opponent though at this time is unknown. Rick Steiner (replacing Raven due to an injury) will also be in action. Should be interesting to see who in the MAW Locker Room will be ready for this challenge.

Also, signed for Extreme Impact: Round 2, all of the MAW Championships will be on the line:

MAW Heavyweight Championship
Bishop Vs Blalok Tha Blazer [c]

MAW Southern Championship
Last Man Standing | Triple Threat Match
Reno Diamond Vs Marcus O'Neil [c] Vs Kaut!on

MAW Junior-Heavyweight Championship
The Crime Vs Gabriel Stalker [c]

The MAW Tag Team Championship will also be decided in a match later to be determined.

There will also be live performances by local band Shaved and special guest band Josephus and the George Jonestown Massacre. Plus, the team Women of Mass Destruction from the Memphis Roller Derby league will be there as special guest ring girls!

Bell time is 7:30 and tickets are only $10. Come on out and support local bands and enjoy hot girls, a full bar, and live in-your-face wrestling!

Don't forget, MAW hold monthly events at the New Daisy Theater. Check out the date for the next event at www.midsouthallstarwrestling.com, then come out and join the excitement!

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Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling sent in the following:

Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling Newsline: August 30, 2006

CAPW MAKES TELEVISION DEBUT THIS SATURDAY NIGHT

After months of preparation and anticipation, the day is finally here. Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling is ready to officially begin what is without a doubt the most important chapter of its storied thirteen-year history. This Saturday night, Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling debuts in nearly 3 million homes as Sports Time Ohio airs the premiere episode of CAPW TV!

Every week, CAPW will deliver one solid hour of cutting-edge, intense, athletic wrestling action to STO viewers featuring a cavalcade of wrestling stars. See the best of national and international stars, past and present, such as 'The Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels, 'Hacksaw' Jim Duggan, and 'The War Machine' Rhino, as well as the brightest home-grown stars in the state of Ohio such as JT Lightning, Chris Cronus, 'Suplex Machine' Jason Bane, Johnny Gargano, and many others! The program will be hosted by play-by-play commentator Joe Dombrowski, whose broadcast journalism dedication has taken him throughout the northeast United States and onto international tours as well, and joining him will be color analyst Jamie Scott, a veteran broadcaster of the sport who is quick to add his unique style and flair concerning everything from the in-ring action to his own personal fashion sense. All this plus backstage interviews, exclusive footage, and so much more each and every week on Sports Time Ohio!

THIS WEEK ON CAPW TV: Turn back the clock and relive the most tumultuous and anticipated match in CAPW history as we show you rare, exclusive footage of the battle between 'The War Machine' Rhino and 'The Samoan Submission Machine' Samoa Joe! Before they crossed paths in TNA, they locked horns in CAPW, and we’ll have the footage for you plus much more!

Below is the currently scheduled broadcast times of CAPW's first two episodes of CAPW TV on Sports Time Ohio. As always, stay posted to www.sportstimeohio.com and www.CAPW.net for up-to-date information on CAPW airtimes.

Saturday, 09/02 Cleveland All Pro Wrestling (Premier) 1:00 AM
Sunday, 09/03 Cleveland All Pro Wrestling (Replay) 11:30 PM
Saturday, 09/09 Cleveland All Pro Wrestling #2 12:00 AM
Sunday, 09/10 Cleveland All Pro Wrestling #2 (Replay) 11:00 PM

SportsTime Ohio is an innovative TV network designed to offer a variety of sports programming, with its initial venture being the largest television package in Indians team history (158 games to be broadcast in 2006). The schedule calls for SportsTime Ohio to air 130 regular season games and eight spring training games on cable and satellite television. SportsTime Ohio will also broadcast an additional 20 games on WKYC-TV (Cleveland) and other over-the-air local television stations in key Indians television markets. Plans are being developed to offer additional programming, geared specifically toward Ohio-area sports fans and the passion that makes the region a great sports community, to complement this expanded baseball schedule throughout the year.

Sports Time Ohio is currently available in 2.8 million homes throughout Ohio and abroad. For more information please check your local listings or visit www.sportstimeohio.com

NEXT CAPW LIVE EVENT THIS SUNDAY!

Cleveland All Pro Wrestling packs up and ventures away from our home base at Turner’s Hall for one afternoon only, as a very special card takes place at Gargano’s Pizza located at 3486 West 25th Street, in of course, Cleveland, OH. It's right across from the Metro Hospital, and tickets are just $10! For more information head to www.CAPW.net or call (216) 749-0336.

We are only four days away from receiving answers to some very pressing questions. Can Johnny Gargano make history and go 2-0 against the accomplished Alex Shelley? Will Chris Cronus be able to use his trademark power onslaught against a man the size of King Kong Bundy? Will JT Lightning escape Cleveland and Doink the Clown with his dignity in tact? These encounters and so much more take place THIS Sunday at Gargano's Pizza!

CURRENT LINE-UP FOR SEPTEMBER 3rd AT GARGANO's

King Kong Bundy vs. Chris Cronus
The legendary “Master of the 5 Count” and the “Walking Condominium” is on his way to Cleveland! King Kong Bundy has been in the ring with virtually every top name over the past 3 decades, and even has a WrestleMania main event to his credit. On the other side, Chris Cronus has been one of the long-time near-unstoppable forces in CAPW, particularly in recent months, where he has not only captured tag team gold, but competed on televised World Wrestling Entertainment television as well. It’s a classic example of Irresistible Force vs. Immovable Object at Gargano’s September 3.

Alex Shelley vs. Johnny Gargano
It was no secret that the brash young Gargano has been regarded as a future break-out star in professional wrestling, but even Gargano loyalists had to be surprised to see Gargano score a victory over one of the most skilled and well-known mat tacticians today, TNA star Alex Shelley. Shelley quickly asked for and received a rematch, and will attempt to even the score with Cleveland’s cockiest up-and-comer on September 3.

JT Lightning vs. Doink the Clown
The veteran and current one-half of the CAPW Tag Team Champions has battled against virtually every style and strategy in the game, but how will he fare against the most unorthodox of them all? “The Prince of Pranks” will be in rare form but will he be able to outsmart Lightning, and his advisor Krystal Frost?

This WILL be a taping for CAPW TV on Sports Time Ohio, so be sure to bring your signs, banners, and enthusiasm!

NEW MATCH SIGNED FOR OCTOBER 8

We already know Sunday, October 8 will be the date for one of the biggest clashes in CAPW history as “The Samoan Submission Machine” tangles with “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson, however CAPW management has already delivered on another big-time match to take place that afternoon.

Jake & Dave Crist collectively known as Irish Airborne have already been signed to make their CAPW debuts. Following recent impressive performances in the ROH promotion, Cleveland All-Pro officials made sure to conjure up a team of two mat masters to give Irish Airborne a taste of what competition in CAPW is truly like. With that in mind, officials have inked the very interesting tag team of the upstart Johnny Gargano and the current reigning Junior Heavyweight Champion Matt Stryker as the opposition.

Look for more blockbuster matches signed for this huge card in the coming weeks!

NEXT WEEK IN CAPW NEWSLINE

Next week, we’ll report on all the fall-out from this Sunday’s event at Gargano’s, preview next week’s “September Slaughter” card in-depth, and detail what went down when a CAPW staff member tracked down Abyss to get a response to Monty Brown’s comments made last week.

ANNOUNCED CARD FOR "SEPTEMBER SLAUGHTER" ON SEPTEMBER 10

CAPW returns to Turners Hall located at 7325 Guthrie, Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio on Sunday, September 10th with at 4:00 Belltime. This WILL be a television taping for CAPW on Sports Time Ohio and already announced are the following matches.

“The Monster” Abyss vs. “Alpha Male” Monty Brown
It’s irresistible force vs. immovable object when 6’8” 350 lbs of Mass Destruction collides with a man who’s competed in 2 Super Bowls, the man who claims the ring is his “Serengeti”, 6’2” 280 lbs. of Monty Brown! Both men have unleashed recent paths of destruction, dominating opponents in their path, but what could happen when these two men’s paths are intercepted by the other? Someone’s streak of success comes to an end at Turner’s Hall.

CAPW Heavyweight Title: Claudio Castagnoli vs. Chris Hero
Reigning champion “Double C” and Chris Hero are certainly no strangers to each other. They’ve found themselves as allies and opponents over the years, most recently aligned on an anti-ROH crusade. However, even the most tight-knit forces are susceptible to dissention when gold, glory, and money is at stake. Claudio and Hero set aside their allegiances to battle for Cleveland’s ultimate prize!

CAPW Jr. Heavyweight Title: Matt Stryker vs. Josh Prohibition
Stryker is undefeated in 2006 as reigning Jr. champion and although the tests continue to get stiffer, the all-business Stryker seems to always get the job done. This time he defends against one of the most prolific athletes in the Cleveland area, a man who’s traveled the world over in Josh Prohibition. It’s been several months since Josh has been in a CAPW ring and there’d be no better way to return than to end Stryker’s dominant winning streak.

Nigel McGuiness vs. Johnny Gargano
Gargano’s stock was raised big time when he defeated Alex Shelley at “August Onslaught”. Now the big-name tests keep on coming, as Gargano finds himself across the ring from ROH Pure Champion Nigel McGuiness. Nigel brings an exciting hybrid of British and American style wrestling rarely seen in the area. Will it prove too much for the studious prodigy Gargano to overcome?

UPCOMING CAPW LIVE EVENTS

September 3rd, 2006
Gargano's Pizza
3486 West 25th Street Cleveland, OH
Across from Metro Hospital (216) 749-0336
Featuring: King Kong Bundy vs. Chris Cronus; Alex Shelley vs. Johnny Gargano; JT Lightning vs. Doink; and much more!

September 10th , 2006
SEPTEMBER SLAUGHTER
Turner's Hall 7325
Guthrie Avenue in Cleveland
Doors open at 3:00 with a 4:00 Belltime
Featuring: “The Monster” Abyss vs. “The Alpha Male” Monty Brown; Claudio Castagnoli vs. Chris Hero; Stryker vs. Prohibition; Gargano vs. Nigel!

October 8, 2006
Turner's Hall 7325
Guthrie Avenue in Cleveland
Special 5:00 p.m. belltime!
Featuring: Samoa Joe vs. Bryan Danielson; Buff Bagwell vs. Jason Bane, Davey Richards, Irish Airborne and much more!

CAPW DVDs ON SALE NOW

Each and every CAPW live event is filmed for official DVD release and contains over two solid hours of CAPW action for just $15. To order any CAPW DVDs, send an email to pro_wrestling_rampage@yahoo.com or head to the “Store” section of www.CAPW.net for more information and a complete list of available titles. Some of our newer and more preferred titles in stock now include:

May 7, 2006: Heavyweight Championship: Adam Cage (C) vs. Sterling James Keenan; Hardcore As Hell: Necro Butcher vs. Michael Hellborn; Hacksaw Jim Duggan vs. Ala Hussein; Johnny Gargano, Matt Stryker, Chris Kole vs. M-Dogg 20, Dios Salvador, & Nigel McGuinness and much more!

April 9, 2006: Jr. Heavyweight Championship: Matt Stryker vs. Zack Storm; Heavyweight Championship: Adam Cage vs. Chris Kole; Sumie Sakai vs. Portia Perez; Rhino vs. Samoa Joe; Abdullah the Butcher vs. Michael Hellborn and much more!

March 12, 2006: Jr. Heavyweight Championship: Matt Stryker (C) vs. N8 Mattson; JT Lightning & Tracy Smothers vs. Da Munchies; Nigel McGuinness vs. "CK3" Conrad Kennedy III; Heavyweight Championship: Adam Cage (C) vs. Chad Collyer and much more!

CAPW NOW ON MYSPACE!

Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling has joined the ever-growing community of MySpace.com, with an official page dedicated to all the news, personalities, and happenings of Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/capw to befriend the hottest promotion in the state of Ohio today!

TO PURCHASE CAPW LIVE EVENT TICKETS PLEASE VISIT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TICKET OUTLETS

Tickets for any and all CAPW live events are available at the following outlets…

Black's Health World,
11934 Lorain, Avenue,
Cleveland, Ohio.
216-252-1695

Casamel's Pizza,
5589 Broadview, Rd,
Parma, Ohio.
216-661-9700

Lucha Appliances,
West 54th Street & Lorain Avenue,
Cleveland, Ohio.
216-326-7526

West Side Metals Corp.
6400 Stock Avenue,
Cleveland, Ohio.
216-961-7297

Pit Stop Donuts,
4411 Clark Avenue,
Cleveland, Ohio.
216-631-3284

Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling has been the premiere brand of professional wrestling in the state of Ohio throughout it’s over-thirteen year existence. CAPW utilizes a blend of the most talented and exciting local and national attractions today for a unique fan experience, featuring names such as Claudio Castagnoli, M-Dogg 20, Chris Cronus, Chris Kole, Nigel McGuiness, Rhino, JT Lightning, Matt Stryker, Jason Bane, and many more. Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling can be seen weekly on Sports Time Ohio in nearly 3 million homes starting this September. For more information please visit www.CAPW.net.