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Best For Business: How I Watch Wrestling Now | The Chairshot
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Opinion

Best For Business: How I Watch Wrestling Now

Diving into my newest column titled “Best For Business” with an introduction to the format, and more importantly–how we got here!

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WWE Brock Lesnar Paul Heyman Best For Business

Greg DeMarco dives in to his newest column titled “Best For Business” with an introduction to the format, and more importantly–how we got here!

I know what you’re thinking: What do you mean…”best for business?” You see, I have a very different way of watching wrestling. It’s not something that happened overnight, but over time. At least, that’s how I see it. But I may be partially wrong…

As a kid, I was really into architecture. I would use graph paper and drafting tools to draw arenas, and the set-up was almost always for wrestling. In middle school we had a budgeting project, where we had to create a budget for something. It was 6th grade, the budget could literally be for anything. Mine? An independent wrestling event. I am sure the Richmond Center (convention center in Richmond, Virginia) knew I was a kid on the other end of the phone in 1991 when they told me the rental rate was $500. And hey, it included chairs!

In high school, I would envision different places to hold a wrestling event. How would it look? Could I make it different? It was always about making the best show possible, and utilizing the space as good as I could. Logistics were obviously always an interest of mine, before I knew what the word “logistics” meant (or that it existed!).

Fast forward to 2005, when I was working at the University Of Connecticut and had gotten into the equally crazy world of stand-up comedy. Working different comedy shows around New England did two things to me: 1) I saw comedy venues for their potential to host wrestling, and 2) I saw the opportunity to host my first ever event. In April 2005, I hosted the first ever Main Pub Comedy Night. It was more like wrestling than you’d think. You had a venue to keep happy, and since it was all free they were basically a sponsor. You had a line-up of comics, and figuring out the order is just like preparing a show. You had transitions to worry about, as well as crowd control. I put on 12 Main Pub Comedy Nights over the course of 13 months, ending in April 2006 when my son was born. A few months later, we were on the road moving back to Arizona, where it all changed.

In Arizona, I linked up with a group of individuals to run Rising Phoenix Wrestling. I didn’t have a single clue how to run a wrestling show, and I was in luck: neither did they! It was a comedy of errors, but we did some really cool stuff as well. Once that died off (the first of I believe three times), I merged into Impact Zone Wrestling, a company that’s become even more important to my story recently. I learned a ton there, realizing how little I knew while helping run RPW. IZW forever changed me, as I really saw the good and bad of the business, and I learned how to make decisions. Business related decisions.

In 2010 IZW died off, but I had the chance to work with Ring Of Honor and plan their Phoenix events around WrestleMania weekend. The events turned a profit, something WrestleMania weekend events hadn’t done for ROH. That was also my first time learning just how wrong wrestling news often was. It had been reported in the fall prior that WWE was blocking ROH from using buildings in Phoenix. That was completely untrue–the only building ROH couldn’t use was the Phoenix Convention Center, because it was in use by WWE! We secured a great location that had everything ROH needed, and it was dirt cheap. The shows turned a good profit, something I was rewarded for by the company.

From 2010 to 2016, my experience was largely on the media side, taking an analytical approach to the product. I went from a fan who was largely obsessed with his own playlist to learning how this thing really worked. The rise of Daniel Bryan to the WrestleMania 30 main event was key in this–I was told in November 2013 that the plan was for Daniel Bryan to finish WrestleNania 30 as the world champion, and that the plan was in place going back to August. That information came from within the business, and turned out to be 100% true despite what Wrestling Newz would tell you to this day.

(And don’t even get on the fact that Daniel Bryan talks about it in his book–it benefits him to do that!)

The next big development came in 2016 when I planned and executed two events under the banner of PHX Wrestling. For the first time, I was ultimately responsible for these shows. I had help (some tremendous help in the form of a gentleman by the name of “JV,” who I am still friend with to this day even though he’s no longer in the state), but it all came down to me. I had to deal with changes, cancellations, and most importantly booking decisions that weren’t centered around who (or what) I wanted to see, but who (or what) would draw. Both events turned a profit (the second one thanks to two key cancellations and a sponsor), but I also learned an important life lesson: take care of yourself. My body wasn’t ready for the stress of running wrestling shows, and it took a toll on me.

But it was there I learned the true definition of the term “best for business.” It influences me to this day. I mentioned IZW earlier, and I was lucky enough to produce the IZW Reunion in May of 2019, which led to the decision to bring IZW back on a quarterly basis starting in October 2019. I am back to making business decisions, and it further shapes how I look at wrestling. This business is just that–a business. It’s not about who the internet loves, or what we think should happen. I often use the phrase “Vince McMahon doesn’t give you what you, he gives you what you need,” and it’s 100% true. Seth Rollins doesn’t have his moment at SummerSlam 2019 if Vince didn’t have Brock Lesnar win Money In The Bank and cash in at Extreme Rules. It takes steps to create something special.

This story comes to Friday, August 23. I went to a community center to help with a celebratory wrestling show. Big names were involved, but there really wasn’t anything for me to do. I spent about an hour talking to people I knew, reviewed some plans for IZW…and left.

I had no desire to stay. I look at the wrestling business as just that–a business. And there was no business gain to me staying to watch the show. It was worth more to me to go and have dinner with my family, go to a meeting on Saturday for an event I am helping with in September (that will allow us to promote our IZW event in October), and work on the website.

I can’t say that I am no longer a fan. I am. I am a fan of the wrestling business. I’ll attend WWE. I’ll attend major event. But I’ll see them from a very different lens. Things still pop me, but those things are usually the execution of something, not the something itself. That’s why I love The Revival. They execute everything with perfection. I don’t care if they win or lose, I care about how they perform.

And that’s led to the birth of Best For Business. An opportunity for me to look at the business as a business. Applying my analyst hat to things that are happening on TV and in the arenas. It’s going to be a fun journey, and I am glad you’re on it with me!

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

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Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

  • AJ – Roxanne Perez
  • Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
  • Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
  • DJ – Naomi
  • DPP – Roxanne Perez
  • Jason – Alexa Bliss
  • Patrick – Roxanne Perez
  • Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
  • Rob – Naomi
  • Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

  • AJ – LA Knight
  • Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
  • Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
  • DJ – LA Knight
  • DPP – El Grande Americano
  • Jason – LA Knight
  • Patrick – Solo Sikoa
  • Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
  • Rob – Solo Sikoa
  • Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

 

  • AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
  • Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
  • Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
  • DJ – Lyra Valkyria
  • DPP – Becky Lynch
  • Jason – Becky Lynch
  • Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
  • Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
  • Rob – Becky Lynch
  • Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

  • AJ – Cena & Paul
  • Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
  • Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
  • DJ – Rhodes & Uso
  • DPP – Rhodes & Uso
  • Jason – Cena & Paul
  • Patrick – Cena & Paul
  • Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
  • Rob – Cena & Paul
  • Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

  • AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
  • Andrew – @IWCWarChief
  • Dave – @AttitudeAgg
  • DJ – @TheMindlessPod
  • DPP – @itsmeDPP
  • Jason – @JediFett
  • Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
  • Rey – @itsreycash
  • Rob – @rbonne1
  • Greg – @gregdemarco44
  • PC – @PCTunney
  • TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY – Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY – 4 Corners Podcast (sports)

WEDNESDAY – The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY – POD is WAR (Los Tres Friends)

FRIDAY – DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY – The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY – Keeping the news ridiculous… The Oddity / The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

 


Chairshot Radio Network
Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts… Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Listen on your favorite platform!

iTunes  |  iHeart Radio  |  Google Play  |  Spotify
Listen, like, subscribe, and share!

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Continue Reading

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

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May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

  • AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
  • Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
  • Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
  • DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
  • DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
  • Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
  • Patrick – Gunther
  • Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
  • Rob – Gunther
  • Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

  • AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
  • Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
  • Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
  • DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
  • DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
  • Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
  • Patrick – Becky Lynch
  • Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
  • Rob – Lyra Valkyria
  • Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

 

  • AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
  • Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
  • Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
  • DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
  • DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
  • Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
  • Patrick – Jacob Fatu
  • Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
  • Rob – Jacob Fatu
  • Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0 

 

  • AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
  • Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
  • Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
  • DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
  • DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
  • Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
  • Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
  • Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
  • Rob – Dominic Mysterio
  • Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

 

  • AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
  • Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
  • Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
  • DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
  • DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
  • Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
  • Patrick – John Cena
  • Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
  • Rob – John Cena
  • Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

  • AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
  • Andrew – @IWCWarChief
  • Dave – @AttitudeAgg
  • DJ – @TheMindlessPod
  • DPP – @itsmeDPP
  • Jason – @JediFett
  • Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
  • Rey – @itsreycash
  • Rob – @rbonne1
  • Greg – @gregdemarco44
  • PC – @PCTunney
  • TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY – Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY – 4 Corners Podcast (sports)

WEDNESDAY – The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY – POD is WAR (Los Tres Friends)

FRIDAY – DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY – The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY – Keeping the news ridiculous… The Oddity / The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

 


Chairshot Radio Network
Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts… Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Listen on your favorite platform!

iTunes  |  iHeart Radio  |  Google Play  |  Spotify
Listen, like, subscribe, and share!

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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