I decided it was time to write a blog and discuss some of things going on in Steeltown Pro Wrestling. We’ve now been in operation (promoting shows) since April 2008 and during that time I’ve done a lot of reflecting. I tend to look at where we’ve been, what we’ve accomplished and most important where we’re headed. Sometimes I have to give my head a shake because it’s hard to believe we’ve been able to do all we’ve done and it only feels like the beginning.
When we had our first meeting (we being myself and John Henry as well as some investors) in November 2007 it was a lot of “what ifs”. John and I looked at the work we had a head of us, the roles we would play and wondered “how the heck can we pull this off without becoming another wrestling causality like so many wrestling promotions before us”. By the spring of 2008 we were ready to go with our first show, it was due or die.
Two years later and we’re closing in on show #50. What was supposed to be local bi-monthly shows in Selkirk, Manitoba turned into a travelling company, criss-crossing Manitoba and featuring international wrestling talent from all over. So much for the original business plan! Our first 11 shows in 2008 really set the foundation for the years to come. We established our presence in Selkirk and expanded to Winnipeg with spot shows in Stonewall and Souris. We released every event on DVD and began two internet TV series with SPW TV and SPW BlogTV.
I think what brings me the biggest smile is watching our roster grow. From the first show until now the talent have made great strides in the ring, always improving, connecting with the fans and becoming veritable stars on our circuit. The same goes for our first batch of trainees some of which are now integral parts of the roster. Watching them from our initial meeting to moments like winning their first title is like a father watching his son succeed. It’s very rewarding.
As president of Steeltown Pro Wrestling I’m looked at for direction, to lead the company from one show to the next. Thanks goodness for men like John Henry and Ron McLean in the SPW office and guys like Chi Chi Cruz and Jethro Hawg taking charge backstage. After all, one man can’t do it all. Sometimes, these guys are such great leaders you’d swear I was invisible.
I have a huge “to-do” list when it comes to SPW. While it amazes me how much I’ve been able to check off the list, the list is still quite long and I continue to add to it. Some might be wondering what’s next. A lot of the time, your guess is as good as mine because this business changes on a whim and can be difficult to predict from one day to the next. Never the less, somehow, we manage to “git ‘er done”.
One day I’d love to see SPW with some kind of broadcast deal that would beam us into every wrestling fans home. I’d love to have a DVD distribution deal to reach a larger market with a great ease of access to our footage. Heck, internet PPV seems to be easier and easier with each passing week. I have a list of talent that I’d love to see in a SPW ring from independent standouts to WWE legends.
That’s why I always say that for everything we’ve accomplished, it’s only just begun. The entire team has devoted so many hours to get make this what it is and plenty more hours will have to be put in to get it one step further. For all the stresses that come with those man hours, it’s been worth every single second!
In closing I want to thank the entire Steeltown Pro Wrestling roster and staff. You guys are the soul of the company and it’s carried on your backs. I also want to thank all of our wonderful sponsors who have been a joy to do business with. And most of all, most importantly, I want to thank our customers…the SPW fan base! You are why we do this and you are what make it worth it. See your faces in the crowd is all the reward I need. To everyone involved, THANK YOU!
Dale Barnett
SPW President
