Mike Awesome - How Paul Heyman Never Paid Me For A Pay Per View

Summary of YouTube Video Transcript

This transcript details a wrestler's experiences and perspectives on working for FMW and ECW, focusing on his career trajectory, relationships with promoters, and memorable matches.

Transition from FMW to ECW

The speaker initially worked full-time for FMW, dedicated to Onita. However, Onita's departure to pursue acting led FMW in new directions, incorporating ECW talent. Paul Heyman, impressed by the speaker's work, offered him a job with ECW. Despite initial reluctance due to good earnings with FMW, the speaker eventually accepted, influenced by Sabu's encouragement and the realization that he couldn't wrestle in Japan indefinitely.

Early ECW Experiences and Perceptions

The speaker's first foray into ECW was brief, with him flying himself in and agreeing to work for $50. He was struck by the American fans' enthusiastic response to his style, finding it much easier to elicit a strong reaction compared to Japan, where performers had to "kill themselves" for a similar effect. His first impression of Paul Heyman was positive; he found Heyman to be a nice person who consistently put his talent over.

The "Spot" with JT and TV Presence

The speaker was featured on ECW television for approximately three to four years, notably for a spot involving guardrails with JT. He recounts the intensity of this moment, believing he had broken JT's back. The crowd's reaction was immense, and the speaker's immediate concern for JT, who assured him he was fine, highlighted the dangerous nature of the stunt. This incident was a significant scare, making him fear the end of his US wrestling career.

Locker Room Atmosphere

The ECW locker room is described as the "easiest going, most mellow locker room" the speaker had ever experienced. He characterized it as laid-back, with happy individuals, free from misery or backstabbing, which he initially believed was the standard for wrestling locker rooms.

First Match and Unpaid Dues

The speaker clarifies his "first match" in ECW, distinguishing between early appearances and his later hiring. He recalls a hard-hitting pay-per-view match with Tanaka where he was powerbombed over the top rope through a table. This was a particularly scary experience, and he notes that he was never paid for this match, a common complaint from others.

Contractual Issues and Injury

Despite being under contract for "Anarchy Rules" in 1999 for a three-way match, the speaker reveals he never signed a formal contract. This was due to unpaid dues from the previous pay-per-view. Heyman reportedly begged him to work, promising payment for the outstanding match. The speaker sustained a severe knee injury during a match with Tanaka, followed by a broken ankle on a tour with FMW. This led to a period of being unable to walk and a year-long hiatus from wrestling to recover.

Return to ECW and Heavyweight Championship Win

After recovering, the speaker initially worked for All Japan Pro Wrestling. Paul Heyman then contacted him again, expressing a strong desire to make him the ECW Heavyweight Champion. Despite past issues with payment, Heyman convinced him, promising to pay for the outstanding pay-per-view and proposing a five-year contract. The speaker agreed, leading to his surprise win in a three-way dance at "Anarchy Rules." This victory was unexpected by most, including the fans and other wrestlers, who believed Tanaka was being groomed for the title. The speaker enjoyed the element of surprise and the reaction from the locker room. He also mentions a brief moment of disappointment when another wrestler, who had been told he was next in line for the championship, expressed his feelings.

Key Concepts

• FMW (Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling): A Japanese wrestling promotion where the speaker initially worked.
• ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling): An American wrestling promotion known for its hardcore style.
• Paul Heyman: Promoter of ECW, known for his booking and promotional skills.
• Onita: A prominent wrestler and figure in FMW.
• Sabu: A wrestler who encouraged the speaker to work for ECW.
• Hard-hitting matches: A style of wrestling characterized by intense strikes and physical impact.
• Powerbomb: A wrestling move where a wrestler lifts an opponent and slams them down.
• Guardrails: Metal barriers often used in hardcore wrestling matches.
• Pay-per-view (PPV): A broadcast event that viewers pay to watch.
• Heavyweight Champion: The top championship title in a wrestling promotion.
• Three-way dance: A match involving three competitors.
• Locker room: The area where wrestlers prepare and interact backstage.

Conclusion

The transcript provides a candid account of a wrestler's journey through FMW and ECW, highlighting the challenges of unpaid dues, the physical toll of wrestling, and the strategic surprises employed in booking. The speaker's experiences underscore the unique atmosphere of ECW's locker room and the impact of key figures like Paul Heyman and Sabu on his career. The narrative culminates in his unexpected ECW Heavyweight Championship win, a testament to the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling.