THE WOMEN BEHIND THE CURTAIN
**Interviews from Issue 14 of Westside Pro Wrestling Newsletter - October 2010**
A lot of work goes on behind-the-scenes, to bring fans what they see on a show night, and a lot of the time, its women who are behind the smooth running of the things that happen outside the squared circle, and they do this without getting as much recognition as the wrestling talent, but they are important all the same. Tez spoke to two of the hardest working women on the WA scene, Shell from EPW and Rebecca from SHWA.
A lot of work goes on behind-the-scenes, to bring fans what they see on a show night, and a lot of the time, its women who are behind the smooth running of the things that happen outside the squared circle, and they do this without getting as much recognition as the wrestling talent, but they are important all the same. Tez spoke to two of the hardest working women on the WA scene, Shell from EPW and Rebecca from SHWA.
SHELL
WPW: How did you get involved in the business and how long have you been in it? SHELL: Way back in 2001 when WA wrestling didn’t exist, a group of friends got together and decided to put on a free wrestling show in Wanneroo. They needed someone to help them with selling t-shirts so I volunteered. Before you know it, it’s 2010 and I’ve been heavily involved with EPW ever since. WPW: Were you a wrestling fan before you got involved? SHELL: No, I’m sorry to say. Sure, I watched a few things on TV as a kid, but I never really got into it that much. WPW: What are your main roles for the promotion and what do you enjoy doing most? SHELL: I run everything front of house on show day and look after all of the event co-ordination leading up to a show, but I have an amazing support team that helps with all of this. I also have the extremely exciting (?) task of doing the bookkeeping/accounts for our business. I’d have to say that the part I enjoy the most is seeing the looks on our fans’ faces as they watch an EPW show. It is very rewarding to see and I enjoy interacting with our fans. WPW: Has it at times been difficult working in a male dominated business? SHELL: At times it can be, yes, but I’d like to think that I keep the boys in line…somewhat, (laughs). But seriously, I love the guys that I work with. WPW: With Re-Awakening 9 approaching. Is it an exciting time each year for you or is it added pressure due to the enormity of it? SHELL: In the lead up to Re-Awakening it can be quite stressful for all of us organized in putting the show together, but it is also a very exciting time. This show is a celebration of all that is Explosive Pro Wrestling and how wrestlers, staff and fans unite to enjoy one of the greatest nights on the calendar in Australian wrestling. |
REBECCA
WPW: How did you get involved in the business and how long have you been in it? REBECCA: Through my husband. Around late 2007-early 2008, he became involved with a local fed and that’s where my life in wrestling began. WPW: Were you a wrestling fan before you got involved? REBECCA: Yes. Have seen WWE in Melbourne and when Kane walked out that blew me away and I have always loved Kevin Nash. WPW: What are your main roles for the promotion and what do you enjoy doing most? REBECCA: I take the phone bookings which is great to do because I hear from all our fans. I also handle the seating and table arrangements; I run the concession stand and handle any needs the roster has. I enjoy taking care of the roster, they are a great bunch of guys and they are funny too. WPW: Has it at times been difficult working in a male dominated business? REBECCA: No, not for me. It’s been excellent I have the best guys around me and they show me nothing but respect and I do the same. I have the best boss and he is willing to listen to new ideas and will tell me if he likes them or not, and the roster is the same. And I enjoy being the oldest there. WPW: We are heading towards SHWA’s second anniversary with Ascension in early December. Is it an exciting time each year for you or is it added pressure due to being SHWA’s biggest show each year? REBECCA: Yes, it’s exciting and I can’t wait for the show. It’s added pressure that I live for, to see the final result of a year’s worth of work finally being presented. While we always strive to make each show “better then the last"”, there is always that sense of one last big push for the year. As an organiser this can be a mixed blessing as far as the physical wellbeing of the wrestlers as we want to make sure that they don’t spend Xmas in hospital and I want the show to be the best we can put on. |