Slog
News & ArtsTuesday, March 3, 2009
City Wrestling the State
Posted by Jonah Spangenthal-Lee on Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 6:37 PM
The fate of the Seattle Semi-Pro wrestling league could be decided this week.
Since June, the SSP and the Washington State Department of Licensing have been grappling over whether SSP wrestling matches are sporting events or performance art.
The WSDOL wants the SSP to license and insure all of its performers and hire medics to supervise matches, which would put a hefty financial burden on the all-volunteer league. The SSP has argued that its staged and scripted matches should not be held to the same safety standards as athletic events.
In January, the SSP went on hiatus while the group waited for the state's ruling. However, SSP wrestlers have been keeping busy doing personal appearances—most recently at rapper Billy the Fridge's CD release party—and performing at bachelorette parties.
SSP wrestler Nathan Pinzon—who performs under the name Deevious Silvertongue—seems cautiously optimistic about the situation with the WSDOL, although even if SSP gets the all-clear, the league is now without a home as King Cobra—where the wrestling troupe has performed for the last year—closed last week.
If the WSDOL rules against SSP, Pinzon says the league will try to make it work. it’s going to be kind of a race against time," he says. "We're just trying to come up with a show where people feel like they got their money’s worth and leave them wanting more."
6
@5 I agree that this story might be more relevant in Line Out, but this is a very real issue that could set a scary precedent for performers in the arts community if their trades involve any kind of physicality. It is a vague legal boundary to set if the WSDOL decide to go after other performers/entertainers.
What exactly defines physicality, or athleticism? Would acrobats be held more accountable for a license than jugglers? Like a lot of other people in the theater and fighting communities, I am watching this story with close interest.
You would think that logic would prevail, and SSP would be left alone to do their thing. BUT....no....my tax dollars are being wasted on this B.S. Here's hoping they win!
Cheers!
SSP! SSP! SSP!
What exactly defines physicality, or athleticism? Would acrobats be held more accountable for a license than jugglers? Like a lot of other people in the theater and fighting communities, I am watching this story with close interest.
You would think that logic would prevail, and SSP would be left alone to do their thing. BUT....no....my tax dollars are being wasted on this B.S. Here's hoping they win!
Cheers!
SSP! SSP! SSP!
7
I find two secondary issues to be the most disturbing about this whole debacle. First is the angle of a private citizen whom after becoming disenchanted with a group of people who have rebuked him being capable of using the State apparatus for personal revenge. (see Seattle Times article, linked below)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/lo…
I believe it speaks exceptionally poorly of Washington residents that any person capable of articulating themselves sufficiently to be quoted in a newspaper interview could find enough satisfaction in abusing law enforcement resources to then brag about it to the general media.
Second, the State's enthusiasm for overzealously enforcing legal technicalities, I.E. the apparent attack-dog attitude displayed by the enforcement/prosecutors we as citizens employ. The self-justification of State law-enforcement agency employees having to take every case that comes across their desks soooo seriously that they force themselves to be blind to parody and pastiche in order to "be fair to everyone." It seems that everyone under general investigation is treated as poorly as the folks at SSP have been. Thoughtlessly "by-the-numbers" persecuted even though they are OBVIOUSLY a stage humor troupe.
This illustrates that our law enforcement personnel are either encouraged to not employ critical thought in their evaluation of legal transgression, or that the individuals hired to enforce our laws are simply not capable of it. Either way, this example roundly proves that these are not the people we as Washington State citizens would want enforcing our laws.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/lo…
I believe it speaks exceptionally poorly of Washington residents that any person capable of articulating themselves sufficiently to be quoted in a newspaper interview could find enough satisfaction in abusing law enforcement resources to then brag about it to the general media.
Second, the State's enthusiasm for overzealously enforcing legal technicalities, I.E. the apparent attack-dog attitude displayed by the enforcement/prosecutors we as citizens employ. The self-justification of State law-enforcement agency employees having to take every case that comes across their desks soooo seriously that they force themselves to be blind to parody and pastiche in order to "be fair to everyone." It seems that everyone under general investigation is treated as poorly as the folks at SSP have been. Thoughtlessly "by-the-numbers" persecuted even though they are OBVIOUSLY a stage humor troupe.
This illustrates that our law enforcement personnel are either encouraged to not employ critical thought in their evaluation of legal transgression, or that the individuals hired to enforce our laws are simply not capable of it. Either way, this example roundly proves that these are not the people we as Washington State citizens would want enforcing our laws.
8
Dear DOL,
I have known the SSP for 5 years, and have performed as an aerialist and side show act fairly regularly for 4 years with them. I'm not by any means a wrestler. The show incorporates belly dancers, burlesque performance, bands and other acts...Bottom line, this show is not a wrestling spectacle. Its a variety show that brings people together for good fun.
Shame on the State of Washington for tying this up for so long. Shame, shame, shame on you. Stop wasting my tax money please.
Besides the fact that this whole situation was brought on simply because a forty something year old baby got his ego hurt, as annoying as his existence is, he really doesn't matter. The question at hand is still if the SSP is a professional wrestling troupe.
The answer is NO, figure it out already.
I have known the SSP for 5 years, and have performed as an aerialist and side show act fairly regularly for 4 years with them. I'm not by any means a wrestler. The show incorporates belly dancers, burlesque performance, bands and other acts...Bottom line, this show is not a wrestling spectacle. Its a variety show that brings people together for good fun.
Shame on the State of Washington for tying this up for so long. Shame, shame, shame on you. Stop wasting my tax money please.
Besides the fact that this whole situation was brought on simply because a forty something year old baby got his ego hurt, as annoying as his existence is, he really doesn't matter. The question at hand is still if the SSP is a professional wrestling troupe.
The answer is NO, figure it out already.
9
as named "the super fan" by the seattle times, i would be so sad to lose ssp. not only is it a great time, but it serves as my biggest form of therapy. where else are you encouraged to yell and throw things? i have been going to ssp for 4+ years and find all of the performers to be incredible human beings who take ssp seriously. they rehearse every week to ensure us a good, safe show. they have put so much time and love in their performance, and it could all come to an end because someone wants revenge. i completely agree that this is a waste of time and resources. the state has far more pressing issues to deal with right now. i cannot believe that a drunken clown, a lusty lady employee and a high school wrestler are somehow more important then the rise in gang activity or the devastating loss in funds to social services, just to name two. not to mention the precedence that this could set. that's the way law works. if the DOL rules this to be a sporting event in need of heavy regulations, who can be regulated or shut down next?
SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP!
p.s- and a boo-yah to ken shram for award ms. touchette the shramy!
SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP!
p.s- and a boo-yah to ken shram for award ms. touchette the shramy!
10
I've seen both sides of the Northwest wrestling world, knowing the indy workers of North and South of King County, having to cut every corner to run a legit wrestling promotion. That was their choice.
SSP never chose to run a legit promotion. They chose to tribute the pastime of pro-wrestling in a Cabaret Stage show that not only celebrates the questionable reality that is Sports Entertainment, but it exploits it beyond any sense of belief.
Taking SSP away from Seattle will not only be a spit in the face of the last 5-6 years of their entertaining us, with slapstick action and ridiculed mayhem, but it is a huge blow to the future of Seattle Night Life. Cutting this budding idea short will stunt future expression.
This is an art performance, a jaded and twisted perspective of entertainment, mocking sport... but it's not harmful and it's getting pigeon holed into something it simply is not. That's my feelings on the matter, as a staunch supporter of the boys at SSP.
SSP never chose to run a legit promotion. They chose to tribute the pastime of pro-wrestling in a Cabaret Stage show that not only celebrates the questionable reality that is Sports Entertainment, but it exploits it beyond any sense of belief.
Taking SSP away from Seattle will not only be a spit in the face of the last 5-6 years of their entertaining us, with slapstick action and ridiculed mayhem, but it is a huge blow to the future of Seattle Night Life. Cutting this budding idea short will stunt future expression.
This is an art performance, a jaded and twisted perspective of entertainment, mocking sport... but it's not harmful and it's getting pigeon holed into something it simply is not. That's my feelings on the matter, as a staunch supporter of the boys at SSP.
12
This DOL attack on the SSP should be a wake up call to anyone involved in the performing arts. If you've witnessed this show, you know its absurd parody, not "sports entertainment". What's more, is this raunchy crew of volunteer performers are sincerely dedicated to a cabaret show UNLIKE ANY OTHERS going on in the Seattle Arts Scene. This show both celebrates and makes fun of American "masculinity" brilliantly. There are more ways to silence art and freedom of expression than obscenity laws, and the DOL is exercising one at all of our expense. If the SSP gets shut down, as a citizen, I'll mourn a sassy spectacle of politics and social commentary. As a working performance artist in Seattle for 5+ years, I'll be looking over my shoulder.
I urge anyone who cares about the performing arts, to take interest in this issue. Even if you've been to a show and think its stupid, if SSP can take this fall, it opens the doors for all kinds of other variety, dance, theater and comedy shows (which are all ready suffering in this economy) to feel the heavy hand of the state.
I urge anyone who cares about the performing arts, to take interest in this issue. Even if you've been to a show and think its stupid, if SSP can take this fall, it opens the doors for all kinds of other variety, dance, theater and comedy shows (which are all ready suffering in this economy) to feel the heavy hand of the state.
13
As a piercing and fire performer i find it both hilarious and insulting that the DOL is even bothering to attack these guys by labeling them as professionals when they don't even make any money. I find it funny that they would require a medic on site when I can hang a person from the ceiling by their skin with only $60 in medical licensing from the red cross.
As a fire performer we face ridiculous fees and restrictions at times, but 95% of what the city ask is both reasonable and genuinely out of concern for the safety of the public. Even with the massive fees we sometimes incur, we still only pay 1/10th per a person what the state is asking these guys to pay out. It's funny because in theater business on the east coast when you see this kind of extortion it's usually at the hands of the mob, and is referred to as both usury and racketeering. Here it's a matter public policy. the extortion is executed by public officials in plain sight, and serves in this case to essentially regulate a successful performance art troupe out of existence, for seemingly trivial risk imposed by their acts mostly upon themselves.
I could see requiring them to have clowning insurance similar to the kind I shell out $300 for annually, but these guys are looking at shelling out thousands of dollars per a person in athletic licensing fees, when most of them don't make a dime off of their work. this is just bat shit crazy and bad news for any large groups doing organized performance art in non-traditional form. Though i have to say by now most of us are painfully familiar with the tyrannical actions of the liquor control board, but the DOL? This is just ridiculous.
As a fire performer we face ridiculous fees and restrictions at times, but 95% of what the city ask is both reasonable and genuinely out of concern for the safety of the public. Even with the massive fees we sometimes incur, we still only pay 1/10th per a person what the state is asking these guys to pay out. It's funny because in theater business on the east coast when you see this kind of extortion it's usually at the hands of the mob, and is referred to as both usury and racketeering. Here it's a matter public policy. the extortion is executed by public officials in plain sight, and serves in this case to essentially regulate a successful performance art troupe out of existence, for seemingly trivial risk imposed by their acts mostly upon themselves.
I could see requiring them to have clowning insurance similar to the kind I shell out $300 for annually, but these guys are looking at shelling out thousands of dollars per a person in athletic licensing fees, when most of them don't make a dime off of their work. this is just bat shit crazy and bad news for any large groups doing organized performance art in non-traditional form. Though i have to say by now most of us are painfully familiar with the tyrannical actions of the liquor control board, but the DOL? This is just ridiculous.
14
I think one of the most glaring things forgotten in all of this is the King Cobra closing part. I loved going there, and found the staff and owners to be quite accomidating. Now...they are out of work.
In a time when unemployment is running rampant and extra money for entertainment is hard to come by, SSP provides a "cheap" form of release. And in doing so, brings in money to businesses that need it. Show attendance is down across the board, yet these folks packed em in!
I have gone to a number of shows, and have read about this issue for awhile. I, at first, could not see the problem. It sounded like just paying out some extra dough. Then, I found out that NOT ONE OF THE PERFORMERS IS PAID. They VOLUNTEER their time to entertain us!
And then I read into the absolutely baffling stance the DOL is taking.
Then, I found out this is all because of a bitter former "member". At first, I was mad because I thought it was the guy who replaced that guy that had done it. I thought this started in JANUARY!
But, no, the state has been on this since JUNE!
With an $8.8 billion budget gap, and the state MAKING MONEY FROM LIQUOR SALES, they took all this time to waste OUR MONEY AND OUR TIME.
It is appalling. And I say this now, no matter the outcome, it may be time for a change in the politics of this state.
I was at King Cobra's last night, and some loud guy said something about Performance Art and Hip Hop and Punk and Aerialists and Suspension Artists and SSP beign part of what makes OUR city so great. An ecclectic group of performers and friends who open their arms to all. Gay, straight, white, black, latino, male, female, inbetween, THIS IS OUR THING.
If you don't understand it, fine. Don't go. Don't support it. Naysay it. Mock it.
It's not for you.
Just don't infringe on the rights of those who choose to entertain.
What next? Is Gay Bingo going to be investigated and shut down because TAXES aren't paid on the prizes (And how would I pay tax on the sippy cups I won?)? Will pub trivia nights be shut down due to the racket of CASH PRIZES being given out to intice drinking?
Would a good solution be shutting down everything, opening up a bunch of TGI Friday's and Chili's and Applebees and bowling alleys that cost $40 to bowl in, and drinks cost $9 and all have names like Awesometini, and the only beer you can get is a $5 pint of Red Hook or some snobby microbrew? And let's ban smoking in public and in private! Let's also make everyone dress the same, be the same, think the same! And the only form of ART you are going to get is Top 40 rock bands like Nickelback and movies like Paul Blart:Mall Cop that all ages can see and enjoy! Let's set the stage for Michael Bolton and Kevin Costner to return to prominence! Let's create Captiol Hill, Georgetown, Columbia City, and the CD into glorious Suburban utopia, where we all fear the same God and anything controversial is shut down and all participants are prosecuted and "re-educated" in camps where video footage of the Osmonds and Air Supply is shown constantly, with Christian Rock played inbetween! Let's do it! That will save us all!
Or not.
Maybe we should let people live their lives, and love their friends and neighbors in ways they see fit.
In the words of John Locke, the inspiration behind our Declaration of Independence on the rights of life and liberty:
“Reason, which is that Law, teaches all Mankind, who would but consult it, that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his Life, Health, Liberty, or Possessions.”
Or...in the words of some of the 1976-77 Houston Astros at the end of Bad News Bears:Breaking Training...
"Let them play...let them play...let them play...let them play...LET them play...LET THEM play...LET THEM PLAY....LET THEM PLAY..."
More...
In a time when unemployment is running rampant and extra money for entertainment is hard to come by, SSP provides a "cheap" form of release. And in doing so, brings in money to businesses that need it. Show attendance is down across the board, yet these folks packed em in!
I have gone to a number of shows, and have read about this issue for awhile. I, at first, could not see the problem. It sounded like just paying out some extra dough. Then, I found out that NOT ONE OF THE PERFORMERS IS PAID. They VOLUNTEER their time to entertain us!
And then I read into the absolutely baffling stance the DOL is taking.
Then, I found out this is all because of a bitter former "member". At first, I was mad because I thought it was the guy who replaced that guy that had done it. I thought this started in JANUARY!
But, no, the state has been on this since JUNE!
With an $8.8 billion budget gap, and the state MAKING MONEY FROM LIQUOR SALES, they took all this time to waste OUR MONEY AND OUR TIME.
It is appalling. And I say this now, no matter the outcome, it may be time for a change in the politics of this state.
I was at King Cobra's last night, and some loud guy said something about Performance Art and Hip Hop and Punk and Aerialists and Suspension Artists and SSP beign part of what makes OUR city so great. An ecclectic group of performers and friends who open their arms to all. Gay, straight, white, black, latino, male, female, inbetween, THIS IS OUR THING.
If you don't understand it, fine. Don't go. Don't support it. Naysay it. Mock it.
It's not for you.
Just don't infringe on the rights of those who choose to entertain.
What next? Is Gay Bingo going to be investigated and shut down because TAXES aren't paid on the prizes (And how would I pay tax on the sippy cups I won?)? Will pub trivia nights be shut down due to the racket of CASH PRIZES being given out to intice drinking?
Would a good solution be shutting down everything, opening up a bunch of TGI Friday's and Chili's and Applebees and bowling alleys that cost $40 to bowl in, and drinks cost $9 and all have names like Awesometini, and the only beer you can get is a $5 pint of Red Hook or some snobby microbrew? And let's ban smoking in public and in private! Let's also make everyone dress the same, be the same, think the same! And the only form of ART you are going to get is Top 40 rock bands like Nickelback and movies like Paul Blart:Mall Cop that all ages can see and enjoy! Let's set the stage for Michael Bolton and Kevin Costner to return to prominence! Let's create Captiol Hill, Georgetown, Columbia City, and the CD into glorious Suburban utopia, where we all fear the same God and anything controversial is shut down and all participants are prosecuted and "re-educated" in camps where video footage of the Osmonds and Air Supply is shown constantly, with Christian Rock played inbetween! Let's do it! That will save us all!
Or not.
Maybe we should let people live their lives, and love their friends and neighbors in ways they see fit.
In the words of John Locke, the inspiration behind our Declaration of Independence on the rights of life and liberty:
“Reason, which is that Law, teaches all Mankind, who would but consult it, that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his Life, Health, Liberty, or Possessions.”
Or...in the words of some of the 1976-77 Houston Astros at the end of Bad News Bears:Breaking Training...
"Let them play...let them play...let them play...let them play...LET them play...LET THEM play...LET THEM PLAY....LET THEM PLAY..."
15
As a former personal assistant for the UFC fighter, Ivan Salaverry, I worked at his Mixed Martial Arts gym in Seattle and got to attend & film many of the fights.
I can honestly say that SSP doesn't come close to comparing to any style of mixed martial arts whatsoever.
Any time that I tried to get the fighters to go to an SSP show with me, I described SSP as, "fake wrestling comedians" or "fake stuntman theater". They are extremely entertaining, but in no way is what they're doing a real fight style.
There is no competition (it's all scripted/acted) and for starters we're talking about a guy in a banana suit fighting a guy dressed like a drunk clown, while people in the audience are throwing lightweight balls at them.
I overheard that one reason the DOL is even involved is because of someone's sad attempt at revenge for hurt feelings over something that wasn't meant to be taken personally (not sure if that's true - but still..). I'm hoping that what ends up happening, is some sad "poor me" little guy who is starving for attention just gets to look at what he did as making SSP get to a better level due to this awesome publicity for the near-collapse of one kick ass theatrical group. A wonderful lesson learned for those who like to take out revenge on others for selfish reasons.
I lived in Seattle for a whopping year & a half. I didn't get the pleasure of discovering SSP until several months before I left, but if I hadn't met them - I might not look back on Seattle with such fond memories. Those guys embraced me and made me feel like I was finally home. I miss them so much.
If they're ever able to perform again, damn straight I'll make my way back up for a show - and I'll bring a parade with me to celebrate!!
SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP!
More...
I can honestly say that SSP doesn't come close to comparing to any style of mixed martial arts whatsoever.
Any time that I tried to get the fighters to go to an SSP show with me, I described SSP as, "fake wrestling comedians" or "fake stuntman theater". They are extremely entertaining, but in no way is what they're doing a real fight style.
There is no competition (it's all scripted/acted) and for starters we're talking about a guy in a banana suit fighting a guy dressed like a drunk clown, while people in the audience are throwing lightweight balls at them.
I overheard that one reason the DOL is even involved is because of someone's sad attempt at revenge for hurt feelings over something that wasn't meant to be taken personally (not sure if that's true - but still..). I'm hoping that what ends up happening, is some sad "poor me" little guy who is starving for attention just gets to look at what he did as making SSP get to a better level due to this awesome publicity for the near-collapse of one kick ass theatrical group. A wonderful lesson learned for those who like to take out revenge on others for selfish reasons.
I lived in Seattle for a whopping year & a half. I didn't get the pleasure of discovering SSP until several months before I left, but if I hadn't met them - I might not look back on Seattle with such fond memories. Those guys embraced me and made me feel like I was finally home. I miss them so much.
If they're ever able to perform again, damn straight I'll make my way back up for a show - and I'll bring a parade with me to celebrate!!
SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP! SSP!
16
I originally went to SSP events in support of my good friend, Bill Bates, aka Mascara Generico. I wasn't expecting to fall in love with the humor and onstage antics of all the rest of the troupe. But I did, and it pained me when I could no longer afford to be there in support. But I have always supported them, since that first show, and will continue to support their high flying antics, no matter what the outcome.
But what saddens me the most about what the DOL is doing here, in threating to shut them down for good, is that all those people who are only just hearing about this wonderfully funny group of guys and girls is that they may never get to feel the joy I have, in watching them poke fun at all that goes on in Professional Wrestling.
I will fight to the last to help the SSP guys win this out. Not only for them, but for the fans who have come to love them as I have, and for those out there who should have the chance to find that spark, and grow to love them as well. In my heart, the chant lives on.
SSP! SSP! SSP!!
But what saddens me the most about what the DOL is doing here, in threating to shut them down for good, is that all those people who are only just hearing about this wonderfully funny group of guys and girls is that they may never get to feel the joy I have, in watching them poke fun at all that goes on in Professional Wrestling.
I will fight to the last to help the SSP guys win this out. Not only for them, but for the fans who have come to love them as I have, and for those out there who should have the chance to find that spark, and grow to love them as well. In my heart, the chant lives on.
SSP! SSP! SSP!!
17
SSP is Real Action, not Real Wrestling...I wrestled at a NCAA school and high school in this state, and my opponents never co-operated, to do the stunts that SSP dose, if you don’t co-operate someone will get hurt. Are these guys Athletic, hell yes, are the professional athletes? No. there are many types of entertainment that require the performer to be in top physical condition, Cirque du Soleil comes to mind, and who wants to watch a fat Hamlet? What about plays with sword fights? Since fencing is a sport are they now professional athletes, as they are getting paid to sword fight? Or are they just performers? Back off WSDOL you have been used for someone’s personal vendetta, you bought in, shame on you for wasting my tax dollars! A ruling that didn’t include the verbiage “Sorry for wasting citizens time, resources and money to come to the conclusion that SSP show and participants are not professional athletes, and this wont happen again.”
18
So, I'm generally not someone who is huge into wrestling. I'll watch it if it is on. If one of my guy friends calls and says he really wants someone to watch wrestling with and he's got no one....I'll usually volunteer (not that I get those calls much, fortunately). When it comes to Wrestling, I could take it or leave it.
SSP, on the other hand.....well now that's Entertainment! Sadly, due to distance and transportation issues I missed most of the shows. I made it when I could, and now that I live closer, I can't go to shows because they are on a hiatus. This is CRAP!
I've got a really good friend who is in this fantastic group of performers, and it has had such an incredible positive impact on his life! When the DOL started coming after him, he was terrified that he would lose this awesome group of people and that he would be denied his love of performing. When they were told to stop their performances, he was crushed. But, man......the people who are involved with this are exceptionally passionate. He's still holding his head up and I can see that fire that says "The Show Must Go On" one way or another.
I've met a few of the other guys from the show, and they are really awesome people. I can see why my friend loves working with that group.
If SSP is forced to shut down, they won't be able to keep doing what they love.....entertaining the hell out of the rest of us. And we won't be able to come out and support them in doing what they do for fun. This performance group is hilarious and fun and nothing like what the DOL says they are.
And if you haven't ever seen one of their shows.....you don't know what you are missing. Don't like wrestling? You STILL don't know what you are missing. This is fun hilarity. When they come out the other side, go see a show. It's totally worth it.
More...
SSP, on the other hand.....well now that's Entertainment! Sadly, due to distance and transportation issues I missed most of the shows. I made it when I could, and now that I live closer, I can't go to shows because they are on a hiatus. This is CRAP!
I've got a really good friend who is in this fantastic group of performers, and it has had such an incredible positive impact on his life! When the DOL started coming after him, he was terrified that he would lose this awesome group of people and that he would be denied his love of performing. When they were told to stop their performances, he was crushed. But, man......the people who are involved with this are exceptionally passionate. He's still holding his head up and I can see that fire that says "The Show Must Go On" one way or another.
I've met a few of the other guys from the show, and they are really awesome people. I can see why my friend loves working with that group.
If SSP is forced to shut down, they won't be able to keep doing what they love.....entertaining the hell out of the rest of us. And we won't be able to come out and support them in doing what they do for fun. This performance group is hilarious and fun and nothing like what the DOL says they are.
And if you haven't ever seen one of their shows.....you don't know what you are missing. Don't like wrestling? You STILL don't know what you are missing. This is fun hilarity. When they come out the other side, go see a show. It's totally worth it.
19
I really appreciate the support and positive feedback we've received so far. I wanted to make public my personal standpoint on why SSP should not be regulated as a sport/fighting event. I was a genuinely trained professional wrestler for years. I worked on the East Coast before moving out here and becoming jaded with the fact that there is no scene in Washington (I only now realize it's because there are absurd standards placed on these events by the very same DOL we're dealing with.)
In 2005, a friend invited me into SSP, and I've spent almost every month since having the most fun I've ever had performing in any regard. SSP is not a professional wrestling show, and what really bugs me is that I appear to be the only one involved who actually has a frame of reference to base that on, DOL included.
What SSP is, however, is unique. I've never seen or been a part of any show with such a devoted and varied following. I've done springboard dives at packed wrestling shows and you could almost literally hear crickets, whereas I pretend to poke a guy in the eye at SSP and the whole place goes off. The crowd is in on the show, and I hope they understand what that means to the performers.
We're really just a bunch of people who like doing what we do, whatever you'd call it, and are fortunate enough to have learned that others like it too. Thank you all, keep up the support and hopefully we'll get through this.
In 2005, a friend invited me into SSP, and I've spent almost every month since having the most fun I've ever had performing in any regard. SSP is not a professional wrestling show, and what really bugs me is that I appear to be the only one involved who actually has a frame of reference to base that on, DOL included.
What SSP is, however, is unique. I've never seen or been a part of any show with such a devoted and varied following. I've done springboard dives at packed wrestling shows and you could almost literally hear crickets, whereas I pretend to poke a guy in the eye at SSP and the whole place goes off. The crowd is in on the show, and I hope they understand what that means to the performers.
We're really just a bunch of people who like doing what we do, whatever you'd call it, and are fortunate enough to have learned that others like it too. Thank you all, keep up the support and hopefully we'll get through this.
20
I really would like to thank the Stranger for paying so much attention to this.
Being able to witness the ongoing battle through the eyes of a friend entrenched in the front lines, I really can only say...
Shame on WSDOL. Shame.
Being able to witness the ongoing battle through the eyes of a friend entrenched in the front lines, I really can only say...
Shame on WSDOL. Shame.
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This Reminds Me of the Great Calculator Scare of the Late '70s/Early '80s by David Schmader
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Idiot Tries to Defend Bigoted Anti-Gay-Marriage Preacher on Anderson Cooper by Paul Constant
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SL Letter of the Day: Putting It In by Dan Savage
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Six Moms with Too Much Time on Their Hands and a Shitty Website Decide to Fight Gay Superheroes by Paul Constant
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Why Mayor McGinn's Wife Canceled Her Family's Seattle Times Subscription by Eli Sanders
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What the Hell Is Wrong With Seattle's Pride Parade? by Dominic Holden
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Meet the UW "Swagga Suit" by David Schmader
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