During the last MWR Roundtable we got insight from the Referees in the sport of wrestling (Take the time to check it out here) , today we are joined with us today a few of the very best minds in the game today, the managers. A group of men and women who gives their protégés an advantage going into the match….or they hope so.

Throughout the years in the sport they have been loved and hated. Names such as Bobby The Brain Hennan, Jim Cornett, “Captain Lou” Albano, Jimmy Hart and Paul E Dangerously are among the very best the sport Todd Countryman – There have been a lot of great memories as a promoter, referee & manager. Some of my favorite manager moments have been the night the Gentlemen’s Club formed in November 2007, our feud with the Northstar Express and Brian Ash joining the Gentlemen’s Club this year. has known.

On a personal basis, I can still remember Gary Hart unmasking Abdullah the Butcher prior to going to war with Bruiser Brody, the great interviews of Jim Cornett leading the Midnight Express and yes even the drama that came with the lovely Miss Elizabeth coming to the ring with the Macho Man Randy Savage.

I was able to sit down with The Magic Man, Mr. Late Nite, Chad Mylan, Johhny Gold and Travis Cook to get the views from some of the best in the field of managing in the Midwest.

How did you get into the business?

Travis Cook – I had an acquaintance who started his own promotion back in the Mid-90’s—Midwest Renegade Wrestling. I started doing time keeping and general “gopher” work for that promotion, and eventually started refereeing, which I transitioned to full time for the remainder of the 1990’s. The rest, as they say, is history.

The Magic Man – I was performing as a “street magician” in Venice Beach, California in the late 80’s when word amongst the various performers was that Pro-Wrestling was about to become very popular and that a guy named Vince McMahon was going to do some major hiring. I remembered that my home town of Saint Louis, Missouri used to be the major hub of all professional wrestling (I enjoyed many, many matches at The Kiel Auditorium with my Grandpa!), so I returned home to figure out where to go or who to see to try to get in to the sport. I was already a fairly popular entertainer in the St. Louis area and had an idea about a manager character that I could perform as a magician.

After searching around the area, I found the South Broadway Athletic Club that hosts the Mid-Missouri Wrestling Alliance/Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling. I went to their secret practice facility (not so secret if I was able to find out about it!) and met John Blackheart and several other members there. I pitched my idea to them and they asked me to show them a few of the gimmicks I had in mind.

They immediately liked my ideas and took me in and began to train me. It wasn’t very long, maybe two months, before Tony Casta booked me to be a manager on one of their monthly shows. On the night of my first wrestling gig I was surprised and disappointed that they FIRED the other manager they had (on the spot) and replaced him wth ME! I was unaware that Tony Casta has a policy of only using one manager. I felt really bad for the other guy because he was good ( I had gone to the S.B.A.C. to watch a few live performances before I got my chance) and they didn’t even have the decency to tell him he had been replaced until after the show had already begun.

Piss-poor politics….that’s the standard at Broadway. However, all said and done…they DID give me my first shot at being in Professional Wrestling.

Mr. Late Nite– I started in the business with Missouri (later Midwest) Powerhouse Wrestling in the summer of 2001. I can’t say I ever really had a lot of fun working there. None of the management worked with me to help me improve. I left the company later that same year.

Johnny Gold -Well most people already know, Harley race is my step father.

Todd Countryman – In early 2005 I met David Andersen & Steve Biley. Together we created 3XWrestling. From there I ended up getting involved in our events as a ring announcer, referee and eventually as a manager.

Chad Mylan -Todd Countryman, one of the owners of 3XWrestling told me at my high school graduation party that he was thinking of opening up a wrestling company and asked me if I was willing to help out in some capacity or another. I gladly obliged.

How long have you been in the sport?

Travis Cook -Off and on (mainly “on”) for about 15 years.

Todd Countryman – 3XW’s first event was July 2005.

The Magic Man– I have been in this “sport” for around 20 years but I have been a Magician for over 40 years. The first time I ever got PAID to perform as a magician I was seven years old. That’s well over 40 years ago!

Mr. Late Nite– I’ve been in the wrestling business since the summer of 2001, like I mentioned previously. My time with MPW was very short and only lasted about 5 months. I wouldn’t return to wrestling until 2006, when I joined Full Throttle Wrestling. I stayed there for a year and left in 2007, citing creative differences. I came back a third time in the summer of 2009 with Independent Hardcore Wrestling. It was the first time I had fun in the wrestling business and I was given a great deal of creative freedom. After that, I started getting booked in other towns with other companies. I finally got to showcase my abilities the way I wanted.

Johhny Gold– Going on 13 years.

Chad Mylan– A little over 5 years, doing various things. Managing, running sound, running lights, play-by-play broadcasting, color commentary, interviews…I try to amerce myself in anything.

Were you trained as wrestler?

Todd Countryman – I have had minimal training in the ring, but did not go through a complete wrestling training course.

Travis Cook– I did go through some wrestling training, and I can take bumps and do some of the basics, but I’d never consider myself a “wrestler” per say. If I have to, I can work an entertaining match in such a manner that my limitations are taken into account—but I certainly don’t have the ability or athleticism to wrestle week in and week out. In my mind, there’s a world of difference between what I do and what an actual, honest-to-goodness, professional wrestler does.

The Magic Man– Yes and no…..at first I was merely trained as a manager (to know how to take a few bumps when it calls for it and timing….lots of timing practice…like when or when NOT to do something in the match). Later as we approached a big angle we had built (“we” meaning the wrestlers in the crew—NOT the promoter Tony Casta {he wouldn’t know what an “angle” was if it smacked him in the face!} the boys began to train me more as a wrestler so I could have a match with The Drill Instructor (READ HIS BOOK> “Blood, Tables, and Chairs The Story of an Independent Wrestler” IT’S GOOD!).

Mr. Late Nite– No. MPW wanted to train me as a wrestler, but I didn’t see how that was necessary. You don’t teach wrestling holds to a guy who wants to stand outside the ring and talk.

Johnny Gold– Yes

Chad Mylan– . I never formally had training to be a wrestler. I prefer to let the trained professional athletes do what they’re paid to do. That’s not to say that there isn’t any training involved. It’s vital to learn your basic bumps, certainly, but managing is more of a mental and verbal focus. What I’m saying is that you aren’t going to see Chad Mylan busting out any huricanranas. But a solid slap to the face while the referee’s back is turned? Yeah, I’ll do that.

Who trained you?

Travis Cook– What formal training I had occurred at Dory Funk Jr.’s camp. But a ton of guys have had a role in teaching me different things over the last decade and a half. If I named them all, I’m sure I’d take up several paragraphs and still leave out some people. But I’ll say that, back in the 90’s when I was an referee in MRW, I was fortunate to be around absolutely the best talent in the Midwest week in and week out –and I learned a ton from everybody that was in that promotion…a lot of things that helped me later on as an announcer and as a manager, even though I wasn’t doing either of those jobs at the time.

The Magic Man– John Blackheart and Pete “The Human Wrecking-Ball” Madden.

Mr. Late Nite– I’d like to say somebody trained me, but I can’t. I trained myself.

Johnny Gold- James Grizzle (Griz) and Harley Race.

Chad Mylan– Brian Ash has certainly helped me in the ways of learning not to seriously injure myself or others.

Todd Countryman – Brian Ash, Gage Octane

What was the training like?

Todd Countryman – Very hard work & painful. It makes you really appreciate what all of these athletes do.

Travis Cook– When I was in Dory Funk Jr.s camp, I was essentially the guy who took the ass-kicking in every one of our practice matches—and this made sense because I had the least amount of experience of anybody there. However, I always believed that was an opportunity because *every* good manager needs to have the ability to take an ass-kicking when the babyface finally gets ahold of them. Also, they made it a point to do promos every day as part of the training, and that was something that I excelled at very early. I think I always knew what it took to make a good manager, but once I actually got in there and took the punishment and started doing promos, that’s when I started having the confidence to believe “hey, I’ve really got something here”.

The Magic Man– The training was actually fun. I have never ever been athletically inclined (hence “magician” <{another word for “geek”}) and it was a unique opportunity for me. I learned how to take all the bumps “wrong” much like a manager character SHOULD do. This later helped me out in my career as a ‘wrestler’ in Michinoku-Pro in Japan.

Mr. Late Nite– I would practice promos anywhere and everywhere. I’d do them in the car or while I was at home. I’d practice facial expressions in my bathroom mirror while I was shaving. It sounds a bit unorthodox, but that’s what helped me during those times when I wasn’t in the business and couldn’t practice in front of a live crowd. Another thing that helped me was lying to my parents as a kid and faking sick to get out of school. I had to really act to fool the school and my parents!

Johnny Gold– Just like everyone else “hard”.

Chad Mylan– Brian Ash slammed me, avalanched me, Jimmy Rockwell dropped a flying elbow on me that took my breath away, and not in a Gone With the Wind kind of way. It’s painful, it’s brutal. But it’s neccessary. You have to know what you’re doing out there.

What promotions have to you worked for?

Travis Cook– Far more than I can name—and a good many of them that aren’t in business anymore! Off the top of my head, I did refereeing for MRW, managing for RCW, UWA, MMWA-SICW, and different promotions outside of St. Louis (most of which seem to have initials of which I can never seem to remember). Announcing for GCW, a second version of MRW that popped up in Kansas City a few years back, and MMWA-SICW. And different one-shots here and there all over the place over the years.

Todd Countryman – I’ve only managed in 3XW. I have worked as a referee for 3XW, Metro Pro, PWP, CSW, Dynamo Pro & Magnum Pro. I have also done ring announcing in 3XW & PWP. I was also the sound guy at several NWA No Limits events.

The Magic Man- MMWA/SICW, Steel City Wrestling, NWA-New England, Michinoku-Pro (Japan), Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling (FMW) (Japan), BattleArts (Japan), High-Voltage Wrestling Mid-West, Metro Pro Wrestling, NWA Dynamo and so many other indie federations I can’t possibly list them all here. You name one, I’ve probably worked there. I’ve been around the block, baby!

Mr. Late Nite– MPW and FTW (but I’m not proud of those). IHW, PWE, NBWA, and PWN.

Chad Mylan– 3XWrestling mainly. I’ve also worked for MECW, and I helped out during a 3XWrestling/IPW co-promoted show and NWA No-Limits. I also did a handful of interviews for MWR’s Best of the Midwest show.

Johnny Gold– WLW, Metro Pro Wrestling, and many others.

Who did you look up to as far as managers go in the sport?

Travis Cook– Bobby Heenan, Jim Cornette, Skandor Akbar, Jimmy Hart (particularly his work in Memphis, which, in my opinion, blows his WWE work out of the water). And one guy that few people think of as a manager, but he was a great one—Eddie Gilbert.

Todd Countryman – Bobby Heenan is incredible. I am a huge fan of JJ Dillon. I also enjoyed Jimmy Hart & Paul E. Dangerously. Jim Mitchell is a great man as well.

The Magic Man– Bobby “The Brain” Heenan is my all-time favorite but I also admire Jim Cornette and especially Paul Hayman.

Mr. Late Nite– Jim Cornette, Paul Heyman, and Bobby “The Brain” Heenen.

Johnny Gold– The best Jim Cornette.

Chad Mylan– Jim Cornette certainly for his gift of being a verbal technician of the mouth. But probably the number one guy has to be Jimmy Hart. Hart, probably more so than any manager just had the look and sound to his voice that absolutely annoyed you. I mean, someone who would LOUDLY talk trash so everyone could hear him..how could you not hate the guy? He and I were not blessed with body defining genetics. But it didn’t really matter, because if you’re in the right place at the right time, a little distraction is sometimes all you need.

Who was your first protégé?

Todd Countryman – Gage Octane & Mark Sterling as we formed the Gentlemen’s Club.

Travis Cook– Down in Florida, I managed a guy named Big Bad John for Dory Funk Jr’s “Bang!” promotion. The guy was huge, in great shape, and was absolutely terrified of a microphone. So I saw an opportunity and volunteered to do all the talking for him while I was down there. It was a perfect situation to learn how to help someone get over in spite of their limitations—and at the end of the day, that’s the entire point of having a manager.

The Magic Man– Not sure what you mean by “Who was your first protege?”. I know what the word “protégé” means, I just don’t have anybody that I am modeling to be like myself and I never tried to be exactly like any of the managers I admire. If you mean “Who was one of your first wrestlers in your stable?” it was none other than my favorite of all time – “The Human Wrecking-Ball” Pete Madden!

Mr. Late Nite– The Beast. I managed him when I started in the business. We would do this thing where Beast was wearing a tribal mask. I would take it off of him and he would go nuts and attack his opponent. After the match, I would put the mask back on him and it would calm him down.

Chad Mylan– “The Laotian Sensation” Ricky Kwong. I taught him to fully embrace his heritage despite what the fans though. I also taught him some English so that he won’t constantly be a victim of a “random bag check” at the airport. I’m just saying…

Johnny Gold– Griz

Who was else have you managed?

Todd Countryman – Brian Ash, Casanova & Devin Carter and in 2011 I have managed Genesis .

Travis Cook– Down in Florida, I managed a guy named Big Bad John for Dory Funk Jr’s “Bang!” promotion. The guy was huge, in great shape, and was absolutely terrified of a microphone. So I saw an opportunity and volunteered to do all the talking for him while I was down there. It was a perfect situation to learn how to help someone get over in spite of their limitations—and at the end of the day, that’s the entire point of having a manager.

The Magic Man– Oh, man, there have been so many memorable wrestlers I have managed….the fabulous “T. Rantula” of Steel City Wrestling and WCW fame, The Texas Hangmen (Psycho & Killer), Mascara Magica (the Magic Mask) from Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, Kahagas, Sir Bradley Charles <(that guy is going to go places!), “The Future” Donnovan Ruddick <(he’s going places too!), “Flash” Flanagan (or “Slash Venom if you’re in Puerto Rico), The Hooligans (Devin & Mason Cutter), …oh the list goes on and on. Too many to list here.

Mr. Late Nite– Marcus Mansfield, the Stud, Christian Haze, Xander Frost, Curtis Payne, Graves, Cabal, and Michael Gideon Morbid. I recently started managing “The Future’ Donovan Ruddick and I managed Mason Beck for a show. It’s been such a blast managing Ruddick. He listens to my ideas and he’s extremely easy to get along with. He’s a true professional in every sense of the word. Editors Note: MR Late Nite managed Cameron Cage to the IHW Title while leading both Eric Allen and Ace Hawkins in 2011 since this interview has taken place.

Chad Mylan– I’m freshly breaking into my managerial career at the moment, so Ricky Kwong has been my only diamond in the rough thus far. Unless you count the 8 man tag we had at Vets Auditorium where I also managed Brian Ash, Devin Carter, and Casanova. Unfortunately we lost that match, thanks in part to facing, amongst others, a freaking RIVER MONSTER. I kept telling Kwong to poke him in the gills to cut off his air circulation, but the language barrier once again came into play.

Johnny Gold– Wow I have had 13 world title, 23 tag team titles, and five women’s world titles being held by someone that I have managed. To name a few there is Griz, Superstar Steve, Matt Murphy those three and myself are the original “Gold Exchange”. There is also dangerous Derek Mcquinn, Haku (Meng), Miss Natural, Ty Dalton and others.

Who would like to manage on the independent scene that you have not had the chance to work with?

Travis Cook– Well, I’m retired right now, so the short answer is “nobody”! I’m perfectly content outside the wrestling business at this point. That being said, there’s two guys out there that—way in the back of my head—I have a storyline for each of them that I think could work. I won’t mention here who either of them are–if the opportunity ever comes up to work with either of them, I want to be able to pitch the idea to the promoter myself…so I trust that you’ll understand if I don’t tip my hand here, the risk of somebody “taking” the idea and using it for themselves is too great! I’ll say this much, neither one of these guys currently have any idea that I would potentially have any interest in either of them…but if the opportunity were to come up, I’ll be ready

The Magic Man– Sinn Bodhi or possibly the exotic “Cassandro” !

Todd Countryman – I would welcome the opportunity to manage a lot of the talented wrestlers on the independents.

Mr. Late Nite– I’d like to manage Mason Beck more. Mason’s a total package in the ring. He’s got the look, the skill, and the charisma. Another guy I’d like to manage is Jimmy Karryt. I gained a lot of respect for him during his matches with “Future” this year. He’s young, but he’s got a good head on his shoulders and he’s very respectful, not to mention a lot of fun to be around. I’d also like to manage a tag team again.

Chad Mylan– The company I have founded in part of a generous donation from the Laotion government, MMA: The Mylan Management Agency is always looking for talent worldwide. I have my eye on a few existing talent, but as far as current local independent talent is concerned, The Mississippi Madman and Maddog McDowell certainly come to mind. What can I say? I like my underlings mean and monstrous.

Johnny Gold– Mark Sterling or Derek Stone.

What has been one of your fondest memories thus far in the sport?

Travis Cook– I like to say that I’ve had my ass kicked by more Hall of Famers than any other manager I know! Within the last few years, I’ve been attacked by Rocky Johnson, beaten in a steel cage match by Bob Orton, taken the Claw from Baron Von Raschke, and appeared as “Friday” at a wrestling legends convention with Kamala. My biggest thrill was at that convention, sitting on the same stage with guys like Roddy Piper, Jimmy Snuka, Paul Orndorff, The Midnight Express, Ted Dibiase, The Funk Brothers, The Rock & Roll Express, and many others. That was one of those “What the heck did I do to deserve to sit alongside *these* guys” moments! Also, the last year I managed in MMWA-SICW, myself, Donovan Ruddick, and Brandon Espinosa got the chance to do a storyline that I’d wanted to do for several years, but just couldn’t find the “right” guys to pull it off previously. However, Espinosa and Ruddick were the perfect guys to do it, and it was great to finally implement it and see the crowd reaction it got. That was truly a gratifying moment. Also, getting the chance to work with Larry Matysik on the creative end of the business was tremendously exciting, and something I’ve learned an awful lot from.

The Magic Man– Appearing and performing magic and wrestling in front of 30,000 fans in Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Hall in Tokyo, Japan for a Michinoku-Pro Wrestling Pay-Per-View on a National Holiday (All Sports Day) on October 10th, 1997. (over 100,000 watching on PPV!).

Mr. Late Nite– Managing “The Future” Donovan Ruddick, getting booked @ NBWA, PWE, and PWN, performing in front of 1,000 people @ the PWE Lincoln Arts & Balloon Festival show, and being in a feud with Mephisto in IHW.

Chad Mylan– Doing commentary for 3XW for the first time certainly sticks out. It had always been a dream of mine that guy, the lead guy, setting up the matches for the fans, calling those exciting moments, and finding offense in the shenanigans of the bad guys. Being a supposed “bad guy” now though, I clearly see how much of an idiot I was. The bad guys get things done.

Johnny Gold– Getting Mr. socko’d by Mic Foley in front of five thousand people in Springfield Missouri.

What is the easiest way for a manager to get a reaction from the fans?

Travis Cook– I’m not real sure how to answer that question. I guess that every manager has their “go to” spots in order to get a reaction—but really, if you don’t naturally have a bad attitude or you’re not really a jerk (at least to some extent) in real life, then you’ll never be able to get the reaction you need to get from people as a manager no matter what you do. If you are genuinely a nice, humble person in real life, then there isn’t anything easy you can do as a manager in order to get a reaction. But, on the other hand, if you really do have that “anything to get ahead” streak to some extent in real life that a manager is supposed to portray, then you’ll have no problem getting the reaction out of fans that you want…in fact, you’ll barely have to think about it. Fortunately for me, I’ve always had an aspect of my personality that would do “anything to win”, so I suppose that’s why I made the transition to managing so easily.

The Magic Man– I don’t know about other managers, but for me….I just walk out there, twirl my mustache and grin….then I pick my nose and flick a booger into the audience!

Mr. Late Nite– Find out what traits people hate in other human beings and do them. Most people when they’re trying to be a heel just say “shut up” or use generic cut downs. That’s cheap. What you have to do is think about all the people that you just can’t stand personally and then try to be like them. Odds are, if you hate those traits, other people will hate them too.

Chad Mylan- I’m a big proponent is using the “if there weren’t cameras rolling, I’d punch you square in the ovaries.” I’ve threatened to take children to orphanages; I’ve thrown ridiculous over-the-top celebrations after victories. Once I played an air banjo version of the song Banjo Ho-Down because I thought it would help me better connects with the fans in southern St. Louis. I’ll really stoop to any level, honestly. Morals really aren’t an issue with me.

What is the most common mistakes a manger makes on the independent scene?

Todd Countryman – Standing there and doing nothing. A manager should be involved in the match without taking all of the attention away from the wrestlers.

Johnny Gold– A common mistake by other managers is by insulting the people in the crowd. That is what I call getting a cheap reaction “cheap heat”. The best is by not getting caught by the ref when you interfere in a match!!

Travis Cook– There’s two of them—not paying attention to the match, and worrying more about getting yourself over instead of getting the guy you are managing over. If your wrestler is selling, you SHOULD NOT be turning your back and interacting with the crowd at that point. Psychology-wise, your “financial investment” is getting his brains beaten out at that point—you should be focused on getting him out of that predicament than arguing with some toothless hillbilly in the front row. I see tons of guys do it and it makes steam come out of my ears every time!

The Magic Man– The biggest mistake these new punks make is walking out there wearing wrinkled-up, dirty, common street clothes they bought at Wal-Mart three years ago. They look like slobs and they make it look like anybody can do this. We are performers and we should look a step up from the crowd. A manager should separate him or herself from the common fans.

Mr. Late Nite- Just standing there. A lot of male managers do that. They just stand around the side of the ring and don’t do very much (if anything at all). Male managers are already dying out to make way for a bunch of women with large breasts and no personalities. For us to just stand there and do nothing is a disservice to our profession and a disservice to those who have paved the way for us to be here (i.e. Heyman, Heenen, Cornette, Blassie, etc.). We have to be as animated and vocal as we can to get people to notice us.

Chad Mylan– Not paying attention. It’s so easy to get caught up in interacting with the fans, but you have to realize that there’s a match going on. You don’t want to be the main focus of the match, but you also don’t want the fans to forget that you’re out there and you’re smarter than the goon they’re cheering for. Also getting caught. Those refs will disqualify you, because they’re idiots.

Johnny Gold– I have been in matches with some of the all time greats. Dustin and Dusty Rhodes, Meng, the Barbarian, Mic Foley, the Harris brother (DOA), Terry Funk, Buff Bagwell, The Abyss, Ted Diabise, Vader, Greg “the hammer” Valentine, Honky Tonk man, Harley Race and I know there is a lot more that I cant remember right now.

Who have been your favorite wrestlers to guide throughout the years?

Todd Countryman – All of them. Each person really has been a different experience, but all positive. Mark Sterling, Gage Octane, Brian Ash, Devin Carter & Casanova have all been great to manage.

Travis Cook– I’ve enjoyed almost all of them, but I suppose my favorites were Brandon Espinosa & Donovan Ruddick…and again, that was mainly because we got to do an angle that I’d had in the back of my head for several years, and they were the perfect guys to pull it off. I think we got more heat with what we did than anything else I’ve ever been a part of in my career.

The Magic Man– My favorites would definitely have to include “The Human Wrecking-Ball” Pete Madden our characters went well together). Then I would have to mention “T. Rantula” from Pittsburgh, PA. He is a big man and takes control of the match and we also go good together although I really like his main manager The Black Widow (his lovely wife).

Mr. Late Nite– The only one that I’ve ever had fun managing has been Donovan Ruddick.

Chad Mylan– Like I said before, my managerial career has just began. Irregardless, Ricky Kong has been a joy to manage. Not just because of the fact that he’s the pride of a nation, but because he’s helped make The Mylan Management Agency bigger than wrestling. Seriously, do a Yahoo search for MMA then Pro Wrestling. MMA has more hits. That’s a Yahoo fact, kids.

Johnny Gold– You can get some fans heated up to much in a match. You are always on the outside out the ring. Some promotions don’t always have a ring barrier so you need to keep moving around. I have been clubbed from behind by a fan not liking what I was doing to Trevor Murdock outside the ring. lol

Why do you feel that the use of managers have scaled down through the years?

Todd Countryman – There was a big shift to valets/women being used in that role several years ago. I don’t know the exact reason, but it is unfortunate to see the manager be phased out. It is a role that can add so much to a wrestling event and/or a match itself. A manager can be a mouthpiece for a guy that can’t talk and help them build feuds.

Travis Cook– I think the biggest reason is because both of the national promotions have gone to fully scripted promos on their TV shows. In the old days, you gave a guy a manager because he was good in the ring, but lacking behind the microphone. But since wrestlers no longer get to do their own promos in WWE or TNA, I assume they feel that the need is no longer there for a manager to “talk” for a wrestler—after all (in their flawed logic), it doesn’t matter if a guy isn’t good at doing promos, because “creative” will be writing all the promos for them anyway. I think both promotions are really missing the boat because they aren’t using managers anymore.

The Magic Man– The use of managers has been drastically scaled down since they started using “valets” or pretty girls to stand around at ringside looking sexy but having no clue whatsoever as to what the hell they are supposed to be doing out there. If they give them a “spot” it is usually so obvious that the spot is coming that the crowd doesn’t POP because they lost the element of surprise. If they are going to go with “valets” they should at least train them as to how to be a manager in some respect.  Do I sound bitter? Yeah, well I guess ‘Free LOVE ‘ will always trump ‘Free Magic Tricks’.

Mr. Late Nite- Vince McMahon is the industry leader, so whatever trends he starts, the rest of the wrestling world tends to mimic. Since McMahon has pushed aside male managers, lots of wrestling companies have chosen to do the same thing. It’s the “Well it works for Vince, so it’ll work for us” philosophy. That’s not always true. Doing things Vince doesn’t do gets you noticed a lot more than trying to be like him. It’s like watching Sleepy Hallow at the theater and then watching a 3rd grade presentation of Sleepy Hallow. The acting isn’t quite as good and the sets look cheap. Be special. Give people something different.

Chad Mylan– There’s great importance in the wrestler having the ability to talk for themselves, since they are the ones people are paying their money to see. People don’t spend their hard earned cash to go see a manager. Despite all that, having a manager at ringside can provide extra drama to the match, and through in-ring or backstage interviews their verbal talents can be used to draw people into a match that they normally might not be that into.

Johnny Gold– I don’t think I can name just one! myself, Griz, Superstar Steve and Matt Murphy started the gold exchanged and at that time in my opinion there were not any better four heels in the Indy scene and maybe better than some in the “show”

What goals do you have in wrestling in the future?

Travis Cook– None…after all, I am retired! That being said, if the right situation came up—either financially or creatively (or preferably both) –then I’d certainly be open to discussing it. Put it this way—if I ever come back, it’ll be for something good!

The Magic Man– I plan to return to Japan to have a retirement match with Shinzaki Jinsei (Hakushi) for Michinoku-Pro at some point but I also have offers to perform in England for two different promotions. I am looking into all of this as I wait for my Passport renewal to be approved. I also have several other plans related to the wrestling industry that I am unwilling to reveal at this time.

Mr. Late Nite– To get booked in more towns and for more companies to get my name out there. I’d like to eventually land a contract with one of the major wrestling companies in the country. I’d also like to be on shows in other countries too.

Todd Countryman – I am always aiming to improve my skills in whatever I do in wrestling. I would like to continue managing for as long as I can and I would like to continue as a referee as well. I don’t hold any illusions of a WWE or TNA contract at all, but want to be the best that I can be.

Chad Mylan– Easy. World domination, a lucrative, long term contract, and to not get punched in the face by a do-gooder. Again.

Johnny Gold– Oh yeah there isn’t any in WWE at all. go back just twelve or so years you had Paul Heyman, Harley Race, Jimmy Hart, Bobby Heanen, Paul Bearer and others I’m forgetting. All of those guys all added something to the show!!

How can a promotion or wrestler get in touch with you?

They can reach me on facebook under my name, Travis Cook. Also, they send an email to inbox for my political TV show on Youtube “America’s Evil Genius”: americasevilgenius@hotmail.com

The Magic Man– Promotions and Wrestlers can contact me with LEGITIMATE OFFERS at magicman667@msn.com or at my MySpace page (www.myspace.com/magicmanjack) or at my Facebook page under the name “Jack Sinn”. I will then send them a phone number to call if further info is needed.

Mr. Late Nite– Fans and promoters can reach me at these.
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=632226302
Facebook Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mr-Late-Nite/245752018103?ref=nf
E-mail: mrlatenite82@yahoo.com

Chad Mylan– I’m Facebook accessible. You can contact 3XWrestling@gmail.com also. Or if you happen to live in Laos, your local mail gondola can drop off a letter of commitment to the Mylan Management Agency at the Laotian Grand Palace.

Johnny Gold Well I don’t do as much managing in WLW anymore since Mrs. Race (my mother) passed away. How can a promotion or wrestler get in touch with you MY EMAIL IS johnnygold2001@yahoo.com

Todd Countryman – By e-mail 3xwrestling@gmail.com or Facebook.-