Over the last two-plus decades, Crowbar has been a true mentor to the tri-state area and independent wrestling scene.
For me, beginning with American Championship Entertainment in 2010, as the “Demonic Destruction Device” of the Mike Lewis Enterprise, he was wrestling and attempting to help make the next generation of talent. Names like Mike Donovan, Azrieal, Benny Martinez, and a young wrestling vampire named Chris Raze all were given the opportunity to learn and develop under him, all while I watched from the commentary table.
In 2011, I vividly remember Crowbar wrestling Dan Murdoch in a match for the Bodyslam Wrestling Organization in the first match after Murdoch’s father, Dusty Don, passed away. Although he did not come out the winner, Crowbar helped make the match special and powerful for Dan, to this very day.
In the twenty-four years since Crowbar was released from World Championship Wrestling right before the WWF purchased their assets in March 2001, there have been countless stories of the man’s greatness. Hundreds of men in every locker room, no matter how big or small, have been able to discuss Crowbar’s unselfishness and passion towards the wrestling industry and the performers.
And there have been countless promotions. From TNA, World Wrestling All-Stars, XPW, JAPW and ROH to Game Changer Wrestling, WrestlePro, Beyond Wrestling, ISPW, and even a one-off in AEW, Crowbar has been there to provide and perform against the hungry and unproven future of the business, time and time again.
Last weekend at Pro Wrestling Magic’s “Coming to America” at “the Mecca” in Ridgefield Park, NJ, I got to see the “Timeless” one perform live for the first time in ages, facing PWM Heavyweight Champion “the Revolver” Alex Reiman.
The match was a true catch-as-catch-can battle. Crowbar’s unpredictable style that led him to the WCW Hardcore Title in the Fall of 2000 worked wonders against the young and brash Reiman. As an old independent wrestling broadcaster John Fallon used to say, “cady was by the door.” However, in the end, Reiman was able to pick up the win.
Following the contest, Crowbar took the microphone and was ever so gracious, spewing platitudes towards Reiman and the independent wrestling scene, saying how it was his honor to help give back to the business. He received a thunderous ovation from those kind words. The ever-brash Reiman gave it right back in kind to him, stating how respected Crowbar was.
There was a bit of the speech in there that I remembered. He mentioned that at 51, no one was able to compete at the level he was giving it, every single weekend. For some, that would be considered a humble brag, and 1000% justifiably so.
For me, it was validation for what I am trying to do with The Big Bang May 6.
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People forget about the good things that WCW had during its final days.
For those that criticize Vince Russo’s creative abilities during this time period, and some of them might be credible, you can never knock his ability to develop characters and bring them along for a strong midcard. In my opinion, that might be his biggest strength as a creative mind.
Crowbar was one of those guys. Brought in as David Flair’s unpredictable cohort-in-crime in December 1999, Crowbar found a way to maximize every minute given to him.
Bankie Bruce was able to illustrate his entire WCW run in this article written a few months ago. Due to his flexibility and talent, Crowbar parlayed it into title wins, rivalries with Terry Funk, the Wall, & the Mamalukes, and several memories for WCW die-hards to remember.
As I’ve alluded to, nearly twenty-five years later, Crowbar is so respected for his skills and talents. His breakout fifteen months in WCW during the final days have allowed for his legit credibility to be verified every night out.
Crowbar is the ultimate answer to my feelings regarding why I purchased this domain seven months ago. WCW’s final days need to be remembered more fondly than what they were. If one man’s success from his time can be linked back to this era, then its proof can be undeniable.
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I called several of the man’s matches over the years, but I’ve probably spoken about ten words to the man personally. Social anxiety issues are real, folks. So I’d like to publicly thank Crowbar for his continued passion and never-give-up attitude in wrestling.
I also want to thank him for his countless memories in World Championship Wrestling. They will forever live on with me and, thankfully, with this site.
You still got it. You never lost it.
Jon Harder
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