An interview with Commissioner Dennis Allen
We sat down and spoke at length. Following is a transcript of that conversation:
CANTON: Mr. Allen, how do you feel now that the XWA is gone?
ALLEN: Well, I'll tell you...it's great! They were a cancer that had to be taken out of action. As a result of the tremendous clash at Final Conflict, and subsequent defeat of the XWA, Kevin Sullivan is now working under contract for us along with the rest of the former XWA stars. Sullivan has been suspended, though, for another 8 weeks because of his conduct at that show. He almost ended some careers, and what he did to the Farhat brothers was totally uncalled for.
CANTON: Mr. Allen, will the match involving the Farhat's be available to the public?
ALLEN: Oh yes, but only on video tape...it was a special night caught on tape, and will be on sale along with other matches soon. Because of its extremely violent nature, we can't show it on TV.
CANTON: You mean it was that violent?
ALLEN: Probably one of the most violent encounters I've witnessed. I was there, and I couldn't believe my eyes. In fact, Sullivan even tried to take me out, but thanks to Sabu, I was saved.
CANTON: Mr. Allen, how about Shaffee? How is he doing?
ALLEN: Well he got beaten very badly, and ended up with 20 stitches in his head thanks to Sullivan. He will be back though.
CANTON: So, Mr. Allen, where is the AWWL going from here... what's the plan?
ALLEN: Well I'll tell you...They're going to the top. Their TV product is the highest rated show in the time slot, and getting stronger every week. Other TV stations around the country are getting aboard as well. By March of 2004 we should be on over 44 stations nationwide. It's looking great! The attendance at live events is growing each show, and in fact, it looks like December 13th in Jackson will be our best crowd to date! We are expecting well over 1,000 people, as the ticket sales are going great. You see, this is really tradition. Big Time Wrestling of the 60's, 70's, and 80's was the number one wrestling company of them all , and now they're looking to recapture all that once again. I believe it's going to happen.
CANTON: Mr. Allen, when will an AWWL champion be crowned?
ALLEN: Well, we are talking about hosting a tournament soon, and are working on securing a location for the live show. Right now, it's been narrowed down to four cities: Grand Rapids, Jackson, Kalamazoo, and East Lansing on the campus of Michigan State University. The reason we've chosen not to pursue Detroit for this event, is that we plan to come to that city sometime in mid 2004 for "The Sheik's Memorial Cup"...hopefully at Cobo Arena, where it all began.
CANTON: It was at this point that the phone rang...it was the Farhats. Mr. Allen told me he was sorry to cut the interview short, but he needed to take the call. He told me he'd be awhile but to come back again, and we could finish up our talk then. As I walked out of his office, a feeling came over me...one of respect for the past, and tremendous excitement for what was to come from the AWWL. Big Time Wrestling was back- better than ever.