Marcus’ Pitt: Interview with George Martel

 

Vintage Wrestling and ACW, two very different and distinctive promotions that are ran on opposite sides of the state. ACW is on the west coast of Florida at New Port Ritchey near Tampa. They run in a bar called Bourbon Street and have a nice meager fan base to pull from which is of an older demographic residential base. They offer dollar drafts and hardcore wrestling to bring in their faithful followers. The bar crowd is hot and very interesting to watch and many of nights you are captivated at what goes on around the ring as well as inside the “squared circle”.

 

They are led by a very charismatic individual named George Martel. He was also involved with Pro Wrestling Eclipse as a manager with a very large stable. He became the booker until he parted company with the small promotion. He became the booker of ACW and has made this company a very interesting promotion to follow.

 

Billy Wood is a rookie promoter that has created a very successful promotion in the city of Sanford. He runs his shows in a church gymnasium and tries to keep his shows as family friendly as possible. He is controversial as well as congenial, depending on the setting he is involved with at the time. He has spared no words and has been very vocal at what is happening in New Port Ritchey with ACW.

 

This interview, I have chosen George Martel to address the ACW and Vintage fan bases. We were able to get this interview set up with a phone call because of the busy schedule he leads. Lets hear what Martel has to say about what has transpired between these two promotions.

 

                                          The Interview

 

Marcus Pitts: Thank you for taking the time to take this telephone call. I appreciate the interview.

George Martel: No Problem.

MP: Since Snowman has created the Pro Wrestling Eclipse DVD, I would like to start there. It seemed that you and Martin Marvel had a decent working relationship in the beginning. What had happened to cause the riff between the two of you?

GM: I never liked Martin Marvel, I decided to help him and PWE after going to the first show and saw how horrible it was I thought they could use the help.

MP It seems that Martin is thinking of reviving PWe. Would you consider ever working with Marvel again?

GM: There is no way I would ever work with him ever.

MP: How did you first become involved with ACW?

GM: Funny thing I went to check out the show and there was a no show and I was asked if I could take the spot. Been with them ever since.

MP: I have noticed that you and Aaron Epic have a feud or a disagreement currently going on. How did this transpire and what do you think of Epic becoming the ACW Light Heavyweight Champion?

GM: Aaron Epic put his hands on a Fan and now he is going around waving the Vintage banner. I don't care what he does but Epic seems to think he can do what he wants when he wants and this is still my company.

MP: I see that you still get into the ring from time to time. Why did you get into the ring with Sideshow?

GM: With Sideshow I need him to be himself. I knew the only person that could get under his skin enough to bring him back. We need him to be the crazy son of a b@#*@ that I know he can be, even if that meant me getting my a#@ kicked in the process.

MP: I have been reading that you have put over Vintage Wrestling’s WrestleBrawl at ACW shows. Did you have an agreement with Billy Wood to promote the show or was this an act of kindness and a show of unity?

GM: A little of both. We were suppose to have a talent exchange deal. We use his guys they use ours, but when it came to their shows I was not allowed to go and there was no Mention of ACW at all.


MP: Did you expect Wood to reciprocate or were you expecting this reaction?


GM: All I did was mention what happened, Wood decided to keep it going and decided to make things personal by bringing in my personal life.

MP: Would you explain to the Vintage Wrestling fans who are the Bourbon Street Mafia

GM: The Bourbon Street Mafia are ACW's biggest supporters and the best Ring and security crew in pro wrestling bar none



MP: Many of the workers work both shows. It is independent wrestling in Florida and it is hard enough to make a buck at times. Are you expecting them to pick sides in this situation?

GM: I have not asked anyone to pick sides. However the loyal ACW guys, mostly Originals, are backing ACW up. Ralph Mosca has even decided to come out of retirement for this.


MP: Are you attending Marrcade on February 20th and in what capacity?

GM: I was booked to be part of Marrcade with Eddie Taurus and Billy pulled the booking so now Eddie and I will be buying tickets watching the show with a few "Friends" ( TNM )

MP: You have called out Billy Wood at your ACW show on more than one occasion. Do you actually expect him to show up at one of your shows?


GM: I doubt he will. Honestly I think Billy is comfortable talking trash behind a keyboard or his mic for the show of his but when it comes down to it he wont show up at our show.

MP: Do you have anything to say to the Vintage Wrestling fans in Sanford?

GM: I will say to continue to support the guys that work Vintage as it is a good show, I never will put down the talent Vintage has, It's not their fault the promoter is a scumbag.

MP: Anything to say to the ACW faithful?

GM: Thank You and stay tuned the best is yet to come,

MP: Last but not least, do you have anything to say to Billy Wood?

GM: Grow a set of balls and show up to ACW.

MP: I would like to thank you for taking the time for this interview.

GM: Thank you for this chance to let me speak. It was my pleasure.

 

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This concluded the interview with George Martel. It is always interesting to get both sides to an argument or a story. I will try and contact Billy Wood for an interview in the near future. Thanks to George Martel for taking the time in his busy schedule to give this interview.

 

Marcus Pitts