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Episode 6 – with Smashface Rescue’s Kyle Schwab & The Pit Bull Podcast
Hosts Rick Bassman and Mina Martinez believe that dogs are the most beautiful creatures on earth, as they share a passion centered on love and support for their beloved bully breeds. As long-time dedicated advocates for pit bull-type dogs and as activists with a mutual goal to better the bullies’ steep challenges, Mina and Rick…
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Rick Bassman’s & Erica “Jungle Grrrl” Porter’s CANCER WARRIOR PODCAST presents WRESTLING WITH CANCER, with guests Rick “Black Bart” Harris, Darnell “BLK Jeez” Kittrell, Patricia “Sunny” Summerland & “The Cancer Fighter” Sean Wachter.
From surviving to thriving. “From Surviving to Thriving.” – this is the core mission of The Cancer Warriors Podcast. Hosted by cancer thrivers Rick Bassman and ERICA PORTER and featuring guests from across the spectrum of the cancer world, this podcast will lend perspective and insight to help cancer survivors, thrivers, and warriors, as well…
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Episode 8 – with Joey Trujillo MD MBA & Talking Tough Podcast
The world’s toughest men and women, at their most vulnerable. Their stories of triumph. The leaders of The Hells Angels and the Navy Seals, the Crips street gang, and our nation’s most-under-fire police departments. These amazing individuals have risen to the very top of their world and crashed to the bottom spectacularly. From WWE Superstars…
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Episode 6 – with ERICA PORTER & The Cancer Warriors Podcast
From surviving to thriving. “From Surviving to Thriving.” – this is the core mission of The Cancer Warriors Podcast. Hosted by cancer thrivers Rick Bassman and ERICA PORTER and featuring guests from across the spectrum of the cancer world, this podcast will lend perspective and insight to help cancer survivors, thrivers, and warriors, as well…
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Episode 7 – with Mark “The Specimen” Kerr & Talking Tough Podcast
The world’s toughest men and women, at their most vulnerable. Their stories of triumph. The leaders of The Hells Angels and the Navy Seals, the Crips street gang, and our nation’s most-under-fire police departments. These amazing individuals have risen to the very top of their world and crashed to the bottom spectacularly. From WWE Superstars…
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THE TOP 7 COMPONENTS MOST-NECESSARY for SURVIVING CANCER, and THRIVING (in my not-so-humble opinion)
I’m often asked what I think the MOST IMPORTANT ‘WEAPONS” are to have in one’s arsenal when facing a potentially life-threatening battle with cancer, or ANY life-threatening illness. . In abbreviated fashion, here they are (again, MY personal opinion, only) SUPPORT SYSTEM – 2nd place (six-way tie)This is your family and your friends, others who…
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Episode 5 – with Darcy Dennett & The Pit Bull Podcast
Hosts Rick Bassman and Mina Martinez believe that dogs are the most beautiful creatures on earth, as they share a passion centered on love and support for their beloved bully breeds. As long-time dedicated advocates for pit bull-type dogs and as activists with a mutual goal to better the bullies’ steep challenges, Mina and Rick…
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Episode 5 – with Sean “The Cancer Fighter” Wachter & The Cancer Warriors Podcast
From surviving to thriving. “From Surviving to Thriving.” – this is the core mission of The Cancer Warriors Podcast. Hosted by cancer thrivers Rick Bassman and Amanda Kelly and featuring guests from across the spectrum of the cancer world, this podcast will lend perspective and insight to help cancer survivors, thrivers, and warriors, as well…
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Episode 6 – with Randy “The Natural” Couture & Talking Tough Podcast
The world’s toughest men and women, at their most vulnerable. Their stories of triumph. The leaders of The Hells Angels and the Navy Seals, the Crips street gang, and our nation’s most-under-fire police departments. These amazing individuals have risen to the very top of their world and crashed to the bottom spectacularly. From WWE Superstars…
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Episode 4– with Erica Porter & The Cancer Warriors Podcast
From surviving to thriving. “From Surviving to Thriving.” – this is the core mission of The Cancer Warriors Podcast. Hosted by cancer thrivers Rick Bassman and Amanda Kelly and featuring guests from across the spectrum of the cancer world, this podcast will lend perspective and insight to help cancer survivors, thrivers, and warriors, as well…
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Episode 4 – with Steve Spiro, START Rescue & The Pit Bull Podcast
Hosts Rick Bassman and Mina Martinez believe that dogs are the most beautiful creatures on earth, as they share a passion centered on love and support for their beloved bully breeds. As long-time dedicated advocates for pit bull-type dogs and as activists with a mutual goal to better the bullies’ steep challenges, Mina and Rick…
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Episode 3 – with Bailey O’Brian & The Cancer Warriors Podcast
From surviving to thriving. “From Surviving to Thriving.” – this is the core mission of The Cancer Warriors Podcast. Hosted by cancer thrivers Rick Bassman and Amanda Kelly and featuring guests from across the spectrum of the cancer world, this podcast will lend perspective and insight to help cancer survivors, thrivers, and warriors, as well…
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Episode 5 – with Marcus “Big Herc” Timmons & Talking Tough Podcast
The world’s toughest men and women, at their most vulnerable. Their stories of triumph. The leaders of The Hells Angels and the Navy Seals, the Crips street gang, and our nation’s most-under-fire police departments. These amazing individuals have risen to the very top of their world and crashed to the bottom spectacularly. From WWE Superstars…
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Episode 3 – with Sara Enos Ondrako, American Pit Bull Foundation & The Pit Bull Podcast
Hosts Rick Bassman and Mina Martinez believe that dogs are the most beautiful creatures on earth, as they share a passion centered on love and support for their beloved bully breeds. As long-time dedicated advocates for pit bull-type dogs and as activists with a mutual goal to better the bullies’ steep challenges, Mina and Rick…
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Episode 4 – with Al Snow & Talking Tough
PodcastThe world’s toughest men and women, at their most vulnerable. Their stories of triumph. The leaders of The Hells Angels and the Navy Seals, the Crips street gang, and our nation’s most-under-fire police departments. These amazing individuals have risen to the very top of their world and crashed to the bottom spectacularly. From WWE Superstars…
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Episode 3 – with Marcus “Buff” Bagwell & Talking Tough Podcast
The world’s toughest men and women, at their most vulnerable. Their stories of triumph. The leaders of The Hells Angels and the Navy Seals, the Crips street gang, and our nation’s most-under-fire police departments. These amazing individuals have risen to the very top of their world and crashed to the bottom spectacularly. From WWE Superstars…
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Episode 2 – with Chuck Keels & The Cancer Warriors Podcast
From surviving to thriving. “From Surviving to Thriving.” – this is the core mission of The Cancer Warriors Podcast. Hosted by cancer thrivers Rick Bassman and Amanda Kelly and featuring guests from across the spectrum of the cancer world, this podcast will lend perspective and insight to help cancer survivors, thrivers, and warriors, as well…
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Episode 2 –with ERIC “BUTTERBEAN” ESCH & Talking Tough Podcast
The world’s toughest men and women, at their most vulnerable. Their stories of triumph. The leaders of The Hells Angels and the Navy Seals, the Crips street gang, and our nation’s most-under-fire police departments. These amazing individuals have risen to the very top of their world and crashed to the bottom spectacularly. From WWE Superstars…
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Episode 2 – with Jill & Cody Rackley of SHADOW’S FUND & The Pit Bull Podcast
Hosts Rick Bassman and Mina Martinez believe that dogs are the most beautiful creatures on earth, as they share a passion centered on love and support for their beloved bully breeds. As long-time dedicated advocates for pit bull-type dogs and as activists with a mutual goal to better the bullies’ steep challenges, Mina and Rick…
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Episode 1 –with Introducing Rick & Amanda Kelly & The Cancer Warriors Podcast
From surviving to thriving. “From Surviving to Thriving.” – this is the core mission of The Cancer Warriors Podcast. Hosted by cancer thrivers Rick Bassman and Amanda Kelly and featuring guests from across the spectrum of the cancer world, this podcast will lend perspective and insight to help cancer survivors, thrivers, and warriors, as well…
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Episode 1 –with Lori Ice Fetrick & Talking Tough Podcast
The world’s toughest men and women, at their most vulnerable. Their stories of triumph. The leaders of The Hells Angels and the Navy Seals, the Crips street gang, and our nation’s most-under-fire police departments. These amazing individuals have risen to the very top of their world and crashed to the bottom spectacularly. From WWE Superstars…
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Episode 1 – Introducing Rick & Mina & The Pit Bull Podcast
Hosts Rick Bassman and Mina Martinez believe that dogs are the most beautiful creatures on earth, as they share a passion centered on love and support for their beloved bully breeds. As long-time dedicated advocates for pit bull-type dogs and as activists with a mutual goal to better the bullies’ steep challenges, Mina and Rick…
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“Starring” in Chris Bells’ new Documentary!
July 14, 2016 Surgery day! Cool, early start. Here in my backyard with old friend and brother-in-arms Chris Bell, shooting for his new documentary. Excited and honored to be a part of this. I mean hell, Chris is the guy who Produced, Directed and Starred in “Bigger, Stronger, Faster” and “Prescription Thugs.” Being part of…
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Spilling My Guts
<meta http-equiv=”refresh” content=”0; URL=/rickbassman/posts/10206932968665452?_fb_noscript=1″ />(2) Rick Bassman – This is a looong post. Well, I’m supposed to be a… This is a looong post. Well, I’m supposed to be a writer, so… what the hell. It’s also very, VERY personal. I’m feeling the need, so here goes… I report to Orange Coast Hospital in Fountain…
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Last time at our rescue for a while
Last time at our rescue for a while 🙁 and first time meeting some of our new wards. This 80 pounder is one of the buffest and fiercest-looking bullys I’ve ever seen. Because of his natural born physicality, he was forced into situations which have added a deep pink scar on his head, burns on…
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Miss you guys today
Dave Legeno, Sean O’ Haire, Roddy Piper, I woke up thinking about you and really miss you guys today, as I do always, my good friends. Chyna, Nelson Frazier, Joe Franciosi, Imani Lee, Balls Mahoney, Kevin Randleman, Lee Reherman, Mark Selbee, Kimbo Slice, I’m thinking about you all today. You were ALL such good and…
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A seemingly random encounter
About 4 years ago, in a seemingly random encounter, I met this bright spirit. We quickly became friends. Shortly thereafter, I went down with the first round of spine surgeries and “life-threatening” infections. Without being asked –and without any thought of reward—this person stepped up. BIG TIME. Taking care of me & Ramone & GoGo….
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It’s been a very challenging day…
It’s been a very challenging day… medically, physically, “economically,”… all the “ally’s.” Kinda went into a tailspin of sorts, and gave myself a choice… pop a couple of vicodin and hit the bar, or go swim laps… BEST 2 bucks I spent in ages (entrance fee for San Clemente Aquatic Center) #iCantWalkButICanSwim! #sorta 😛 #DecisionsDecisionsDecisions…
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I understand now why…
I understand now why my doctors have been saying that I’m soon wheelchair bound. Legs went out on me several times today. To the point where it is now difficult to walk. At all. To compensate for it, I’m laying on my fuzzy pillows on my deck by the outdoor fireplace. Pit bulls at my…
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“Friends don’t do because they owe, friend do because they want to.”
“Friends don’t do because they owe, friend do because they want to.” Truer words were never spoken, Rocky Balboa. I received many GREAT messages in my FB inbox in response to my post a couple of nights ago. This resulted in a 3am call this morning with a person that said I had helped them…
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It’s an all-hospital day!
It’s an all-hospital day! Morning “spine class,” which was incredibly impressive. I’m very appreciative. Now on to pre-op appt…
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Less than 2 weeks out from my biggest surgery yet
Less than 2 weeks out from my biggest surgery yet (of 11 MAJOR surgeries!), I choose to no longer look at myself… think of myself… as the guy on the left below, near-death from infection and left to treat it on my own, and freezing in a rented room. Instead, from here on in, I…
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GOGO’S STORY! If you love dogs as much as I do (or even a little bit!), please read this!
As many of you know, I am very dedicated to my beloved pups Ramone & GoGo (and to the memory of Marley, may he be resting –and playing forever– in peace). As you may also know, I adopted GoGo from Linda Blair’s Worldheart Organization three years ago this month. Linda and I have become close…
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Thinking about some yoga with DDP…
THINKING of heading to Atlanta this week to do some yoga with @DDPyoga with the man himself @realDDP. Just don’t know that I’m physically where I need to be to throw myself into THAT fire! We’ll see…
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Last year was a living hell on Earth. But that’s behind me. I’m now starting over in so many ways. And that’s a good thing.
Last year was a living hell on Earth. But that’s behind me. I’m now starting over in so many ways. And that’s a good thing. Check out the new video blog at the link below! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX-AbAIxBEc
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REBUILDING THE MACHINE – pt 1
A semi-regular blog on getting my shit back together, or going-from-zero-to-hero. This past year was a disaster of epic proportions. Well, to me at least. I mean, hey…in the pantheon of cataclysmic disasters, or the social ills that plague our world these days, it was…no big deal. But…to ME: one “routine” back surgery that became…
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"LIKE" me on Facebook!
My upcoming New York Times Bestseller “Little Big Man” is set to be released soon. Help support me and “LIKE” my new Facebook Fan Page, it will provide hilarious blurbs, excerpts on my Book, and many more great updates! Thank you for all of your support!
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Fact or Fiction, aka TALL TALES
James Frey had a monster, runaway hit with “A Million Little Pieces.” 5 million copies sold. F! What I’d give for even a modicum of his success. Ol’ James wrote a pretty compelling tale about his descent into drug abuse and his journey to sobriety. Good stuff, but modesty (or shame) aside, maybe a tenth…
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Rick Bassman on Sherdog Radio with Jack Encarnacao and Eric Bischoff
Check out Rick Bassman on Sherdog Radio with Jack Encarnacao and Eric Bischoff! http://www.sherdog.com/radio/SRN-Rewind-Special-Report-Eric-Bischoff-Rick-Bassman-3113
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Follow me on Twitter!
Hey Friends! Help support my November Book release and FOLLOW ME on Twitter! Get great updates and stay in the loop! Your support is much appreciated!
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Rick Bassman with Dave Meltzer & Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Radio
Check out Rick Bassman with Dave Meltzer & Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Radio! http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/30390-mar-22-observer-radio-bryan-alvarez-and-dave-meltzer-talk-to-rick-bassman-about-helping-launch-the-careers-of-sting-warrior-cena-samoa-joe-and-countless-others-triumph-and-tragedy-new-book-on-it-all-so-much-more
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OWNING UP: KILLING OTHERS, BUT KILLING MYSELF WORSE
Many people – my social media team included, who will end up posting this Blog for me—have “advised” me to watch what I say about others in my writing. “If you have nothing nice to say, than say nothing at all,” or something of the sort, as the old adage goes. Writing for me has been…
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To Be Great, aka Something’s Gotta Give.
Greatness, I think, is endeavoring to give your all to another, without design of personal benefit, and achieving an end by which the intended recipient realizes recognizable and significant gain, and you yourself gain in strength of character. I am too busy to think of it at the time, but I’m chasing greatness for Extreme…
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Introducing WWF’s “Smackdown!” An All Women’s Pro Wrestling Show?!?!
I receive a cold call from Bruce Prichard, then second-in-command, to Jim Ross, of WWF’s Talent Relations Department. Although we will later become pretty close, and partiers-in-arms, I do not yet know him. Bruce has heard that we are doing good things in Southern California. He explains to me that WWF is about to start…
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From RODDY PIPER
RODDY PIPER I don’t know where to start. We’ve been friends now for a long time. A long time. We’ve travelled around the world together, done good business and had a lot of fun. Rick is one of the good guys. When he asked me write an endorsement for him and told me he was…
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From MARK KERR
MARK KERR. Yep. Ditto on what The Hammer said. Rick and I went nose-to-nose on more than one occasion. Or should I say, nose-to-chest? At then at end of the day Rick is a very smart guy, and very cultured. I’m glad to call him my friend.
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From MARK “THE HAMMER” COLEMAN
MARK “THE HAMMER” COLEMAN. The toughest manager I’ve ever had and a good, good friend. He’s got your back. Funny story…back in my younger days, I was a little, uh, crazy. One day in Ricks gym, I lost my cool and started screaming obscenities. Rick tried to talk me down. When they didn’t work, he…
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From VANDERLEI SILVA
VANDERLEI SILVA. Maybe they should call him the Axe Murderer Murderer. Rick scares me. J
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From BELINDA CARLISLE
BELINDA CARLISLE He’s incredibly dedicated to his dogs, Ramone and GoGo (I love that). And as Pit Bull advocates, that’s what I love about Rick.
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From DANNY BONADUCE
DANNY BONADUCE. Kindred spirits from the time we met. And yeah, I think it’d be a pretty good fight.
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I can’t believe
I can’t believe the photo on the left was taken just 2 weeks ago, at a house where I was renting a room. Freezing and in terrible pain. It seems like a year ago. At the risk of sounding dramatic, I thought I was dead at any moment. The …photo on the right is minutes…
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It’s not shot gunning in Africa
It’s not shot gunning in Africa, fighting in Asia or carousing in South America, but..I’m at the movies! And just 11 days after thinking I was dead, THATs something. — at AMC Woodland Hills, Movie Theater.
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While I have such a long ways to go
While I have such a long ways to go, I’m happy to say that I’m feeling better every day. Doing well here at the rehab facility. Super clean diet, daily physical therapy & more, as I continue to get my twice daily antibiotic infusions. GREAT visit today from my once and always idol, and now…
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ONE OF MY CRAZY, LONG POSTS, aka UPDATE!
ONE OF MY CRAZY, LONG POSTS, aka UPDATE! This is the inside cover of my Guest Book I kept through my many stays at Cedars-Sinai (6 since August!), which I inscribed myself. It is signed by all of my amazing nurses and service providers th…ere and by my many, MANY guests. First, to all of…
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LOTS of UPS & DOWNS
Now, for those who have been following my histrionics, you know there have been LOTS of UPS & DOWNS since I wrote the above on November 21. Part of what I wrote above was the dilaudid talking (aka heroin) and part was genuine excitement of coming through my third (and hopefully FINAL!) surgery successfully. The…
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My first ambulance ride ever
My first ambulance ride ever. I know, hard to believe, huh? On my way to in-patient physical / occupational rehab to get strong again!
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Random photos
These random photos are apropos of nothing, other than they depict better, happier and more adventurous times. But I felt like posting them because I’m feeling better. I’m still in the hospital and shipping out today to an Acute Physical & Occupational Rehabilitation Center for 6 weeks, to REBUILD THE MACHINE. While it will take…
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Just had the greatest visit
Just had the greatest visit from the one-of-a-kind and incredible ANDREW BRYNIARSKI. His words to me were real, sincere, inspirational and motivational. Thank you my friend. In serendipitous timing, one of my neurosurgeons came in while …Andrew was here, and removed my stitches, while Andrew fascinated and cracked us both up in his unique, inimitable…
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Back at Cedars Sinai Hospital
Back at Cedars Sinai Hospital. Bottom line…just wasn’t going to make it out on my own. The 3 major back surgeries in 3 months, which im still in the early stages of recovering from, plus the “imminently life threatening” infections (per m…y doctor), which I’m injecting myself with hardcore antibiotics 3 times a day…well, it…
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I shall prevail
Sitting in front of the space heater, shivering off last night’s sweat-soaked “sleep.” struggling to find the inspiration to face another day. I shall prevail. I shall prevail. I shall prevail.
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Hardest night and toughest morning yet
Hardest night and toughest morning yet. Realization that I am for the most part alone –and responsible for my own care– sinking in hard. Almost folded this morning. But that is now a few hours in the past and I am now warm and sitting in the sun, Ramone & GoGo nearby, just like they…
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Grateful. God. Thank you.
Depleted. Utterly. Freezing cold. Grateful. God. Thank you. I didn’t think I’d make it, really I didn’t. Leaving the hospital yesterday, I took a photo, arms –raised in victory. I took that photo for two reasons: 1. …THAT – that feeling of jubilation, is exactly what I was feeling. And 2. For IMAGE sake. For…
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IM OUTTA HERE!
Cedars Sinai Hospital, it’s been an “interesting relationship” for the past 3 months. Ups and downs and then more of each. But bottom line…ya fixed me. And now…IM OUTTA HERE!t there “supporting me,” my blessings continue to multiply. Many ask me — “is there anything you need?” or “can I get you something?” My answer,…
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Thank you all again for EVERYTHING…
Thank you all again for EVERYTHING… your prayers, your calls, your visits, your thoughts. They’ve all carried me through in what I alone made into a very difficult time for me. Until recently — VERY RECENTLY– I was ready to throw in… the towel. Tonight, on the eve of my 52nd Birthday, I am ready…
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Bolt upright in bed
Bolt upright in bed. Wracked by intensely deep and painful spasms in my quads, hams, butt & feet that had me screaming into my sheets for nearly 20 minutes. Now, just laying here. Basically afraid to move. The ward I am on is dark and eerily quiet. I know, I know, I gotta man up…
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HELP! – WISH LIST… GURU NEEDED!
So, my BIGGEST concern, far and away, is to make sure Ramone & GoGo are ok. And…THEY ARE! Temporarily living in San Clemente and enjoying the beach and sunshine every day. YAY! In terms of people ou…
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Ramone & GoGo just left the hospital
Ramone & GoGo just left the hospital to head to their new, temporary home in San Clemente. My heart is breaking already but I’ll get to see my babies 3 days from now, on Sunday, so that is something to look forward to. The BIGGEST, most H…EARTFELT “THANK YOU!!!” of all time, to Stephanie Amos,…
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Hospitals can be funny places.
REBUILDING THE MACHINE. Hospitals can be funny places. Like…really funny. Here’s what came my way today: … A rectal swab 2. A blood draw (from my right arm, when I already have a PICC line in my left) 3. A hospital gown 4. After totally “fixing up”…
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RAMONE & GOGO LOVERS — HELP PLEASE!!!
RAMONE & GOGO LOVERS — HELP PLEASE!!! I need to go to the hospital for several weeks for heavy antibiotic treatment & major surgery. I am ready to go, except for…I need to make arrangements for my Beautiful Babies. I need someone with …a real love of and understanding of the bully breeds. who will…
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Feeling
Feeling introspective. Inspired. Exhausted. Depressed and defeated, optimistic and hopeful, strong, weak. Lost. Victorious. So all over the place that I don’t know if I’m comin’ or if I’m goin.’ It’s like…I’ve just… had enough. But…I don’t want it to be over. Right? …celebratory, renewed, effervescent. In my heart and in my mind’s eye, so…
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Well, the hits just keep on comin’!
Well, the hits just keep on comin’! As do the free nights at the fabulous Cedars-Sinai Resort Hospital. (well, I guess not “free” if you’re Blue Cross. ha!). All kinds of good stuff going on here but doesn’t mean I don’t want visitors. ENTERTAINING ones especially! hit me up on Message…
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Coming Out of the Hospital
This past few weeks has been a whole new level of experience for me in certain areas. 2 major back surgeries and a “minor” one, in a span of 3 weeks. Months of pain leading up to these procedures; the type of pain that is right at the far end of that 1-10 smiley/crying face…
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UPW begins to Take Off.
September, 1999, UPW at Mission Viejo High School. In a fundraiser for the school’s student council and its wrestling team, we pull out all the stops. It’s the first time we’ll videotape vignettes in advance and project them onto big screens. The vignettes –or “pre-tapes” as they’re called in the industry—set-up stories, so that spectators…
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Rick Bassman on Francy & Friends Radio Show – Sunday June 3rd @ 8pm
ENOUGH CAN NOT BE SAID ABOUT THIS MAN, HE IS A SURVIVOR OF STAGE 4 CANCER, HE HAS PRODUCED 100S OF CONCERTS WHICH INCLUDE THE POLICE AND REM. HE IS A MANAGER TO THE STARS LIKE RODDY PIPER, AND LOU FERRIGNO AND MANY MANY MORE. HE HAS BEEN AN SENIOR EXECUTIVE FOR THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AND WON…
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Getting BIG for my UPW britches. But not TOO big.
After a few successful shows at Extreme U, I get ambitious. I cold-call legendary rock and roll impresario Gary Folgner, the owner of equally legendary Orange County clubs The Coach House and The Galaxy Concert Theatre. After a conversation in which we share anecdotes about everything from my days booking Motley Crue and The Dead…
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PWKGW Thurday Night Big Show! Huge Special Guest Rick Bassman!
Huge Show with Special Guest Rick Bassman! May 24th @ 8PM. Who is Rick Bassman? Well he is the man single-handedly broke the ULTIMATE WARRIOR AND STING into the business! What a Huge night for PWKGW BLOG TALK Radio! This will take place Thursday in a PRIME time slot at 8:00PM So make sure you call…
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Introducing…UPW!
Hi All- I made a commitment –to my Business Partner, to my awesome Social Media Team, to myself, and most of all—to YOU, to post consistently and right on-schedule, when I started with this on-going series of Professional Wrestling & Mixed Martial Arts blogs. Who knew that I’d end up rushed into major back…
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Living Dangerously? Uh, if you say so!
Hi All- I made a commitment –to my Business Partner, to my awesome Social Media Team, to myself, and most of all—to YOU, to post consistently and right on-schedule, when I started with this on-going series of Professional Wrestling & Mixed Martial Arts blogs. Who knew that I’d end up rushed into major back surgery? …
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Hammer, Smashing Machines and….Monsters? Oh my!
Hi All- I made a commitment –to my Business Partner, to my awesome Social Media Team, to myself, and most of all—to YOU, to post consistently and right on-schedule, when I started with this on-going series of Professional Wrestling & Mixed Martial Arts blogs. Who knew that I’d end up rushed into major back…
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Going Viral? (aka My Whacked YouTube Videos)
Still not sure what this Viral-thing is all about. But learning quickly. My very own YouTube Channel –whatever that means—went up today. So, I now have an IPhone, with video capabilities, a nifty little digital video camera and Skype. Just need to learn how to turn them on/use them/etc. Because I’m excited to post what…
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Tubes unhooked!
Tubes unhooked! (well, except for the one that’s still ticking out of my neck) (And yeah , lots of tubes) on the road to recovery I think. Soon will be getting up and about to see how the surgery really went. But in the meantime –and most important of all– LOOK WHO CAME TO VISIT…
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UPW Becomes a Twinkle in my Eye.
I HAD to police things at my gym, Extreme University; taking as much pride in it –if not more– than anything I had ever done. We have an up-scale, paying membership, while simultaneously training classes of Wrestlers and Fighters that are probably the best and the most colorful in the US at that time. The…
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Yeah, no Problem. I can Definitely Out-party Bas Rutten. Right!
At the time production of The Smashing Machine begun, the four of us had just become neighbors. And we were ALL going through it. But…the only one that got “caught” (well, on camera at least) was Mark K. As a small example of the nearly-daily mundane, we attend a very strange after-hours party at a…
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Tito on TNA
So, Tito is participating in what looks to become a long-running storyline on TNA. My thoughts….good? bad? Indifferent? … …Excellent! I first brought Tito backstage to WWE to meet Vince McMahon and good ‘ol JR roundabouts 2007, when the UFC was really just starting to take off. Vince, JR and crew were exceptionally…
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Enter The Hammer. And The Specimen.
While at UFC 13 in Augusta, I had met and begun to bond with Randy’s manager, the legendary Rico Chiapparelli. Rico’s would be one of the most important relationships I would form in the MMA world and would come to be characterized by a deep respect and genuine affinity for him. Shortly after the epic…
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Popping My UFC Cherry
Like many testosterone-driven males, the question “Who is the toughest man in the world?” intrigued me from the day I first picked up a comic book and first viewed pro wrestling. After all, as youngsters, weren’t The Green Lantern and Andre The Giant the real deals? C’mon. Weren’t they? I remain intrigued. By luck, in…
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The Beginning of Ultimate University, “The #1 Pro Wrestling School in the World”
November, 1996. Extreme University, California’ first-ever true Mixed Martial Arts gym, opens its doors on Avery Parkway in Mission Viejo. December, 1996. I get longtime friend and All Japan Women’s leading foreign star, Reggie Bennett, to agree to teach Pro Wrestling classes at EU. Paying homage to UFC –who later sues me for the “Ultimate…
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September, 1999, UPW at Mission Viejo High School
September, 1999, UPW at Mission Viejo High School In a fundraiser for the school’s student council and its wrestling team, we pull out all the stops. It’s the first time we’ll videotape vignettes in advance and project them onto big screens. The vignettes –or “pre-tapes” as they’re called in the industry—set-up stories, so that spectators…
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UPW at the Galaxy Theater
After a few successful shows at Extreme U, I get ambitious. I cold-call legendary rock and roll impresario Gary Folgner, the owner of equally legendary Orange County clubs The Coach House and The Galaxy Concert Theatre. After a conversation in which we share anecdotes about everything from my days booking Motley Crue and The Dead…
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The First UPW (Ultimate Pro Wrestling) Show
The First UPW Show The first UPW “show” ever is held at my gym, Extreme University, in Mission Viejo. The first match EVER wrestled on a UPW show is Psycho Matt Hall versus world class bodybuilder Aaron Baker. There it is for the record books. They’re so green, that throughout the course of the match,…
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Members Only
Welcome to the members only section for Been There Done That! Very soon we will be posting exclusive bonus material every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This material includes stories, anecdotes, and portions of the original manuscript that never made it into the book! Stay tuned for updates!
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Been There, Done That
Now that I’m just about done writing Been There, Done That, I feel free to read again, something I’ve badly missed over the past 2+ years (didn’t want to be “influenced” by other writers’ style). Have been devouring autobiographies, wanting to see where I’ve screwed up, what I’ve gotten right, and to “hear” how others’…
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My Philosophy (for what it’s worth): Wise Words
I’m oftentimes “accused” of the following: a. Having my head in the clouds b. Not knowing if I’m coming or going c. Being a dreamer d. Not giving a fu*k e. ALL OF THE ABOVE. Okay, fine then. I opt for e. ALL OF THE ABOVE. Here’s why… MY PHILOSOPHY (for what it’s worth): WHY I am HOW I am……