Can someone explain to me this wrastlin’ thing with Matt Jones?

[DudahUK]

Spare me, I know you don’t listen. Just talking wrastlin’ here.

I don’t see how any money could be made from this? And they are pimping out the whole KSR crew, although Shannon’s dreams have been made, weird dude, that one. Anyways?

 

[bigc45157]

Shannon is an AWESOME dude. Matt is using his connections to get the product out amongst the state. There might be something to getting picked up by bigger advertisers and/or other wrestling entities to increase their exposure.

either way, Matt is living a dream and gets to do passion projects along the way.

 

[29er]

Matt likes Roids ,body oil, speedos. He can't help it just what he attracted towards.

 

[cricket3]

You aren't the only one with that question. I have some friends and family that almost surely feel the same way. Even though it won't interest everyone, here is a bit of an answer as to the details:

We bought the majority ownership at a very reasonable price during a time that the company was struggling. Covid played a part, but the bigger issue was that the interest and knowledge of the product had fallen dramatically and it needed a shot in the arm. I was of the belief that with Craig Greenberg's business acumen and connections in the Louisville business community and my marketing/statewide platform, we could make it grow. It was relatively low risk investment and in a field that I have been a huge fan of all my life.

The play is threefold:

1. Most importantly, I think there is a market for a statewide wrestling product that focuses on Kentucky and travels around the state to create events in towns all over. The idea is to create a Friday night that is kind of like what KSR is...a platform for people of all ages to come together and have fun. Friday at Country Boy in Georgetown was the PERFECT example of our goals. We had about 400 people, all ages, with folks drinking beer and families with their kids. Everyone there seemed to have a blast and I feel like that is replicable everywhere.

2. Along with OVW, we have a Wrestling Academy trade school licensed by the state. This is the only school in America with such accreditation and within a year, we will be eligible for federal student loans for our trainees. I don't see any reason why, with Al Snow as the head trainer. we can't be the top place to learn to wrestle in America for newcomers. There are only a handful of wrestling schools in American with any kind of credibility and this is one of them. Run it like an actual business (which the others are not) and you can have great success and be the top spot to learn to wrestle.

3. The longer term hope (and a bit more of a gamble) is to make this the top Developmental territory in America for wrestlers...the minors for the top stars. This is what OVW was in its heyday when Cena, Lesnar, Batista, Orton, The Miz, etc all trained here. Back then they had an official connection with WWE and my hope is that we can establish a similar one with them or AEW in the near future. But even if we don't, because we have a weekly live TV deal (which no other minor league promotion does) gives us advantages that I think we can exploit to draw great talent here. And with tv networks and streaming services DESPERATE for content, my hope is that we get the product to a place where a national provider takes the show outside Kentucky.

Thats the long of it. The short of it is this...I am the kind of person who likes to build things. We built KSR the site and it has had great success. We have the radio show which is awesome to do, but really can't grow anymore and is now just about sustaining. We built a sports bar that I am proud of but since I don't really cook or manage food, my role is basically as a marketer. This is something new to build. My guess is I will keep wanting to try and create new things forever. It is just how I am wired.

I hope all you guys will someday visit. Huber was there at Georgetown and I read he had a blast. Having these local celebrities has gotten a lot of new eyes on the product and we are in development for a reality show (think like the "Last Chance U" of pro wrestling) which will be in production this fall. It is a blast and I am really glad I got into it.

 

[funKYcat75]

You aren't the only one with that question. I have some friends and family that almost surely feel the same way. Even though it won't interest everyone, here is a bit of an answer as to the details:

We bought the majority ownership at a very reasonable price during a time that the company was struggling. Covid played a part, but the bigger issue was that the interest and knowledge of the product had fallen dramatically and it needed a shot in the arm. I was of the belief that with Craig Greenberg's business acumen and connections in the Louisville business community and my marketing/statewide platform, we could make it grow. It was relatively low risk investment and in a field that I have been a huge fan of all my life.

The play is threefold:

1. Most importantly, I think there is a market for a statewide wrestling product that focuses on Kentucky and travels around the state to create events in towns all over. The idea is to create a Friday night that is kind of like what KSR is...a platform for people of all ages to come together and have fun. Friday at Country Boy in Georgetown was the PERFECT example of our goals. We had about 400 people, all ages, with folks drinking beer and families with their kids. Everyone there seemed to have a blast and I feel like that is replicable everywhere.

2. Along with OVW, we have a Wrestling Academy trade school licensed by the state. This is the only school in America with such accreditation and within a year, we will be eligible for federal student loans for our trainees. I don't see any reason why, with Al Snow as the head trainer. we can't be the top place to learn to wrestle in America for newcomers. There are only a handful of wrestling schools in American with any kind of credibility and this is one of them. Run it like an actual business (which the others are not) and you can have great success and be the top spot to learn to wrestle.

3. The longer term hope (and a bit more of a gamble) is to make this the top Developmental territory in America for wrestlers...the minors for the top stars. This is what OVW was in its heyday when Cena, Lesnar, Batista, Orton, The Miz, etc all trained here. Back then they had an official connection with WWE and my hope is that we can establish a similar one with them or AEW in the near future. But even if we don't, because we have a weekly live TV deal (which no other minor league promotion does) gives us advantages that I think we can exploit to draw great talent here. And with tv networks and streaming services DESPERATE for content, my hope is that we get the product to a place where a national provider takes the show outside Kentucky.

Thats the long of it. The short of it is this...I am the kind of person who likes to build things. We built KSR the site and it has had great success. We have the radio show which is awesome to do, but really can't grow anymore and is now just about sustaining. We built a sports bar that I am proud of but since I don't really cook or manage food, my role is basically as a marketer. This is something new to build. My guess is I will keep wanting to try and create new things forever. It is just how I am wired.

I hope all you guys will someday visit. Huber was there at Georgetown and I read he had a blast. Having these local celebrities has gotten a lot of new eyes on the product and we are in development for a reality show (think like the "Last Chance U" of pro wrestling) which will be in production this fall. It is a blast and I am really glad I got into it.

 

[DudahUK]

Thank you kind sir. Answered my question I guess. I just don’t really see it being successful but I admittedly know Jack about the wrestling industry. Ha

Hate MJ all you want, dude is a hustler. I respect that. He’s trying to grow, can’t ever knock anybody for that, IMO, that’s unamerican.

 

[DudahUK]

Also, the other reason I posted this, my grandfather died awhile back(WW2 badass, Godbless) and he left me this box with a bunch of wrestling magazines from the 50’s and a bunch of old cats pause newspapers from the 70’s it looks like. Can’t wait to take a look in it all. If anyone wants one and I have it, I wouldn’t mind letting them have it. The magazines aren’t in great condition but the cats pause seem to be.

Nice. Got Volume 3 Number 24 from Feb 24, 1979 with Cawood on the cover.

oh wow, I got Joe’s championships ones. Rookie Sam Bowie. Dirk with the dunk. That was cool.

 

[420grover]

Shannon is an AWESOME dude. Matt is using his connections to get the product out amongst the state. There might be something to getting picked up by bigger advertisers and/or other wrestling entities to increase their exposure.

either way, Matt is living a dream and gets to do passion projects along the way.

Shannon has been wrestling in OVW for several years, long before Matt bought it.

 

[SmedMoley]

I'm glad Matt got into it. I'm surprised he didn't do this, earlier. It's a perfect fit. A much better fit for him than public office. I say that only because Matt takes things too personally. Politicians can't do that. Not a knock on him, either. We are what we are. I'm also happy to see OVW get another shot. Vince McMahon nearly killed old-school wrestling. I know he took wrestling mainstream, and got filthy rich while doing so, but he absolutely ruined the heart of wrestling. I'll be attending as many matches as I can. Matt, thank you for finally doing this.

 

[WildcatFan1982]

I went on Thursday and it was fun.

 

[Dore95]

He can do whatever he wants but I don’t get it. Wrestling is juvenile and “minor league” through and through. A couple of years ago he was written about on politico, trying to go toe to toe with McConnell by writing his book, considering running, etc. Now he’s running a restaurant and a small town wrestling operation. It’s almost like a midlife crisis.

 

[Blue63Madison]

He can do whatever he wants but I don’t get it. Wrestling is juvenile and “minor league” through and through. A couple of years ago he was written about on politico, trying to go toe to toe with McConnell by writing his book, considering running, etc. Now he’s running a restaurant and a small town wrestling operation. It’s almost like a midlife crisis.

I think you’ve got it backwards. IMO the political stuff was the midlife crisis. The rest is just him being who he is. I don’t think he ever intended to run against Mitch. It was just a ploy to get attention. Matt is extremely insecure and thin skinned. He’s not built for politics. He can barely handle hosting a radio show. The slightest criticism completely throws him off. Running KSR, being part owner of OVW, the little sports bar, etc. ... they’re more fit to his personality.

As for the idea of OVW, it’s actually got me back to watching. I grew up watching with my grandma. The regional deal with “Lance Russell and Dave Brown”. My grandma would jump up and down, scream at the TV, etc.. It was hilarious. I knew all the wrestlers, and all their famous moves. But when wrestling went national (WWF, WWE or whatever), I was done with it. I haven’t watched it in decades. It’s terrible. But OVW goes back to the old style stuff I grew up with. It’s a bad broadcast, bad acting, etc. But it’s comedy and entertainment. We watch every Thursday at 7:00 on the FITE app. My wife thinks it’s juvenile, but she’s always ready to watch the next episode.

 

[BeAllied]

Matt likes Roids ,body oil, speedos. He can't help it just what he attracted towards.

Drawing in young, strong, and impressionable men who are trying to jumpstart their careers. There is definitely some predatory room there.

 

[BeAllied]

2. Along with OVW, we have a Wrestling Academy trade school licensed by the state. This is the only school in America with such accreditation and within a year, we will be eligible for federal student loans for our trainees.

Sounds like they got a sweetheart deal from the Beshear administration (or whomever approved their one-of-a-kind accreditation) to enable them to defraud students by using federal government money to fund their fake school.

 

[funKYcat75]

And here come the politards to ruin everything.

 

[gobigbluebell]

Uhhh, Shannon The Dude is the OVW World Heavyweight Radio Champion. Put some spect on his name.

 

[BlueVelvetFog]

This is just weird

 

[gobigblue812_rivals29381]

I don't personally care one way or the other about Matt and Shannon. I've met them several times individually throughout the years. They've always been nice and polite.

Matt has become a successful business man. He's living out his dreams. Congrats to him and the gang.

If I could give him one piece of advice, I would say tone down the political stuff just a bit. Unfortunately, politics has completely divided our country for the worse.

 

[80 Proof]

I haven't been interested in wrasslin for years, but I'll prolly take my son to one of the OVW events this summer.

Matt Jones is a great promoter, hell find succees with this too,I'm sure.

 

[jameslee32]

Sure, he likes wrestling and perhaps knows his audience likes it as well. As did I as a youth.

 

[cricket3]

Sounds like they got a sweetheart deal from the Beshear administration (or whomever approved their one-of-a-kind accreditation) to enable them to defraud students by using federal government money to fund their fake school.

Everything about this is wrong.

 

[BeAllied]

Everything about this is wrong.

Explain how.

 

[IdaCat]

He can do whatever he wants but I don’t get it. Wrestling is juvenile and “minor league” through and through. A couple of years ago he was written about on politico, trying to go toe to toe with McConnell by writing his book, considering running, etc. Now he’s running a restaurant and a small town wrestling operation. It’s almost like a midlife crisis.

Apparently you've never listened to his show.

 

[WildcatFan1982]

Explain how.

Well it gained accreditation while Matt Bevin was governor and before Matt Jones bought it.

 

[cricket3]

On top of that they also teach TV production, lighting, sound, creative writing, etc. it’s a legitimate trade school.

Now maybe you think any for profit school is a fake school but that’s a different argument.

 

[Glenn's Take]

On top of that they also teach TV production, lighting, sound, creative writing, etc. it’s a legitimate trade school.

Now maybe you think any for profit school is a fake school but that’s a different argument.

That actually makes more sense. I kind of got the argument if it was just training to be a wrestler.

 

[Kaizer Sosay]

I’m no fan of Matt’s and I never liked wrastlin’...even as a kid. Always thought it was dumb.

But if he can make a buck doing this and at the same time boost the economy in cities across the bluegrass...then good for him.

Despite everything stated in my first paragraph...I am most definitely rooting for this to be successful.

 

[WildcatFan1982]

I’m no fan of Matt’s and I never liked wrastlin’...even as a kid. Always thought it was dumb.

Wrestling is one of the weirdest things on the planet. You either like it or you don't. There is very little in-between. I went to WrestleMania 23 where Donald Trump was a participant. Obviously it was several years before he was elected President.

When he was elected I texted one of my friends and said "I seriously can't believe that I personally witnessed the President of the United States of America take a Stone Cold Stunner".

She just replied "WTF?!"

and I said "It's wrestling, I could spend the rest of your life trying to explain it and it will never make sense"

 

[wildcatsboston1984_rivals]

Running a regional wrestling league seems like it would be fun work to do on the side. Some of the best wrestling I have ever seen was in stuff like the original ECW and Ring of Honor in its first several years. There for a while I kind of had a dream of working in non-WWE wrestling, this was back before AEW was a thing and everything in America but WWE was small/regional. And impractical dream, but was a dream at one point. Not gonna lie, a little jealous at Matt having this opportunity.

Wrestling for much of the 2000s has been trash if all you've seen is WWE. ROH used to be great until NXT started heavily raiding its talent, unfortunately the talent pool has been drained so much that it just isn't all that good anymore. I love the NXT product though I rarely watch anymore as I just don't have the time to keep up with it. Stuff they do out in Japan with New Japan Pro Wrestling is amazing and they consistently, year over year, produce the top matches in the world. AEW is a really good product if you prefer the WCW product of the 90s before it cratered. Only time I've consistently watched the WWE main product since ECW and WCW went under was during the peak CM Punk years. The WWE weekly TV shows are just not worth a **** generally.

 

[BeAllied]

Well it gained accreditation while Matt Bevin was governor and before Matt Jones bought it.

But it didn't meet the federal requirements to receive federal student aid while Bevin was governor? Isn't that weird?

 

[BeAllied]

On top of that they also teach TV production, lighting, sound, creative writing, etc. it’s a legitimate trade school.

Now maybe you think any for profit school is a fake school but that’s a different argument.

I'm sure that Trump University advertised that it taught "(something that sounds legitimate to learn)" and had informative modules to complete, but I guarantee that you thought it was a scam.

 

[cricket3]

But it didn't meet the federal requirements to receive federal student aid while Bevin was governor? Isn't that weird?

Yes it did, it happened in September 2019. You’re just throwing out statements that you have no clue if they’re true or not and hoping no one calls you on it.

I'm sure that Trump University advertised that it taught "(something that sounds legitimate to learn)" and had informative modules to complete, but I guarantee that you thought it was a scam.

I have no clue what you’re even talking about. I think all for-profit schools are kind of sketchy including OVW. I’m arguing with you because you claimed Matt got a sweet deal from Beshear when that “sweet deal” occured long before either were involved.

 

[BeAllied]

Yes it did, it happened in September 2019. You’re just throwing out statements that you have no clue if they’re true or not and hoping no one calls you on it.

From your own post above, Matt Jones says, "within a year, we will be eligible for federal student loans for our trainees."

Eligibility for federal loans obviously didn't happen in 2019 if he's talking about it happening in the future. It doesn't take 2+ years and a management change for a licensed school to meet federal requirements for student aid. Something changed for them to turn the switch from off to on, and especially for Jones to tout the ability to reach those federal dollars for students.

They were not meeting some criteria somewhere, and then they suddenly happened to check all the right boxes for federal approval. No way any strings were pulled through the new DoE though.

 

[MattJones]

From your own post above, Matt Jones says, "within a year, we will be eligible for federal student loans for our trainees."

Eligibility for federal loans obviously didn't happen in 2019 if he's talking about it happening in the future. It doesn't take 2+ years and a management change for a licensed school to meet federal requirements for student aid. Something changed for them to turn the switch from off to on, and especially for Jones to tout the ability to reach those federal dollars for students.

They were not meeting some criteria somewhere, and then they suddenly happened to check all the right boxes for federal approval. No way any strings were pulled through the new DoE though.

I will answer the question....the program was approved in the Bevin administration and applied for by the previous owners. That is a state approved program and Bevin's Administration (correctly) saw that as a trade school, it fit the criteria.

Separately from that decision are the federal loan eligibility requirements which have been in place (in their current form) for trade schools since the 1980s. They require you to be licensed by a state and in operation for two years before you can apply to be eligible. Two years plus 2019 is 2021, although we didn't get going until Jan 2020, so it will be 2022 for us. We (the new owners) have had nothing to do with either process) but certainly hope to make it successful and a way to attract students from all over the country to the Bluegrass.

So that is the truth...or you can just be the kind of person who is so hung up on politics and angry at the world that even the truth doesn't change your beliefs. My guess is you are that person. For the rest of the folks, I thought I would give the actual facts.

 

[BeAllied]

I will answer the question....the program was approved in the Bevin administration and applied for by the previous owners. That is a state approved program and Bevin's Administration (correctly) saw that as a trade school, it fit the criteria.

Separately from that decision are the federal loan eligibility requirements which have been in place (in their current form) for trade schools since the 1980s. They require you to be licensed by a state and in operation for two years before you can apply to be eligible. Two years plus 2019 is 2021, although we didn't get going until Jan 2020, so it will be 2022 for us. We (the new owners) have had nothing to do with either process) but certainly hope to make it successful and a way to attract students from all over the country to the Bluegrass.

So that is the truth...or you can just be the kind of person who is so hung up on politics and angry at the world that even the truth doesn't change your beliefs. My guess is you are that person. For the rest of the folks, I thought I would give the actual facts.

Thank you.

Please don't Weinstein any of those students though.

 

[cricket3]

 

[Glenn's Take]

I will answer the question....the program was approved in the Bevin administration and applied for by the previous owners. That is a state approved program and Bevin's Administration (correctly) saw that as a trade school, it fit the criteria.

Separately from that decision are the federal loan eligibility requirements which have been in place (in their current form) for trade schools since the 1980s. They require you to be licensed by a state and in operation for two years before you can apply to be eligible. Two years plus 2019 is 2021, although we didn't get going until Jan 2020, so it will be 2022 for us. We (the new owners) have had nothing to do with either process) but certainly hope to make it successful and a way to attract students from all over the country to the Bluegrass.

So that is the truth...or you can just be the kind of person who is so hung up on politics and angry at the world that even the truth doesn't change your beliefs. My guess is you are that person. For the rest of the folks, I thought I would give the actual facts.

Should have left the last paragraph out. You punched down.

 

[H. Lecter]

I haven’t watched it but set it up to record. Can’t believe I’m actually interested but the guys on KSR have joked and laughed on air so much that I’m intrigued. Have to see Woo and ramel

 

[IdaCat]

Should have left the last paragraph out. You punched down.

He's projecting.

 

[HUBER]

Spare me, I know you don’t listen. Just talking wrastlin’ here.

I don’t see how any money could be made from this? And they are pimping out the whole KSR crew, although Shannon’s dreams have been made, weird dude, that one. Anyways?

I know when I was a kid, I loved me some WWF. Took the kids a couple weeks ago to one of Matt's wrestling events at Country Boy, and my 2 boys were eaten up with it. Now they DVR all of the OVW TV stuff and have added it to their Cubs games and other DVR rotation. "Look Dad, there's Reverend Ronnie. He's going to exorcise the demons!"

Knowing what OVW gets paid to do live events like what happened and will happen at Country Boy, having paid to have KSR to do a remote at the dealership before, dont ever worry about Matt Jones making money. Love him or hate him, he's making some jack and is a smart dude.