My Interview with CWM Commissioner Paco Zimmer
Reporter: Hollywood Joe
INTERVIEW SERIES: Championship Wrestling of Michiganʼs co-booker and producer Paco Zimmer
Joe: Paco, thanks for taking the time out of your schedule to tell us about whatʼs happening within CWM.
Paco: Your welcome.
Joe: Letʼs start out by discussing the last show. You were not in attendance and many people have been wondering why. The event ended in a bit of controversy over the Michigan heavyweight title.
Paco: Yes, it did. But I have reviewed the tapes from January 18th and will personally address all concerns over the heavyweight championship and the conduct of certain wrestlers involved on May 17th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Keep in mind, this includes not only N8 Mattson and Truth Martini, but also the official Paul Rogers, Zach Gowen, and Tommy Titus. By now, many fans have heard that N8 suffered a serious injury. Just two weeks ago, he had surgery to repair his ankle. It is my understanding following our recent discussion that N8 will be out of action for several months.
Joe: So what will happen with the title?
Paco: Like I said, on May 17th, the details will be made public. I canʼt comment any further on that at this time. Also, in regard to my absence, I do have other events and business affairs that will prohibit me from being in two places at once. Not to mention, a vacation or two is in order at times throughout the year.
Joe: What can you tell us about May 17th and CWM presents Mayhem?
Paco: We have been very busy with the upcoming card and working as much as possible on building CWM up in 2009. You can expect more new faces and even some old ones. We are planning on recording some footage for the new television show. I do mean “new” television show. Recently, we have added new office personal and launched a brand new website. An addition, we have also been reaching out to individuals about our merchandise needs and television exposure. Our fans are the best. They are passionate about our product. We are still looking for the right team members to continue to satisfy our fans. This entire project is based on what sacrafices everyone makes for the promotion. From ticket buyers to wrestlers, to understand that relationship you have to be at one of the CWM shows. We donʼt promise anything…we just do the best under the circumstances. I have been
involved with CWM since 1998 and the foundation is very grassroots. On May 17th, expect the usual roster and if something more happens then so be it. The fans can walk away surprised. At the last show, we couldnʼt clear the building. People wanted more even thought the show went long. So our focus has been on the organization and sponsors. Once we get support, we can have more shows, etc. Are you going to make it to the next show?
Joe: Of course!
Paco: Good. I can find something for you to do.
Joe: Sounds great! Now letʼs get down into it. Tell me how you feel about CWMʼs champions.
Paco: OK. Past or present?
Joe: Both.
Paco: In the past, CWM has had some wrestlers that I were surprised became title holders. Guys like Knighthawk and the Giant Warrior. There have also been wrestlers that I was very shocked never won a belt like Rhino Richards. Oh, just so you know, we are working on an alumni page for the new website where we get historical about this stuff. I really enjoyed watching Otis Apollo. He was one of
my favorites. Also Rip Malibu, who was the first Kaos champion. Currently, We have the longest reigning heavyweight champion in CWM history. N8 Mattson is the best in Michigan. Another solid performer is the current TV champion T. D.
Joe: Recently, CWM introduced the TV title. What made you decide to strip Christin Able of the belt?
Paco: Wow…Joe, you donʼt let anything get by do you? I like Christin. I think he is very talented. As a House of Truth member, he soared to the top. In the ring, he stood with the best and beat them. He was the first television champion here in CWM. Somewhere along the way, I donʼt know if it was the pressure, the money, personal stuff, or whatever, but he never returned to defend the title. I have to be honest and say that I was very disappointed and had no choice other than to strip him of the title. Wrestling is all about respect and opportunity. The opportunity was there to shine. When you own that spot in the squared circle you really need to honor it. There are no guarantees for tomorrow. In other words, ownership is more than touching gold, itʼs holding on to it. Christin Able should have carried that belt to signify he is willing to make the sacrafices necessary to be in this business. Dedication comes at a price. The rewards are what follow. We call it “doing the right thing” in wrestling. If Christin Able has something to prove to himself than he can do it in a CWM ring anytime. I guess it just needs to be longer than a match or two to earn a contenders spot. I hold no personal judge. My convictions are maybe different than most when it comes to professional wrestling.
Joe: What exactly is your role within CWM?
Paco: Iʼm a producer on the day of the show and help out creatively with booking the event. Formerly, I had a stake in CWM back in 2000, but now I stick to my current creative role and have been assigned the commissioner spot. Is that about it?
Joe: Actually, I have several more but letʼs do this again at another time. To wrap up, is there any other comments you would like to add?
Paco: Sure, I hope the fans come out for the May 17th show. It will be in the hands of the wrestlers to pursue this opportunity and provide something that the fans will talk about. Check out cwmwrestling.com and myspace.com/cwm_wrestling for event details. Thanks for supporting professional wrestling.
