Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2015 16:58:36 GMT -5
Randel Benjamin: Is this thing on? Glad to be here.
Mark Roscoe: First things first, there's been a lot of talk recently regarding the departure of your closest friend and ally Dave Demento from the WFWF. I'm sure we've all hears the story, but to recap for those who haven't, Dave Demento was convicted of driving under the influence and crashing his car, injuring his passenger. Now, that is a crime in Arizona, so he's in jail.
Randel Benjamin: Is there a question here?
Mark Roscoe: What are your thoughts on the whole Dave Demento situation?
Randel Benjamin: We're really playing hard ball right off the bat, aren't we? Well, it's an unfortunate situation for Dave. Now I'm not condoning drinking and driving, but there's been a time and a place where we've all dabbled in a drink or two and then stepped behind the wheel.
Mark Roscoe: Personally, I have never done it.
Randel Benjamin: Then you must be the exception. I know in our line of work, being a professional wrestler takes a toll on your body. Let me just give you a visual here. Imagine falling backwards onto a concrete sheet, it would hurt wouldn't it?
Mark Roscoe: It would.
Randel Benjamin: Now imagine slamming yourself backwards onto that concrete sheet fifty times a night. Then do that for seven days a week. You would obviously try to find something to numb the pain. It's just a way of life being on the road as a wrestler. You wrestle, drink to numb the pain, and then do the same thing the next night.
Mark Roscoe: So you're saying Dave was in the right for doing what he did?
Randel Benjamin: No. I understand why he did it, but he should of known his limit. That old saying, what is it, "Know your limit, stay within it". He went out of his comfort zones in the alcohol and this happened. If he would have controlled his intake, he wouldn't be in this mess.
Mark Roscoe: Shouldn't his SOS buddies have made sure he got home all right? He did just win the Tag Team titles with Josh Dean, are they not that good of friends as they are on the tele?
Randel Benjamin: From my understanding, Josh, Nikki, and Dave all went to the bar together and had a few drinks as a group. Nikki had won the National title earlier in the night from Ante Whitner, and, like you said, Dave and Josh beat the KKK, no not the racist group, and Hollywood Unhinged 2.0 to win the Tag titles. When you're in a tight knit group like that and you hold half of the championships in the federation, you go out and celebrate. Josh and Nikki asked Dave if he needed a ride home, but he refused and stayed a bit longer to celebrate his win with a girl, if you know what I mean.
Mark Roscoe: So, in a way, Josh and Nikki could have prevented the legal trouble their friend is experiencing?
Randel Benjamin: They tried, but Dave refused. So no, no blame should be put on them.
Mark Roscoe: Have you heard from Dave since the accident? Do you know his thoughts on the matter?
Randel Benjamin: We haven't spoken since the night before the accident. I wished him luck in his match. Since the crash, he's been recluse. He hasn't spoken with anybody, to my knowledge, and is awaiting the trial. Dave just needs his alone time, so to speak, to process everything.
Mark Roscoe: Do you think we will see Dave Demento return to a WFWF ring?
Randel Benjamin: Anytime soon, highly unlikely. I don't think we will see him return to the WFWF. He's made a good impression there, he's a two-time International champion and a former Tag Team champion. Not many people win a title there, let alone have three different reigns. I think he's done with wrestling, but knowing him, ever the enigma, never say never Mark.
Mark Roscoe: Well, you are returning to the ring this Sunday when the WFWF comes live from the Tokyo Dome for "Dead Bodies Are Buried Under The Sakura~!"
Randel Benjamin: Yes, yes I am.
Mark Roscoe: And it says here that you're going to be facing a newcomer by the name of... Joey Raid?... in a Japanese Deathmatch? Now do you mind explaining that type of match to those of us who are unfamiliar with the concept? I've watched some American deathmatches throughout the years, but what makes a Japanese deathmatch different?
Randel Benjamin: The Japanese deathmatch originated from, well it's obvious, Japan. Now, the Japanese deathmatch is a lot more twisted and painful than its American counterpart. You see, over in Japan, it usually follows the motto of 'Go big or go home'. In America, you don't really see the gruesome attacks that you'd see in Japan. Over here in Japan, it's become common to see stuff such as barbed wire, glass, thumbtacks, the whole shebang when it comes to deathmatches. It's violent, I like it.
Mark Roscoe: How many Japanese deathmatches have you been in? Should we go look them up?
Randel Benjamin: Honestly, I don't remember how many I've been in. There's been so many under many different names, I just can't count. It's constantly evolving, these deathmatches, and pro wrestling in general. I could tell you to watch some of my most violent matches from the seventies, the eighties, but they'd look tame compared to today. And those were some of the most violent matches in the world at the time. Innovation is the name of the game, Joey Raid will be looking to innovate, and I hope he brings it his all.
Mark Roscoe: Let's talk about this Joey Raid fellow. He's only been in the federation... just let me double check my notes... for two months now and he's looking to make his name off of you. Did you even know who this bloke was when he came and interrupted you at "Divine Wind"? I've polled some of our loyal listeners here at the MARK podcast on our forum, sign-up is free, and the general consensus is that nobody knew exactly who this kid is.
Randel Benjamin: Joey Raid isn't just some no name off of the street. Even though not many people know who he is or where he came from, mister Raid has had a few good years wrestling independently under his belt. Let me tell you something Mark, ever since I "retired" from the WFWF a few years ago, I've been working backstage as an agent of sorts. I make sure the talents have what they want, I make sure the ring is set up properly, I do all that good stuff. I like it, I really do. And I loved it when Lila Sleater approached me a few months back asking me to go scout the indies for some new talent.
Some made it to the main roster right away, Joey Raid being one of them. Some of them showed enough promise to be offered a developmental deal. Whereas some others will never get another look from the WFWF. But I watched mister Raid compete one gloomy night in Seattle, and the kid impressed me. He knew how to handle himself in the ring, he was exploiting his opponent's weaknesses in a way some veterans can't do. I was the one who recommended this young kid to Lila Sleater, and now he has joined our ranks.
Mark Roscoe: So in a way you got him his job?
Randel Benjamin: In a way, yes. However, I only sped up the process of mister Raid being signed. I know deep down in my heart, Joey Raid would have been signed by the WFWF come a few years. I only helped him out by recommending him.
Mark Roscoe: Shouldn't he respect you for it though? I respect my friend who landed me this job, he deserves that respect.
Randel Benjamin: There's one thing that almost stopped me from recommending the kid: respect. I was backstage that night and Raid competed in the middle of the card for a company called Collateral Zokre Wrestling, CZW for short, one of those small time companies. Anyway, as a wrestler the proper thing to do is stay for the entire show and then leave after the main event. However, the main event featured was a deathmatch between Grave Consequences and some other bloke that I don't remember. The match was terrible, no doubt, but mister Raid left the community center right before the match. A true sign of disrespect.
Mark Roscoe: I thought it was disrespectful of him to come out and interrupt you when you were thanking the fans for supporting you throughout the years.
Randel Benjamin: Truthfully Mark, I liked it. I loved every single second of it because he came out and he stood up for a change. He didn't sit in the back and do nothing. The real reason I called Lila Sleater and wanted that moment on television was to see who would come out from the back and take the moment away from me.
Mark Roscoe: So you arrived at the Osaka-jō Hall wanting to be disrespected?
Randel Benjamin: Yes.
Mark Roscoe: I just find that weird.
Randel Benjamin: I've bashed lights, glass, and barbed wire over my head for a living. I'm a bit weird if you haven't noticed already.
Mark Roscoe: Well Randel, we've had people waiting on the lines for over an hour wanting to have their voice heard here on the MARK podcast. Are you ready to open up the fan questions?
Randel Benjamin: Sure. Go ahead.
Mark Roscoe: Okay, let's kick things off with MARK podcast regular, Bill M. Eyekena. Bill you there?
Bill M. Eyekena: Hey Randel, how's it going?
Randel Benjamin: You waited an hour to ask me how's it going? Well sir, I have to say it's going pretty fine. Just yanking your chain, brother. Shoot.
Bill M. Eyekena: What do you have in mind for Joey Raid this Sunday at " Dead Bodies Are Buried Under The Sakura"?
Randel Benjamin: Well, if I tell the world what I have planned, it wouldn't be much of a surprise, now would it? I'm not going to give away many details, but it won't be for the squeamish. There will be blood, and there will be many sharp and pointy objects used. I will say this though: I've bought something extremely hog-wild for this event. Just wait and see it.
Mark Roscoe: Thank you Bill. Our next caller is another regular here in the MARK podcast. What's your question Matt El?
Matt El: First off, big fan of the show and can't wait to see you compete this Sunday in Japan.
Randel Benjamin: Thank you.
Matt El: Okay, my question is: is Dave Demento in jail? He was such a doofus to do what he did.
Randel Benjamin: I'm pretty sure I answered this before. Dave is currently awaiting his trial. Unfortunately, we haven't talked since the night before the accident.
Matt El: Okay. Thanks, Randel. I just hope he doesn't get out of the slammer soon. Such a doofus.
Mark Roscoe: Okay, next on the line is Anonymous. What's your question, Anonymous?
The person behind the voice talks, but the voice is all distorted. In a way, it reminds me of those _WATCHERS video promos that popped up from time to time last year around SuperBrawl. Creepy and chilling.
Anonymous: Just who in the hell do you think you are, Randel? I've sat on the line here listening to this call and all you've talked about was Dave Demento and his trial. Don't you think things are better left untouched, you big piece of lard? You're a complete idiot. You're a complete total idiot. Maybe if you would have talked to Dave since the night of the god damn accident, you wouldn't be pulling things out of your ass to answer. I can tell you, loud and clear, that Dave Demento is dead. Now why don't you shut your fat ass up and go back into obscurity where you *radio edit*ing belong. You're a big piece of trash who deserves to die already. Got it, *radio edit*hole?!
Then the line goes dead. Complete silence on my end, as the anonymous caller dropped the call like a bad habit. I sit here speechless. Dave can't be dead, can he? Surely Josh would've told me or something. But who was that calling? Was it him? No, it can't be. I can feel Mark's awkwardness coming through my phone, he is fumbling to get words out just like I am.
Mark Roscoe: ... Well, that's it for this week's edition of the MARK podcast. Thank you Randel Benjamin... sorry guys I'm just flustered right now... I'll see you next week...
><><><><
Since my podcast appearance, a lot of things has happened back over in the States. There's a lot of things changing over there: politics, people being Trumped, all that good stuff. But the worse news to me was the news that came from "The Franchise", Josh Dean. Josh flew in to Japan a few days ago after returning to the good ole' United States of America for Dave's trial.
Over a warm cup of tea, coffee for him, Josh finally spilled the beans regarding Dave's trial after he emptied his luggage into the room I have given him for the week while he's here for "Dead Bodies Are Buried Under The Sakura". Not the weirdest show name I've wrestled on, I did not have Fun Times in Cleveland.
Josh took a swig of the cup of Joe, before adjusting his position in the chair, resting his foot on his opposite leg.
Josh Dean: It was a long one, I'll tell you that. Dave barely spoke, he just sat there with his head down most of the time. I'm just thanking God that Amber came out of her coma and was at the trial.
Randel Benjamin: What did she say? She diss him?
Josh Dean: Surprisingly not.
Randel Benjamin: Oh really?
That's a bit strange, I thought she would tear him a new one.
Josh Dean: Yeah, I sat there fully expecting Amber to twist the reality into making Dave the worst man on the planet. Instead, she just kept going on and on about her past.
Randel Benjamin: Go on..
Josh Dean: Amber let out her life story, mentioning her three sisters and her mother for the most part. Amber kept saying that she grew up watching wrestling because her older sister was intent on getting into the wrestling business. She was an avid fan, apparently. So when Amber was at the bar that night, she knew who Dave was. She was following us all night, and I knew there was somebody buying Dave drinks. You know how cheap he is.
Randel Benjamin: Yeah, if he were to order a pizza, he'd skip on the sauce if it meant a cheaper price. He's done it once.
Josh Dean: Well there was no way he was buying all of those drinks that night at the bar. Dave wouldn't spend that much. Even when he's hammered, he still has a close grip on his wallet.
It's true. Dave was always a cheap, pardon me, he called it frugal, guy. He'd tell you straight up about it too.
Josh Dean: Well, Amber totally looked and felt fine after the coma. So with her continuing to talk, everybody knew she was fine. So that totally saved Dave's ass there. As well as the other things I dug up.
Randel Benjamin: Don't hold out on me, Josh.
Josh Dean: There were some pictures...
Randel Benjamin: Josh, I'm old. I don't know what "some pictures" mean.. I swear you don't remember that I was wrestling when you were born.
Josh Dean: Yeah, okay. Well, there were some pictures taken on Amber's phone of her sucking him off while he was driving. Dave didn't want me to reveal the photos to the authorities.
Randel Benjamin: Why? It'd help him in the trial.
Josh Dean: That's what I explained to him. He didn't want them shown for his own personal pride.
Randel Benjamin: I imagine the photos would be on that timbler thing Penny tried to get me to sign on for.
Josh Dean: Tumblr?
Randel Benjamin: Yeah, that. Tumblr?.
Josh Dean: Well they shouldn't leak online. Only a select few have seen them. The photos did help in the case, it would be an interference to Dave's driving.
Randel Benjamin: I bet. So how long will he be locked up?
Josh Dean: A year. He could get out earlier for good behaviour.
Randel Benjamin: You think he'll return to the ring?
Josh Dean: I'm not entirely too sure. He hasn't talked to me that much, I don't know where he stands right now. I do know that Dr. Remke has said he thinks Dave is suffering from depression. That empty trip to Calgary changed him.
I know Dave has been feeling empty since he traveled to Calgary to "rescue" his daughter. Truth be told, and I am the only one who knows this, but Dave's daughter never survived child birth, unfortunately. I was informed by his former mother-in-law to be that both the mother and child suffered complications during the pregnancy. Doctors ruled it as effects from the use of injections during the pregnancy. I know that one day I will have to tell Dave about it, it's been a deep dark secret I've been keeping for a few years now.
When I tell him, I don't know if I'll be able to take another breath. I don't know how he'd react. And even though I've competed in some of the most dangerous matches in the world, telling him about his daughter scares me.
Randel Benjamin: Yeah, I couldn't imagine that feeling.
I can't tell Josh about it, if anybody needs to take that bullet, it needs to be me. I don't want the other members of SOS, or anybody else in general, to play Russian roulette with their life if they told Dave the truth.
Randel Benjamin: You should get some rest, Josh. We can continue this discussion tomorrow. I've got some things to pick up for the deathmatch Sunday.
I lift myself off the couch as I head out the door. Joey Raid better start downing the paid medicine now, because this Sunday, he will experience pain that is worse than child birth, a car crash, and walking on a path of logos combined.
But right now the only thing on my mind seems to be: Dave Demento, man of mystery.