I have a couple of my older blog posts saved and plan on publishing them again periodically. I’m nearly done with another project that should (hopefully) be something very exciting for all you Firestorm fanatics. So then, enjoy this blast from the past!

Most of you think my first match was against Brad Rochelle, in the Contract 6. That was my first match to get released, but I had wrestled several matches prior to that. Now I’m not going to spoil the surprise, and tell you who all my opponents were, and what happened. I will tell you about the first match I ever did for BG East, and my thoughts leading up to it.

I was 19, or maybe I was almost 19. Jeez, I’m already messing up my own story. I swear it will get better from here on out. Either way, the point is, I was still very young, only 2 years into my professional wrestling “career”. Cameron Matthews had been on my case for some time to come do BG East. I was hesitant. Not because of the content but because I was worried it would somehow impact my pro career. I finally decided to give it a go. What’s the worst that could happen? At worst some sleazy promoter doesn’t give me $15 to come wrestle on his crappy show in front of 20 people? I could live with that.

I was very nervous about going to BGE. I didn’t really know what to expect, how the people were going to be, what I would have to wear. At the time, I was a verrrrrrry shy kid. I wore baggy wrestling pants for gear on shows. I just recently started wresting without a shirt on. I know, horrendous gear choice, but it was sort of “in” at the time. Especially if you were a shitty Indy wrestler. Lol.

Cameron agreed to pick me up. I was either carless at the time or my car wouldn’t have made the trip, I forget which. During the ride in, I didn’t really ask much about how this all was going to work. I wanted to, but didn’t want to bring it up for some reason. Besides, we had plenty to talk about with the local pro scene, and our dreams of becoming WWE Superstars. We were nearly at BG East, and I was still pretty nervous about how things were going to go. Part of me expected to pull up to some sketchy looking wrestling bathhouse.

Pulling up to the BGE facility, I was in awe… definitely not a bathhouse. If you know of the facilities or have ever seen photos, you know what I’m talking about. Upon entering, I was greeted by Kid Leopard and the rest of the staff. KL was very personable, and helped put me at ease. We were behind schedule (for those of you who know me, you’re not surprised) so we had to rush through the pleasantries, and get right to work.

The arena had more wrestling stuff in one room than I had ever seen. I had some of the same toys as a kid. Lol. Now it was time for the dreaded gearing up process. I was terrified. I tried on several things, and hated all of them. It wasn’t because he was throwing me in g-strings or anything but I was just so used to wearing baggy stuff, I had never tried on anything this tight. Well, other than my wrestling singlet, that covered a lot more though. I hated the way everything looked. I was pasty white, had razor bumps all over me, not an ounce of muscle and had on these little black speedos with flames on the front. Now that the gear was decided it was onto the match, I was nervous about what I’d be called though. I definitely didn’t want to use my real name, for the obvious reasons.

“Firestorm”, Cameron jokes. I’m assuming the flames on the trunks are what made him think of it. KL agreed, Firestorm worked. Jon is my real name so Jonny was the easy first name. I wasn’t in love with it but at least it wasn’t something like “Rod Steel” or some other typical porn name. Now, I honestly couldn’t picture going by any other name. So big props to Cam for that!

Taking pictures always made me uncomfortable. I never really was photogenic and now I’m in the tightest, smallest pair of speedos I had ever seen, trying to flex my non existent muscle for KL. I couldn’t wait to finish with all the prematch stuff, and get to the wrestling. When I look back at it, I can’t help but laugh. These days (because I’m in shape) I can’t wait to put on some form fitting, sexy trunks and take some pictures. I still don’t think I’m particularly photogenic (not like some of the other wrestlers) but I enjoy it.

Cameron and I warmed up, stretched out a bit. Talked a little shit pre-match, and prepared to do battle. That’s kinda been the fun thing about being friends with Cameron. We both get along very well, but when it comes to wrestling it’s different. Almost like we both have split personalities. It’s understood that whatever happens in the ring, or on camera stays there. One of us might have some bumps and bruises, or a battered ego after, but we don’t (or try not to) let it carry over into our personal life. It was a tough match, I didn’t really “get” what we were going for. I asked for some guidance from KL before the match and he was more than happy to offer up how he’d like to see Cameron tortured.

It wasn’t a squash job by any means. I don’t think I was capable of such a thing at the time. It was a tough match with some good back and forth. I won’t spoil the match by revealing details. I haven’t watched the match in quite some time, but looking back on it, I think you’ll be able to tell I was a Indy wrestler doing BG East. I approached and treated the match like I would any other on a wrestling show. It was go, go, go. I wasn’t methodically inflicting pain, and punishment on Cam like I would now. I tried to be a bad ass, but I had never been a heel before! I was always interested in being a heel, and felt like it came naturally to me. More so than faking the baby face role. Once it’s released, I’d like to watch it, followed up by something recent. Just to see the difference and evolution of my wrestling style.

Post match, I had a nice chat with KL. We got along great. He said I’d be welcome back if I was interested in continuing by BG East career. Obviously I took him up on the offer and the rest is history!