Really quite excited about this one troops. This is an interview with David Bateman, a journalist and former editor of a wrestling and MMA magazine, who has taken it upon himself to delve into the deep history of Scottish professional wrestling. Not only that, going the extra mile and writing a fucking book about it. Going back as far as the very early centuries all the way up to the current wave that is taking the world by storm, there's no doubt that this will be a great read for wrestling fans of all ages. I don't want to babble on here, so I'm going to pass you all over to David to tell you a bit more about the project, how he first became a fan of professional wrestling, and how you can contribute through the kickstarter page that has been set up. Appropriate links will follow, but for now, enjoy his words...
First of all, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions! So I guess good to start at the beginning! When did you first come up with the idea of writing the book? Was it on a whim one day or was it something you had been thinking about doing for a while?
"I first came up with the idea of a book while writing a feature on Scottish wrestling's revival ahead of Insane Fight Club 2 (see here: http://glasgow.stv.tv/articles/307206-insane-championship-wrestlings-bbc-documentary-insane-fight-club-airs/). I started looking into what came before the modern Scottish wrestling scene. History is always something I've been interested in and I'd read about Scottish wrestling greats before. When I started looking into it, I uncovered all these amazing stories that no-one had told."
The Scottish wrestling scene is thriving at present, and has been gaining more attention over the past few years, but the book will be taking us back as far as the turn of the 20th Century. Has there been many problems in the researching side of things when going back as far as this?
"It actually goes back as far as the 6th century, but you're right that the vast majority of the book takes place from 1900 onwards. Not many Scottish wrestling texts exist, that has at times proven a bit difficult. But I studied history at uni so I've got a vague idea of what I'm doing, and it's also quite nice to work from an almost blank canvas."
What has proved to be the biggest challenge overall in writing the book?
"Getting the funding! The actual writing of the book is great fun."
Have you given yourself a specific time frame to get the book finished and prepared to print?
"With funding, I'll have it printed by August at the very latest. Without, it becomes a bit trickier because I'd have to write alongside a full-time job. Either way, I'm hopeful to have the book printed in 2015."
You've set up a Kickstarter page to help fund the project, with a target of £3000. This would clearly be a huge boost to the book, so tell us a bit about how any and all of our pledges could make a difference.
"Printing is a costly process so if the book is something that interests you, please do buy a copy through Kickstarter as soon as you can. At the moment, a paperback is only £9 including delivery. If I can't get the funding beforehand, that price will probably rise because the print run will be smaller. With funding, I can guarantee it will be published in a matter of months because I'll be able to take time off work to write it. Without funding, it becomes something I need to work on in my spare time. I'm more than happy doing that, but it will definitely push the publication date back a fair while."
Are there any names in particular from Scottish wrestling's past that we should look out for in the book?
"There are so many interesting characters but the one that will really capture people's attention is the late, great Drew McDonald, who passed away earlier this week. I wrote an obituary for the great man (http://glasgow.stv.tv/articles/309762-scottish-wrestling-legend-drew-mcdonald-dies-aged-59/) that includes an absolute belter of a story involving Jack Jester, Mark Dallas and a bottle of Jean Paul Gaultier aftershave. One of my biggest regrets is never getting to have a chat with Drew."
As a fan, are there any moments that stick out to you about wrestling as being the first time you got really into it?
"The first VHS I owned was Shawn Michaels versus Undertaker in the first ever Hell in a Cell. That was probably the match that turned me from someone who liked wrestling into an obsessed fanboy. I went back and watched anything I could find of HBK. You can't really blame me, that was the last WWF/E match that Dave Meltzer gave 5* to for something like 15 years. It was all downhill from there."
Favorite match of all time?
"This is probably quite predictable given what I've said above - Michaels v Taker at Wrestlemania 25, the first one of the two. That's one of those matches that completely make you forget wrestling is pre-determined. I can't see the story they told that night ever being surpassed. Savage v Steamboat at Mania 3 comes a close second though, I fucking loved Ricky Steamboat. There's one guy who never got the plaudits he deserved."
From the current crop of Scottish wrestlers, is there anyone who you can see moving onto even bigger and better things in the not-so-distant future?
"There's a lot of really talented guys out there. It depends what you mean by bigger and better things - I think ICW and its roster are going to keep pushing the boat and getting more and more exposure. When Mark Dallas tells you with absolute conviction that he doesn't see America as the big time anymore, it's hard to doubt him considering all he's achieved so far.
If you mean reaching the WWE, there's definitely a few contenders. Drew Galloway should definitely be there."
Finally, the floor is yours. Feel free to share anything we haven't already covered, any upcoming projects besides the book, and any social media links.
"If you could all have a read and share the Drew McDonald obituary above, that would be awesome. That guy deserves his story told to as wide an audience as possible."
Massive thanks to David for taking some time out to answer a few questions. I can't stress enough how great this project is, and if you have it to spare, try and do your bit by pledging to the cause. I'm sure, like for myself, the prospect of this book is extremely exciting, so the sooner it comes to fruition, the better. Pledge at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/davidbateman/the-history-of-scottish-wrestling, follow the cause on twitter @FacesAndHeels and be sure to show your support!
On A Sidenote...
I thought it would also be fitting, given the nature of the book, to add in but a small memorial to a true great of the ring. Drew McDonald passed away this week, as David touched on above. He was such a massive influence on the careers of so many wrestlers we have the pleasure of watching do their thing today, and he will be sorely missed. I extend my condolences to his family and friends, as well as the entire wrestling community. One of the all time legends, gone too soon.
RIP Drew McDonald
1955-2015
