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I’ve was recently invited by
EPWPERTH.COM to write an article about the impending retirement
of Nate Dooley & Jimmy Payne.
As I sit here, just days from Hell or Highwater, typing those
words, it still seems quite surreal to me. The reality probably
won’t truly sink in until we’re standing in the ring on
Saturday. Then I will truly realize that this will be the last
time that I will step in the ring with these two men.
I have had the pleasure of knowing these two guys for just over
seven years. We’ve been through some tough times & we’ve seen
some amazing times together. We’ve supported each other when the
chips were down & we’ve gone to war with each other over
differences in opinion, not just in the ring but backstage too.
But no matter how heated the situation, the bond has never been
broken.
Jimmy Payne is the single most talented wrestler I have ever
stepped in the ring with, anywhere in the world. Noone I’ve
encountered has the same natural ring sense & ability that Jim
has. I owe so much to him as he has been a constant source or
inspiration for me without even realizing it. Last year, Jimmy
had the most incredible year that any wrestler has ever had in
EPW. His in ring talent is unmatched & impossible to replace.
Nate is the true heart & soul of EPW. He has never been afraid
to speak up when he hasn’t agreed with something but there isn’t
a single guy who ebbs & sways with EPW the way he does. His
emotional link to the successes & failures of EPW is so strong
that I know wrestling has always been a double edged sword for
him.
Passion has become a bullshit word that people throw around to
show how much they’re ‘into’ wrestling’. Nate hasn’t lived and
breathed wrestling for the past seven years. He has lived &
breathed EPW. Quite simply, his passion is unmatched &
impossible to replace.
I haven’t had a chance to talk to any of the original Explosive
Coastal Wrestling guys about this but I know that we all feel
the same way. And the sad fact is a part of our very own
wrestling lives will end in the ring on Saturday.
The future is exciting for EPW with plenty of talented young
wrestlers giving their all to become the next generation of
stars.
But the future would not exist if not for the blood, sweat &
tears of these two selfless individuals.
I know on Saturday, every wrestler will want to give that little
bit more in an attempt to show Jimmy & Nate what they have meant
to EPW over the past seven years.
To Nate & Jimmy, while your journey may be coming to an end, the
road that you built will be your legacy.
One last time on Saturday. One last time.
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