“Big Trouble” Ben Bishop is one of the most recognizable names on the circuit.
has appeared across several promotions in the U.S. and will be involved in a big match against Foxx Vinyer at Awesome Championship Wrestlings (ACW) Reckoning next weekend at the MJN Center in Poughkeepsie, New York.
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Bishop has seen it all â the good and the bad. He opened up to Fox News Digital about what he would change about the indie scene, understanding that small companies putting on a wrestling show is a bigger undertaking than most people realize. Finding the perfect venue to have a ring, a backstage area, paying fees and setting a reasonable ticket price are all things that have to be considered.
“You gotta figure out where the sliding scale is. So, I get it. Its tough. So, when I hear something like, What would you change? Its little things,” Bishop said. “I think basic necessities on the independent scene is something thats really important. The big joke in independent wrestling is like water is for the boys. Water is in the locker room. I think thats a basic thing. I think thats something that every promoter should be able to provide.”
Bishop said that the timing of each show should also be a thought in a promoters head. He said shows shouldnt really be more than 2 1/2 hours with showcase events having the ability to go up to three hours.
“I think people just want to enjoy wrestling and want to get out of there at a reasonable time, maybe go to dinner, maybe grab a drink somewhere and enjoy their night â have them leave wanting more,” he continued. “At the end of the day, I think all us wrestlers, we are getting to do what we love. Theres going to be some independent shows that are much better than others. Theres gonna be some that are much worse than others â and Ive been to all of them. Ive seen them all, and I know what the bad ones are, and I know what the good ones are.
“And when it comes to Awesome Championship Wrestling, theyre unlike any of the indies that Ive done. The MJN Center is beautiful. Theres a beautiful locker room. Theres so much room. Theres enough chairs for people to sit in. Theres even couches, which is incredible. They have snacks and food, and catering, and that doesnt happen very often. But you know what it does? It leaves the locker room happy. Nobodys miserable in that. And if nobodys miserable and everyones happy, then the product is gonna be better.
“Nobodys worried about, Oh, I havent eaten in eight hours, or Im dying of thirst here. I cant find a water bottle. Its all those little things. But I just think basic necessities, if indies could just take care of that. Im not asking for a huge spread. Im not asking for sandwiches or pasta or anything of that stuff. Some water, basic things, and I think that could go a long way on the indies scene.”
Bishop has been in Richard Hollidays corner as well in recent ACW shows. While Championship to Killer Kross, he will have a chance to showcase his talent against current IWGP global heavyweight champion Andrade.
ACW Reckoning takes place on May 16.
