mikeswuk's blog

It's not good Mike.

Mike, It's not you. Before my days of the underground wrestling world there were actual paper lists (hard copy) that were circulated among wrestlers once or twice a year. You had to pay a fee to the wrestler who assembled the lists and also send along a photo with your name, address and phone number. It took some effort to make these wrestling matches happen. And, from what I understand, the phonies and no shows were few and far between. I've noticed with the onset of the internet, it's too easy to just post a profile, say what interests the person has (whether real or fake) and then see who responds. Most of the guys are not serious about meeting. Those who are serious either live too far away, don't have money to travel, or both. We also live in a rude society; I rarely get a response from a wrestler I don't already know. Courtesy and manners are two old standards that seem to be easily forgotten and ignored. I would wrestle you if I could get to the UK. So I lay the blame on the internet and the ease for phonies to just abuse it to their heart's content.

Would be a shame to see such a stalwart that has given so much to the wrestling community leave on a negative note. Perhaps just stick with your reliable opponents and save new guys for meets. Today the weather is pretty bad so travel could be affected (shame no courtesy update contact though). When you feel your time is up Mike you should leave on your own terms not because actions of others.

Been there, done that. It's when they don't even tell you that I get pissed off.

Steve, you and I were raised to be polite and courteous. If we didn't want something we would always say "No thank you." It's a shame that today's adults can't be respectful and at least send a short note "thanks but not interested." I guess manners just rarely exist anymore.

I don't think it's an age thing, mate. I've been let down by guys my own age of older too. It's just people.

Had a cool group meet today so faith in our community somewhat restored

I am sorry but not surprised to hear this report. I usually go to group meetings where I often meet Mike and other familiar wrestlers. I usually have 1-1s with people I know. This is unfortunate as I limit myself and everyone else as the only way new members can meet experienced wrestlers is to go to a group meeting which can be daunting. As usual it is the idiots that ruin it for everyone else.
The only way round this is to have a deposit scheme which would be complicated and difficult to enforce.