December 22, 2002

Dedication.

It’s a word, a concept, I admire. But like most things, when taken to the extreme, it can be dangerous.

It’s not often that I take the time personally to help those that work for me. Like any good boss, I try not to micromanage. That means that just like the times I should take somebody to task and don’t, there are also times when I let those same people make their own mistakes. Sometimes, though, I can’t just stand by and watch someone run themselves into the ground.

Evan Aho’s a great wrestler. He’s one of the most consummate workers I’ve ever seen. He can work different styles, he can talk when necessary, and he takes this business seriously. He’s also a man who doesn’t know when to stop, who allows his dedication to the sport of wrestling to take precedence over everything, including his health.

I’ve been accused of all manner of things over the years, from being corrupt to being unconcerned about those that work for me. But anyone that actually has worked for me knows that one thing I’ve never taken for granted is the health of myself or anyone that works here. I told Evan I was putting him on the injured list to give him some rest to heal up. Unfortunately, Evan decided differently. I suppose that’s his prerogative.

But, of course, it’s my prerogative as to who wrestles in a CSWA ring and when. According to the latest doctor’s report I’ve received, the muscle tears in Aho’s shoulders have begun to heal, despite Aho’s recent schedule outside the CSWA. Since the doctor says he’s cleared to wrestle, who am I to disagree?

And while I know Lawrence Stanley would like to challenge Evan, I’ve already booked him in a match for the Presidential Title at SHOWTIME. Since Evan’s ‘healed,’ I know he’d like another chance to take on The Professionals and avenge the pinfall loss he took at the hands of Mayfield and Miles not so long ago. Unfortunately, it looks like Shane Southern’s otherwise teamed up now with Troy Windham… so I guess Evan will just have to find a way to deal with The Pros by himself.

Of course, should Aho become injured during the match, I’d have no choice but to put him back on injured reserve and pull him from future bookings. I’d hate for that to happen, but anyone who chooses to wrestle while they’re hurt takes that chance, don’t they? I guess that’s part of the price we pay for our dedication sometimes, isn’t it?