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Sunday, December 17, 2006

Drink, Talk, Rassle!

In my daily quest to turn the world into a wrestling world, and show it in the documentary, I talk to and meet lots of guys at the local bars, turning most every conversation into a wrestling conversation. I've always wanted to see how open guys are once uninhibited with a few beers. And no, these are not gay bars, just plain old redneck sports bars.

The point is guys love talking about wrestling, regardless of sexuality, and they love doing it if given the opportunity. Case in point, this past weekend I pulled this military guy and his buddy out of the bar and had them wrestle for the film after a good interview. I told the military guy to put his friend in a full nelson, and his buddy egged him on with "work it with some UMPH man!" Final last words, the big military guy held his friend to the ground for like two minutes as I continued interviewing them. It was great, and they talked about the rush it gave them to do it. I hope they continue to wrestle each other now that I've broken the barrior for them.

Have you ever talked to complete everyday strangers about wrestling? Use the comments link below to share your story. Vic

Monday, December 11, 2006

Pro Wrestling Round Table


This past weekend I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Mr. Scott McEwan (above left), an artist and pro wrestler from Toronto, Canada, as well as his tag team partner Bill (right) at Dean's (center) ring in Annapolis, MD. Not only did we film lots of wrestling action for the documentary (which includes one of the hottest bearhugs I've ever seen), but also ended the day with a nice hour-long roundtable discussion filmed in the center of the ring. Then we went out to feast on roast lamb and beast. Wait, that's from the Grinch, but we did have a lot of food on our plates!

Perhaps I'll put a video snippet or two from it on the site once I transfer and edit some of the material and stop frothing at the mouth like a dog in heat.

Victor

Friday, November 17, 2006

Body Scissor Mousepads and more!

Hey guys, I've been ordering lots of cool stuff from my new wrestling gift store and the quality is excellent. Check out the new items I've added, like this hot vintage photo body scissor mousepad. Also, check out the "Wrestling Buddies" mousepad and ceramic coasters. That's ME on the right! The WrestleMen store also includes a wide selection of t-shirts, sweatshirts, and even a WrestleMen.com polo shirt. Click here to shop for yourself and your wrestling buddies.

Vic

Thursday, November 09, 2006

WRESTLING MERCHANDISE, OH MY!


Coming soon, you will be able to select from a wide range of wrestling tshirts, sweatshirts, athletic gear, mugs and more with great designs. Perfect for the Holidays and wrestling buddies. I'm setting up the shop now, and I've ordered a few of the products to make sure they are of good quality. You will even be able to buy WrestleMen.com logo shirts and sweats. Grrrrr!

Vic

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

BINS AND BINS OF WRESTLING


From archival photos and books, to old film reels and videos, I’ve scoured the world for the best collection of materials to use in the STRONGHOLD wrestling documentary, and at the same time making sure I get the necessary permission to use them. Scanning every image and converting film to digital video is a chore among itself. Now you can see why it takes so long to make a film. Do I hear ebay some day?

Vic

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

HOT Wrestling Overload!


Ok, I knew it was going to come to this eventually. For the past three months I was reviewing every interview I shot for the film, (over 100 interviews) and piecing out the best statements. I then categorized (umph) what turned out to be 1200 interview soundbites into the roughly 45 segments that may make up the documentary. Tonight, I've started reviewing the hours and hours of wrestling footage I shot, and piecing out the best portions. You know, looking for those 4-5 second shots that just drive you mad. It's SO hard to wittle it down, I like so much of it! Here is a still from a match that I shot. I could stare at pictures like this forever, do you feel the same way? This is how guys should be with each other every day, you think?

Ok, back to wittling down and trying to stay focused. HELP!

Vic

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Cinemarosa to Screen 'Changing Perceptions' Film

If anyone in NYC is interested, they'll be offering free screenings of my documentary on openly gay pro wrestler, Simon Sermon (Changing Perceptions: Profile of an openly gay pro wrestler), at the Queens Museum of Art in Queens, NY on Nov. 19 at 3pm. They are including it as a part of their 'Gays in Sports' program. Info available at cinemarosa.org. You can also view a trailer for the documentary and purchase the DVD at gayprowrestler.com.

Victor

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Home is where the RING is


I just got back last weekend from interviewing one of the many men in the U.S. who, well, has a pro wrestling ring in their home! For seventeen years in this quiet townhouse community, Dean, pictured above, has allowed men from all over the world to experience the fantasy of wrestling in a pro ring which he has setup in his basement. I had the chance to talk to Dean about his passion for pro and submission wrestling, and what the neighbors think of him and his secret basement hideaway. Just one of the many great experiences while filming the STRONGHOLD documentary, which I am editing morning, noon, and night. I'm drowning in men talking about W-R-E-S-T-L-I-N-G. Help me! I cannnnn't move! I'm trapped! Smile. Vic

Friday, August 11, 2006

HotDogs for Homophobes

I don't know if any of you caught this funny skit on Saturday Night Live a few months ago, but I just found a link to the video clip of it on Youtube. Watch the whole thing so you can see the "wrestling" reference at the end. I almost died when it came to that part.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owF6cbhESgM

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Three Mysterious Letters


Here I hold in my hands three mysterious letters that I mailed out today. Where are they going? Who are they for?? I filmed myself typing up and then putting the letters into the mailbox. Just one of the many clips I've had to shoot for the documentary which I think you will enjoy. Click on comments below and take a stab at where you think the letters are going. You'll find out for sure when the film is released!

Vic

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Wrestling Animations

So, haven't posted in a while because I've been extremely busy working on the documentary. I've had to organize and backup close to a terabyte (that's 1,000 Gig) of video, photos, and music. As I start editing pieces, I am also shooting extraneous footage as well to enhance the spots. For instance, I've been animating WWE action figures over the past week with some pretty funny skits. Luckily, parody and criticism are protected "fair use" provisions for documentary filmmakers. This is one where a guy puts a trash can over another guy's head and laughs as he struggles to get out. Now find me a "trash can going over someone's head" sound effect and that one will be completed.

Back to editing......Vic

Thursday, June 01, 2006

It Pays to Chat on WrestleMen.com

Last night was the kickoff to the BIG WrestleMen.com Summer Chat Room Give-a-ways. Seventeen people won prizes ranging from Free Site Memberships to $30 Gift certificates to Amazon.com, and one lucky winner is getting a BRAND NEW Olympus 5-Megapixel Digital Camera. Prizes will be given out randomly all summer long to those that frequent the chat room, including more Digital Cameras, Portable DVD Players, IPODS, Wrestling Gear, DVDs and more good stuff, so tell others about it, because THE BIGGER THE CHAT ROOM, THE BIGGER THE PRIZES. Oh, did I forget to say, you can win more than once.

Enjoy! Victor

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

'OPEN MATS' video on WrestleMen TV

It's out now! Check out and watch the new "OPEN MATS" video on WrestleMen TV. Some of the best wrestlers and wrestling bodies in the country compete in a freestyle tournament. I especially like the slow-motion recaps of the hottest parts of each match set to music after each match. Click on comments below to tell me who is your favorite after you watch it. Woof! Enjoy!

http://www.wrestlemen.com/tv

Vic

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Filming a Tournament


I just returned this past weekend from filming the Mid-Atlantic Wrestling Championships in Maryland. This is a regional freestyle tournament for every age group, including an open division for men 19-50 yo. My goal was to film lots of wrestling, and then pull three of the older guys out to interview them about where they practice, etc. I was surprised that the very first person I got was from my alma mater, a very small town in Western New York State. (Population: 1900) He walked by me and I saw his shirt. Wow! Turns out he is 24 AND the wrestling coach there. Great interview, and he won his match. I then found 3 other guys to interview. Ages of 19, 24, 26, and 27. Apparently there was a 72 year old competing the prior year. Over the two-day period 1400 wrestlers competed this year on a total of 15 mats.

I'll put up a clip or two on the site soon, but most of the footage is of course for the big movie.

Vic

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

FORCED Submission Article


Hey guys, Canada has always been good to me. A Vancouver writer and one of our own, Tony Correia, put together this nice article for the Xtra-west publication last week. Enjoy! Vic

http://www.xtra.ca/public/viewstory.aspx?SessionId=f8aaaa88-9646-4220-8078-dcf9f94e3419&AFF_TYPE=4&STORY_ID=1554&PUB_TEMPLATE_ID=2

Monday, April 10, 2006

'CHANGING PERCEPTIONS' wins Telly Award

News: April 10, 2006

Today we have been notified that our documentary, "CHANGING PERCEPTIONS: Profile of an openly gay pro wrestler," has been chosen as a winner in the 27th Annual Telly Awards. The Telly Awards are similar to the Emmy Awards for non-broadcast film and video productions. The judges are a group of over 20 highly qualified professionals in the television and film industry, and judge each entry on a 10 pt. scale against a high standard of excellence. Previous year's winners included The Discovery Channel, Warner Brothers Home Video, Walt Disney Studios, Miramax Films, The Smithsonian Institute, and PBS, to name a few. "CHANGING PERCEPTIONS" was selected as a silver winner, the highest honor, in the Sports category.

For more information on this documentary, go to http://www.gayprowrestler.com

Victor Rook, President
Rook Communications

Monday, April 03, 2006

BRAND NEW CHAT ROOM!

Are you tired of chat rooms where people come in and out, change names, and never have profiles? Well, that time is SO over! I've now created a chat room that is completely integrated with the WrestleMen directory. Just right-click on a username, and view their profile! The chat room has many of the other great features too: Create Rooms, Private Messaging, Ignore Members, Avatars, Room Sounds, and more!

After years of chatting on the AOL chat room and coming up with empty screens when I check profiles, I've now made it mandatory for this room. If you are closeted, then post a headless picture with your directory listing. Hopefully you'll be man enough to show your face and realize, it's just wrestling! Keep checking the room out as I promote it throughout the web, and stick around for others to chat with. I hope to build a good momentum. Enjoy!

Saturday, March 04, 2006

KNEE DEEP IN POST PRODUCTION

In case you are wondering why I haven't added much to the site in the past few weeks, it's because I've been pushing forward on the STRONGHOLD documentary by reviewing all of the footage that I've shot in the past two years, and picking out the best stuff. I watch each and every interview I did and pull out the best statements that may or may not be included in the final production. It's a very tedious but very important task. A typical 30-minute interview can take up to 3 hours to process. I've been trying to work on two interviews a day. Right now I have 32 more interviews to go. Then it will be a long spring and summer of editing, and editing, and editing, and editing. You get the picture.

The photo to the right is a poster I took to Hillside, which includes only about 1/2 of all of the people I've interviewed.

Vic

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

'BJJ is like the GAYEST sport there is!'

Hey men, sorry I have not posted in a week, but I have been extremely busy working on the STRONGHOLD film reviewing interviews I've shot with wrestlers over the past two years. Brings back memories of all of the places I've been and people I've met.

In case you missed it, a sitcom called "Emily's Reasons Why Not," which died after its premiere episode in January, brought us this very funny clip on BJJ. Friends of one of the girls in the show go to her boyfriend's BJJ dojo to watch him practice, and make some hilarious comments. You gotta watch this, the guy is hot too! Sorry the show did not make it. Vic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYMMKIlRNCQ

Monday, February 13, 2006

'CHANGING PERCEPTIONS' IN TOP TEN

Hey, today Simon snapped a picture for me with his cell phone of the Top 10 DVDs selling at Outwrite Bookstore in Atlanta, GA, and my documentary made it there (#10). My question is, why aren't you lazy bastards on my site supporting the three months of work I put into making this historical documentary? Just kidding, no...really. Not everything has to be shirtless guys. You can watch the full thing online with your high-speed connection at http://www.wrestlemen.com/tv for only $9.95, or buy the DVD with extras at gayprowrestler.com. He's a great guy, and there is plenty of wrestling action too.

Thanks, Vic

Friday, February 10, 2006

"Into the Blue" Wrestling

Woof! I knew a month ago when I saw the cover art for this movie, featuring Paul Walker shirtless, I'd have to see it sooner or later. Well, tonight was the night and man, him and Scott Caan, who also stars in the movie, wrestle several times! At the airport, when the two longtime buds meet up, Scott jumps Paul, but Paul takes him to the ground with a reverse headlock. Caan taps out of the choke, and while Paul sits on top of Caan's crotch, Caan says "Stay there, ahhh, that feels nice." I was hooked from that point on. Then they wrestle underwater (see pic). Another time, Paul Walker holds a foe underwater with a body scissor. Sweet!

The cinematography in this movie is beautiful. Ok, Paul shirtless and wrestling made it worth it even more. I searched the internet and found this picture someone made redoing the cover art. Love it!

http://www.wrestlemen.com/blog/paulandscott.jpg

Vic

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

GAY MEDIA OUT OF TOUCH WITH GAY AMERICA

Today I wrote this article for a group of men and women that produce gay-oriented films. I wonder if any of you guys agree with me. Post your comments by clicking on the comments link below.

GAY MEDIA OUT OF TOUCH WITH GAY AMERICA
by Victor Rook (February 8, 2006)

As I sit here today, after having a brief online conversation with the managing editor of The Washington Blade, I think it's time that I speak for the millions of gay men and women that feel that the gay media does an extremely poor job of representing us. It doesn't take but one or two looks at the headlines of some of these publications to realize where they like to put the spin. Recently, I caught a blog entry from this same editor criticizing 'Brokeback Mountain', and its actors, from not publicly announcing that this is a gay movie. To him, he felt they were alienating the gay community. I watched this editor, over the weeks that Brokeback garnered many awards and acclaim, still hang onto that chip on his shoulder with every new post.

So this is what you have, a young editor, who has no clue about how important this movie is in changing perceptions of the public. The fact that these men are not swishing around is monumental in itself, and I applaud them for not promoting the movie as a gay movie, because it isn't. It's a movie about two men that have both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. So many in the gay media feel that everything must be labeled gay, or compartmentalized to be either a "gay" thing or a "straight" thing, they miss out on the big picture. They latch onto that 'g' word as if their lives depended on it. Of course, that may be the case. If they can't divide every story into a gay or straight story, they wouldn't have a publication. The world is just not that simple, sexuality is not that simple, so much so that maybe it's finally time to throw out those labels, or at least tell stories about real men and women, who identify as gay, who don't fit the stereotypes that these publications constantly promote.

And so I had a very short conversation with this editor of the Washington Blade. Three weeks prior I had sent him a press release on a documentary I produced on the first openly gay pro wrestler in the history of the sport, entitled "CHANGING PERCEPTIONS: Profile of an openly gay pro wrestler." A true story about a man who, in line with the Brokeback Mountain men, does not exhibit the stereotypes so often promoted in the gay media. Of course, this is about a real person, named Simon Sermon, who has wrestled for nearly six years in the most rural of areas in the southeastern U.S., and has changed those audiences perceptions of what it is to be gay or a gay athlete. There are no feather boas or pigtails with Simon. He goes out there and kicks ass like every other wrestler. This is truly historical when you consider the decades of false "gay" characters that professional wrestling has exhibited to us, played by heterosexual men.

Is this man worthy of coverage? Absolutely. Here's how my conversation went with the Blade editor. "Hi, what does a guy have to do to get coverage in the Blade. (smile)" Response: "How did you get my AIM name?" My response, "I opened an email I sent to you and saw you were online and took a chance at contacting you." "I don't remember getting that, resend it to me." "OK," I said. Then he blocked my IM.

You can watch a trailer for CHANGING PERCEPTIONS at gayprowrestler.com.

Sunday, February 05, 2006

WrestleMen TV Launched

Well, it looks like it's a success! Within five hours of launching the new service, I've already received two emails from people who are enjoying the videos on the site. Here's what they say: "I have to say that your site is great. I tried others that are more expensive, and couldn't get video clips etc. On this site they come in loud and clear," and "They are very good, hot as well. I have watched the 2nd and 3rd one now. Lookin forward to watchin more."

Check out WrestleMen TV where you can watch entire wrestling DVDs online at http://www.wrestlemen.com/tv .

Thursday, February 02, 2006

WRESTLEMEN TV Coming Soon...

Hey folks, I've been very busy over the past week encoding DVDs for the new WrestleMen TV feature on the site. You'll be able to watch entire wrestling DVDs online with your high-speed connection for just $9.95, and then buy them on DVD if you like them. Cool huh! I'll be putting up all six titles, including the new documentary. As we speak, I am encoding "Wrestling in the Hills of PA," the final video of the group. There will still be free clips in the Videos section of the site, but this is for full DVD Store items. They look great! So pop some popcorn, put your feet up on the desk, and enjoy men suffering in scissors, sleepers, nelsons, bearhugs, at the touch of a button.

Monday, January 23, 2006

Wrestling in the Movies

Hey men, when you get a chance, post on the Bulletin board on the site movies with wrestling scenes that stick out in your mind. Here's a clip from one recently mentioned, from the movie "Screamers." This guy gets caught and suspended from falling in a TIGHT headscissors. Sweet! Loop it and enjoy...

http://www.wrestlemen.com/screamers.wmv

Vic

Thursday, January 19, 2006

A Film in the Making

Right now I am in between completing and selling Simon's documentary, Changing Perceptions: Profile of an openly gay pro wrestler, and getting back to the mammoth STRONGHOLD documentary. Here is a picture of me interviewing Gene Dermody (Golden Gate Wrestling Club) at the 2004 Hillside Event for STRONGHOLD. See how hard I'm working. I really do hope you'll purchase Changing Perceptions, not only for its historical value, but because it also helps me cover the costs in making STRONGHOLD. It really is a huge undertaking, and travel expenses alone have cost me $15,000 out of pocket so far. So I thank everyone that admires and supports my work by purchasing it.

Victor

Monday, January 16, 2006

Brokeback Mountain Wins BIG!

It's not more than 2 minutes after the end of the Golden Globe Awards, and I am incredibly happy to see Brokeback Mountain take home the Best Drama Movie, Best Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Original Song awards. As a filmmaker also working hard to dispel flamboyant stereotypes, I've been watching this film's progress for months, and have seen the movie twice now.

This really is an incredibly historic moment in film history. It will be very hard for filmmakers in the mass industry to return to the same ole perceptions because of this movie's success, and message. I hope you have had the chance to see it. Now, cross your fingers for an Oscar win.

Vic

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

My Speedos Stalker

Well folks, we've got ourselves another nutcase. Earlier last year I picked up a guy at the DC Union Station coming from New York that wanted to wrestle me. We had tried to meet for months. I brought him out to my place, wrestled, and were having fun...then he flipped out and became verbally abusive before we went to bed (and not in a good way). Telling me he didn't want to hear about my film, and just being extremely disrespectful and condescending. I got silent waiting for his "moment" to pass.

The next day I took him out to breakfast, gave him a free book and video, and took him all the way back into the Union Station and waited for his train with him. After he was gone I was a bit angry with myself for letting someone be so downright disrespectful to me, especially when I was hosting him. But I wanted to be the best host, and knew I wouldn't have to see him again.

Well, I got home and noticed my favorite white speedos were gone. The ones pictured here that I wrestled in the Scissorcams with, etc. It clicked in my head that he had told me how much he'd get off to those clips. I looked and looked and never found them.

Yesterday he tried to rejoin my site and list himself in the directory. I confronted him with my suspicions and wanting my speedos back, and low and behold, he said he had them. He claimed "I planted them" in his bag for him to have. Oh lord. He said he'd send them back to me in a week or so.

This morning I realized that I didn't want anyone else to get caught up with this person, so I removed his listing and sent him an email telling him why. He immediately called my home (god, he kept my phone number) and left a message on my answering machine, and he now says he "threw my speedos away" because he wanted nothing to do with me after he left my house. And here he is trying to rejoin my site. The phone message and emails have been kept on file, just in case.

I don't think I've ever publicly talked about some of the people I've met, because these things should be private; but I thought it was necessary for me to write something about this to warn other people. Really get to know the people you meet before letting them in your house. Even if you hit it off well on the phone, talk often before meeting. And don't let them stay the night on the first visit.

I think most people are generally good and want to have a good time like everyone else, but there are still some rather oddballs out there running low on their lithium supplies. What pisses me off the most is I miss my speedos! I got them in exchange for a video at Okie Rumble a few years ago, and they were my first pair. Sigh.

Vic

Monday, January 09, 2006

Restless Legs Syndrome

Do you have RLS? Restless Legs Syndrome? It's when you have an insatiable craving to wrap your legs around a guy's head and watch his face turn red while you squeeze tighter and tighter, and bone up doing so. I have it, and I made a video on it. SCISSORCAMS Vol 1: Pythonic Embrace, has been named the best scissor video by almost everyone that's bought it. Is this a plug to sell more copies of it? Yes, it is. Help me with my RLS. Buy this video, and sit back and watch me make three men SUFFER with ungodly TIGHT scissorholds over and over again. "The more you move, the more I squeeze" I tell them.

http://www.wrestlemen.com/scissorcam/scissorcams1.htm

Vic

Saturday, January 07, 2006

Wrestling Documentary now shipping!

CHANGING PERCEPTIONS: Profile of an openly gay pro wrestler, is the first and only documentary about an openly gay wrestler on the pro indy circuit. Simon Sermon is great in this documentary, and it will certainly create a buzz in the pro wrestling community. (Vince McMahon will be getting a copy on his doorstep). He's wrestled for NWA, AWN, NAWA and other organizations in the southeastern United States for years. I ask him everything from how other wrestlers treat him, why he has an easier time than anyone else, and even the "Is wrestling homoerotic?" question. I put Adrian Street on the spot about his flamboyant wrestling character (which surprisingly was not his original character intention), and you get to see lots of wrestling action as well. Order video at gayprowrestler.com