A monthly in depth look at the ECWA performers by Josh Martin
SUPERSTAR SPOTLIGHT
featuring
Jim Kettner
by Josh Martin |
Jim Kettner
The Wrestler
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Jim Kettner
The Promoter |
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Jim Kettner had a dream in 1967. It was called the East Coast Wrestling Association “ECWA”.
Now over 40 years later, that dream lives on and so does the man who founded it with his friend.
Over the years, Jim has successfully made the transition from founder, to wrestler, to promoter. He took some time along the way to start a family, work at his regular vocation for over 31 years, do some speed skating, roller derby, and embark on a dream filled trip that would lead him into working on every level in the world of pro wrestling. For a man who has presented the fans with so much entertainment and built so many superstars for them to enjoy, they really don’t know much about the complex and somewhat reclusive promoter of the ECWA. We have been doing the ECWA Superstar Spotlight for almost 3 years on ECWAprowrestling.com and it took me this long into talking Jim Kettner into answering the following questions. I hope you enjoy.
Ring Name? Jim Kettner
Height? 5’ 6"
Weight? 176 lbs.
Character hails from? Newark, DE
Birthdate? (month & day) December 24
Years Pro? 40
Trained by? Bulldog Brower, Victor Rivera, Miguel Feleciano, Joe Alfano
Where did you train? Latin American Community Center, Wilmington, DE
Style of wrestling? Technical
Favorite moves? Arm drags, flying drop kicks
Notable ECWA feuds? Dr. Destruction, The Master, Dazzling Donnie Love, The Animal
Favorite ECWA opponents? Dazzling Donny Love, Dr. Destruction, The Animal
How long have you been in wrestling? 40 years
What made you want to get into wrestling? I liked the performing aspects as well as the business aspects of wrestling. Those were my main attractions to wrestling.
When did you join the ECWA? August 1967
How did you joining the ECWA come about? I was actually one of the founders along with a friend.
What do you like about the ECWA? It evolved and survived for over 40 years and has become a magical field of dreams for those on both sides of our guard rails. A place where all can attend for a night of fun and enjoyment, in a safe environment.
What do you think about the ECWA fans? They are very loyal to our promotion and the best fans that anyone could possibly have.
What have been your favorite ECWA moments? Doing a benefit show for Christie White who needed a double lung transplant and watching her be entertained by our promotion. Wrestling in a Steel Cage in 1997, assisting young wrestlers achieve their goals throughout the years, watching the fans enjoy the ECWA events and traveling throughout the wrestling industry as an ECWA representative.
Your thoughts on the current state of the wrestling business? Wrestling is ever changing and it is challenging, but it’s fun to keep up with the evolution of the business. Whether you label it sports entertainment or pro wrestling, it’s all in the mind of and through the eyes of those watching it. So it’s as healthy as ever, just depending on your viewpoint.
Favorite Food? Steak
Favorite music? 1950’s Rock N Roll
Favorite band/artist? No favorite band. Favorite artists: Gene Pitney & Connie Francis
Favorite color? Red
Favorite sports team? None
Favorite wrestlers? Hiro Matsuda, Bruno Sammartino, Buddy Rogers, Reckless Youth.
Favorite TV shows? All in the Family, Saved By The Bell, Rescue Me, The 3 Stooges
Favorite movies? The Godfather, The Great Race, Superman II
Favorite actor? Morgan Freeman
Favorite actress? Julia Roberts
What sports do you like to watch? UFC, Rodeo, Boxing
What sports do you like to play? None, I’m too old, although I did speed skating when I was a teenager. I also tried out for the roller derby years ago.
What hobbies do you have? Traveling, learning about history
What do you do in your spare time? Travel, watch TV, work on ECWA related things
What kind of work outside wrestling to you do? I work in facilities management.
What are your aspirations (professional & personal)? In wrestling --- I have accomplished everything I’ve ever dreamed possible.
In my personal life --- to retire to Florida and to reconcile my differences with my family.
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