Classic Bodybuilding Shoot for Muscle & Fitness Online

February 24, 2013

A small piece of bodybuilding history was recreated as legendary bodybuilding photojournalist Gene Mozee did a photoshoot with Eric The Trainer and crew at Muscle Beach. I produced a video recap piece of the event for Muscle & Fitness Online, which included interviews with the guys as well as a special appearance by Big Time Rush's James Maslow. To view, clickhere.

Celebrity Sweat Video Shoot

February 18, 2013

I served as videographer, editor and voiceover artist for a series of social media spots for "Celebrity Sweat", a fitness show available on regional television and online. Eric The Trainer, who is one of the program's hosts, brought me on to film former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard and Big Time Rush's James Maslow.

LA Fit Expo Video for Muscle & Fitness Online

January 19-20, 2013

I wore several hats at this year's LA Fit Expo for Hollywood Physique Expert Eric The Trainer. On Saturday, I served as announcer for the "Flip n' Smash Festival", a series of martial arts and sumo wrestling demonstrations. On both days, I served as host and producer of a video showcashing both the "Flip n' Smash" and the event in general for Muscle & Fitness online. Notable interviews included Lou Ferrigno, Tito Ortiz, Phil Heath, Vida Guerra and other familiar faces. The video can be seenhere.

Championship Wrestling from Hollywood on KDOC-TV

January 13, 2013

It was my fourth time as ring announcer for the show, which is broadcast on KDOC-TV Los Angeles. The talent included the legendary Percy Pringle III (aka WWE's Paul Bearer), Shaun Ricker, Brian Cage, "Scrap Iron" Adam Pearce and many others. Great day of wrestling action.

2013 Critics' Choice Movie Awards

January 10, 2013

Continuing my annual freelance tradition, I once again served as an art director and creative consultant for the Critics' Choice Movie Awards for the Broadcast Film Critics' Association. This year, the show was broadcast on The CW. The event was held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, CA.

Guest Commentating of AfterBuzz TV for WWE Smackdown

December 30, 2012

For my last gig of 2012, I served as a guest host for the fourth time on Ric Drasin's WWE Smackdown podcast on Afterbuzz TV. This time, the other hosts were Shannon Ballard and Patrisha Summerland. Had a blast.

Interviewing NABF Lightweight Champion Ray Beltran for Powerhouse Gym

December 18, 2012

As part of the special promotional video I produced for the Powerhouse Gym in Burbank, I interviewed one of its instructors, Ray Beltran. Fresh off his live win on ESPN last week, the pro boxer met up with me for a few minutes to talk about his career and the boxing class he teaches at the gym.

6th Annual Muscle Beach Toy Drive

December 9, 2012

My second year serving as red carpet host, interviewer and video producer/director for an awesome way to close out the Muscle Beach year. Joe Wheatley Productions and Bodybuilding.com put on the event, which collected toys and donations from the fitness and Venice communities to benefit children in the LA area. As usual, the Drive featured Santa and his "Elvettes" making their way down the boardwalk as part of an afternoon filled with memorable moments and characters.

Championship Wrestling from Hollywood on KDOC-TV

December 2, 2012

Thanks to the invitation of Angelo Trinidad and David Marquez, it was my third time as ring announcer for the show, which serves as a taping for four episodes each session. I had an awesome experience, introducing such greats as the legendary Percy Pringle III (aka WWE's Paul Bearer), "Big Nasty" Eric Watts, Scorpio Sky, Shaun Ricker and many others. The show is broadcast in SoCal on KDOC-TV and can also been seen online at HollywoodWrestling.com.

Empire Wrestling Federation and Today's Youth Event in Corona, CA

November 30, 2012

This special fundraiser event combined boxing with pro wrestling and featured an enthusiastic audience comprised largely of kids and families from the Corona area. Definitlely a change of pace from a standard EWF event but a great time nonetheless. The event organizer was Tina Hunt, with whom I worked with a few months prior for the special night featuring legendary boxers such as Leon Spinks and James Toney.

Filming Pilot Episode of "Sumo Diet" for Dan Kalbfleisch

November 24, 2012

I served as director/videographer for the filming of the pilot for the upcoming web series "Sumo Diet", created by and starring Dan Kalbfleisch. Dan is accomplished US sumo wrestler, and a friend of mine, with whom I've worked many times (for Eric The Trainer and Joe Wheatley). The premise of the show is to give a litte taste of what Dan and his sumo buddies eat, and what shenanigans go on, when they meet up at their favorite restaurants. Editing is now in the works.

Guest Commentating of AfterBuzz TV for WWE Smackdown

November 18, 2012

My second go-round on the Maria Menounos-produced podcast series filmed in Sherman Oaks, CA, thanks to the invite of bodybuilding and wrestling veteran and the show's main host, Ric Drasin. This time, the other guest hosts were Ryan Clum and Cheryl "Lightning" Rusa. Had a great time.

Empire Wrestling Federation Event in San Bernardino, CA

November 17, 2012

Great night of action in San Bernardino at the ASP Sports Academy (also home to Jesse Hernandez's School of Hard Knocks). It was Part 1 of an EWF annual tradition, the Inland Title Tournament. Unfortunately I suffered a, shall we say, wardrobe malfunction, causing me to do an announcing first: changing outfits mid-way through the event from my black tux to my gray suit. Other than that, the event went off without a hitch.

USO Plane Pull Video for Muscle and Fitness

November 5, 2012

My good friend and Hollywood Physique Expert, Eric The Trainer, took part in the annual USO charity Plan Pull event in a big way, entering his team, "The Big Yanks", in the competition. And this wasn't just any team, it included James Maslow and Carlos Pena of Nickelodeon's Big Time Rush, four professional strong men, a sumo wrestler and a host of other entertainment and athletic heavyweights. Needless to say, Eric's team won. Throughout the event, I conducted interviews and served as host, director and producer for the recap video, which can be seen on the Muscle and Fitness website here.

Empire Wrestling Federation Event in Corona, CA

November 2, 2012

Yet another solid night of EWF action at its home base in Covina, this time featuring EWF Champion Joey Ryan (as seen on TNA Impact on Spike TV), Brandon Gatson, SoCal Crazy and many others. The enthusiastic crowd witnessed seven great matches.As usual I did backstage interviews as well.

Empire Wrestling Federation Event in Riverside, CA

October 28, 2012

A charity event for the Riverside Christian Assembly, held outdoors under a bright, pre-Halloween moonlight, the EWF had an enthusiastic crowd of Riverside residents cheering and booing at seven great matches. My first outdoor event since Labor Day at Muscle Beach. Thankfully, the sun had already gone down before the show started, creating a cool environment in the ordinarily scorching hot Riverside area!

Championship Wrestling from Hollywood on KDOC-TV

October 14, 2012

In my second appearance on the weekly one-hour show, which is broadcast on KDOC-TV Los Angeles, we filmed four episodes of pro wrestling action, including the historic 100th episode. I was invited to be there by the program's usual announcer, Angelo Trinidad, who I shared announcing duties with. While filled with great moments, the one unfortunate spot was the World's Champion, Adam Pearce, being legitimately knocked unconscious for about 5 minutes, requiring the paramedics to be called. Thankfully, he turned out to be okay.

Empire Wrestling Federation Event in San Bernardino, CA

October 13, 2012

Yet another awesome night at the Sports Academy, home to the Jesse Hernandez School of Hard Knocks. Seven solid matches including a defense of the EWF American Championship as SoCal Crazy retained his title against "Raunchy" Rico Dynamite. As an added bonus, I was the interview subject for the video blog, The 450 Splash, after the event.

Joe Weider's Olympia Weekend 2012

September 27-29, 2012

I wore multiple hats at Joe Weider's Olympia Weekend, the most prestigious bodybuilding and fitness expo of the year, held in Vegas

My primary job was to serve as announcer and host for the Olympia Sumo Open, a sumo wrestling tournament presented by my good friend and Hollywood physique expert, Eric The Trainer. I also conducted interviews and directed the shooting of videos showcasing different aspects of the event. I even got to get on stage at the Baddass Nutrition booth to interview UFC fighter Sean Sherk and MMA industry power player, Joe Lear.

Through it all, I assisted in promoting Eric's sponsors: RE Energy Drinks, Britenz Teeth Whitening and Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz. A fun bonus to the festivities was getting to see and help distribute the T-shirt I designed for the sumo event.

Charity Boxing Event featuring the Legends

September 20, 2012

I served as special guest MC at the Today's Youth charity fundraiser held in Corona, CA to benefit youth in the community and launch the new boxing training facility. I also got the chance to interview the honored guests, which included boxing legends Leon Spinks, James Toney, Henry Tillman and others. Recap video be posted soon.

Empire Wrestling Federation in San Bernardino, CA

September 15, 2012

It was the EWF's first event at the Sport Academy in San Bernardino since Jesse Hernandez's School of Hard Knocks wrestling training school officially relocated to this location from its previous home at the American Sports University, also in San Bernardino. Definitely a solid show featuring the official debut of two new wrestlers, "Lionheart" Jeff Irving and "Downtown" Andy Brown. As always, I did backstage interviews and served as ring announcer for an enthusiastic crowd.

Guest Commentating of AfterBuzz TV for WWE Smackdown

September 9, 2012

My second go-round on the Maria Menounos-produced podcast series filmed in Sherman Oaks, CA, thanks to the invite of bodybuilding and wrestling veteran Ric Drasin.This time, the other hosts were Vince Adams and Cheryl "Lightning" Rusa. Had a great time.

Empire Wrestling Federation in Covina, CA

September 7, 2012

Another awesome evening of backstage interviews and ring announcing at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Covina, CA. The card included two buddies of mind currently making waves in the big leagues: Scorpio Sky, who can be seen as "Harold" on WWE's Monday Night Raw, and Joey Ryan, who has made several recent appearances on TNA Impact and has caused a viral phenomenon with his "87 Percent" campaign. As always, the event will be available via iTunes on the Wrestling Night in the Empire video podcast.

Muscle Beach Championship on Labor Day

September 3, 2012

In the grand finale Muscle Beach bodybuilding event of the summer, I resumed my usual responsibilities of serving as video producer, red carpet interviewer, and overall behind-the-scenes host. In addition to an incredible turnout of competitors, the event featured fitness industry legend Betty Weider being inducted into the Muscle Beach Hall of Fame. Special guests, whom I also got to interview, included Olympic legends Nadia Comanice and Bart Conner, bodybuilding legends Lenda Murray, Eddie Giuliani and Franco Columbu, and Iron Man Magazine's John Balik and Ruth Silverman.

Promotional Video Shoot for Powerhouse Gym in Burbank, CA

August 31, 2012

With production still in the works as of this log entry, I have embarked on the project of producing, editing and hosting a series of promotional videos for the Powerhouse Gym Sports Complex in Burbank. The gym is he home base of Eric The Trainer and also a hub for professionals in the entertainment industry, boxing, MMA and other areas. As part of this work, I interviewed heavyweight boxer Malik Scott, along with manager MC and trainer Jesse Reid, regarding his bout against Bowie Tupou on HBO.

Empire Wrestling Federation in Corona, CA

August 31, 2012

The event seemed different from a usual EWF show on multiple fronts. Held at the upscale Pacific Crest Lodge in Corona, the card was headlined by former WWE superstar Chris Masters and also featured the new EWF Champion, Joey Ryan, who has gained international attention from his recent appearances on TNA Impact in addition to his achievements in the indie wrestling scene. The event also served as a fundraiser for the Civic Circle Foundation and featured amateur boxing bouts by the Today's Youth charity organization.

Empire Wrestling Federation in San Bernardino, CA

August 11, 2012

With an unusually packed house (thanks to a huge group of Australian camp kids and counselors), the EWF put on one of it's highest-impact events in a long time. Held at the Sports Academy in San Bernardino (home of several pro-level MMA and boxing training programs), the card featured six solid matches and, as always, also served as a taping for the weekly online wrestling program "Wrestling Night in the Empire", which can be seen weekly on iTunes and YouTube.

Muscle Beach Venice Labor Day Pre-Show

August 5, 2012

As done back in April, Joe Wheatley arranged a posing seminar, hosted by competition coaches Cynthia Gonzales and Alberto Barrios, in preparation for the Muscle Beach Championship on Labor Day. I had a great time serving as video producer and red carpet/man-on-the-street host, interviewing everyone from competitors to Venice locals to tourists and other colorful characters. The video can be seen here.

Empire Wrestling Federation in Covina, CA

August 3, 2012

It was a solid evening of backstage interviews and ring announcing for me at the flagship location for the EWF, the Knights of Columbus Hall in Covina, CA. The event featured two title changes as The Hollywood Underground won the Tag Team Championship from The A-List and SoCal Crazy captured the American Championship from "The Mega King" Thomas Wilson (I'm required to call him that although he ordinarily goes by "Tommy"). As always, the event will be available via iTunes on the Wrestling Night in the Empire video podcast.

Guest Commentating of AfterBuzz TV for WWE Smackdown

July 29, 2012

Thanks to the invitation of actor and retired bodybuilder and pro wrester Ric Drasin, I served as guest commentator on the WWE Smackdown recap show on AfterBuzzTV. The program, which streams live and is available on iTunes and YouTube, is produced by Maria Menounos (host of TV's Extra and involved in many media projects). I had a great time providing news and reactions alongside fellow hosts Ric Drasin, Ryan Clum and Shannon Ballard.

Wrestling Meets Roller Derby at the Pomona Fairplex

July 28, 2012

Sports entertainment history was made as the Empire Wrestling Federation performed a dual show with the Dan Ferrari's American Roller Skating Derby association.The ring was placed in the center of the Derby ramp as the activities alternated throughout the evening. I enjoyed volleying hosting duties with the Roller Derby's announcer, Danny Wolf. Also, it was cool to be at a well-established new venue in the form of the Pomona Fairplex.

Shooting Wrestling Documentary with Scott Schwartz and Ric Drasin

July 17, 2012

Executive producer Scott Schwartz (a former pro wrestler and accomplished actor) brought me in to serve as intro host for his documentary film "The Kings and Queens of the Ring." We filmed at the studio of Ric Drasin, another former wrestler and actor. The film will contain dozens of interviews with legends of the squared circle. It was a blast hearing Scott and Ric's stories and an honor to be a part of the project. As a footnote, this was only a few days after having dinner with Gene LeBell and several other former wrestlers, so it was quite a week for wrestling history.

Wrestling Night Event and Tapings in San Bernardino, CA

July 7, 2012

For the third time, I served as ring announcer and backstage interviewer for the event which served as a taping for 2 episodes of "Wrestling Night in the Empire," the Empire Wrestling Federation's ongoing show available on iTunes. Great show.

United Forces 4 Wrestling Event in Covina

July 6, 2012

It was my triumphant return as full-time ring announcer at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Covina, CA for a very special event: United Forces 4, an interpromotional wrestling card featuring the brightest stars of the EWF and the AWS. Felt great to be back with my buddies at the EWF and with the loyal fans in Covina.

Mr. & Ms. Muscle Beach July 4th Event

July 4, 2012

My second year as red carpet interviewer and video host/producer for Joe Wheatley's bodybuilding spectacular. Featuring a special appearance by Al Pacino, the event was nonstop fun with incredible competitors in all divisions. Definitley felt even more confident in my role as the recap and promo guy from Muscle Beach Venice. Plus meeting fellow guys from the Bronx and my acting hero, Mr. Pacino was the icing on the cake.

Wrestling Night Event and Tapings in San Bernardino, CA

June 23, 2012

For the second time, I served as ring announcer and backstage interviewer for the event which served as a taping for 2 episodes of "Wrestling Night in the Empire," the Empire Wrestling Federation's ongoing show available on iTunes .It was definitley a solid event.

Muscle Beach Memorial Day Weekend

May 26 - 28, 2012

It was three days of beautiful people, beautiful weather and seemingly endless fun as Joe Wheatley Productions, along with title sponsor Thermolife, put on its annual extravaganza for the Memorial Day Weekend. I multi-tasked as announcer, reporter and video producer for a wide range of events and activities, alongside videographer Brian S. White.

Saturday

I served as announcer and MC for the Muscle Beach Sumo Open, an explosive sumo wrestling tournament from ETT Sumo (the creation of Eric The Trainer), and as reporter for the Ivanko Raw Bench Press (presented by Headblade), a huge weightlifting event from promoter Sammy Graham. Dan "The Hungry Man" Kalbfleisch once again emerged as Sumo Champion and a Muscle Beach benchpress record of 612 lbs. was set by Ryan Dewitt.

Sunday

I was ring announcer and reporter for the Rumble in Venice boxing event. The promoter was Ramon Espada (of Espada Boxing). There were 23 bouts with special appearances by actor Holt McCallany (of the FX series Lights Out) and MMA legend Bas Rutten, amongst other notable guests.

Monday

It proved to be the biggest outdoor bodybuilding and fitness competition in history for the International Classic and Armed Forces Championship. I served as red carpet interviewer and overall event reporter. With over 100 athletes participating, the show was truly epic. A special honor was given to the Tuskegee Airmen, the heroic "Red Tails" of World War II. Also, the late, great Dennis Tinerino was inducted into the Muscle Beach Hall of Fame.

Wrestling Night Event and Tapings in San Bernardino, CA

May 19, 2012

I served as ring announcer and backstage interviewer for this live event which also served as a taping for 2 episodes of the upcoming "Wrestling Night" online EWF wrestling show. My first gig at this new venue. Had a great time. Glad the EWF is releasing more of a real episodic show online now.

EWF 16th Anniversary Extravaganza Show

May 4, 2012

After a nearly 2 month absence, I made my triumphant return to an EWF ring in Covina for its biggest show of the year. Hard to believe its been a whole year since the last anniversary. Benjamin Thomas handled the principal ring announcing throughout the night as I did backstage interviews and announced the main event. The event has been released as an internet pay-per-view and can be purchased here.

Muscle Beach Memorial Day Weekend Pre-Show Videos

April 22, 2012

I served as host and producer for the 2-part Pre-Show video for the three-day Memorial Day weekend extravaganza taking place at Muscle Beach this year. An assortment of Muscle Beach competitors and other members of the fitness community were on hand to support promoter Joe Wheatley and witness a first-ever posing seminar, led by Cynthia Gonzales and Alberto Barrios. It was a truly fun event.

Highlanders Boxing Club Event in San Bernardino, CA

March 3, 2012

I served as ring announcer, interviewer and video producer for the Highlanders Boxing Club event held at the American Sports University in San Bernardino (also home to Jesse Hernandez's School of Hard Knocks). The show was a roaring success as I announced 12 action-packed bouts. The event promoter was Tony Cifuentes and the title sponsor was Bernie Valenzuela.

Empire Wrestling Federation in Covina, CA

February 3, 2012

Another stellar night of EWF wrestling, this time featuring some NWA action as the Worlds Heavyweight Champion "Scrap Iron" Adam Pearce defended his title "Hollywood's Own" Joey Ryan. The match brought back memories of my announcing NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood a little less than a year ago.

Los Angeles Fitness Expo

January 28, 2012

I served double-duty as both co-host (alongside Stacey Naito) of the Muscle Beach Venice booth and ring announcer for the Hollywood Sumo Open at the LA Fit Expo, a massive event held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. It was an awesome collection of personalities from the world of fitness, MMA. boxing, pop culture and beyond. Stacey and I managed to score some great interviews.

WrestleReunion

January 27, 2012

I attended the annual WrestleReunion pro wrestling convention in Los Angeles for the third time, this time in a press capacity. My tasks included catching footage of a special panel discussion on the history of Southern California wrestling, which included commentary by Superstar Billy Graham, Dick The Destroyer, Jack Armstrong, my personal mentor and colleague Jesse Hernandez and many others. I also interviewed several stars of the Squared Circle including WWE Hall of Famer Sunny, Raven, Low-Ki and more!

EWF Event Featuring "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase

January 21, 2012

The Empire Wrestling Federation made it's debut at Club Events Center (part of the Everest College campus) in San Bernardino, CA to a packed house. The special guest was WWE Hall of Famer "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. It was great being able to introduce him to the crowd and host a Ted DiBiase trivia contest. Great wrestling action as well, including a title change as The A-List captured the EWF Tag Team Championships.

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