State of Mind: Marijuana, Wrestling, and Horror Movies

I’ve had a few people ask me, “Why weed and wrestling? Why make it known you are using cannabis as a means of writing?”

Let’s face it: my muse wears a chronic leaf. I’m a writer, and weed fuels my creative fire. It’s not just about getting high; it’s about unlocking connections and sparking ideas I wouldn’t stumble upon otherwise. That’s the core of it, the engine of my process. But there’s something else I’ve noticed, not just here, but across similar platforms. When it comes to crafting wrestling opinion pieces that resonate, a certain duo seems to reign supreme.

The first rule of wrestling opinion pieces? Ignite the tribal fires. Bash AEW while singing WWE’s praises, and watch the digital battlefield erupt. Trolls swarm, comments detonate, Twitter explodes – the whole nine yards. It’s a guaranteed engagement booster, and it’s precisely why the wrestling world is so damn polarized, a breeding ground for toxicity and salt. Sure, it gets clicks, but frankly, I’m not interested in adding fuel to that dumpster fire. It’s cheap heat, and it’s not my style.

The second secret weapon in the wrestling writer’s arsenal? The “gimmick.” Now, I’m not suggesting these writers are putting on an act, but they are amplifying a specific facet of their personality to stand out from the crowd. Take Tito, for example. I’ve been reading his stuff since day one, and I know he’s got the hide of a rhino and the critical thinking skills to understand I’m not personally attacking him, so I’ll use him as an example. He leans into his confidence, bordering on arrogance, and it works. It’s a magnet for readers and engagement. Love him or hate him, he wields this persona to keep you hooked. He presents himself in a way that either makes you see him as your champion, echoing your own opinions, or you despise his views and delivery, but you’re still compelled to click and see what he says next – a delicious hate-read. He’s not fabricating a character, but he’s savvy enough to know that by accentuating this aspect of himself, his writing reaches a wider audience. And he’s not alone. I’ve noticed other successful, long-term wrestling opinion writers employing similar tactics.

That’s precisely why I’ve chosen my own path as a writer. That first rule – the divisive, argumentative approach – just isn’t me. I’m not interested in fueling the flames of fan wars. We’re all wrestling fans, for crying out loud! We should be a community, not warring factions constantly at each other’s throats. Think about it: I’m a metalhead. I’ve got my subgenres I adore (death metal, baby!) and the ones that make my skin crawl (power metal, ugh). But even though I’d rather gargle battery acid than listen to Dragonforce, if I’m rocking my Cannibal Corpse tee and pass a dude in a Dragonforce shirt, I’m not going to sneer at his questionable taste. At the very least, we exchange a nod of mutual recognition. More often than not, it sparks a conversation – two strangers bonding over their shared passion for a niche form of entertainment. So why can’t wrestling fans do the same? Why, when one’s sporting a Jey Uso shirt and the other a Young Bucks tee, do they look at each other like they’re from rival planets? Why can’t we share that same nod of understanding, that unspoken acknowledgment of a shared love for this crazy, captivating world of wrestling? That’s the kind of toxic environment I refuse to contribute to. So, yeah, that first rule? Definitely not my style.

So, I’m embracing that second pillar, carving my own niche. I want to be the writer who weaves my other passions, my “outside the ring” interests, into my wrestling commentary. I want to be the guy who leans into the calming, creative influence of marijuana and isn’t afraid to talk about it, to connect it to my writing where it fits. That’s the facet of my personality I’m choosing to amplify. And frankly, the timing couldn’t be better. Marijuana use is on the rise, thanks to decriminalization and the growing acceptance of its medicinal benefits. People are finally realizing that you can be a regular marijuana user and still function perfectly well in everyday life. Trust me, I’ve bumped into everyone from judges and business owners to hospital administrators at my local dispensary.

Don’t worry, I’m not perpetually baked while crafting these masterpieces. I’m not glued to the couch, manically scribbling under the influence. When inspiration strikes – whether it’s sparked by a little herbal inspiration or just a random thought – I jot it down in my trusty notepad. Then, when I’m in the right headspace (pun intended, but not always), I flesh it out. Sometimes the idea hits me while I’m high, but I need to come down a bit to articulate it properly, so, you guessed it, it goes in the notes. Sometimes those notes are gold, pure genius. Other times? Let’s just say they belong in the compost bin of creative endeavors.

But it’s all good because I’m…

Speaking of which, two things you’ll quickly learn I’m obsessed with are lists (especially the Top 5 variety) and tie-ins – connecting my outside interests to the wrestling world. And that’s exactly what this is: a tie-in. When I’m enjoying some herbal relaxation, I love to indulge in horror movies (especially the gloriously “so bad they’re good” or “intentionally terrible for comedic effect” kind) and wrestling. So, here’s a list of a few horror flicks with wrestling connections that I absolutely love, presented in no particular order.

Here for Blood (Roku Channel)

This flick might just steal the show on this list. It’s not your typical cheesy horror fare that elicits more chuckles than chills. Here for Blood masterfully blends genuine horror with side-splitting comedy. Shawn Roberts stars as Tom, a professional wrestler. After a grueling wrestling match, Tom agrees to babysit for his girlfriend. But his night of babysitting takes a bizarre turn when a sinister cult of masked individuals descends upon the house, hellbent on snatching the little girl. What ensues is an uproarious and blood-soaked battle for survival.

Me and Shawn Roberts hanging out on set. Yes  I was paid to push this movie!!!

What makes this movie a standout is Shawn Roberts’ performance. He embodies the role of Tom with a perfect mix of tough-guy swagger and comedic timing. Roberts even bears a striking resemblance to a leaner, less muscle-bound Brian Cage. His delivery of lines like, “We are under attack by a gang of sex perverts,” while casually cracking open a beer between bouts of brutal cult-member dispatching, is pure comedic gold.

Monster Brawl (Tubi)

Picture this: a one-night, winner-take-all wrestling tournament where the competitors aren’t your average grapplers. We’re talking legendary monsters stepping into the ring! Sasquatch, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Cyclops, Lady Vampire, the Werewolf, Zombie Man – the roster reads like a who’s-who of classic creature features. And who’s calling the action? None other than wrestling royalty! Kevin Nash, Jimmy Hart, Herb Dean, Kurgin, and Rosemary all lend their talents, adding an authentic wrestling atmosphere to the monstrous mayhem. The whole shebang is presented as a live wrestling broadcast, complete with commentary and ring introductions. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Frankenstein deliver a body slam or a werewolf execute a perfect suplex, Monster Brawl is your fever dream come true. This one’s a must-watch for wrestling fanatics and old-school Universal monster aficionados alike.

Pro Wrestlers vs. Zombies (Peacock)

Get ready for a wild ride! Imagine Troma, the kings of B-movie madness, unleashing a horror flick that kicks off with the incredible SoCal Val as the ring announcer – and then Shane Douglas promptly commits a ring-related homicide. Fast forward a bit, and a mysterious figure approaches a wrestling promoter with a wad of cash. His offer? Two wrestlers for a show in an abandoned prison. Shane Douglas and the legendary “Rowdy” Roddy Piper are the first recruits. The promoter sweetens the deal with Kurt Angle, Matt Hardy, Reby Sky, and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. But there’s a twist! The shady guy is the brother of the man Shane Douglas killed, and he has a horrifying plan for revenge. He’s transformed a horde of local wrestlers into flesh-eating zombies, and they’re all set on taking down our wrestling heroes. Oh, and did I mention these zombies retained their wrestling skills?

You haven’t lived until you’ve witnessed Kurt Angle slapping on an ankle lock on a zombie, ripping off its foot, and then chucking it at another zombie’s head before delivering a thunderous Olympic Slam. As if that wasn’t enough, he caps it off with the unforgettable line, “Pittsburghers know how to kill the undead!” For that moment alone, Pro Wrestlers vs. Zombies earns a resounding endorsement. It’s gloriously absurd, and I’m all in.

FYI: Sections of this are perhaps the first true cinematic match.

Dark Match (Shudder/AMC+).

The freshest entry on this list, and one I teased in my last piece. The premise is deliciously absurd: a small-time indie wrestling company in the ’80s, complete with believable, era-appropriate characters you’ve probably seen a million times, gets offered a gig for an obscene amount of cash. They soon discover they’ve been hired by The Prophet (played with unsettling charisma by Chris Jericho), a former wrestler who’s fully embraced his gimmick and now leads a literal cult. He’s using their wrestling show as a ritual to summon Satan himself. The movie is pure, unadulterated fun. It’s not a comedy, but a brilliant blend of wrestling action and horror tropes. A hardcore match featuring a legit, medieval-style ball and chain? And that was just the dark match of the show! Seriously, this one’s a must-see.

And that’s it for now. Time to get ready for tonight’s NBA All Star Game.

My playlist for the day:
Bring Back the Plague by Cattle Decapitation
Crystalize by Lindsey Sterling
Beyond the Realms of Death by Judas Priest
Institutionalized by Suicidal Tendencies
Fugee-La by The Fugees
Murmaider by Dethklok
Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden
Hail Mary by Tupac
Fostering the Divide by Immolation
Grown Up by Danny Brown

Follow me on BlueSky donwayho.bsky.social