THURSDAY VETERAN SPOTLIGHT 7/18/24 - Preacher

There are men and women in professional wrestling who never truly get their flowers within the industry that have helped many along their journey to becoming performers. Their unselfishness is a virtue in a very selfish business.

Today, in this edition of THURSDAY VETERAN SPOTLIGHT, I want to discuss one of those people. A guy who truly gives a lot of himself to see that the independent wrestling scene continues to thrive and grow.

This edition spotlights PREACHER FINNEUS JAMES.

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The first time I learned about Preacher was in the Bodyslam Wrestling Organization, originally out of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ.

Preacher was a small guy, but had the gift of gab that made wrestlers and fans want to strangle him. Also, his ability to take a beating was second-to-none.

In 2009, Preach began a long rivalry with Dan Murdoch. These two men, along with Steve Off and Don Montoya, beat the holy Hell out of each other. Whether it be TLC matches, cage matches, bull-rope matches, or even “I Quit”, these two men exchanged the BWO Heavyweight Championship while spilling blood across the circuit.

Helping put BWO on notice in the northern New Jersey area, Preacher began expanding outwards, fighting in other companies through the Northeast. Along with his wife Arlene, Preach would perform for NWA On Fire out of Maine, UWC in Browns Mills, NJ, and On Point Wrestling.

However, it wasn’t until he made his way to DOJO WARS when Preacher’s second calling came into play. Preach began to mentor the next generation of talent, guiding them with excellent advice and technique to show them the right way on how to wrestle.

Utilizing his experience from the BWO, Preach began helping train performers at the CZW Wrestling Academy. Then, along with Matt Tremont, he helped launch the H2O Wrestling Academy in Williamstown, NJ. Currently, he is helping guide performers along at the Worldwide Dojo in Bristol, PA alongside head trainer Cheeseburger.

So many talents I have talked to throughout the years have always said how Preach’s straightforward yet reassuring guidance has been paramount to their success in independent wrestling. He is so respected for giving his time and energy selflessly.

The founder of this site, Jon Harder, had this to say when it came to Preach:

“Finneus James is a good man. I remember when I was struggling, trying to find my way in pro wrestling, he hooked me up with the late, great Tommy “Hunter” Verga, and got me an opportunity to commentate on BWO footage. That experience helped better me immensely, and Preach’s guidance was second-to-none.

Then in 2015, Preach was the go-between to allow me to get a tryout with CZW at Tangled Web 8 in Voorhees, NJ. Although it didn’t work out, Preach’s belief in me meant the world. I know so many others have many more experiences with him in wrestling, the feedback I get, combined with my own, allow me to see him for what he truly is: a good man.

Finally, I want to state that one of my all-time favorite matches is with him and Chris Hero in 2010 at ‘Mayhem on the Gridiron’. Although the match was basic, it showed me how good of a heel he really was. Independent wrestlers could only dream of how good Preach was on this day. One of the best heels in the New Jersey independent scene that never got the props he ever deserved.”

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I’m happy that I was able to put the spotlight on Preacher. He has a good mind for this business and a good feel for understanding talent. I wish him nothing but the best and proud that he was in this edition of THURSDAY VETERAN SPOTLIGHT.

• bankie