Exclusive Interview With Josh Ashcraft!

Hello OVW fans! Brian Cannon here with a very special interview. I was able to sit down and talk with someone who has been in the middle of a lot of controversy recently. He has been an OVW referee for several years and was recently promoted to "co-senior" official with the assistance of some legal paperwork. I am talking about none other than Josh Ashcraft! I tried to get some answers from him that I know are on a lot of people's minds!

BC: Josh, can you explain things from your side of the story?
JA: My side of the story? There is no "my side of the story". There's just the truth...Chris Sharpe made outrageous accusations about me and my refereeing abilities. So I missed some outside interference...it happens. We all make mistakes. Why should I be subjected to BS fines and suspensions?

BC: Why do you feel like Chris Sharpe is targeting you?
JA: He's scared. He's afraid of losing his spot as top referee in OVW...and he should be. Why is he "senior official"? Who gave him that right? Let's face it...he's slipping. He can't separate business and friendship. Notice how any time Jamin (Olivencia) had a title match, or Jamin needed a ruling in HIS favor, Sharpe was there? How many of the Heavyweight Title matches did I get to ref? Not too many thanks to "Sharpie". What a stupid nickname anyway...

BC: Is there some jealousy I'm picking up on, perhaps?
JA: Not jealousy...some resentment maybe. Who does Chris think he is anyway? He gets to take vacations to Florida and England all the time, and who's left picking up the slack? Me. I was the one at every TV taping and darn near every live event while he was gone. Sometimes I was the only ref on the card. Did I get the kind of thanks he gets after busting my butt for the company? No...all I get is treated like an outcast. So am I jealous? No, I'm pissed off.

BC: You stated that Sharpe couldn't separate business and friendship, but you've seemed to be awfully cozy around Danger International recently...what's the deal with that?
JA: I don't know what you mean by that. I'm just doing my job to the best of my ability...what are you insinuating?

BC: Well, I must say that I think I'm speaking on behalf of the OVW fans and several other talents in the company who think you must be "on the take" so to speak. You even came out with Timmy (Danger) & Adam Revolver at the last OVW TV...
JA: I came out with them last week because Adam and Timmy wanted to get some answers from the injustice they suffered in Austin, IN. I was the referee for that match, and not only did TPT (Trailer Park Trash) step over the line by striking me, but he overturned the call of a senior referee and made another match. By the way, let me clarify as to why that's illegal. Firstly, the Television Championship is exactly that...a TELEVISION Championship, not a live event championship. Only by order of Danny Davis can that title be put on the line at a house show. That match was signed, happened, and ended. Nowhere did Trash have the authority to sign another match like that, Director of Operations or not. Plus, he's now suspended from all in-ring activity for striking me, THEN kicking me from the ring to the floor. My lawyers are having a field day with that...

BC: Do you truly feel like you have been calling matches down the middle? Are you being told what to do by Timmy Danger? Or the mystery boss? ARE YOU THE BOSS?! How exactly can you afford all these lawyers all of a sudden?
JA: I am calling these matches fairly and by the book. Closed fists are illegal. Hence why I DQ'ed Melvin (Maximus) in Austin. No, I am not being told "what to do" by Danger or this Boss you speak of. Don't question how I can afford to hire lawyers. Didn't your parents teach you that it's impolite to ask about people's finances?

BC: If you don't want to say, that's fine, but it really makes one wonder. Speaking of your calls, how can you talk about closed fists being illegal, but defend calling for the bell in matches where submissions are barely locked in, if at all, and not even seeing anyone tap?
JA: I'm worried about the health of the competitors, Brian. I don't want to see anyone suffer a career ending injury by being the one who waited too late to call for the bell. It's as simple as that. What are you getting at?

BC: It seems awfully strange that this is only about the competitors' health. Wrestlers have went 30-60 minutes in Iron Man matches before. Especially with a title on the line, don't you think they are going to fight tooth and nail with every last drop of sweat to try and win? How can you take that away from them not knowing how much pain they are in or not?
JA: Because I'm a caring and compassionate guy...and I don't appreciate my motives being put into question like this. Next question...

BC: Who exactly made you "co-senior official" and how do you and Sharpe decide on reffing as "equals" when you all clearly can't get along right now?
JA: Chris caused this when he struck me, unprovoked, at the May Saturday Night Special. It gave me the right to go to my lawyers and show them footage of my "superior" putting his hands on me. Purposely wanting to have all the glory to himself, he sucker punched me so his friend Jamin could have the advantage in that cage match. And you're right...we're not getting along. In fact, I can't stand that little *****. If he keeps sticking his nose in my business, I am going to break it. He not only shoved me at TV this past week, but also stood by and watched Jordan Barker hit me below the belt, and then watched Chris Silvio hit me TWICE with the rocket punch (The live event in Morehead, KY). Are you on Sharpe's side here? Calling me a liar or saying that I'm not being fair?

BC: You and Chris have both been great friends to me and OVWmania. I'm not attempting to be biased. I'm just trying to get answers, and yes, I'm questioning your recent calls and even some of your answers here. Why should I and the OVW fans believe you, that you are not lying and not purposely helping Danger International?
JA: Because why would I Brian? What in the world would I gain by helping Marcus Anthony, Adam Revolver, or Roberto DeLuna?

BC: I don't know...that brings us back around to whether or not someone is in your ear, or lining your pockets, but we've already hit on that, and I'm obviously not going to get a straight answer...but as a weekly attendee and reporter on all things OVW, what about the fist bumps or pats on the back I've noticed you getting from Marcus, Adam, and the Mexicutioner?
JA: I don't know what you mean. That's just a sign of respect from the people who understand how tough it is to be a referee...and being respected by your peers is what you strive for.

BC: You said if Sharpe continues sticking his nose in your business, you'll break it. Granted you all have met up before and you so graciously reminded me what happened (Josh won), but do you think the 2 of you might end up settling this in the ring?
JA: I don't know, but I can say this...it would be the biggest mistake of his life. He keeps pushing me, and it may just come to that. I will say that it's feeling awfully crowded at the top...

BC: Even though you continue to state that you are calling everything fair and square, are you worried about what the OVW Board of Directors might think watching back your matches? Or even the KBWA?
JA: Why would they? They have no reason or right to. I have legal documents stating that I am not to be threatened or harassed by either the B.O.D. or the KBWA over false statements made by Christopher Sharpe, Danny Davis, et al. I have nothing to fear because I've done nothing wrong. Next question...

BC: In conclusion, do you have anything to say to the fans, the talents, Danny Davis, Chris Sharpe, or anyone else who may be questioning your motives?
JA: To the fans: It's easy for you to sit there and judge, make fun, and call names. But why don't you get trained, get a license, and try to do what I do? Being a referee is a thankless and tough job.

To the talents: Don't break the rules, have a good clean match, and you have nothing to fear. I'm a fair ref, and I'll call it right down the middle. Also, I have a team of lawyers, so hands off.

To Danny Davis: Thank you for seeing the light (and the lawsuit), and allowing me to continue to do a great job as a ref.

To Chris Sharpe: You're not better than me. You can sit on your high horse and look down on me all you want, but watch your back Sharpe. My patience has run out with you. Get in my way again...and get hurt.

BC: Well, Josh, thanks for your time. I only hope you are telling the truth, because the OVW fans deserve to watch all the hard working talents of OVW perform without having to worry about endings mired in controversy, and the talents shouldn't have to worry about wins or losses based on a ref's performance (or lack thereof).
JA: Hey! If that's slander I hear from you, expect a call from my attorney! This interview is over...