Interview: Davaion “Spaceman Jones” Bristol

Already well-known for his work as a rapper, producer, and food tour guide, Davaion “Spaceman Jones” Bristol is further diversifying his resumé as the creative leader of Urban Combat Wrestling. Formed with fellow Ashevillian rapper/wrestler Marcus “MOOK! the BTSG” Cunningham and their Chuckey, Tenn.-based School of Morton colleague James Strange, the series intersperses hip-hop performances between pro wrestling matches for an evening full of diverse entertainment by diverse entertainers.

Titled “Seasons Beatings,” the third installment takes place Saturday, Nov. 30, at The Mothlight, and features matches starring such wrestlers as Draco, Rob Killjoy, and The BTSG, plus music from Kingdom Kome, Saché, Philo, and Bristol’s own acclaimed duo Spaceman Jones and the Motherships. Prior to the show, Bristol spoke with Asheville Stages about the fledgling series, its roots, and how it seeks to be a truly distinct experience.

…on the inspiration for UCW

For those who don’t know, professional wrestling used to be something that [the industry] wanted to present as a legitimate sport, but mainly it’s theater. That cat’s been out of the bag for a while. There’s different ways of putting together a wrestling program and different styles. We wanted to stick with that old-school, Southern style of wrestling action, but remake it in a hip-hop form because that’s what we’re well-versed in, that psychological style. You have a good guy and a bad guy and you’re telling a story from that viewpoint.

The show is one big story. We’re telling the good old story of good triumphing over evil, and we tell that story again and again and again. It’s the main story that’s being told over all genres of entertainment — it’s good versus evil and the different nuances of that. We’re just trying to find a different way to tell those stories, a way that can be accepted and understood by the hip-hop generation. A lot of times, wrestling does not take into consideration minorities or marginalized people at all, except in throwaway parts. We wanted to feature them, but not in a disrespectful or caricature way. Not like blaxsploitation or anything like that.

…on UCW’s crossover appeal

This is wrestling for people who are not necessarily wrestling fans. You don’t have to be a fan to understand our product. We have dope rap performances, especially with me curating the music. I have a certain standard. I think I have great taste when it comes to rap music. We try to bring the best acts that we can locally and we try to put on the best show that we can. Folks have so much fun at our show that it would be a tragedy for somebody to miss out.

The BTSG. (Photo by by Ben Joyner)

…on the narrative focus of “Seasons Beatings”

This one is more about morals. We go through sexual morals. We go through morals of respecting people’s property. We go through morals of respecting people in their socioeconomic level. We go through morals of fairness and fair play. This will be a little morality tale — but just UCW style.

…on UCW’s therapeutic side

At both performances, the thing that stood out to me most was people had a great time. There were so many big smiles all over the building both times. People are ready for a cathartic release. I think this event gives that to people because at most shows, you can’t get your negative feelings out — everybody’s positive and shit for the band. But at this place, we’ve got people that you can feel good about hating and you can get that vehement rage off of your chest. You can scream stuff back and stand up and point your finger and say, “Fuck you! You fucking suck!” You can say that with nobody saying anything back to you, except maybe for the heel in the ring, and that’s kind of fun anyway because you become a part of the show.

…on James Strange’s crucial involvement

I can’t say enough how very vital he is to our process, especially having over 30 years of experience and running studio wrestling several times in the past 25 years. He really knows what he’s doing. He will help me to lay it out to where it makes sense in terms of wrestling. There are certain things you do and you don’t do.

…on feedback after merely two UCW shows

I get so many messages from people who are like, “This is the most fun I’ve ever had at a wrestling show.” “This is the most fun I’ve ever had at a rap show.” “This is the most fun, period.” We’re going to keep it moving. We’re all about having fun, having a good time, and telling some great stories through the art of wrestling, and also rap music. It’s always important in my life, so anything that I do is definitely going to have that component.

IF YOU GO

What: Urban Combat Wrestling presents Seasons Beatings
When: Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 p.m.
Where: The Mothlight, 701 Haywood Road, themothlight.com
Tickets: $8 standing/$13 seated. Ages 18+

(Photo by Rose Cater)