Bob Kelly conducted this interview with Outlaw J.R. James in October 1998 less than a week before the HUGE South Florida Match between himself and the real life Mayor of Davie, Florida Harry Venus. (© RINGSIDER Reprinted with permission)

This final match between the Outlaw and the Mayor was a culmination of over a year of matches where their differences were to be settled.  Both grapplers agreed to these match stipulations:  If the Outlaw won the match, Mayor Harry Venus would have to give-up his seat of power for the City of Davie, Florida.  Very simply, the Outlaw would become the new Mayor.  On the other end, if the Mayor won, not only would he become the New IPWA World Heavyweight Champion, but J.R. would have to retire from professional wrestling for good.

A week prior to the big match, in a TV studio in Miami, Venus and James got into a big fight during their contract signing, with the ending result being the Mayor going to the hospital with a possible crushed larynx and the Outlaw spending the night in jail.

This interview was conducted in St Joe, Missouri shortly after J.R. James was released from a Miami-Dade County Jail.

RINSIDER:  Today we talking once again with the IPWA World’s Heavyweight Champion Outlaw J.R. James about his upcoming Career and Championship verses Seat of Power Match in Davie, Florida….First, thanks again JR for allowing me to take up a little of your time.  You were just released?

OUTLAW:  Yes, I just got out of jail, and as I have always said, the pleasure has always been yours Kelly.

RINGSIDER:  Just to recap the events that un-folded last weekend in South Florida, you and Mayor Harry Venus got into a major fight in a television studio during the contract signing, wreaking complete havoc in which you sent to Mayor to the hospital and you ended up getting arrested for resisting arrest.  Where does everything stand as of now?

OUTLAW:  Well, let me tell you this.  The Mayor had it coming, and this Saturday when I send him packing for good, everyone can have a good cry together.

RINGSIDER:  Have you heard of the Mayor’s current physical condition?  He was released from the hospital yesterday, could not speak, but through his Lawyers said he would not press assault charges against you and wanted to finally finish up his dealings with you in the ring once and for all.

OUTLAW:  Well, let’s take what I think was a question from a very lame attempt to ask it and separate fact from fiction!  First Kelly, I don’t give a flying rats ass what condition the Mayor is in.  The fact that he can’t run his mouth is an absolute first…maybe I should do what I did to a few more politicians.  Second, as far as filing assault charges….The last time I checked in this country, when you are attacked you have the right to defend your self.  Would you agree?

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