Papadon on Ring of Honor, ECWA Super 8, Wrestling in The UK, Tony Nese, Havok, & Wrestling Goldust
Episode 147 of Best For Business features one of the most respected and technically gifted veterans on the independent wrestling scene of “The Greek God” Papadon.
He opens up about what originally pulled him toward pro wrestling, the goals he had in life beyond the ring, and the early identity he built under the name Papadon. Papadon reflects on why he stayed committed to that persona for so long, how his mindset evolved, and what eventually led to becoming the performer fans know today.
The episode dives into his first major opportunities, including teaming with Havok as The Solution, one of the standout tag teams of the early independent scene. He shares stories from working with teams like The Boogie Knights, plus memorable battles in Jersey All Pro Wrestling and the matches that helped establish The Solution’s reputation.
Papadon also discusses competing in NWA Cyberspace and eventually appearing on NWA/TNA Xplosion, giving him exposure on a larger stage early in his career.
A major part of the conversation focuses on the early days of Ring of Honor, where Papadon was part of a generation that helped shape the independent wrestling boom. He also reflects on wrestling internationally in the United Kingdom, including his experiences, what life on the road overseas looked like, and how those experiences helped sharpen his craft.
Papadon shares how evolving into Dimitrios Papadon helped unlock another side of his character, while also opening up about learning from Homicide & Mikey Whipwreck, whose influence helped shape both his in-ring style and psychology.
The conversation continues with his legendary run in East Coast Wrestling Association, including multiple appearances in the ECWA Super 8 Tournament & favorite matches.
Papadon also reflects on rivalries and partnerships with names like Tony Nese and Josh Daniels, as well as competing in the Shane Shamrock Memorial Cup for Maryland Championship Wrestling. He even shares what it was like stepping into the ring with Goldust.
To close, Papadon reflects on who brought the best out of him, his favorite venues across his career, what the future still holds, and the legacy he wants to leave behind as one of the most consistent, technically sound, and respected veterans in independent wrestling.
Episode 147 is a deep dive into longevity, discipline, and the mindset of a wrestler who built his name through skill, passion, and earning respect everywhere he went.
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0:00 Papadon Trailer
0:37 Best For Business Introduction Video
1:30 Introduction
1:45 Why Pro Wrestling?
4:24 Goals in Life
5:38 “Papadon”
6:43 Staying Paladin for this long
8:50 First Big Opportunities
9:47 Teaming with Havok as The Solution
12:11 Moments with The Boogie Knights
13:20 JAPW
14:07 Favorite Solution Matches
16:28 Wrestling for NWA Cyberspace
18:21 Wrestling for NWA/TNA Xplosion
19:51 The Early Days of Ring of Honor
21:07 Wrestling in The UK
24:18 Strongpoints in The UK
26:02 A Day in the life in The UK
26:58 Becoming Dimitrios Papadon
27:45 Learning from Mikey Whipwreck
29:48 Going to ECWA
30:59 Being in Multiple Super 8s
32:52 Favorite ECWA Matches
34:54 Tony Nese
35:26 Master of The Mat Matches
36:33 Josh Daniels
37:58 Teaming with Tony Nese
38:33 The MCW Shane Shamrock Cup
39:07 Wrestling Goldust
40:55 Who brings the best out of Papadon?
41:52 Favorite Venues
43:40 What does the future hold for Papadon?
46:47 Papadon’s Legacy
49:02 Conclusion
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