From Brooklyn, NY
Born August 31, 1987
Single, no children
What made you decide on a wrestling career?
It’s always been a dream of mine, so I figured if God blessed me with the tools I need to pursue this dream, then I should definitely pursue it. I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life wondering “what if?”
How many years have you been at it?
Started training in April of ’06 and I had my first match in June of ’07.
What’s the story of how your ring name came to be?
Well I used to call myself “The Prodigy” Mike Cruz, but then Mike Bennett from ROH started using that moniker. I didn’t want people to think I was blatantly copying him, so I switched to “The Real Deal”, which I think suits me better. There are a lot of cons and fakes in this business, and I’ve always tried to stay clear of them. I keep it real in and out of the ring.
What is your finisher – how did you come up with it or who inspired it?
That’s easy. I was HUGE Jeff Hardy fan growing up. The Wanton Bomb that I do is kind of paying tribute to all the memorable moments Jeff provided for me while growing up.
What is and any story behind your entrance music?
Other than my very first entrance song (“Brooklyn” by Fabulous), none of them really have any significant meaning. “Brooklyn” by Fabolous was my first choice because I’m extremely proud of where I come from, and I was extremely home sick my first couple of years in Florida lol.
Are there any colors of gear you refuse to wear?
Not really, I’m pretty much open to all ideas. Ted Debiase Jr. Once told me I should do a nerd gimmick and come to the ring with a pocket protector and all. I’m not sure if he was serious or not, but I just might do it one day lol
Over the years is there any gear you wish you had left in the closet?
Well my first pair of tights was a size too small, and was hemmed a little too short. So for the first few months of my career, my “gimmick” was my gimmick…inside joke lol
What is your most memorable in ring moment?
That would have to be a tie between the post match promo after my match with one of my trainers Ricky Vega and wrestling my best friend “Firebird” Jorge Santi in our hometown in front of all our high school homies.
Do you have a Funniest moment?
Old ladies in the audience are UNBELIEVABLY funny. I had one tell me I had a nice ass while I was standing on the apron during my first match, and another poked my ass with a cucumber during a match I had at an outdoor show in the middle of a forest (Bushnell, FL)…sigh…wrestling fans are definitely the most unique fans lol
Is there one thing on your personal side you want your fans to know?
Hmmm…surprisingly, nothing comes to mind at the moment.
What has been your most memorable or worst fan interaction?
A sheriff once climbed over the guard rail to get me… Coincidentally, it was at the same show that that old lady poked my ass with a cucumber lol
Who has been your toughest opponent to date and would you face him again?
Toughest opponent would probably have to be Ricky Vega. While training me he always pushed me to my limit, but when I had to wrestle him, he took me to a whole ‘notha level. Pun intended lol…I would wrestle him again in a heartbeat if I had the chance. Unfortunately, he’s no longer wrestling.
If you could go back in time – what message would you tell a younger version of you?
Don’t be so naïve. Follow your instincts.
Is there a ritual you do before matches or a lucky charm you bring to the ring?
No rituals or lucky charms. I just always try to have match of the night. It’s the competitive side of me.
Are there certain Indy Feds you would like to work with but haven’t had the opportunity?
ROH, Zero1, Dragon Gate, JAPW…pretty much all the upper Indies that will help me get some more recognition with Total Nonstop Wrestling or World Wrestling Entertainment .
Do you accept fan mail? Where should they address it?
Of course! I’m always looking to hear a fans input. Cruzinator112@aol.com. Fans can also follow me on Twitter @CruzGETBIG.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in life?
Biggest inspiration??? Ummm…I don’t know about my biggest inspiration, but I have an unbelievable amount of gratitude and admiration for my older sister Kathy. She’s been my biggest support in life AND in wrestling.
Who has your biggest feud been with?
Although I wouldn’t necessarily call it a “feud”, I’ve wrestled my tag-team partner Gu$ Money more than I’ve wrestled anyone else. We each have that hunger to compete to be the best. We each proved that we’re amongst the best in singles competition, and for the last 7 months, we’ve been proving that we’re amongst the best in tag-team competition.
Do you have suggestions to promote Indy wrestling or the business in general?
Promoters need to realize that this is the INDIES. Unless they are willing to offer exclusive contracts to their talent, they shouldn’t be upset when their talent works other shows. Indy Promoters need to work together to make the business better as a whole for everybody on the Indy scene. I’m not sure if that answered the question, but it’s something that needs to be said regardless.
If you had to do it all over – would you change anything?
No. Everything happens for a reason. Enough faith and patience will get you through anything.
What effect has wrestling had on you and your life?
Wrestling has ALWAYS been my outlet. My escape. Sometimes it helps me more than anyone could ever know, and sometimes it can cause some irreparable damage. Being involved in the wrestling business is much like being involved in an ordinary relationship. It has its highs and lows.
Do you prefer Heel or Face – Have you been mainly one or the other?
No comment
How often or how difficult is your training routine?
Unfortunately, I don’t have much of a training routine right now. I just mainly work shows and go to the gym as often as I can.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Well I’m only 23, I’m still young. I was lucky enough to start training at a fairly young age (18). Hopefully I’ll be signed to one of the top 2 promotions, or at least wrestling frequently overseas in Japan, Europe, etc.
Do you have a message to your peers?
As we all know, this business is a cutthroat one. Let’s not make it worse by talkin behind each other’s backs. If you have an issue with someone in the locker room, be a man and address it with THAT person directly, before discussing your issue with other people in the locker room.
Do you have a message to upcoming new wrestlers?
Always keep in mind why you chose to become a professional wrestler.
Is there one thing you want everyone to know or remember you for?
I would LOVE to be remembered for my performances in the ring, but more for my honesty than anything else. Because at the end of the day, whether you’re a success in this business or not, you still have to look yourself in the mirror. Some people are ok with setting their values, ethics, and morals aside in order to get ahead. I’m not one of those people…GET BIG!!!
~Special thanks to Mike for taking the time to do this interview!~
