My Interview with Ultramantis Black of Chikara

by 1Divas » 25 Apr 2012 23:55

Ultramantis Black
Interviewed by Jamie Dobson

From The Black Tea Garden
Born 3096 AD
Height/Weight Unknown
Marital status? None
Children? Eat them

What made you decide on a wrestling career?
Passion for professional wrestling world domination

What Feds do you currently work for?
Primarily CHIKARA Pro

What Feds have you worked for in the past?
Too many to list

How many years have you been at it?
10 years officially

What’s the story of how your ring name came to be?
I believe my former partner Mister ZERO planted the seed in my brain.

What is your finisher?
Praying Mantis Bomb and the Cosmic Disaster

Outside your finisher do you have a favorite signature move that you use?
Cheating, yelling, one-liners.

What is and any story behind your entrance music?
It’s called “A Blaze in the Northeastern Sky”. Composed, performed, and recorded for me exclusively by Gods & Queens.

Do prefer tag matches or singles?
The more human wreckage the better.

Do you have a favorite stable you have been a part of?
Every stable I have ever led has been an unstoppable force.

Tell me about Chikara; and how it compares to working for Big Japan Pro Wrestling and Combat Zone Wrestling.
One tends to bleed a good deal less in CHIKARA. Not to take away at all from either of those two promotions, but CHIKARA is its own unique animal.

Yourself, Mike Quackenbush, Hallowicked, and Icarus are the only wrestlers who performed on Chikara’s first ever show in 2002 that still work for the promotion. In what ways have you seen the dynamic change over the years?
CHIKARA has grown from a cast of 10 with a fan base of 20 to a cast of dozens with an ever growing fan base of thousands.

Are there any colors of gear you refuse to wear?
No, I don’t tolerate racism. I prefer to go nude anyway.

Over the years is there any gear you wish you had left in the closet?
Yes, acid washed Bugle Boys.

What is your most memorable in ring moment?
My career debut as well as my first match in Japan.

Do you have a Funniest moment?
No, wrestling is not funny.

Do you have a favorite match?
Jerry Lawler/Andy Kauffman was pretty good.

Any interesting tattoo stories you would like to share?
Once in the middle of a tattoo session, I suddenly learned I had developed a severe latex allergy and nearly died.

Who has been your toughest opponent to date and would you face him again?
American Gigolo.

Who would be your top five dream opponents or matches?
Eddie Gilbert, Art Barr, Kevin Sullivan, Atsushi Onita, Frank Nitty

If you could go back in time – what message would you tell a younger version of you?
Don’t do it!

Is there a ritual you do before matches or a lucky charm you bring to the ring?
Eat baby carrots.

Are there certain Indy Feds you would like to work with but haven’t had the opportunity?
Saitama Pro

Do you accept fan mail?
Twitter is the primary avenue! http://www.twitter.com/ultramantis

Who has been your biggest inspiration in life?
Gaea

Who has your biggest feud been with?
Feuding with Ares was quite monumental. I do believe there is currently something brewing between Delirious and myself.

Do you have suggestions to promote Indy wrestling or the business in general?
Destroy, Erase, Improve

If you had to do it all over – would you change anything?
EVERYTHING!

What effect has wrestling had on you and your life?
It has made it more difficult to get out of bed in the morning.

Do you prefer Heel or Face – Have you been mainly one or the other?
Don’t understand such jargon. 1001% RUDO.

Do you have a favorite or funny memory you would like to share about the time of your alliance with Mr. Zero?
The man certainly loved to kick out the jams. This I will always remember.

What is the BDK and why are they so seemingly after you?
Some sort of ultra-nationalist organization. Teaming with AntiFa Deutschland, we put those suckers out of commission permanently.

Tell me about the Eye of Tyr and the feud with Sinn Bodhi and his minions the Batiri.
The Eye of Tyr, sadly, is no more. I crushed Sinn Bodhi and sent his Batiri packing to the Great Smoky Mountains.

How did the Spectral Envoy come to be and who are the members?
Myself, Hallowicked, Frightmare, Crossbones, Phantasmo, and others. We came together as a spontaneous event.

What is something completely out of character you enjoy doing that is unknown to your fans?
Cultivating roses.

How often or how difficult is your training routine?
Daily. It’s strenuous for an elderly gentleman like myself.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
On another planet.

Do you have a message to your peers?
Hello!

Do you have a message to upcoming new wrestlers?
Wipe your boots before you get in the ring!

Do you have a message to your fans?
Every single loyal devotee to UMB is an integral part of the Spectra Envoy family.

Are you currently accepting bookings? How can they contact you?
Shoot me a message on the Twitter!
Ministry of Propaganda http://www.twitter.com/ultramantis

Below are the latest interviews that we posted on www.Wrestling911.com

Dom the Bomb Vitalli
Interview by Jamie Dobson

From Amsterdam NY
Born December 27th
5’10”, 202 lbs
Single

What made you decide on a wrestling career?
It’s been something I loved ever since I was a kid. My dad got me started watching it early to mid 80s when was in its boom and everyone was fascinated with it. My dad got me hooked with his obsession with Randy Savage and I quickly became a Hulkamaniac. I got pulled in. I always thought it was the greatest thing in the world.

What Feds do you currently work for?
EXW out of AZ, DWO in New Mexico – Lucha Libra Entertainment out of El Paso TX; I will be working for some newer companies in next few months..

What Feds have you worked for in the past?
World of Hurt Wrestling, WWA out of the Boston Area, Tri State Wrestling out of Vermont, National Wrestling Alliance Hollywood CA, IZW Impact Zone Wrestling , XCW Xtreme Cruces Wrestling out of Los Cruces New Mexico, Impact Pro Wrestling in the MA area and various Lucha Libre companies in the Southwest among others I’m surely missing.

How many years have you been at it?
I’ve been wrestling since 2001 when I was trained – steadily except 3 ½ yr hiatus when I finished college from 2004 – 2007. I received my Bachelors in Business Management.

What’s the story of how your ring name came to be?
I was going by my real name Dom Vitalli; messing around with the guys one day they started calling me Dom the Bomb, I figured it was pretty accurate, got the reaction I wanted, and have been using it ever since.

What is your finisher – how did you come up with it or who inspired it?
Superkick; I’m not one of the bigger guys and have to be able to hit a move on anyone of any size at anytime. If you perfect the Superkick, it can be devastating enough to finish anybody. I’m not going to sugar coat it. I stole it from Shawn Michaels. Too bad I don’t do it as good as he does. But hey, it still works!

What is and any story behind your entrance music?
Currently we use the Midnight Express theme. It’s a tribute to the tag team Midnight Express. First it was me and Frenchy teaming now it’s just Gallo and I. They are one of the greatest of all time and we see ourselves as being great as well – what better way to pay respect and tribute to the ones came before us. That is what Midnight Express was and what we are as Freak Squad.

Are there any colors of gear you refuse to wear?
I wear pink and purple so no, there is none; as far as colors go I can pull anything off.

Over the years is there any gear you wish you had left in the closet?
For sure, especially when I first came back to wrestling in mid 2007; I just got out of college, still a struggling college student making a name for myself and not making much money. I bought the cheapest stuff I could find. I t was better to have ANY gear than NO gear at all, but good thing it was only temporary.

What is your most memorable in ring moment?
Getting the pleasure to wrestle Frenchy Riviera in his last match with Elite Xtreme Wrestling. We teamed together for 3 straight years and met in singles action for the EXW Heavyweight Title on the last night he was with the company. A lot of emotions were running that night, but it was an absolute pleasure to finally get a chance to share the ring like that with my brother. I was honored that it was me that got the chance to be in that match with him. He is a true legend of this great sport.

Do you have a Funniest moment?
Any car trip with Shockwave The Robot – he makes every moment hilarious – there was never a dull moment being around that guy.

Do you have a favorite match?
Most fun and rewarding was the TLC match Sept 2010, EXW, me trying to avenge my tag partner Frenchy from the injury he sustained from Gallo. It was built up so a TLC was the only match that could settle it between us. We packed the Marquee Theatre in downtown Tempe AZ; we tore the roof off – proudest match of my career.

Any interesting tattoo stories you would like to share?
Ya, don’t get any until you are at least 22 yrs old. I had gotten some at seventeen/eighteen years old, getting them covered up is less painful then lasered off. Don’t do that kids!

Is there one thing on your personal side you want your fans to know?
My personal side is professional wrestling. There is no in-between and no separation. People say they eat sleep and breathe the wrestling business; it is 100% true for me. If I’m not thinking about wrestling then I’m asleep and more than likely I’m dreaming about wrestling. My personal life and professional life all revolves around professional wrestling.

What has been your most memorable or worst fan interaction?
Could be many, in AZ the woman out here are much better looking than anywhere else I wrestled… I’ll leave it at that…

Any memorable road stories you would like to share?
My favorite road stories are listening to Frenchys’ road stories from the south from when he was on Memphis television. Those are the greatest road stories ever, just those stories and time frame alone would be a best seller. I’ll leave those to Frenchy to tell if he wants.

Who has been your toughest opponent to date and would you face him again?
They make me better by being in ring with them: Gabriel Gallo and Derick Neikirk. We take each other to the limits, showing the world what we can do. Would I wrestle Gallo again, no, he is my brother now and bros don’t fight, but it sure would be fun again. Neikirk is one of the best wrestlers and all around athletes I have ever met. Would I fight him again – absolutely. It would be a pleasure to share the ring with a guy like that again. He’s the type of guy that MAKES you bring you’re A Game everytime you’re out there with him. There is no in between.

Who would be your top five dream opponents or matches?
I don’t want to leave anybody out, I respect all wrestlers that put the hard work in. Top Indy guys can change week to week or month to month, but I want to be in that group like your Austin Aries, Sheik, DCFC, they are the best on the indie circuit. I want to see if I deserve to be mentioned in same breath as those guys and I think I am – I know I am and should be.

If you could go back in time – what message would you tell a younger version of you?
I would tell myself no matter what anyone tells you; you are as good as you think you are.
Don’t listen to your detractors, go out and prove you are one of the best.

Is there a ritual you do before matches or a lucky charm you bring to the ring?
No, I just go out. When it’s my time to go up I just pump myself up mentally, I go to the curtain and its business as usual… all part of life…

Are there certain Indy Feds you would like to work with but haven’t had the opportunity?
My main goal is Japan, New Japan Pro or Zero 1, Japan is number one on my list. I’d love to work for ROH and get some television exposure and show a worldwide audience what I have to offer. I’m a firm supporter of tradition, I would like to work for a number of National Wrestling Alliance subsidiaries through the country.

Do you accept fan mail? Maybe face book or twitter?
Yes. Please send nudes!! Females only thank you!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pr … 1227695506
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@DomELBomb

Who has been your biggest inspiration in life?
My life is pro wrestling, my biggest inspirations are the wrestlers that strive to be the best at this, show their passion for this business; they inspire me to be that much better.

Who has your biggest feud been with?
Frenchy and myself against Gabriel Gallo over two companies and two years… and ended with him joining us. It was the most emotionally and physically brutal feud I have ever been a part of.

Do you have suggestions to promote Indy wrestling or the business in general?
The biggest thing Indy promotions need to realize is, you have to have something to market in the first place. When you have untrained wrestlers or kids that THINK they are wrestlers on a card, it cheapens what we do and lessens the value of professional wrestling as a whole. If I am watching baseball, I’m looking for the Derek Jeter’s and Albert Pujols’; guys that are the best at what they do. I’m not looking to watch the little kids from the sandlot down the street. Those kids are the backyard wrestlers and wrestlers that aren’t even trained. The Indies are never going to be same level of World Wrestling Entertainment , but to promote Indy wrestling, you have to respect the business or you have nothing to promote in the first place and you are just watering down your own product.

If you had to do it all over – would you change anything?
The only thing I would have done different is believed in myself a lot sooner.

What effect has wrestling had on you and your life?
It has effected it, I’ve lost relationships, friendships; I put it before everything. That is the sacrifice you have to make to be the best in this business, you have to put wrestling first. People in your life may not agree with that, and that is the sacrifice you have to make. I’ve lost a lot, but I’ve gained a lot as well.

Image

Do you prefer Heel or Face – Have you been mainly one or the other?
I don’t really have a preference, but people seem to take a liking to hating me a lot easier. That’s fine with me, because I pretty much hate everyone anyways.

What is something completely out of character you enjoy doing that is unknown to your fans?
Nothing, because my character is me with the volume turned up quite a few notches. I don’t have time to do anything else.

How often or how difficult is your training routine?
That is another dedication in and of itself. As a wrestler, you have to remember that there are hundreds of other guys out there training just as hard, or harder than you are. I take my training VERY seriously and make it a part of my daily routine. With diet, exercise, and training, it becomes an all day affair and becomes just as important as breathing. In order to be the best, this has to take over your life as well. One thing to remember though; great wrestlers are made in the ring, not the gym.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I still see myself in the pro wrestling business because I love it so much and don’t see myself getting out of it. I see myself light-years better than now. I do legit see myself as one of the top 5 wrestlers in the world and it will be the common perception of people around the world.

Do you have a message to your peers?
Better stay on top of your game because I’m coming to take your spot if I haven’t already. I’m not opposed to making a name for myself at your expense no matter who you are.

Do you have a message to upcoming new wrestlers?
Respect this business, protect this business and if you have any doubt whether or not you should be in it, get out now; you don’t belong.

Do you have a message to your fans?
I have never asked for fans. If you like me, that’s great. If not, that’s great too. I do appreciate the few respectful and gracious fans I have, as opposed to the rest who, for some reason, believe I owe them something. I put my body and life on the line every night for your enjoyment. I don’t owe you a Goddamn thing.

Is there one thing you want everyone to know or remember you for?
I just want to be remembered as the reason why people paid for a ticket to go to the show in the first place.

I want to thank Shockwave the robot for taking me under his wing when he didn’t have too and teaching me this business from the inside out. I want to thank Frenchy and Gallo for keeping the fire for this business lit and the desire to be the best.

Are you currently accepting bookings? How can they contact you?
Yes, booking contact me directly at domthebombvitali@yahoo.com or through facebook or twitter.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pr … 1227695506
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@DomELBomb

Check out EXW Team Elite vs. The Freak Squad on Vimeo:

~Special Thanks to Dom for taking the time to do this interview!~

“Pretty Boy” Gu$ Money
Interview by Jamie Dobson aka Springfield

From Elizabeth, NJ
Born October 7th
5’ 7”, 177 lbs
Married with Children

What made you decide on a wrestling career?
For as long as I can remember I watched wrestling. When I was little and the teachers asked “what do you want to be when you grow up?” I always wanted to be a wrestler. I’m fulfilling a dream

How many years have you been at it?
July 2005 almost 6 years

What’s the story of how your ring name came to be?
In school they used to call me pretty boy. I was always one of those guys that liked to dress nice, new shoes and all… so they called me “G Money” My real name is Gustavo, so I said I’ll just be “Pretty Boy Gus Money”.

What is your finisher – how did you come up with it or who inspired it?
The money in the air frogsplash, because of Eddie Guerrero; He is my idol

What is and any story behind your entrance music?
Started as singles and wanted to do something unique. The first thing they hear is your music. I wanted a certain beat, a rhythm to catch on to anybody. It is an original; my buddy did it for me. When I used to watch wrestling, to me, I can tell if they are cool or not with the entrance music they came out too… I wanted to have that cool entrance music. As a Tag team, switched to Riot Makers by Tech 9 because FXE faction… Mike was cool with keeping my music since we could add his name and stuff.

Are there any colors of gear you refuse to wear?
No – I can wear whatever color. The only thing is pink wouldn’t go with Gus money; unless it was pink had gold trim or something.

Over the years is there any gear you wish you had left in the closet?
no

What is your most memorable in ring moment?
When I came back from my injury from a ladder match. I was a pretty bad injury. My comeback was my most memorable. People still remembered who I was and what happened. I had a very positive response.

Do you have a Funniest moment?
I was on the 2nd rope about to jump off, my foot slipped and I fell straight on my face. Was doing my yabo sabo elbow, it hurt, but after the fact and in the back it was very funny.

Is there one thing on your personal side you want your fans to know?
I can cook and cut hair

What has been your most memorable or worst fan interaction?
There is a fan at ASW. Anything he sees with a dollar sign on it he wants because of Gus Money. Necklace, Money hat, anything, he will ask his dad to buy it because it reminds him of me. They go to each ASW weekly show, and know who I am personally. Its weird having a fan like that because I never thought that would actually happen. When I wrestle I give it all with my heart and try to deliver it with my heart. It’s more for the people and to get a reaction from the people. That’s better than money – but not better than Gus money.

Any memorable road stories you would like to share?
A long time ago when Biff and I started, we were riding in the car with Roadblock Rick and Cory Conners. After a show in St. Augustine we stopped at KFC buffet. Roadblock is a really big guy, he just kept eating. One time he left his macaronis as he went to get more. So we grabbed the salt and pepper and poured it on everything, and in his drink. We just kept pouring and pouring. He came back, we were laughing. He was like I know you fkrs did something to my food. We are like no no. He tried it, said I don’t care, and he just kept eating it. We put it in drink and all! Biff and I did that to him and here we are new, couple months in, playing ribs on this vet.

Who has been your toughest opponent to date and would you face him again?
With Cruz and I tagging it is the Highway men, and yes, I’d do it again. As singles, Mike Cruz, we are always trying to one up each other.

If you could go back in time – what message would you tell a younger version of you?
I would definitely say I should have started earlier then when I started, and if I knew the obstacles, I would say it’s a long hard road to be successful, not easy.

Is there a ritual you do before matches or a lucky charm you bring to the ring?
Just got to make sure my hair is wet to get in my Gus Money mode. I never do that when I’m not wrestling, it’s always up. I only put it down to wrestle.

Are there certain Indy Feds you would like to work with but haven’t had the opportunity?
Oh of course, ROH, Dragongate, Chikara, Jersey All Pro, all National Wrestling Alliance’s. Anywhere where I haven’t been I want to go, even out of the country.

Do you accept fan mail? Where should they address it?
Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/Gus.Money07 or on my website http://www.gusmoney.com

Who has been your biggest inspiration in life?
Eddie Guerrero, everything that he went through, hit rock bottom. It’s very inspiring for him to come up and get everything back, it’s an incredible story plus I relate to him a lot. And we are both little guys, both Hispanic.

Who has your biggest feud been with?
As singles I had a big feud with Jason Sensation. We even did a cage match. As a tag, it’s the Highwaymen, hardcore match and we went all out.

Do you have suggestions to promote Indy wrestling or the business in general?
I think the indie wrestling you are seeing in Florida is better than what you see on television. I support the Indies, without the fans there wouldn’t be us.

If you had to do it all over – would you change anything?
No – the only thing is wishing to start earlier…

What wrestling training or school did you attend?
I first went to Steve Curran’s school of Hard Knox, then to FXE, occasionally the I Believe School.

What effect has wrestling had on you and your life?
Wrestling has consumed my life. You have to give it your all. You can’t half ass it. If you do you, you will not get success. I give it 100%. It changed my life, I know more people, I actually have fans; it’s an accomplishment.

Do you prefer Heel or Face – Have you been mainly one or the other?
I can do both, though I prefer baby face because I’m used to it. If I’m a bad guy, I’ll still get cheered regardless. No matter how mean, then I’m like a cool hero type, and still get cheered. Rather stick being the good guy. I feel bad for the face when I’m the heel, I bite, choke, and they are still cheering for me.

What is the wildest thing you have done out of character.. or in..?
As a bad guy I have bit guys on the head and stuff.

How often or how difficult is your training routine?
I go to the gym four days a week two hours a day or at least 1 at a minimum. I do in ring training at least once a week. Then I just do my training when wrestling. To me you can teach anyone the moves; it’s how you react in front of a live crowd. Gain experience instead of just going through moves in a warehouse.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully wrestling full time; to still support my family and call wrestling my job; Instead of having a job and wrestling part time.

Do you have a message to your peers?
I want to thank all my peers for all the support. Regardless, we are all in the same business, most are really out for themselves. I do have brothers in wrestling and they know who they are. Those who hate on Gus Money, oh well, I aint going nowhere, ya tu sabe.

Do you have a message to upcoming new wrestlers?
Yes, just because you’ve had a couple days or two three months in training doesn’t mean you are a real wrestler. It takes a lot of time, training, and the right people training you. Also dedication, it’s not easy. Just make sure you go through the right place to get trained. If you can’t take hits and complain, you shouldn’t be in the business.

Do you have a message to your fans?
Without the people you’re nobody. Thank you to all the fans that have accepted me, without you there is no wrestling or Gus Money. To all the fans, thank you for supporting me.

Is there one thing you want everyone to know or remember you for?
I want to be remembered for always entertaining you. I want people to remember my entertainment.

~Special thanks to Gus for taking the time to do this interview!~

“The Real Deal” Mike Cruz
Interview by Jamie Dobson aka Springfield

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!~

The Stimulating Sam Shaw

by 1Divas on March 10th, 2011, 9:00 am

The Stimulus Sam Shaw, Slick Sleazy
Interview by Jamie Dobson aka Springfield

From Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra Beach, FL area
Born January 17, 1984
6ft. 1in.
Not married, no children

What made you decide on a wrestling career?
Always wanted to do it. Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, Flair…wanted to be just like them

How many years have you been at it?
Almost 5

What’s the story of how your ring name came to be?
Billy Wood gave me “The Stimulus”, which worked because I was stimulating the wrestling economy. Slick Sleazy is really just an outlet, an alter-ego if you will. We’ll leave it at that.

What is your finisher – how did you come up with it or who inspired it?
The “BailOut” Super Kick…inspired by Shawn Michaels

What is your entrance music – how did you pick it?
Billy gave me some crappy Saliva song at Vintage. As slick sleazy I would use whatever sleazy music was available…right said Fred “I’m too sexy”, INXS “I need you tonight”, etc…Whatever works for the character presentation.

What is your most memorable in ring moment?
Hitting a leg drop on Tommy Dreamer at “Hardcore Justice”. I was so honored to be there for such a historic event.

Do you have a Funniest moment?
I slapped Jesse Neal pretty hard one time in the ring, and thought I was pretty cool for doing it. Next thing I see is his hand, then I’m tagging out. Didn’t remember anything. I was told I got slapped to hell! I watched the video later and it was the loudest slap ever to the face! Like a gunshot, or a Santee chop to Aaron Epic.

Any interesting tattoo stories you would like to share?
My tattoos are all very personal to me

Is there one thing on your personal side you want your fans to know?
I am an artist. I went to art school, and I treat pro wrestling as an art form with tons of athleticism.

What has been your most memorable or worst fan interaction?
The fans got into me and Jesse’s feuds. The Team Jarrett stuff we did in Total Nonstop Wrestling got the fans hot!

Who has been your toughest opponent to date and would you face him again?
Bruce Santee brings it. If you don’t bring it right back to him, you will be in a lot more pain. I would face him any night because we have great, hard-hitting matches that the fans love. Jesse Neal is another one. We came up together at Team 3D so we have a mutual respect, even if we give each other sh*@ all the time.

If you could go back in time – what message would you tell a younger version of you?
Relax, be patient

Is there a ritual you do before matches or a lucky charm you bring to the ring?
I drink an energy drink…”SPIKE” or “Crunk”

Are there certain Indy Feds you would like to work with but haven’t had the opportunity?
Always could use more work

Do you accept fan mail? Where should they address it?
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/samshaw

Who has been your biggest inspiration in life?
My mother

Who has your biggest feud been with?
Jesse Neal

Do you have suggestions to promote Indy wrestling or the business in general?
Put guys on the shows that are there to work hard and not just to play out some fantasy.

If you had to do it all over – would you change anything?
Nothing

What effect has wrestling had on you and your life?
It has made me stronger mentally

Do you prefer Heel or Face – Have you been mainly one or the other?
Either. I like being a heel, but I think I am a good guy, and I think the fans know that too.

How often or how difficult is your training routine?
Hardcore. Brutal training. Consistency is key. It is an everyday thing for me, but I enjoy it. If it was easy, everyone would look like me.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully in one of the big companies.

Do you have a message to your peers?
My peers know me, and they know I take this seriously. When they are in the ring with me, it’s all business, but my aim is to steal the show, so they should be ready to go on that ride with me.

Do you have a message to upcoming new wrestlers?
Look at every aspect of this business and think hard if you can be ready to deal with those aspects…you can’t be a good pro wrestler just because you think it’s cool.

Is there one thing you want everyone to know or remember you for?
I want people to remember that Sam busted his ass to put on a damn good show.

~Special thanks to Sam for taking the time to do this intertview!~

The Buck Chyld
Interview by Jamie Dobson aka Springfield

From Baltimore MD
Born January 24th
6ft, 220 lbs

What made you decide on a wrestling career?
I come from a very rough background. I’m doing this to teach my brothers and sisters that we can make it; we don’t have to stand on street corners. To get up out of the ghetto and show the people around me they can do something with their lives.

How many years have you been at it?
8 years

What’s the story of how your ring name came to be?
When I was growing up in Baltimore, I grew up in a bad neighborhood; a really bad neighborhood. For a good majority of my teenage years I lived with my best friends, more like brothers. Predominantly black neighborhood, back then at 15-16 years old I had always been this crazy, outgoing, loudest life of the party. One of my brothers, he was 20 at the time, looked at me and said you are wild, buck wild! It came to stick; people would see me and say there is that buck wild child. When I was just getting in the business at 20, I said to myself, I am the buck wild child… I took out the wild part and there you have it.

What is your finisher – how did you come up with it or who inspired it?
My finisher is called ‘drop it like it’s hot’. It’s a top rope bulldog.

Are there any colors of gear you refuse to wear?
Not really, the only two colors would make a man say ‘hell no’ is purple and pink; I’ m a Ravens fan so purple is cool and Kanye West wears pink so it’s cool.

Over the years is there any gear you wish you had left in the closet?
Everything I do is me so I don’t get influenced or allow that to happen. I’ve never made bad decisions at that time, some may be outdated now…so no.

What is your most memorable in ring moment?
There’s been a lot, I always know with Jesse Neal I’ll have a lot of fun but I’ll feel like crap the next day, we will beat the shit out of each other. He is one of my good friends, but we go at it in the ring full force. I took a DDT from Jake the Snake, also took a Flying Burrito from Tito Santana. The list goes on and on, there are so many I can’t pinpoint all of the great moments being a part of this business.

Is there one thing on your personal side you want your fans to know?
I am huge into old school hip hop music, and love Football as much as wrestling. So smash mouth Ravens football, xbox360 and horror movies. That’s me

What has been your most memorable fan interaction?
My #1 Best: I worked for MCW back in Maryland, they did really well crowd draws and DVD sales. I worked a show to benefit the fraternal order of police in MD. My mother, who has never been interested in wrestling in her life and maybe been to five of my matches, went to this match with a couple friends from her work. Also on this card was Billy Gunn and Road Dogg Jesse James the New Age Outlaws, Joey Mercury, Rhino, etc… I went out had my match and was signing autographs at intermission and my mother walks up to me and asks how much my 8x10s were because she was outside with her girlfriends and lady overheard my mom talking about my match; she was like Buck Chyld is your son? My mom said yes, the lady goes on to tell my mom that she is a single mom and her son had watched DVD’s of me over at his buddies house. This was their first Indy show, won free tickets, and was more jacked up about me than anyone else there. Come to find out they were from a bad situation, no dad around, extremely poor and her 12yr old kid just loved me. My mom said so how much for a picture; I was like picture, no charge, Bring him back here! I met him and we had a 20 minute conversation with this kid about matches I had two years ago. So I talked to the promoter and said put two tickets back for every show and leave them for him and his mom, take it out of my pay money. They came to each match after that. His mom would just cry while the son would talk to me at each show for 30- 40 minutes seeing him so happy. To be able to give this kid some happiness, that is the reason why myself and 90% of the boys in the locker room do what we do…

Who has been your toughest opponent to date and would you face him again?
Tito Santana tied with Jake the Snake

If you could go back in time – what message would you tell a younger version of you?
I would probably tell myself to get in the business earlier. I see guys like Joey Mercury who I knew on a personal level, training by 14, then on World Wrestling Entertainment before he was 30 years old… I would have got in earlier. It is just something, for one, I don’t want this feeling to end; every extra year is great, wish I would have pushed myself to a higher limit younger.

Is there a ritual you do before matches or a lucky charm you bring to the ring?
This all happens as I am walking towards the curtain the few minutes before I go out… It goes back to Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens Linebacker; I listen to Phil Collins ‘In the Air Tonight’ on my iPod. I do this because Ray Lewis on the way to the stadium every game listens to that on the way, it pumps him up. It’s not so much the song that gets me jacked as it is a feeling an intensity. Ray has that and the song brings it out. Right after I listen to that I listen to Jay-Z ‘Run this town’ I tell myself in my mind over and over “I’m a bad S.O.B.”. I’m building with Phil, then I turn my hip hop on for that ‘I’m gonna do it, I’m not going to stop, go out there and just get it.’ I’m giving it my all if there are ten or 2,000 fans, I’m going to bust my ass, I’m going to run it, then my entrance music hits and I’m ready. My entrance music is Eminem ‘Not afraid’, I used to always have a Jay-Z song, but Bubba told me with my character, it would stand out so much more if I came out to Eminem, then people would get it. I’m not into Eminem but I like his album ‘Recover’. I picked ‘Not Afraid’ because I take a stand. I’m not afraid to pack up and move 900 miles away and work 7 days a week – I’m making a statement.

Are there certain Indy Feds you would like to work with but haven’t had the opportunity?
I want to do it all and I don’t want to stop until I do it all. I want to work for the ones I haven’t worked for yet. I won’t stop until everyone knows my name. Every promotion I work for is a new set of faces and someone else to learn from, every experience is a test and a learning experience. I’m looking to better myself, challenge myself, and learn as much as I possibly can. No one knows everything in this business but everyone knows something. I want to soak up all I can, any work is a learning experience and that’s what I fuel off of.

Do you accept fan mail? Where should they address it?
I have exchanged emails with certain fans, but hit me up on facebook under Buck Chyld, or tweet me with a questions. I will try my hardest to reply to everyone. http://www.twitter.com/TheBuckChyld

Who has been your biggest inspiration in life?
The Baltimore Ravens Ray Lewis; he thrives off of not only being the best but helping everyone else around him be the best. He is intense, his intensity is through the roof, but he is very knowledgeable and he isn’t stingy with it. He takes his knowledge and passes it around to everyone. He is big in to his fans and is all about what he does; that’s how I want to be and that’s how I feel with wrestling. Ray Lewis will have 4 to 5 team mates on an off day over to watch three hours worth of footage and break it down. That’s what I want – to make myself better. Ray Lewis is the best linebacker and will be going in the hall of fame; his ability to learn, share, and teach others what he knows and apply to what he does I want to mimic in the wrestling business.

Who has your biggest feud been with?
Jesse Neal – I can’t shake the dam guy – every time I turn around we have a feud going on somewhere.

Do you have suggestions to promote Indy wrestling or the business in general?
We need more people like you Jamie, Indy promotions are small budget and the money isn’t there for television ads, etc… You can tell when a fed sends an email or puts up 200 flyers. Everyone has so much going on, to have people like you that is willing to help the feds and the guys themselves and put this much into it – that’s the only thing I can say other than posters, flyers, Facebook and Twitter – we need more people like you – more websites like 911 and more snowmen.

If you had to do it all over – would you change anything?
The only thing I would change is that the second the 3D academy opened – I would have moved. I wouldn’t have waited three years wondering if it was the right thing to do. I would have just packed up and moved. To spend as much time as possible learning from Bubba and Devon, it is the most incredible experience in my life. Them passing down their knowledge, twenty plus time tag team champions, held titles in every major promotion, and they are extremely intelligent.

What effect has wrestling had on you and your life?
It has affected my life in many ways, and proved to me that whitey really can’t hold me down

Do you prefer Heel or Face – Have you been mainly one or the other?
I love to be a fan favorite, sometimes me and the fans just don’t see eye to eye.

How often or how difficult is your training routine?
It’s intense, every day of the week, if I’m not in the weight gym lifting I’m in the ring. There is never a break it’s a 365 day a year job. One of the most difficult things is after diner the waitress asks, ‘do you want dessert?’ Nope. A couple days a week I’m out the door at 5:30am back in door 10pm, then to bed. It is intense when you’re a student of Team 3D – I’ve never worked anywhere we have conditioning coaches and are there 5 days a week. It is the best place to be.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Sitting next to whoever is going to pay me the most money – on contract on Television.

Do you have a message to your peers?
I respect and thank them all because none of us would be anywhere without the others. It takes two people to have a match, anyone stepping in the ring to be my competitor, whether good reasons or bad, I respect and thank them. One of my peers that I have never worked with but have seen in action is Aaron Epic, I don’t really know Epic, but I feel he has determination and is a hard worker.

Do you have a message to upcoming new wrestlers?
My message to the young guys is don’t do this to be happy at a local level. A lot come into this and put their body through so much and families through so much but are satisfied to work for only one promotion once a month every month. If deep down inside you don’t have the balls or heart to push you to the farthest limit you possibly can; don’t put your body and family through it. Your local talent tag or cruiser champ is awesome- but if your ultimate goal is not to be on television making $ $ and being the best on television, and you don’t have the balls to push for that don’t do it to yourself or to your family. Why hurt yourself if you don’t have the desire to push forward? Vincent K. McMahon isn’t going to call you because you wrestled eight times this year in hacky sack NJ. I hate seeing that happen when they are just comfortable being here. Make it about making money not impressing high school buddies. Take as many chances as you can to become something. Your goal has to be being the best.

Is there one thing you want everyone to know or remember you for?
I want to be remembered for trying the best I could and taking the chances I needed to take; never skating through. My biggest fear in life is to be average. “Hi my name is Jack Smith and I work at blah law firm, I kiss my wife I go to work come home and go to bed” I never want that, I want everything I do to be better, not an average Jack Smith. I want to be remembered that guy that took chances, worked his ass off. That’s what I want to be remembered as.

~Special thanks to The Buck Chyld for taking the time to do this interview!~

“The Raging Bull” or “The Infamous” Eddie Taurus
Interview by Jamie Dobson aka Springfield

Originally from Newark, New Jersey, currently based out of Tampa, Fl
Born May 27, 1981
5’10, 240 lbs
Is very much Involved and in a Committed relationship

What made you decide on a wrestling career?
Well, after playing multiple sports throughout my youth I always had a love and passion for Pro Wrestling, and when I had to chance to train and work for a local show in Zephryhills, Fl in 2001 I leaped ahead…

How many years have you been at it?
Currently I am in the entering the middle of my tenth year in wrestling, October of 2011 will be eleven years.

What’s the story of how your ring name came to be?
Well, in 2001 I just came out as ” Taurus” and I used that for three years till I took a few months off to deal with a death in the family, when I returned back to wrestling in 2005 I started to use ” Eddie” in memory to my deceased grandfather who was my hero and true reason of inspiration to stay with my dreams, so Eddie Taurus is stood.

What is your finisher – how did you come up with it or who inspired it?
Well my longest used finisher is my Top Rope Leg drop which was inspired by Psychosis of all people when I used to watch World Championship Wrestling, then I used the a fireman’s carry into a sit out slam which I seen in the Old ECW days, and also I do a Top Rope diving head butt in which I use as a sign of respect to the Late Bam Bam Bigelow who I admired as a youth and was associated with at a mutual promotion before he passed (American Combat Wrestling).

What is and any story behind your entrance music?
Well I am known for using ” Mama Said Knock you Out” By LL Cool J which I give credit to James Legend for suggesting me to it cause almost everyone from fans to the locker room loves that song…so credit to James Legend for that one.

Over the years is there any gear you wish you had left in the closet?
LoL yeah I have two, I used a old school orange and blue singlet with long tights a few years ago that sucked so bad, and Flame Baggy pants that sucked to wear so bad.

What is your most memorable in ring moment?
Honestly I have so many, but the most memorable and significant moment for me is when I won the ACW heavyweight title from Bruce Santee after a long feud, it was important cause I won on the Bam Bam Bigelow Memorial show and in front of a 200 loud fans I got to beat “Thee” best heavyweight in the state.
Is there one thing on your personal side you want your fans to know?
With Social Networking these days it’s hard to hide anything personal anymore, but to be honest I have love and appreciation to every fan that ever cheered or boo’d me over the years… in the end the fans make the wrestler not the other way around and I try to do my best to make them know in my wrestling how much I appreciate their support.

Who has been your toughest opponent to date and would you face him again?
Man I got a lot of tough opponents, I mean I will do them no justice if I didn’t say them all, First off Bruce Santee is usually on many people’s list as the toughest man they worked, but to understand why is the reason he earned that number one spot, he pushed me to the best of my ability in the ring, and I learned a lot working him the countless times I had the chance too, I say it again I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for the Bruce Santee/Eddie Taurus feuds, secondly would be Josh Master, probably my equal in so many ways or more, we had classic matches that made ACW one of the best promotions in the state in their time. Of course Eric Cooper, my former enemy now Tag team partner, that man and I went at it like no other, he and I never had a match that fans didn’t stop to watch and I got mad love and respect for him.

If you could go back in time – what message would you tell a younger version of you?
I would tell myself to push harder and not to just stay back and settle for small accomplishments and not let opportunities pass you by, cause only a select few and God knows I dropped the ball on many great opportunities.

Are there certain Indy Feds you would like to work with but haven’t had the opportunity?
Well I would love to work for ROH, Evolve, Puerto Rico, and I know is crazy but I would love to have the experience of working in Japan.

Do you accept fan mail? Where should they address it?
A lot of fans can hit me up on my facebook or twitter accounts http://www.facebook.com/eddietaurus and http://www.twitter.com/eddie_taurus
I can be contacted for bookings at Eddietaurus@hotmail.com

Who has been your biggest inspiration in life?
My Son, He is the reason I aim to succeed

Who has your biggest feud’s been with?
Biggest, well foremost Bruce Santee at ACW, Eric Cooper, Sideshow, Josh Masters, and Simon Sez at ASW

Do you have suggestions to promote Indy wrestling or the business in general?
I am taking what Cooper said on his interview, and that is to PROMOTE besides Facebook and Twitter, from 2001 when I started to 2006 Indie shows draws were so much higher from simple street work and flyers… besides that I hold all comments to myself.

If you had to do it all over – would you change anything?
Never… life is about experiences, and good or bad I learn from all I done in wrestling

What effect has wrestling had on you and your life?
Wrestling has put my life in a strain, from loss of friends I grew up with, time away from family, birthdays, special events, but most of all time away from my son is hard and that effects me the most,

Do you prefer Heel or Face – Have you been mainly one or the other?
Currently I am a Heel, but I won’t lie I been a Face a major part of my time in wrestling, for some reason I have a quality that fans relate with and cheer for so in some ways I prefer being a face, but I love being a heel!

How often or how difficult is your training routine?
Well I have a certain way I work, for a man my size and weight I can do things that smaller workers can’t do and the reason to that is due to my background in martial arts and sports and manly stretching is a key to a lot of my training, flexibility helps reduces wrestling fatigue and strain.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I can’t predict the future, I love wrestling but I don’t foresee me in wrestling five years from now unless I got signed but I don’t cross my fingers.

Do you have a message to your peers?
To those who know me well know that wrestling has changed, the structure I grew up in this business knowing is gone, all I say is stick to the traditions and respects that we all suppose to pass on to the younger up and coming talents in the state, cause they have none of it.

Do you have a message to upcoming new wrestlers?
Pay your dues the right way, Work hard or go home, and if you got a ego then go somewhere cause this is wrestling, bad attitudes cause bad situations, stay humble, and “Don’t Suck” (credit to Dave Kocotos for that line he said every time we wrestled)

Is there one thing you want everyone to know or remember you for?
That I worked to the best of my ability, positive in and out the ring, and most of all worked hard to be where I am today on my own terms.

~Special Thanks to Eddie for taking the time to do this interview!~

“The Essential” Eric Cooper
Interview by Jamie Dobson aka Springfield

Originally from New Jersey now residing in the Champions Gate section of Orlando, Florida
Born February 3rd, 1983
6’0” 205 lbs.
Has a Lovely girlfriend

What made you decide on a wrestling career?
As cliché as it sounds I was always a fan and thought I could do it. One day I saw an advertisement on the internet and decided to give it a shot and here I am.

How many years have you been at it?
I am entering my 9th year of actively being a professional wrestling

What’s the story of how your ring name came to be?
I wish I had a cool story behind it but Eric Cooper is actually my real name. One of my early trainers thought Cooper was a good name that people could either a.) Make fun of, or b.) Get behind chanting “Coop! Coop! Coop!” As far as my nickname of “The Essential”; all credit goes to Jude MacKenzie for the nickname as he thought of the nickname and it kind of just stuck and worked out for me.

What is your finisher – how did you come up with it or who inspired it?
I originally used the spinebuster because Arn Anderson was one of my favorite wrestlers. I also use the Double Underhooked powerbomb because of my liking of Jushin Thunder Liger.

Are there any colors of gear you refuse to wear?
I’ll wear anything… The uglier the color the more people remember

Over the years is there any gear you wish you had left in the closet?
I’ve always had a liking for everything I wear. I get a lot of flak for wearing my Cooper baggy shorts but I’ve always liked them but I think they’ll stay in the closet for a while.

What is your most memorable in ring moment?
Getting a chance to stand inside the ring barricades on World Wrestling Entertainment Monday Night Raw on July 18, 2005. Granted I was only a security guard. It was still a surreal moment. My other most memorable moment was getting a chance to wrestle The “New Age Punisher” B-Boy inside of the world famous ECW Arena.

Do you have a Funniest moment?
I’ve had a lot of funny moments in wrestling and way too many to list.

Any interesting tattoo stories you would like to share?
Not really interesting except the skull on my left arm was the first ever Wrestling T-Shirt I had made for myself.

Is there one thing on your personal side you want your fans to know?
I’m just a big a douche bag as everyone thinks.

What has been your most memorable or worst fan interaction?
My most memorable is always despite how big of an idiot in the ring I can be is when a little child comes up and either asks for an autograph or high five and says “good job tonight.” As far as worst, well it is memorable in my mind but people may disagree, is on two occasions: 1) One time in Pennsylvania a fan pushed me at ringside I then proceeded to shove him back three rows just by mushing him in the face.. 2) A fan jumped the barricade one day back in the Pro Wrestling Eklipse days so that fat f*ck tasted a nice big loogie directly from my mouth. What is our lesson people? You can scream and shout whatever you want, but stay sitting the f*ck down!

Who has been your toughest opponent to date and would you face him again?
Honestly I’ve faced a lot of tough opponents from Jay Lethal, B-Boy, Samoa Joe, Simon Sez, Azrieal, Biff, Highway men, etc… But honestly my two toughest opponents have been here in Florida. Not only does he bring the best out of me but he is one of the toughest motherf*ckers in all of wrestling, Bruce Santee. The other toughest opponent I’ve had is none other than my current tag team partner, Eddie Taurus. We beat each other’s asses for years and a mutual respect and bond, and being fellow Jersey natives, brought us together and formed The Uprising. And yes, I’d face them all again!

If you could go back in time – what message would you tell a younger version of you?
Don’t take things so personal

Is there a ritual you do before matches or a lucky charm you bring to the ring?
No lucky charms but usually I just sit in my chair and keep quiet and then head to the ring

Are there certain Indy Feds you would like to work with but haven’t had the opportunity?
Ring of Honor, Pro Wrestling Guerilla, Dragon Gate USA, EVOLVE and anything in Puerto Rico or over seas

Do you accept fan mail? Where should they address it?
e2thecoop@gmail.com holla at your boy

Who has been your biggest inspiration in life?
I have a lot of inspirations in my life and a lot of people I look up too. As far as wrestling related, I inspire to be like anyone who has come before me and just bust my ass and put on a good match and be the best I can possibly be.

Do you have suggestions to promote Indy wrestling or the business in general?
I could write a book on this but promoters realize this: THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ONLY GOD DAMN TOOL OF PROMOTING!! Does it help? Of course. Get some fliers made, go pass them out. Word of mouth pretty much and don’t hope people read your press release online. Hit the streets and pass out some god damn flyers. It’ll do wonders. Not every person reads the internet or Facebook.

If you had to do it all over – would you change anything?
Not really I’ve reached any goals I have set for myself and have a new set of goals I am going to try and reach

What effect has wrestling had on you and your life?
Well I can’t walk normal is for one. I wake up every morning with pain in my back, my legs, etc. I have had to miss many graduations, weddings, birthdays, funerals etc. all just to go out and wrestle. It’s not all the glitz and glamour people think it is. We all have real lives and we all make sacrifices to be out there and perform.

Do you prefer Heel or Face – Have you been mainly one or the other?
I’ve mainly been a heel. I have a liking to getting a room full of people to scream “I suck!” So I’d rather do that then have people cheering for me. Weird I know.

How often or how difficult is your training routine?
Well I’m a pretty lazy dude but I have dropped a lot of weight in the past year so I would say when I actually train it’s pretty vigorous and difficult.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Either being paid a hefty sum of money or retired on a tropical beach somewhere

Do you have a message to your peers?
Thanks for everything ladies and gentlemen whether you’re in the ring busting your asses, or behind that curtain running the machine we call an independent wrestling show. Thanks!

Do you have a message to upcoming new wrestlers?
SHUT THE F*CK UP AND LISTEN!! One of the first lessons I learned was always: MOUTHS SHUT, EARS OPEN!! Pay some dues, and earn your god damn spots. Don’t kiss ass to get somewhere it’s a lot more rewarding when hard work pays off in the end.

Is there one thing you want everyone to know or remember you for?
I call everyone buddy… And I’m the dude who pisses everyone off and then gets his ass kicked but keeps on ticking and kicking ass right back

~Special Thanks to Eric Cooper for taking the time to do this interview with me!~

From The Dark City
Interview by Jamie Dobson aka Springfield

What made you decide on a wrestling career?
I grew up on Pro Wrestling. My Grandfather was a huge fan and passed it down to me. I can remember racing home after church Sunday mornings to watch National Wrestling Alliance during lunch. We had this big, old wooden knob television that seemed to weigh a ton that we had to turn toward the kitchen since my grandmother wouldn’t allow anyone to eat in the living room. It was Summer Slam 1992; Bret Hart vs Davey Boy. I remember watching that match and being in awe the entire time. Soon as it ended I turned to my friend and told him I would be a wrestler and his mom in passing, without hesitation told me I’d never be big enough. She has since been proven wrong….

How many years have you been at it?
8 years

What’s the story of how your ring name came to be?
I was born with it, figured that I have had the gimmick so long there was no reason to change it.

What is your finisher – how did you come up with it or who inspired it?
My singles finisher is called 3 seconds around the world. It’s a spinning, sit out torture rack powerbomb. I started doing it one day in training when a dude I was working with kept trying to squirm out of a torture rack. Watched a bit of Adam Pearce to study and tweak it and added the spin as my own personal touch.

Are there any colors of gear you refuse to wear?
Not really

Over the years is there any gear you wish you had left in the closet?
Jeans and air force ones…. I was just breaking in and didn’t know any better.

What is your most memorable in ring moment?
I have 2. 1) Working an ECW show in October 2008. It was nothing big, but it was the last time my grandfather saw me before he died. And for him to know that he was the reason I was in there meant a lot to both him and I. 2) Dark City vs American Wolves from ROH Pick your Poison in Dayton, Ohio. We were asked to tear the house down and I feel we did just that. Standing ovation and ROH chant means something coming from the most critical crowd in wrestling. We left it all in the ring, the way it should always be.

Do you have a Funniest moment?
I was working for Dory Funks !Bang! television against a guy by the name of Johnny Magnum. He is local guy from Ocala and has a lot of very vocal family and friends there. During the course of the match, I may or may not have use a despicable tactic to gain an advantage and upon doing that one of his fans yells “oh no you didn’t” to which I naturally reply “oh yes I did”. More fans pick up on it and we kept on back and forth for the remaining 15 or so minutes left in the match. Even after the match the argument continued…. good times had by all.

What has been your most memorable or worst fan interaction?
There was an INSANE night after a show in Georgia once, but kids might read this…..

Who has been your toughest opponent to date and would you face him again?
As far as my singles career goes, I would first say that I have had the privilege of stepping into the ring with some of the toughest men in the world, much less wrestling. But if I had to place someone at the top of the list I would say that his name is Bruce Santee. We have gone at each other with everything we had over and over and over, and each time he has gotten stronger, faster and harder to keep down for 3 seconds. He gets better every time he breaks the curtain, and for as long as he has been in the business that is a scary thought.

If you could go back in time – what message would you tell a younger version of you?
Talk to the vets more when you’re around them. Make more connections and get on the road sooner.

Is there a ritual you do before matches or a lucky charm you bring to the ring?
I carry a gold chain, a white hanky and a toy bean with me to every show. They all have sentimental value to me and I try to look at, at least one before each show.

Are there certain Indy Feds you would like to work with but haven’t had the opportunity?
PWG and National Wrestling Alliance Hollywood out in Cali, and anywhere overseas. Those are the main, but I would love to get more work in the Midwest as well.

Who has been your biggest inspiration in life?
Hands down my Grandfather. He worked his ass off and sacrificed a lot to take care of a wife and two grandkids and never once uttered a complaint. He never met a stranger and was well liked everywhere he went and positively affected a lot of people during his life. The day I lost him was easily the worst day of my life and I think about him every day. He is the reason I am who I am and the reason I am a professional wrestler. If I can be a third of the man he was I will have truly achieved something.

Who has your biggest feud been with?
Hard to say, I’ve had a few tough ones, but I feuded with both Vordell Walker and Bruce Santee at the same time for two years and I’m sure my life is shorter because of it.

Do you have suggestions to promote Indy wrestling or the business in general?
Yes I do. PROMOTE INDY WRESTLING AND THE BUSINESS IN GENERAL. It seems like Indy wrestling has gotten really “me, me, me” in recent years, which is a bad thing. A lot of people claim to love the business and few these days seem to show it. It’s about UNITY people, for the business to grow everyone needs to put the egos and personal agendas and differences aside and help it get back to where it once was.

If you had to do it all over – would you change anything?
I wouldn’t. Everything that I have done has led me to this point. Each failure has made me stronger, and each victory and accomplishment has made appreciate my chances to rise each time I fall.

What effect has wrestling had on you and your life?
Wrestling IS me and my life.

Do you prefer Heel or Face – Have you been mainly one or the other?
I am a wrestler. I do what I feel I need to do to secure victory. If you chose to cheer me, great; If you chose to boo me, that works too.

How often or how difficult is your training routine?
Often and very intense. If you don’t push yourself as hard as you can you’ll never know how hard you can actually push yourself.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
On top.

Do you have a message to your peers?
Thank you. There are many guys in this business who have been influential and put their name on the line for me to get a shot with no reason other than they saw something in me and believed me when I told them I wouldn’t suck. I am by no means a superstar, but I owe what little credibility I do have to you. There are two in particular and you know who you are as I have told you both on a couple of occasions. But the thank you goes to everyone I have ever wrestled, worked out with in the ring or even talked to about the business. I have learned from you all and am grateful to have had a chance to do so.

Do you have a message to upcoming new wrestlers?
Shut your mouths and learn. Appreciate the chances you receive and expect nothing. The men and women that came before you paved the way and have contributed a vast majority of their adult lives doing so, so if a vet offers advice at least listen. Keep it in the back of your mind even if you don’t use it because you never know when it’ll come in handy. Study EVERYTHING. Art imitates life, and few times will it hold truer than pro wrestling. Stay humble, hit the gym, buy gear, and work as hard as possible any time you step between the ropes.

Is there one thing you want everyone to know or remember you for?
Hard work and dedication. Intensity in the ring and an unstoppable drive to be the best I possibly could at the sport I love.

~Special thanks to Jon Davis for taking the time to do this interview with me!~

“Largest man in Pro Wrestling” Shooter Storm
Interview by Jamie Dobson aka Springfield

From Orlando Florida (Massena, NY home town)
Born July 31, 1982
7’12, 841 lbs (This morning)
Single and no children that I know of.

What made you decide on a wrestling career?
There was never any other choice for me, from the time that I can remember there was never anything else I wanted to do.

How many years have you been at it?
June 2011 will mark my 10th year in the wrestling business.

What’s the story of how your ring name came to be?
When I first was looking into wrestling schools, Shawn Michaels TWA was the place I was leaning towards, so I ordered a Texas travel guide and inside I saw the name Anthony Texas so I knew I wanted Anthony as my first name, Shooter I got because I am always running off at the mouth (not because I can wrestle like Dean Malenko that’s for sure) and Storm because I was a huge fan of Lance Storm, and also my favorite actress (well I kinda just wanted to nail her face) is Kirsten Storms so I went with the full ring name of “Shooter” Anthony Storm but when I came to Florida for the first time in 2007 I just took the name Shooter Storm, I went back to the Northeast for a couple years and went back to The full name but when I made my fulltime return to Florida it was Shooter Storm again and I haven’t looked back.

What is your finisher – how did you come up with it or who inspired it?
A finisher? Wait I would have to win in order to have one of those, right? The World’s Largest All Knighters finisher is a STO into a backcracker and my singles finisher (which I barely am ever able to use) is the short arm into the DDT.

What is and any story behind your entrance music?
My singles music for a long time was ‘Blood in my Eyes’ by Disturbed and then became ‘I Like your pants around your feet’ by Nickelback till I got back to Florida and then I heard Capone come out to it so that spoiled that so I had to change it. (Fu*k you Frankie! Scram :p). Now I use as singles music, ’Angels take a soul’ by Fuel. Joey and my tag music is Normally ‘Please Don’t Stop the Music’ by Rhianna or any other popular dance song such as the Night at the Roxbury theme.

Are there any colors of gear you refuse to wear?
Def not, I have wore everything from Black, to zebra print, to Green Speedos to hot pink, wait till this Saturday at Best of the Best to see The All Knighters new amazing gear.

Over the years is there any gear you wish you had left in the closet?
Maybe some of the dresses “my sister” Shooterella wore.

What is your most memorable in wrestling moment?
I would have to say when I had the tryout with World Wrestling Entertainment in 2006. I did some pretapes in the back and really got the feel for what it would be like to be able to do this on a big time stage and it’s something that I still want to this day.

Do you have a Funniest moment?
I remember one time in a locker room in Canada, my boy Myzery the Barbarian got hot at me because I first borrowed his wrist tape and never put it back in his bag and then I borrowed his towel without asking so he yells ” Fu*king Shooter Goddamn it put my shit back” and he was legit hot at me. I answered back ” Stop yelling at me in the locker room” He had no choice but to start laughing he still talks about that to this day.

Any interesting tattoo stories you would like to share?
I have a shit ton of tattoos maybe 27 or 28 of them. I used to work as an apprentice in a shop in NY. So whenever my boss would get bored on a slow day he would ask if I wanted more ink and of course I would always say yes.

Is there one thing on your personal side you want your fans to know?
My family and friends mean a lot to me. I’m going through a lot of stuff right now with my mom not having much longer left and I really realize how many people in and around the wrestling business care for me and honestly that means the world to me.

What has been your most memorable or worst fan interaction?
Back home in my home town I was always recognized for being one of the few pro wrestlers to come out of the area, so when I would go out in public people would always be saying my name and that was always a cool thing, The craziest fan interactions? There were a few. Always at ACW at Bourbon Street when I was running with Coop and the rest of the Clan we always had absurd heat which at times almost got physical. I also remember one time at a show for National Wrestling Alliance GM in Vermont I was teaming with my trainer Hybrid Rain and we were coming to the ring and I got in this guys face and he pushed me and me and Rain went after him it got pretty ugly. That night I had to wait two hours in the locker room before I went outside because there were a mob of people wanting to kick my ass.

Who has been your toughest opponent to date and would you face him again?
I would say the toughest and most brutal matches I had were the string of matches my old tag partner Mike Maniacal and I had in NY and Vermont when we were the World’s Largest Tag Team with the Hellraizers, Payne, Myzery (The Barbarian) and Damian Vachon. Those fu*kers were all guys I trained with and are my closest friends but when the bell rang I knew I was in for a fu*king ass whoopin and I would love to do it again.

What is something you have done or enjoy that is completely out of character?
I think that my character that you see in the ring is kinda just me amped up a little bit, You can ask anyone that knows me I really have no filter on my mouth. What you see is what you get you can either like me or hate me but I’m not gonna change. Something I enjoy outside of wrestling, probably anything in the adult industry. I’m not gonna lie I am a big fan of porn and I’m actually doing some stuff with adult industry on the side so someday when I can’t physically do this wrestling thing anymore I will have another passion to follow.

If you could go back in time – what message would you tell a younger version of you?
Settle the fu*k down, Just listen to people, listen to what they’re telling you, don’t think you know everything because you don’t, you are young just sit listen and shut up. I see so many new kids coming up in the business with attitudes and this is everywhere and I was one of those guys but trust me you will last longer in the business if you just listen and work hard.

Is there a ritual you do before matches or a lucky charm you bring to the ring?
Lucky Charm? Clever! Um yeah I always write mom on one side of my wrist tape, and I always do the sign of the cross before I go to the ring.

Are there certain Indy Feds you would like to work with but haven’t had the opportunity?
ROH, C4 in Canada, OCW in Canada, National Wrestling Alliance Anarchy (Went up there once and rolled around in ring before hand) but didn’t work the show. Good core group of guys and awesome promotion overall. I would like to do some out of country stuff, England sounds fun.

Do you accept fan mail? Where should they address it?
You can follow me on Twitter at Twitter.com/shooterstorm and I will answer stuff on there.

Who has been your biggest inspiration in life?
My mom and my brother, My mom is the greatest woman to ever come into my life ( and trust me there have been many lol) and she was always a believer in me. When I see what she is going through now it tears at my heart and everything I do I dedicate to her such as This upcoming Best of The Best show. My brother was always like a dad to me as my parents split when I was 2 years old. He’s been the one person that always pushed and believed I could do this wrestling thing. As inspirations in the wrestling business I would say Tommy Dreamer who has done so much for me in the business, he is my mentor, basically my father in the business. Jesse Neal who even though has made it to television has never forgotten us guys on the indies and is always helping me out and giving me pointers as well. Bruce Santee and Francisco Ciatso who I really think the world of and love both of their work and still to this day don’t know why both of them aren’t signed. John Allen is another guy I really respect and always like to get his feedback, he’s been around a long time (Pretty sure he main evented at the last supper) and is a wealth of Knowledge… It’s funny because Simon Sez has been in the business half the time I have but yet I really idolize his character and his whole in ring deal. The guy is top notch with what he does , true story, as soon as I am done any of my matches he is the first person I go to for his feedback. Also people like Coop and Eddie ( who are just class acts in and out of the ring) of course my boys from back home the Hellraizers, former tag partner Magnum Mike Maniacal and my trainer Hybrid Rain, all these people are huge inspirations to me,

Who has your biggest feud been with?
I would say the biggest actual long running feud was when I was one half of the World’s Largest Tag team and fighting the Hellraizers everywhere from Highgate Vermont to Ellenburg NY to Cornwall Ont, Canada.

Do you have suggestions to promote Indy wrestling or the business in general?
It’s a pain in the ass, I have ran shows in 2 states and my 3rd this Saturday night. It’s a pain in the ass, so if you don’t have the heart, determination or overall love for the wrestling business don’t bother because if you do you will end up like any other shit show.

If you had to do it all over – would you change anything?
You know I probably wouldn’t because everything has been a learning experience. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I take pride in the fact that I have never cancelled on a show. If I give you my word I’ll be there to wrestle your show I’ll be there and I think promoters see that and see that I always do what’s best for the show and I think that’s why I continue to get work. So no I wouldn’t change anything.

What effect has wrestling had on you and your life?
Honestly, this may be a good or bad thing but Wrestling is my life, I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have wrestling. I love wrestling, I love the adrenaline rush I love going out and performing in front of people, I love everything about pro wrestling. Wrestling has given me another family. Without the people in this business that I associate with on a weekly basis I don’t know how I would get through all the hardships of everyday life.

Do you prefer Heel or Face – Have you been mainly one or the other?
For most of my career I was a heel, I love getting the fans riled up and wanting to kill me, I love the fact there like this little( Obv. they have problems with their eyes if they think I’m little) motherfu*ker is getting the better of me. But also I like being the fan favorite at ASW, For the first year I was there I along with Simon Sez and Coop were the most hated guys there so to see that over a year later I have earned their cheers is a good feeling too.

How often or how difficult is your training routine?
Most people know I was 45 lbs heavier about a year ago and have really worked hard on losing the fat. I do cardio 5 days a week, and now just starting a new lifting routine, I have lifted and worked out for years but now that I am in a lot better shape I have to change up my lifting to fit my new lifestyle.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Honestly Joey (I couldn’t ask for a better partner) and I hope to have a spot with Total Nonstop Wrestling. Obv there or World Wrestling Entertainment are our main goals. We work hard and really think our gimmick would catch on there. So we shall see. My main hope is that in 5 years that I’m happy and financially ok.

Do you have a message to your peers?
Thank each and every one of you for accepting me the way you have to the Florida wrestling scene for the last 2 years. I know it’s hard sometimes for people to accept people from other areas but for me (the second time down here) it was an easy fit.

Do you have a message to upcoming new wrestlers?
Like I said earlier, Listen and learn, don’t think you know it all because I assure you don’t. You will last longer in the business if you take advice and work hard.

Is there one thing you want everyone to know or remember you for?
I know that I may never have the most technically great match on any night but I want that when people leave a venue after an event, I want them to say ” That fu*king Shooter is entertaining.” And as for how I want to be remembered in the wrestling business… I want people to remember me as the guy that always gave 110 percent every night whether there were 500 people or 5 people I want people to remember me as the guy that would put anyone over and do whatever he could to make the show better.

~Special Thanks to Shooter for taking the time to do this interview!~

The Gargoyle

The one type of interview that I personally enjoy is talking to the other fans. I find it refreshing to meet people that would drive sometimes four hours to see an independent wrestling card. These are the fans that you wished you could clone 100 times over.

My fan guest this week is from the Florida panhandle gulf coast. He has been a very big contributor to Wrestling 911 from about the very beginning. He keeps us abreast of a promotions that we here in central Florida do not hear much of because of distance. I thought it would be very appropriate to interview our friend The Gargoyle. I was able to get in touch of him by telephone.

Marcus Pitts: Welcome to Marcus’ Pitt sir.

Gargoyle: Thank you and I appreciate it.

MP: I know you reside at the Panhandle area of Florida. Where about are you from originally?

GAR: My father was in the Air Force and we moved a lot but I’m originally from Orlando.

MP: Who did get you started in watching wrestling?

GAR: Actually I discovered pro-wrestling on my own. I always had an interest in amateur wrestling,then I saw pro wrestling on T.V. and I was hooked.

MP: Who were some of your favorite wrestlers growing up?

GAR: The first pro-wrestling I watched was the original Florida Championship Wrestling. My early favorites were Jack Briscoe, Dusty Rhodes and The Funks. Then I saw “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair and The Horsemen and I became a HUGE mark for them. Even in various combinations they were the ELITE group. Just look at the talent that were Horsemen A.A., Benoit, Malenko, Pillman, Blanchard, Ole, just AWESOME !!

MP: Were you into athletics when you were growing up?

GAR: Yes I liked all sports and participated in them until my size became a factor. It was then I focused on amateur wrestling which I was good enough to place in the top 8 in the Fla State wrestling tournament in my weight class (119lbs.) in 1980.

MP: Do you remember your very first wrestling show you saw live and what stands out in your memory from that show?

GAR: The 1st show I remember was a Gulf Coast Championship Wrestling show in Ft.Walton Beach ,Fla. and had wrestlers like Mike “The California Hippie” Boyette, Ken Lucas, Cowboy Bob Kelly, Col. J.C. Dykes and masked Mighty Yankees, Duke “The Guillotine” Miller , and Dynamite Dick Dunn on the card. But what I remember the most was the atmosphere, the electricity of the crowd !! You knew you were in a building with wrestling fans, something that sadly seems lacking in crowds today.

MP: Everyone knows you as The Gargoyle. Would you like to tell everyone your true name? You do not have to if you do not want to tell anyone.

GAR: I’ll remain known as The Gargoyle, mainly to spare my lovely wife anymore embarrassment than what she already endures. She’s the GREATEST and indulges my love for pro-wrestling even though she hates it.

MP: I find it refreshing that we are getting some good representation from your neck in the woods. What promotions do run up where you are so the central Florida fans get an idea that your area is not devoid of wrestling at all?

GAR: Like any business there are a multitude of promotions in my area ,which ranges fron Eastern Miss., Southern Ala., and the Fla. Panhandle. My personal favorites are in Miss. (XIW), Ala. ( AWF),and in the panhandle of Fla. (Ultimate) ,(CSW),(GAWF), and (WIW). All of these promotions put on entertaining shows and have solid rosters. They do however have a variety of styles, so it’s a matter of taste.

MP: I know you are really a very good fan of GAWF. What makes this promotion special in your eyes?

GAR: The thing I like about the GAWF is there willingness to experiment with their product and they bring in “NAME” talent from other areas to their shows such as DCFC, Chuck Taylor, New Jack , Vordell Walker, etc.

MP: I see that an old friend of mine, Vordell Walker, wrestles for GAWF.

GAR: Yes, the last time I saw Vordell Walker in action was in XIW in Pascagoula,Miss and he is always bringing it in the ring.

MP: Would you name some of the GAWF workers that you really think can go?

GAR: Some of favorite GAWF regulars are Dallas Riley, Bill Weaver, Steve Goins, and Maxwell Chicago.

MP I am from central Florida and you are trying to convince me to come up to the panhandle and watch some wrestling, how would you entice me to drive that far to watch a wrestling show?

GAR: Most people aren’t as crazy as me because I drove 950 miles roundtrip on my Central Fla. wrestling adventure. So my advice would be to plan a mini-vacation while you’re in the area to coincide with a wrestling show. We have THE BEST beaches, great parks, etc. so there are other things to do while you’re checking out some Gulf Coast wrestling action.

MP: You were actually on the west coast of Florida to a few shows. Where did you go and who impressed you from central Florida?

GAR: I came down to visit some friends and I did a double-shot of ASW that weekend. One show was @ STROKERS in Tampa and the other was @ a VFW hall in Spring Hill. Both shows were great and the people @ ASW are first class. They treated me like a king and I can’t thank them enough. I’m really looking forward to seeing ASW again in the near future. I saw quite a few wrestlers that impressed me while I was there such as Simon Sez, Biff, Noooie Lee, Kaoti Romeo, Tommy Taylor, Aaron Epic, and Los Ben Dejos. But all the ASW guys were entertaining and friendly.

MP: Lets talk about the fed for a bit. You have made it known that you are not exactly a fan of Hulk Hogan (Terry Bullea)? Why the hatred? LOL

GAR: To me, HOGAN is the most over-rated, no-talent, wrestler to lace up a pair of boots. I will give him credit , he does have good mic skills, he HAD a good look, but he had NO mat skills. He was in the right place @ the right time and sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. That’s my take on Hogan. I will not discredit his contributions to pro-wrestling because he did bring it to the next level as far as bringing wrestling to the mainstream audience. I just NEVER liked Hulkamania.

MP: I see that Total Nonstop Wrestling’s ratings are abysmal. What do you think are the causes of it?

GAR: Total Nonstop Wrestling’s ratings suck for 1 reason alone ….HOGAN !! LOL !! No seriously Total Nonstop Wrestling needs to ditch the old washed up guys like The Nasty Boys, Hall, Nash, Waltman, Sean Morley and focus on pushing the young talent. Get away from trying to stir up controversy and concentrate on WRESTLING !!! I mean what the HELL is up with the Orlando Jordan thing ? I don’t want to see that crap and it’s not because of his lifestyle either that I feel this way. Total Nonstop Wrestling needs to go back to what made them FUN to watch, the high-flying X-Division style, young athletic wrestlers wowing the crowd.

MP: What about Vincent K. McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment . Are you a fan of this promotion and did you watch Wrestlemania 26?

GAR: Vincent K. McMahon is an arrogant fool (although a very rich one),the World Wrestling Entertainment SUCKS, no I didn’t watch WM26 because I’m tired of having my intelligence insulted. Next question please.

MP: Do you feel vindicated by Bret Hart’s beating of Vincent K. McMahon or do you think it lacked something?

GAR: It was a complete waste of time and I feel it will tarnish Bret Hart’s legacy.

MP: I have to ask you why do you wear the mask in all the pictures that I see you in?

GAR: As a big fan of all styles of wrestling I really dug the Mexican luchadores and all the colorful masks. I liked the way the Mexican fans reacted to them so I decided to do the same. I scoured the internet until I found a mask I liked and then I bought one. I now have 4 masks and will continue to add to my collection. Besides I like being different and it’s FUN. I’m all about having FUN.

MP: You are a big supporter of independent wrestling. I know why I appreciate indy wrestling. What do you like about indy wrestling?

GAR: Indy wrestling is the heart & soul of the wrestling business. It’s the place where you still see the passion, the drive, and the aspirations of indy wrestlers. These athletes put their bodies on the line for their genuine LOVE of wrestling and their desire to entertain fans. We all know they’re not getting rich being an indy wrestler and that’s what I RESPECT the most about them. They know the pay isn’t great or the venue may be crappy but they still do it anyway !!! That speaks volumes for their personal character. That’s why I wear a mask, make signs, act crazy etc. because I want them to know how much I appreciate their efforts so I’m gonna give my all as a fan to show them my appreciation.

MP: Are you a listener of Steve Goins and On The Map? I think he does a fine job of representing the panhandle.

GAR: Yes I do listen and Steve does a fine job in promoting indy wrestling in North Fla. However being based in Tallahassee which is NOT part of the panhandle ( just busting Steve’s chops) he does put in alot of work to get the word out about indy wrestling and he should be commended for that.

MP: Is there any last words you would like to say to the central Florida and the wrestling 911 fans out there reading this?

GAR: All I can say is SUPPORT INDY WRESTLING !! When you’re @ the shows make noise, be alive, show the wrestlers your appreciation. Also support SnowMan & WRESTLING911.COM !! If you’re curious about my area checkout FrontRowFanatics.com or Gulf Coast Wrestling.com.

MP: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview and I hope to meet you real soon either in central Florida or up in the panhandle.

GAR: Thanks again for having me it was fun and I hope to meet you @ show in Central Fla. soon.

The Gargoyle is a true wrestling fan and like I said before, we need more like him especially since MMA has started to take away some of the fan base of professional wrestling. All that can add is what The Gargoyle always ends his posts,” Support indy wrestling”.

Marcus Pitts

Thanks for doing this interview with www.MarcusPitt.com.  How are you doing today? I’m doing wonderful!

Can you tell us a little about yourself? What is your name? My name is Amy Vitale. I’m a professional wrestling manager/valet. I’m also a model and actress.

How can a promoter book you, and in what areas do you primarily work? They can contact me at amyvitale@comcast.net. I work primarily in South Florida all the way up to Orlando. I will work anywhere in the United States though as I worked all around Florida, in Georgia, and in New York.

How did you break into wrestling? Who trained you, and what was your first year like? I started out, just like everybody else, a fan. I started writing for wrestling news sheets and working the wrestling hotlines on giving local independent wrestling news and opinions on the wrestling world. While doing that, I got to know promoters and workers in the local area. One promoter, by the name of Bill Brown, who was the promoter of Sunshine Wrestling Federation at the time, gave me my break. However, it didn’t come easy, in which I’m thankful for as it gave me more respect for the business. I had the learn the business from the inside-out. Working the merch table, setting up the ring, being a ring girl…then after six months, I was a manager/valet, and the rest is history. However, being a woman in primarily a man’s business wasn’t easy. I had to earn respect from the guys. Luckily I can say that I did just that. I never believed in dating someone you worked with. I never dated or had relations with a fellow worker. I believe in keeping that separate from your work even though your line of work is fun. It just complicates things. My relationship with the guys is like a sister…to me, that’s the best relationship to ever have in this business.

Who do you enjoy working with the most? I have the pleasure to work with a lot of people. I have probably managed or been a valet for most of the workers of the state of Florida at one time. I couldn’t pick a favorite. I love them all. Each person was unique and had their own fascinating personality. I pretty much get along with everybody so I clicked with everyone I worked with. They’re all fabulous!

What are the biggest names that you were a manager/valet for? Alex Porteau, New Jack, and Jerry Lynn.

What wrestlers did you enjoy watching as a kid? Did you use them as role models in your career? My favorite wrestler was Ted DiBiase. My role models were Woman, Francine, and Sherri Martel

Do you have any websites or upcoming events you would like to promote? I have a show in Davie, Florida for the Future Of Wrestling on January 29th at the Davie P.A.L. Also, I play the lead character by the name of Victoria Angel of a comic book called “Red Angel”. It officially comes out in March but we’re taking pre-orders at http://whatthefluxcomics.com/?page_id=6. By pre-ordering a copy of Red Angel, you’ll get a limited edition poster personally signed by me and modeling comp cards that will also be signed by me. You can view more pictures of me, as well as info and news at http://www.amyvitale.net/ and follow me on Twitter (@amyvitale) or http://www.twitter.com/amyvitale

We also run a website called www.Wrestling911.com. Have you been there? If so, what do you think about it? Yes, I’ve been there. Great site! Love it!

Is there anything else you would like to talk about? Yes, I just want to thank my fans for all the support that they have given me. I appreciate each and every one of you, and am happy to entertain. All of you give me peace and light from within. Thank you to all of you again.

Thank you for your time.

Much like James I’ve known Arsen since IPW days. She has been a big sister that i never had. Its always interesting definitely fun talking to her.

1) What got you into wrestling as a wrestler? What hooked you as a fan?
I’ve been interested in wrestling for as long as I can remember, My dad got me hooked.

2) Who was your favorite wrestler(s) growing up?
Ted Dibiase and IRS

3) When was your best match and who was it against?
It was against the Flaming Dragon, at OPW.

4) When was your not so best match and who was it against?
Had a horrible match , but i’d like to keep it at that.

5) What was your perspective as a fan then as a wrestler?
As a fan I got to watch and go home pain free, as a wrestler, i got hurt.

Interview with James Morrison by Brina

My friendship with James dates back to IPW days when I saw him in training to be a wrestler. James along with Mark Zout, Vindetta, Jerome Hendrix and several others were setting up the ring as well taking the ring down after the show. He is a great wrestler and person.

1) What got you into wrestling as a wrestler? What hooked you as a fan?
The whole aspect of it , the athleticism, the drama, and the stories I think when they were all put together the right way it make for a good show.

2) Who was your favorite wrestler(s) growing up?
Bret Hart, Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, Sting, Scott Hall.

3) When was your best match and who was it against?
The tlc match withe Hendrix against Fly and Vendetta

4) When was your not so best match and who was it against?
I had a horrible match against this one kid in PPW, it was so bad that I told the kid he sucked….. that was the last we ever seen of him.

5) What was your perspective as a fan then as a wrestler?
Wrestling is what you want it to be, its as real as you want it to be. thats where alot of people get it wrong…. wrestling is not fake: it hurts, the blood is real, the chairs are real , and believe me the injuries are real.