Jerry Wiseman Interviews Malia Hosaka

Malia Hosaka is one of the few people you know mean business when they step into the ring, that seems to be the Killer Kowalski way. Hosaka, who hails from Hawaii but is generally billed from Japan has that exotic look and expertise in the ring that makes you believe anything is real and everything is possible.

Making her debut in 1987 Hosaka has been on a tear and in demand ever since. Working for the LPWA, WCW, TNA, briefly in the WWE and ECW and as a regular for Shimmer, Malia is one of the most popular ladies on the wrestling circuit.

Having been trained in the basics by the legendary Kowalski and in the ring by lady legends such as Debbie Combs and Leilani Kai, Hosaka has honed her skills unlike any other. Beauty, brains, brawn and talent, Hosaka is the standard for what lady wrestler’s should aspire to be. It was a pleasure to sit down and talk with Malia Hosaka.

JW: Your dream opponent would be?
MH: I am not sure I have a dream opponent anymore, I have worked with almost everyone in the biz who was my vet with the exception of Moolah, I think I would have liked to have worked with her, as for today’s women, perhaps Sara Del Ray, but I am not sure I could keep up and do her talent justice.

JW: What is your best road story?
MH: I have fond memories of being on the road and working and traveling with the different groups, but as for my best story, not really sure. I enjoyed going to the Middle East with the military and AFE the most and felt it had the most meaning, wrestling for the troops there; they were very grateful to us for coming over and living with them in tents and on bases was an incredible experience.

JW: Who is someone you always like to watch wrestle?
MH: I enjoy watching Nikki Roxx and Daffney, they are entertaining and have learned the craft well, and they do not need commentators to give them credit in the ring.

JW: As a promoter who would be in your money match?
MH: On the women’s side, Micki James, Nikki Roxx, Sara Del Ray or Daffney and on the men’s side Dean Malenko, Chris Benoit (RIP), Eddie Guerrero (RIP)… but I like them for their talent and skill in the ring, not sure they would be money matches because many look for charisma over in ring talent.

JW: If you got the call from New York, would you change your gimmick and to what?
MH: Well, I got called from NY in 1999 and they could not decide what gimmick to give me, I wanted to be the Dudley sister… as for today, well, I am the Modern Day Moolah, I am the last of my generation and the last of the “old school” so I think that would be what I would pitch.

JW: Do you think titles need to mean something again?
MH: ABSOLUTELY! Why have a title if it doesn’t mean anything?

JW: You own a promotion, who are the first five workers you hire?
MH: Women -Daffney, Sara Del Ray, Nikki Roxx, Ariel, Lexie Fyfe, Leva Bates, Josie; men – Jersey Devil, Chris Gray, Los Lobos, Dean Malenko, Mark Sterling, Matt Riviera.

JW: What is the craziest match you have done?
MH: Anything I ever did with Luna Vachon, it was always a surprise to see where those would go.

JW: Do you prefer hardcore, traditional or a mix of the two for your own matches?
MH: Traditional, but hardcore has its place if there is a storyline to build to it.

JW: Besides you, who is the best to ever step into the ring?
MH: Well, I don’t think I am the best, I was just lucky to have the women I did to learn from, but Debbie Combs was an incredibly talented lady and deserved far more than the biz ever gave her.

JW: Who is your favorite opponent?
MH: It depends on the time line in my career, the beginning: Lei Lani Kai or Debbie Combs, the middle: Brandi Alexander, and today: Leva Bates, Ariel, or Nikki Roxx.

JW: If you could change one thing about the business, what would it be?
MH: The fact that models are more valuable than talent, it should be about what you bring to the ring as anyone can be made over to be marketable as a model with the right coaching, but not everyone can wrestle.

JW: Does wrestling need a union?
MH: I don’t think so, while it is entertainment, it is also a sport, and something like a SAG would not necessarily work in this part of the industry, wrestling just needs more people in places of power to act on behalf of the wrestler vs. kissing up to keep their job.

JW: What drew you into the business?
MH: My dad was a fan and dared me to try it; once I found out I could travel the world and got over my shyness for entertaining I feel in love with it.

JW: Do you think heels and faces need to be clearly defined again?
MH: I think apples should be sold as apples and oranges as oranges and the pieces fall where they may, but as people in the public eye and looked up to by impressionable people we need to be responsible in the messages we convey.

JW: In the annals of wrestling, what do you want to be said about you?
MH: That I did my veterans credit, that while I may have never been a “star” or “name” by the values of the average fan I was in my own right a star and a credit to the art of wrestling and the biz that I love so much, that I did my veterans proud and helped my rookies to understand what was taught to me at least a little bit, that I always gave the fans everything I could every time I went to the ring.

JW: What decade, the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or 00s do you think best defined wrestling?
MH: Probably the 80s, but I would like to say the late 80s and early 90s because that is my decade (laughs).

JW: Do you think internet PPVs would help indie promotions?
MH: No, their talent is not well known enough to get enough bought to cover the cost, but if there was a low cost alternative to help get them coverage then yes, it would help bring familiarity to their talent with the fans.

JW: What is one thing you want fans to know about you?
MH: That I love and adore them for keeping me in a career when no one believed in me but them, and that even today their support is why I have not walked away and retired.

JW: Have you ever had aspirations of trying MMA?
MH: No! I hurt enough from years of abuse in the “fake” stuff.

JW: Do you think the proposed changes that a lot of state athletic commissions will help or hurt the sport?
MH: I am not familiar with the changes you are asking about.

JW: Who I someone you would not want to work again?
MH: That will be answered after I retire, I have enough heat in the biz without calling people out like that, and everyone who wants to learn can improve and anyone can have an off night.

JW: Do you think blading is a necessary evil in the sport?
MH: To a certain point, again, as long as it has meaning and is not being done just for effect.

JW: Is the punishment you take worth the money you make?
MH: No, but I had fun doing it and still love entertaining the fans.

JW: We are all marks; have to be to love the business, how big a mark are you, what is your favorite piece of swag?
MH: I am honestly not a mark for the biz or anyone in it really, I pop for different things and love when I can be entertained by the work and in-ring story and not get caught up in the quality of work being put forth, I respect the art, so if I am a mark for anything it would be the craft and art of the trade.

JW: Is there any match you would refuse to do?
MH: Anything I would have to ask my dad not to watch, if my family can’t see it then I shouldn’t do it.

JW: How big of an impact do all the recent deaths of the boys have on the business?
MH: I think anytime talent is lost it impacts the industry, but unfortunately it has not changed the actions of many or inspired change in the actions around those who are headed down the wrong paths, we all sacrifice in the hope of getting our break and then in the name of keeping our spots, it boils down to “what can you live with?”

JW: Using steroids is still a sore subject among some of the boys, especially now that Ivan Putski came out and admitted using and Bruno Sammartino is against them but used them when they were legal, what is your feeling on them?
MH: I don’t condone them but I also do not condemn anyone who does them, just don’t do them and act high and mighty like you have never used, again it’s personal choices/sacrifices, what are you ok with doing to get or keep a job?

JW: Does there need to be more competition in the business and do you think TNA is the answer or does someone else need to come along and step-up?
MH: Competition is always good, it creates jobs, keeps pay scales up and levels the playing fields between the company and the worker, but if you are going to compete in the big leagues, come with all you got and have the backing to do it right, you can create stars, but you need the product to compete with the established or you look like a “b” scale version trying but not ready for the big screen.

JW: Does it take an addictive personality to be a pro wrestler or what type of mental attitude do you need to make it in the business?
MH: Not really addictive, but dedicated and a bit hard, you can’t wear your heart on your sleeve or take everything personal, it is a business to those calling the shots and no one is expendable.

JW: What kind of pre-match ritual do you have before you go through the curtain?
MH: I have a prayer that I have said since my high school days, we said it before every Varsity softball game and I continue to do it before I wrestle, I also tell my opponent to be safe, have fun and I hope they win.

JW: Do you find yourself giving 100% no matter if there are 25 people in the crowd or 2500?
MH: Without a doubt! The fans paid their hard earned money to see a great show/match and not matter the number of fans in the crowd or the level of experience of the other girl I always give as much as I have for that night.

JW: Do you ever practice cutting a promo in front of a mirror?
MH: When I first started, it was how I worked on facial expressions, practiced getting comfortable with myself and speaking in character, and learned to make it up on the fly.

JW: How do you define yourself as a pro wrestler?
MH: Old? (Laughs) I am of a lost/dated generation, so I am not sure how to define myself, I am 100% professional and give the best I have every time I go to the ring, I used to say I was the female Stone Cold, but now I am more the Moolah…. the Modern-day Moolah (laughs).

JW: What is the weirdest thing you have had happen while in the ring?
MH: A girl peed herself?? But I didn’t notice it until we got back to the locker room and then I had to think where when it could have happened and where I may been (move-wise) when it happened.

JW: Fans either love you or hate you, what has been your worst experience with a fan?
MH: I was working on a bar show and while cat fighting on the outside of the ring a fan suggested sexual things I should do to her while we were fighting.

JW: If you could go back to any era and wrestle for one night, where would you go and who would you step into the ring with?
MH: To the early to mid-80s and with Debbie Combs.

JW: What move do you think is overused and just does not get over now, like the carotid clutch in the 70s?
MH: The hurricanranna/frankensteiner, it has been done every which way, and though it is a beautiful move, it is in nearly every match these days.

JW: Debbie Combs is a legend in the ring, what was it like to wrestle her?
MH: intimidating at first, but as time went on I learned so much from her about the whens and whys of the ring, it was an honor to have her take the time to work with me and bring me along to the next step in my career, but the time she retired it was fun.

JW: What has been the pinnacle of your career?
MH: There have been a few, having the light switch flip to on so that I no longer needed my veterans to lead me, working with WLW and holding Harley Race’s belt, being giving a contract by the WWE (even though they never used me), working for WCW, and being one of the only females to have worked for nearly every major company in the U.S. between the 80s to present.

JW: Who has been your favorite opponent?
MH: Brandi Wine and Brandi Alexander back in the day, but Leva Bates, Ariel or Nikki Roxx today.

JW: Discuss the difference between ladies wrestling now and when you started?
MH: When I started it was about learning the craft and telling a story in the ring, good vs. evil and doing moves at the right times because the fans were waiting to be led up and down in the story, your marketability as a model/calendar girl/centerfold was secondary – now it is first, how marketable are you, can you sell pics and t-shirts and calendars then your wrestling ability comes second…There are many talented women out there who will never be given an opportunity due them not being a size 2 with 36DD’s.

JW: What has been the most coveted title you have held?
MH: Probably the NWA ladies title, but I held the WLW title with more respect and esteem.

JW: Is there something to be said about being trained by Killer Kowalski?
MH: Killer training gave me credibility as for having been trained and trained properly, but I did not attend Killer’s school and receive the same training as Chyna and Nikki, I was trained at Misty Blue’s school by Killer, so the regimen was not as tough as it was at his school. I learned ALOT in a short period of time, but not really how to put it together, Lei Lani, Judy Martin and Debbie taught me that.

JW: You are from Hawaii but billed from Japan, how does that happen?
MH: Because when I started Japanese wrestlers were the best and a novelty, but I was here and of Japanese decent and cheaper than flying them in so I was often billed from Japan as a novelty on the shows .

JW: The LPWA, WCW, ECW, WWF, TNA, where did you really feel at home?
MH: None of them, WLW was the only company I worked for that really felt like it fit; LPWA was early in my career, so I was learning the biz and the craft around women who were so sophisticated seeming to me that I was very intimidated, I found friendship in Bambi, Peggy and the Glamour Girls, but other than that I really felt as if I didn’t fit in; WCW was the best of the bigger companies, and I think I had a good working relationship with the talent dept.; WWF barely even knew I existed, ECW only used me to replace Madusa against Sheri, TNA only gave me one opportunity as well so not much time or much of a chance to feel as if any of them were home.

JW: Being ranked in the PWI Top 500, how big an honor was that for you?
MH: Considering how many new comers there are and the competition it huge! I have been wrestling longer than some of those girls have been alive! So to actually be active and still considered for the magazine is very flattering and humbling.

To read more of Jerry Wiseman’s interviews, news, and thoughts on the sport of pro wrestling, check out all of his articles at Examiner.com.

The Rev Interviews MCW’s Sassy Stephie

After having the opportunity to meet Sassy Stephie at a past show, I asked if she’d consider doing an interview with me – and she agreed.

To get to know her a little better — and in doing so, let you all get to know her a bit more, I went with “20 Questions” for the format, and here’s what came of it all.

RR6: To start things off, where are you from?
SS: Akron, Ohio.

RR6: What drew you to the world of professional wrestling?
SS: Sensation Sherri, mostly.

RR6: Who were your favorite wrestlers when you first got interested in wrestling?
SS: Shawn Michaels was probably my first ever favorite wrestler. But I loved Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, Macho Man, & Mr. Perfect among others as a kid.

RR6: In whose promotion did you get your initial training?
SS: OCW – Ohio Championship Wrestling

RR6: You stated in your online profile for G.L.O.R.Y that your style was, as you put it, “A mixed bag of wrestling styles”. Do you still use the “mixed bag” approach, or have you chosen a specific style?
SS: I’m still a mixed bag, I can come at you with different types.

RR6: Always good to keep ’em guessing. Now, who was your debut match with — and how did it go?
SS: It was at OCW Ladies Night I, against Lexi Lane. My nerves got the best of me, and Lexi pulled out the victory.

RR6: Besides the NEPW and WASP Women’s titles, what other titles have you held?
SS: PWR Tag Team champion and PWR Ladies Champion.

RR6: Out of the matches that you’ve been in, what match do you look at as your greatest ever — and on the flip side, what match do you look at and say “Oh my God, I can’t believe I agreed to that!”
SS: My greatest match ever….probably my match at Shimmer against Madison Eagle. She’s amazing…and I felt that was — to date — my best match. As for my “Oh my God” match, I cant believe I agreed to have a last woman standing match with Angel Dust.

RR6: Speaking of Angel Dust, you’ve listed such names as Angel’s, Ashley Lane, and Nevaeh as some of your most-hated enemies; would there be any other names that you’ve added to the list?
SS: Jessicka Havok!

RR6: (slapping myself in the back of the head) Doom on me, I should have figured that one. . .Tell me, in what other promotions have you wrestled for?
SS: It’s hard to name or remember them all, but I’ll try…OCW, Firestorm Pro, Shimmer, PWR, Mad-Mar, IWC, WSU, JAPW, CAPW, CWF, PGWA, Chikara, Ring of Honor, IPW, HWA, NWA Upstate, NWA Underground, XICW, and I’m sure I’m missing others.

RR6: If you could have your dream match to wrestle, what would it be?
SS: As of right now…. probably Beth Phoenix. I’d also like to have rematches with Sara Del Rey and Daizee Haze, cause I’ve learned so much since my last matches with them…and I think I’d fair a lot better this time around.

RR6: You mentioned your early wrestling influences, so who would you say are your biggest influences nowSS: Now… Allison Danger is a constant influence in and out of the ring.

RR6: Who do you enjoy watching now in the ring?
SS: For some reason I’m really enjoying the cocky heels on TV: Maryse, Miz, Zack Ryder, Madison Rayne, Jericho…

RR6: Are there any promotions you’d like to wrestle for?
SS: Absolutely. WWE and TNA being the top 2.

RR6: What’s the farthest you’ve ever traveled for a show?
SS: As of right now…about 8 hours to Nashville. But I’m going to England in the fall.

RR6: You’re lucky — I’d love to make that trip myself. On the subject of travel, about how often are you on the road?
SS: Every weekend.

RR6: Is there anything special that you do to prepare for a match — and then, to unwind afterwards?
SS: I always try to pray before my matches. I feel more comfortable with what I am preparing to do in the ring if I pray before my match. Afterwards…a good shower is always nice.

RR6: Prayer — I like that! So, outside of the ring, what’s the best fan encounter you’ve ever had — and what was the strangest (or worst)?
SS: Being recognized as “Sassy Stephie” at Wal-Mart was kind of strange, but cool at the same time. I haven’t had anything out of the ordinary happen when it comes to fans…no one has cried or stalked me…The best, I guess, would be for my birthday this year I wrestled about 6 hours away from home and several people brought me presents, it was very sweet! I loved it.

RR6: Just out of curiosity, do you happen to have any comments or thoughts regarding your recent XXXEXTREME tag team match against Jessicka Havok and Angel Dust?
SS: Jessicka and Angel are tough. I have to say that I took a good ass beating at their hands…but with that said, I would have beat them if I had a better partner.

RR6: And the final question — what is there about you that would the fans be surprised to know about you?
SS: I work two jobs Monday-Friday. I collect rubber ducks. I’m a huge Twilight and Harry Potter fan! By huge…I mean it borders on obsession.

RR6: I’m a Potter fan myself — Twilight, not so much. Stephie, I’d like to thank you for granting me this interview, and I must say that I enjoyed getting to learn a little more about you.

Jerry Wiseman Interviews “Beef Stew” Lou Marconi

“Beef Stew” Lou Marconi hails from Brooklyn, Ohio just outside of Cleveland and has been in pursuit of the NWA World Title and all the glory that comes with one of wrestling’s most historical titles. Marconi is quick to call out those he feels is underserving of title shots including strongly worded messages that appear at the end of this interview for Bryan Danielson, who one veteran called “reckless.”

Marconi has spent the majority of his career, since 1994, in the mid-west and recently debuted for Firestorm Pro Wrestling and is seeking the one pinnacle to an otherwise outstanding career, the coveted “10 pounds of gold.”

“The Stew” has made a habit over the years of collecting regional titles, both singles and tag team much the way a homeless man collects tin cans, with ease and grace. A no-nonsense wrestler who is “old school” and not afraid to speak his mind about the injustice of whatever he takes a liking to, Marconi has definitely left a mark on the sport he loves.

It was a real pleasure to talk to the man to whom legendary WWWF grappler Charlie Fulton referred to as “a credit to the business” and “talented in the ring.”

Q. Your dream opponent would be?
A. Ric Flair, Brett Hart, Arn Anderson and Dean Malenko .

Q. What is your best road story?
A. The time I woke up in Ft. Wayne Indiana after a WWE Raw Show. I was hung over and I didn’t know where I was. Luckily Frank Stalletto was there to help me find my way the next show (laughs).

Q. Who is someone you always like to watch wrestle?
A. Barry Windham and Tully Blanchard

Q. As a promoter who would be in your money match?
A. Me (laughs) just kidding I’d like to watch Evan Bourne and Rey Mysterio Jr. in something like that.

Q. Do you think tag team wrestling is a lost art?
A. Yes, absolutely gone are the days of the Midnight Express and the Rock and Roll Express.

Q. If you got the call from New York, would you change your gimmick and to what?
A. Of course I would and the gimmick would be that I’m the new Red Rooster.

Q. Do you think titles need to mean something again?
A. Oh god yes, they change hands too often now.

Q. You own a promotion, who are the first five workers you hire?
A. Mick Foley, Shane Douglas, Ray Rowe, Matt Cross, John McHesney and JRocc.

Q. What is the craziest match you have done?
A. I quit match with T-rantula.

Q. Do you prefer hardcore, traditional or a mix of the two for your own matches?
A. Traditional, wrestling is wrestling.

Q. Besides yourself, who is the best to ever step into the ring?
A. (Laughs) that would be Lou Thesz.

Q. Who is your favorite opponent?
A. Denny Gregory.

Q. If you could change one thing about the business, what would it be?
A. Bring back territories. (Editor’s Note: this is a statement echoed by many of the veterans including Terry Funk.)

Q. Does wrestling need a union?
A. No, it would be even more corrupt then ever.

Q. What drew you into the business?
A. I was always a fan.

Q. Do you think heels and faces need to be clearly defined again?
A. Not necessarily, there are always grey areas in real life. Why not wrestling?

Q. In the annals of wrestling, what do you want to be said about you?
A. That I’m a true professional.

Q. What decade, the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or 00s do you think best defined wrestling?
A. The 80’s for sure, because the territories died and we have the business we have today.

Q. Do you think internet PPVs would help indie promotions?
A. Yes, why not?

Q. What is one thing you want fans to know about you?
A. That I’m really an old school respect guy with manners.

Q. Have you ever had aspirations of trying MMA?
A. (Laughs) no.

Q. Do you think the proposed changes that a lot of state athletic commissions will help or hurt the sport?
A. It depends on the changes.

Q. Who I someone you would not want to work again?
A. Reckless Youth.

Q. Do you think blading is a necessary evil in the sport?
A. Yes when its’ right.

Q. Is the punishment you take worth the money you make?
A. No not at all, but it’s not about the money.

Q. We are all marks; have to be to love the business, how big a mark are you, what is your favorite piece of swag?
A. I’m a mark of great work and great wrestling. So I’d say anything nostalgic.

Q. Is there any match you would refuse to do?
A. Nothing I can think of.

Q. With more and more ladies taking on the men in the ring, would you have a problem doing a job for a woman?
A. Pin me pay me.

Q. How big of an impact do all the recent deaths of the boys have on the business?
A. Not big enough to change anything.

Q. Using steroids is still a sore subject among some of the boys, especially now that Ivan Putski came out and admitted using and Bruno Sammartino is against them but used them when they were legal, what is your feeling on them?
A. I never needed them.

Q. Does there need to be more competition in the business and do you think TNA is the answer or does someone else need to come along and step-up?
A. More competition the better and someone should step up soon.

Q. Does it take an addictive personality to be a pro wrestler or what type of mental attitude do you need to make it in the business?
A. You need to have thick skin and be persistent and open minded.

Q. What kind of pre-match ritual do you have before you go through the curtain?
A. I like to warm up with push ups, jumping jacks etc…..

Q. Do you find yourself giving 100% no matter if there are 25 people in the crowd or 2500?
A. Oh yes, they paid money to see a show.

Q. Do you ever practice cutting a promo in front of a mirror?
A. Shhhhhh oh course I do (laughs).

Q. How do you define yourself as a pro wrestler?
A. Old School.

Q. What is the weirdest thing you have had happen while in the ring?
A. Blue Meanie couldn’t stop farting once the match started.

Q. Fans either love you or hate you, what has been your worst experience with a fan?
A. One time a fan punched me. As reflex I hit him right back. It wasn’t at all good.

Q. If you could go back to any era and wrestle for one night, where would you go and who would you step into the ring with?
A. The 1950’s with Lou Thesz.

Q. What move do you think is overused and just does not get over now, like the carotid clutch in the 70s?
A. Probably the spear, because so many indie guys use it.

I am now also the National Pro Wrestling Memorabilia Examiner so please check out new articles being posted.

As always I am Jerry Wiseman and then the bell rings.

Jerry Wiseman Interviews Percival A. Friend

In professional wrestling managers come and go but few set the standard for the rest to follow and one of those few is Maumee, Ohio resident Percival A. Friend. Beginning his career as a ring announcer and then referee, Friend eventually stepped into the ring under a hood and wrestled among the very best while wearing seemingly a different mask and identity for each opponent.

Somewhere along the way Friend became a manager extraordinaire walking to the ring with the likes of Harley Race, Roger Kirby, and Tokyo Joe to name just a scant few. From the early to the mid 70s Friend was well known across the mid-west for his managerial wizardry until life suddenly changed for the grappler and ringside advisor. Friend had a daughter and family to support and left the business while on top of his game to become a family man.

Percy Friend was the gateway for the likes of Bobby Heenan and Jim Cornette, good on the mic, good at taking bumps and good at drawing heat and excellent at getting his wrestler over. This short interview does little to introduce one to the many adventures that Percy Friend had over his career nor does it reach deep into the man who was a manger among managers. I hope to have Percival A. Friend as part of the “And then the bell rings…” shoot series soon.

Percival A. Friend will be appearing at the W.A.R.-Wrestling and Respect show on June 26th as a special guest of Jerry Wiseman and Thomas Williams. The show is nearly sold out with almost 750 tickets already gone and the only way to get in is by buying a ticket at the door for $10. This is sure to be among the most memorable W.A.R. shows this year. WAR will also be in Belle Center on July 3rd, part of the Auglaize and Allen County fairs this year and will be running in Lima as well. There is also talk that W.A.R. will invade Ft. Wayne, Indiana in the near future.

I want to thank Percival A. Friend for taking the time to talk to me and look forward to another great conversation this Saturday at the W.A.R. show at the UAW Hall in Lima, Ohio. Percy Friend is a wonderful person full of knowledge and great stories from his time in the wrestling business and I am proud to say that he is a Friend of mine.

In 2004 Percival A. Friend was honored by the Cauliflower Alley Club for his contributions to the wrestling business, an honor that was well deserved. Please enjoy this brief chat with Percy and be sure to attend the W.A.R. show this weekend and see for yourself how great W.A.R. wrestling is and how humble and honored Percy Friend is to still be a part of the professional wrestling business.

Q. Your dream opponent would be?
A. Ed “Strangler” Lewis or Gorgeous George

Q. What is your best road story? From a story I did about Alicia’s house trip to Chicago.
A. I enjoy getting in my car and going places with old friends. Dave Burzynski and I go back to the late 60′s when I was in Detroit working for Big Time Wrestling. He himself was in the business as a manager of some of the best including the original Sheik. As we pulled out of the driveway of my friend’s home in Ohio, where Dave left his car, he had no gut feelings about what was going to happen to him that day. We headed west on the Ohio Turnpike towards Indiana and soon got into the flow of westbound traffic.

It began to rain and that made the roads a little tougher to navigate on but the years of experience I had were now coming into play. I gave Dave the stack of cd’s that I carry in that car and he began to look through the titles and soon found some great oldies music to set back and listen to as the rain hit the roof of my Grand Marquis. About an hour later we crossed into Indiana and the rains started to let up a bit. We came to a rest area just East of South Bend and we both got out to stretch and shake the nearly 150 miles of setting out of our systems. I made a short call to a friend letting him know where we were and that I was only about 20 miles away from him. As we entered the car we looked back in the parking lot and there were 2 huge WWE trucks with painted trailers parked there. I assumed they were headed to Green Bay for the Monday night Raw to be held there.

About 20 minutes later I was getting off the Indiana Turnpike at the 31 bypass that used to take me many times to Bobo Brazils home in Benton Harbor just a short ways away. My mind began to do a memory check of my huge friend that has now been gone nearly a decade. The good times that we had together and the friendship we shared couldn’t be replaced with a million dollars. What I was about to do to Dave had been planned in advance for nearly 2 years and would have been a prank that Bobo would have enjoyed himself. I turned south on U S 31 and then about 2 miles down the road exited off onto highway 2 west. I began to look at the map that I had printed out and started looking for the road to turn left on to go to my friends home where we were to get lunch …. so Dave thought.

The next thing I knew I looked into the car’s rear mirror and seen red and blue lights and flashing headlights. I turned to Dave and said that we were getting pulled over and that I couldn’t understand why. I pulled off to the right shoulder and got out of the car and was met by “Barney Fife”. We began a disagreement that ended by me being put back into my car seat. I began to hurl insults at Barney and ask him why he was pulling us over. He shouted for us to give him our licenses and then he began to ask us if we had been in a rest stop just a short time before on the Indiana turnpike. We both said yes and he proceeded to tell us that we fit the description of two guys that was involved in a fight there. By now I began to hurl insults at Barney and called him ‘Flatfoot’ among some of the names. It was then that Dave told me to calm down that I would be going to jail if I didn’t stop. I was ordered out of the car and told to put my hands on the roof and then he ordered Dave out of the other side. Dave thought for sure that we were going to Jail and it would just ruin the weekend. It was then with a smile on his face that Barney went to the other side of the car and said “Welcome to Indiana … You have just been had”.

Dave was so mad at both of us that he was spitting. Something he rarely did. “Barney” shook his hand and hugged him and turned to me to ask if he had done well and I said I couldn’t have done it any better myself. I couldn’t hold back the laughter and each time I looked over at Dave’s red face I burst out again. It’s amazing what wrestlers do to keep themselves amused on long trips. We went back up the road to one of my friends local eateries and had a wonderful lunch and were soon back on the road again after taking a few posed shots together. Thank you “Barney” for making my day.

Q. Who is someone you always like to watch wrestle?
A. Kurt Angle

Q. As a promoter who would be in your money match?
A. The Original Sheik and Leaping Larry Chene

Q. Do you think tag team wrestling is a lost art?
A. It’s still alive but not in the sense it was in the 50′s and 60′s

Q. If you got the call from New York, would you change your gimmick and to what?
A. I wouldn’t change anything

Q. Do you think titles need to mean something again?
A. Yes

Q. You own a promotion, who are the first five workers you hire?
A. Yukon Eric, Hans Schmidt, Bobo Brazil, Buddy Rogers and Johnny Valentine.

Q. What is the craziest match you have done?
A. 4 1/2 man tag team match in Waterloo, Iowa.

Q. Do you prefer hardcore, traditional or a mix of the two for your own matches?
A. Traditional.

Q. Besides you, who is the best to ever step into the ring?
A. Harley Race.

Q. Who is your favorite opponent?
A. Omar Atlas.

Q. If you could change one thing about the business, what would it be?
A. Less talking and more wrestling.

Q. Does wrestling need a union?
A. YES to protect the people that are involved in it.

Q. What drew you into the business?
A. The mystery of the matches themselves.

Q. Do you think heels and faces need to be clearly defined again?
A. Yes.

Q. In the annals of wrestling, what do you want to be said about you?
A. That I was a manager that clearly knew what he was doing and did it.

Q. What decade, the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or 00s do you think best defined wrestling?
A. The 50s and 60s

Q. Do you think internet PPVs would help indie promotions?
A. No

Q. What is one thing you want fans to know about you?
A. That I am a human with many emotions and feelings.

Q. Have you ever had aspirations of trying MMA?
A. No

Q. Do you think the proposed changes that a lot of state athletic commissions will help or hurt the sport?
A. They are only interested in the money not the humans involved.

Q. Is the punishment you take worth the money you make?
A. Yes it was

Q. Is there any match you would refuse to do?
A. Anything involving nudity … there are all ages that come to the matches and some restrictions need to be in force.

Q. With more and more ladies taking on the men in the ring, would you have a problem doing a job for a woman?
A. If one was good enough to beat me at my game … let it be.

Q. How big of an impact do all the recent deaths of the boys have on the business?
A. It’s sad that deaths happen … but sometimes the stories behind them need to be squashed.

Q. Using steroids is still a sore subject among some of the boys, especially now that Ivan Putski came out and admitted using and Bruno Sammartino is against them but used them when they were legal, what is your feeling on them?
A. A natural body is always the best.

Q. Does there need to be more competition in the business and do you think TNA is the answer or does someone else need to come along and step-up?
A. Competition is always a good thing because it makes a much sharper business mind out of everyone.

Q. Does it take an addictive personality to be a pro wrestler or what type of mental attitude do you need to make it in the business?
A. You need to know and love what you’re doing and not just for the fact that you are making a name for yourself.

Q. What kind of pre-match ritual do you have before you go through the curtain?
A. Warm up, psyche up and deliver.

Q. Do you find yourself giving 100% no matter if there are 25 people in the crowd or 2500?
A. Yes and sometimes more

Q. Do you ever practice cutting a promo in front of a mirror?
A. Many years ago

Q How do you define yourself as a pro wrestler?
A. I was the best at what I did and tried to deliver a message every time I went into the ring.

Q. What is the weirdest thing you have had happen while in the ring?
A. Had a fan deliver a baby at ringside during a match.

Q. Fans either love you or hate you, what has been your worst experience with a fan?
A. Getting myself into a riot and being hit with a wooden folding chair.

Q. If you could go back to any era and wrestle for one night, where would you go and who would you step into the ring with?
A. Chicago Amphitheater and Dick the Bruiser

Q. What move do you think is overused and just does not get over now, like the carotid clutch in the 70s?
A. Choke Slam.

Q. Did you enjoy working or being a manager more?
A. Manager

Q. Who was the most difficult to manage?
A. Women wrestlers.

Q. What prompted you to leave the business at the top of your game?
A. I had a new family and wanted to be with them at all costs.

Q. If you could manage one person past or present, who would it be?
A. Buddy Rogers

Q. Are there any regrets in your career?
A. None … it was a great ride.

Q. Did you ever go to the WWWF or did you want to?
A. I was in and out in the early 60′s and enjoyed the time spent very well.

Q. Something not many people know about you is?
A. I was nearly a Dr.

Q. Give your impression on today’s wrestling?
A. More of a show than a business. Too much theatrics and glitz.

Q. What did it mean to be inducted into the CAC?
A. It was a night that my peers said to me that I was the best and applauded me for a job well done.

To read more of Jerry Wiseman’s interviews, news, and thoughts on the sport of pro wrestling, check out all of his articles at Examiner.com.

Jerry Wiseman Interviews Hailey Hatred

From her debut in 2002 Haily Hatred has been destined for great things. Taking a Japanese wrestling style will little gimmicks, Hatred has wowed crowds worldwide with her rough and aggressive yet technical expertise. Raised on Japanese wrestling tapes in her native Columbus, Ohio, Hailey always knew she wanted to get into professional wrestling.

Hailey has wrestled all over the southern US and the mid-west besting opponents from Allison Danger, Ms. Chif, Portia Perez and Lexi Lane. Hatred’s biggest match may have been against Mickie Knuckles, one of the toughest women wrestlers around for the IWA-MS Woman’s Title.
Hatred dreams of going to Japan to train and wrestle and tour from time to time. Her dreams may take her to all the places she wants to go including Mexico, Canada, England, Germany and possibly New York.

Hailey, gracious and accommodating took time to speak with The Worm about a variety of things and subjects in this edition of Bell Time…with Hailey Hatred.

Q. Your dream match would be?
A. A singles match with Jushin Liger.

Q. What is your best road story?
A. Haven’t had it yet.

Q. Who is someone you always like to watch wrestle?
A. Akira Hokuto.

Q. As a promoter what match would you most like to see?
A. I’m not a promoter.

Q. Do you think tag team wrestling is a lost art?
A. Not at all! If given a bigger stage, it could be more interesting than singles.

Q. If you got the call from New York would you change your gimmick?
A. I don’t think there would be much choice.

Q. Do you think wrestling needs to make titles mean something again?
A. I believe a lot of titles do still mean something.

Q. You own a promotion, who are the first five workers you hire?
A. Minoru Tanaka, Toshiaki Kawada, Ayumi Kurihara, Kana, Bryan Danielson.

Q. What is the craziest match you have done?
A. No Ropes Barbed Wire.

Q. Do you prefer hardcore, traditional or a mix of the two in your matches?
A. Traditional. I feel a lot better the next day.

Q. Besides yourself, who if the best ever to step into the ring?
A. Bret Hart, of course =).

Q. Who is your favorite opponent?
A. Nanae Takahashi.

Q. If you could change one thing about the business, what would it be?
A. No drugs.

Q. Does wrestling need a union?
A. Not in my opinion.

Q. What drew you into the wrestling business?
A. The combination of athleticism and charismatic fighters.

To read more of Jerry Wiseman’s interviews, news, and thoughts on the sport of pro wrestling, check out all of his articles at Examiner.com.

Jerry Wiseman Interviews “The Madness” Chris Hall

As a former collegiate wrestling star and football player, Chris “The Madness” Hall is one big, mean mother, not someone I would mess with even in a lit alley and I fear no man. Hall has always dreamed of being a professional wrestler since the time of watching his heroes, who include Arn Anderson, Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin and others from the more popular “Attitude Era” of the WWE. With the help of WAR Wrestling and many of the independents in the tri-state area Hall is living the dream he always wished for when watching wrestling on TV on Saturday.

Hall is on the main roster of WAR, Wrestling and Respect out of Lima, Ohio and always gives the proverbial 100% during his matches. Hall wrestles hard, smart and like a seasoned vet making every move mean something and telling a story while working his match, regardless of the opponent.

I met Chris Hall a few months ago and was amazed at the agility of such a big man and was also marking out for his match with Matt Mason that included a wicked gig mark on Hall’s forehead. Hall is an amazing worker and has an obvious desire to make it to either TNA or to New York and with his skill and ability, he has a chance and would do well if given the right gimmick and push.

Chris Hall is a mean looking, big, strong, tough mother but was kind enough to sit down with me for a quick interview before the big WAR “Free for All” coming up on June 26 in Lima, Ohio at the UAW Hall. Hall is quick witted, not short on answers or sharing how he feels and honest, one of the rarest traits you find in a worker in the professional wrestling world. I want to say many thanks to Chris Hall for taking time to do this interview and best of luck to you my friend in all that you do in the future.

Q. Your dream opponent would be?
A. That would be either Vader to learn everything a big man needs to know to make it or Chris Benoit, just an awesome worker and could learn a plethora of things from him.

Q. What is your best road story?
A. Well, they all involve bodily parts and functions and fart jokes, they are all better told in person.

Q. Who is someone you always like to watch wrestle?
A. I love to watch HHH wrestle, he has it all going right now and is the man in the business. Of course my boys and trainers The Irish Airborne, they like critiques and vice versa.

Q. As a promoter who would be in your money match?
A. Hmmm…I would have to say Eddie Guerrero v. Chris Benoit v. Kurt Angle, now that is a money maker.

Q. Do you think tag team wrestling is a lost art?
A. It is a lost art, you learn so much from tag wrestling that carries over into singles matches plus there is so much that can be done with a tag division.

Q. If you got the call from New York would you change your gimmick and to what?
A. Hell yes I would change my gimmick and to whatever they wanted as long as I fulfilled on the dreams from childhood.

Q. Do you think titles need to mean something again?
A. Yes, titles need to mean something again, what point is having a title if it is just used as a prop and means nothing? You need to make your top guy look awesome and make him the man to chase after or chase after the belt.

Q. You own a promotion, who are the first five workers you hire?
A. Dave and Jake Crist, Kurt Angle, Vader and Chris Benoit.

Q. What is the craziest match you have done?
A. Damn, that is a tough question, I would have to say probably the craziest match I have ever doen would have to be a tag team street fight involving myself and a partner and Brian Beech and his partner. We were in Norwood, Ohio for HWA, we kind of got carried away and broke some stuff but oh man, the crowd loved it.

Q. Do you prefer hardcore, traditional or a mix of the two for your own matches?
A. I prefer to do traditional style over hardcore but will do hardcore because with red comes green.

Q. Besides yourself, who is the best to ever step into the ring?
A. Damn, I can’t say there is just one because there have been so many greats over the years but in my opinion my top three are Nigel McGuiness, Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero.

Q. Who is your favorite opponent?
A. My favorite opponent, again not just one because there are a few but Jon Moxley, Richard Phillips and Dave and Jake Crist.

Q. If you could change one thing about the business, what would it be?
A. The amount of jokes that think they are in the business because they bought a pair of boots and a singlet and some tape. Get some training, learn to work and be dedicated and keep kayfabe, is that too much to ask?

Q. Does wrestling need a union?
A. I have never been in a union so I’m not sure what goes on but from what I have heard about them, no wrestling does not need one.

Q. What drew you into the business?
A. Actually I became interested in the business since I was little, like all I can remember is watching wrestling live on TV with my mother. The reason I started watching it and got hooked was because of her and saying this is awesome, that’s what I want to be when I grow up and here I am working my way to fulfilling my lifelong dream.

Q. Do you think heels and faces need to be clearly defined again?
A. I think hell and faces have to evolve with the times and being clearly defined is on the workers. You can either get over or you get hear and if you do that then you define yourself as the heel or face.

Q. In the annals of wrestling, what do you want to be said about you?
A. I want to be known as the second coming of Vader and become one of the best big men ever to be in the business.

Q. What decade, the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or 00s do you think best defined wrestling?
A. Just like everything else wrestling has to evolve but the best decade as I only experienced the 80s and would it would have to be the late 80s and early 90s for me.

Q. Do you think internet PPVs would help indie promotions?
A. They would definitely help indie promotions as long as the young indie workers that are trying to make it and become noticed.

Q. What is one thing you want fans to know about you?
A. I want fans to know whether they love me or hate me that they are going to get what they paid for I always strive to be the best on the card.

Q. Have you ever had aspirations of trying MMA?
A. There have been thoughts of trying MMA I believe I could do pretty well with my amateur background. I just do not have the passion for MMA like I do for professional wrestling though.

Q. Do you think the proposed changes that a lot of state athletic commissions will help or hurt the sport?
A. The changes would definitely hurt wrestling, with the cost it would take for the promoters to run shows, many of the would be put out of business and that would take away from the places that we have to practice and master our craft. But it could be a good thing because the workers that need a license would be run out because they do not have the passion to get it…

Q. Who I someone you would not want to work again?
A. Nikita Allanov, if I did work him again it would not be a work.

Q. Do you think blading is a necessary evil in the sport?
A. Yes and no, if the gimmick is needed toward the end of a story line then yes. I would say no because a true worker can get over and tell the story without blading.

Q. Is the punishment you take worth the money you make?
A. Right now no, it is not worth the money but the love for what we do is enough and the fulfillment of a dream…in the end it will all be worth it.

Q. We are all marks; have to be to love the business, how big a mark are you, what is your favorite piece of swag?
A. I still watch wrestling and pop and mark out every now and then but I mostly like to watch and observe and learn.

Q. Is there any match you would refuse to do?
A. As long as the money is right, nope!

Q. With more and more ladies taking on the men in the ring, would you have a problem doing a job for a woman?
A. If you can find a woman that is bigger than I am, maybe Awesome Kong, then I wouldn’t have a problem as long as it made sense and we were both put over.

Q. How big of an impact do all the recent deaths of the boys have on the business?
A. All the recent deaths have definitely changed how the business is see and some promoters have changed the way they run their shows and you can tell by watching them.

Q. Using steroids is still a sore subject among some of the boys, especially now that Ivan Putski came out and admitted using and Bruno Sammartino is against them but used them when they were legal, what is your feeling on them?
A. As long as steroids are taken responsibly they are the healthiest supplement anyone can take. The thing that gives them a bad name is when they are abused, that is when all the harmful side effect begin to come about so if taken responsibly they are amazing.

Q. Does there need to be more competition in the business and do you think TNA is the answer or does someone else need to come along and step-up?
A. Back during the Monday Night Wars there were three places that were the slingshot for making it with the WWE being the powerhouse. Now there is really only one place to make it and that is the WWE. TNA could be the WCW of old if things were changed and they did not worry about competing right now and just continued to innovate the business. As long as TNA tries to compete and bring in the vets and legends there is no room for the new talent to get that slingshot.

Q. Does it take an addictive personality to be a pro wrestler or what type of mental attitude do you need to make it in the business?
A. If wrestling were easy everyone would do it so it totally takes a certain kind of person to wrestle. Yes, it takes an addictive, a good kind of addictive personality and someone that is determined to put in a lot of time and sacrifice and not just make wrestling a hobby. That is what is wrong with a lot of the indies, people see it as a hobby and do not want it as a career. It is bull if you do not have your whole heart in it the get out.

Q. What kind of pre-match ritual do you have before you go through the curtain?
A. Pretty much the same when I played football and wrestled in college, go over everything in my head, throw on my music and get into the madness mode while lacing up my boots, getting a pump on and taping up.

Q. Do you find yourself giving 100% no matter if there are 25 people in the crowd or 2500?
A. Always strive to be the best on the card no matter what the draw is.

Q. Do you ever practice cutting a promo in front of a mirror?
A. Yes, that is the best place to do it, the facials and everything are right there and to see first hand what you need to do and work on it if need be.

Q. How do you define yourself as a pro wrestler?
A. I define myself as someone who loves this business and will strive to do what it takes to make it to the big dance. I have sacrificed and dedicated time to this business and love every minute of it.

Q. What is the weirdest thing you have had happen while in the ring?
A. I had my opponents partner crap himself and tag out, run to the back, wipe his ass and change his gear and then come back and finish the match. (Editors note: Of all the times I have asked this question, this is hands down the winner!)

Q. Fans either love you or hate you, what has been your worst experience with a fan?
A. I got so much heat from a family of bikers in Southern Ohio for making fun of the daughter that the dad, uncle and granddad (Editor’s Note: Were they all the same person?) all waited outside after the show and I had to wait until they left to exit the building. Talk about cheap easy heat (laughs).

Q. If you could go back to any era and wrestle for one night, where would you go and who would you step into the ring with?
A. Triple H during the Attitude Era, ‘nuff said.

Q. What move do you think is overused and just does not get over now, like the carotid clutch in the 70s?
A. The Chokeslam

To read more of Jerry Wiseman’s interviews, news, and thoughts on the sport of pro wrestling, check out all of his articles at Examiner.com.

Jerry Wiseman Interviews Sherman Tank

When I first met Sherman Tank my initial impression was, this is one big dude. Intimidating just from his size Tank has a presence that is vital to being successful in the world of professional wrestling. Tank can move like a man half his size, he can work circles around some of the top talent in the WWE and he is one of the biggest stars both literally and figuratively for W.A.R. Wrestling and Respect. WAR Wrestling will be offering their annual “Free for All” show on June 26 with a 7:30 bell time and a show that is sure to be one of the best of the year.

Sherman Tank is often associated with “Metal Head” Steve Stone, the current WAR champion as Stone’s protector, enforcer and ringside confidant. Tank will be part of the June 26 show for WAR but he has wrestled across Ohio, Canada and the mid-west for years perfecting his craft, honing his skills and becoming one of the most talented and talked about indie workers in the mid-west.

Tank can talk the talk and walk the walk when he traverses the aisle to the ring and once he steps between the ropes, you know you are about to see something special. A pleasure to talk to, a funny and genuine person and one helluva worker, I am proud to present my conversation with Sherman Tank.

Q. Your dream opponent would be?
A. Mickie James in leg scissor bikini match?

Q. What is your best road story?
A. Well we left Columbus one day, it was 60 degrees out. We get to Canada and there’s three foot of snow…Um…NEVERMIND. Anyway…one of the best was we were doing a double shot for OCW and the first night was in St. Clairsville, OH. This (bought) show was organized and promoted by a guy who had no business organizing and promoting a Ginseng commercial, let alone a wrestling show.

So we get to the fairgrounds and there are 100 large wrestling posters all over the place promoting the show. That would be great, except the fair was about two months away. So we get inside and Jeff Cannon groups most of us in a corner somewhere and tells us that this guy didn’t do any advertising, no sponsors, nada and if we wanted to leave he would understand. Well we worked the show (with Buff Bagwell) in front of maybe 30 people. Afterwards we all decide to go to BW3’s and drown a bad day. The promoter surprisingly shows up as well. Well some of us get a little hammered while eating some wings. Before heading back to the hotel another worker and myself went and grabbed some beer and a few novelty items from the local Kroger. When we get back to the hotel, we go looking for Matt Mason and Jeremy Madrox’s room.

Well when Tank gets a little drunk he can get a little stupid…so this Tank guy (wearing a big mullet wig and recently purchased princess tiara, wand, and loads of silly string) comes running down the sidewalk as only a 350 princess in drag can…we all have a few drinks and laughs until someone in the next room comes out and talks to us. It was actually two big gentlemen of African decent (nice guys actually), and they were in need of some help. They asked us if we had any protection and Jeremy Madrox jumped into the room and slammed the door. Matt Mason and I looked puzzled and soon realized what kind of protection they were inquiring about. A 5’3 pretty little half-naked blonde walked out of their room and being the gentleman that I am, offered her a beer. Well after telling these two guys that I wasn’t armed for the evening, Matt had a good idea. He went into the room and pulled out the plastic bags out of the trash cans. He said try this (Matt is always thinking safety first), and they did.

After having this surreal moment, Matt and I decide to go mess with Buff a little. So this crazy drunk ass Tank in drag knocks on Buffs door and well he was eating BW3s take out on his bed, watching Sports Center. He was amused at our rib, but was fading fast so we decided to go back to my room. Little did we know but the promoter who booked this fiasco of a show was next door to me. Matt and I invited ourselves into his room where we literally scared a gallon of piss out of this guy and during a quick trip to the john, Matt noticed that nasty pile of hair in the trash can. After investigating myself, we noticed a whole pharmacy of marital aids, pills (enter the Ginseng commercial), potions, lotions, and toys that this freak had in his room. Apparently this freak was stalking a local BW3s waitress and she no-showed him and his little rendezvous at the hotel.

After doing our best Stone Cold impression and toasting a six pack of Bud Light all over this guys room, we went back to my room where we thought we’d help this pour bastard out. We told this guy that we know this girl that was really looking for some action and we had Matt’s girl, Jayme, call this guy and get him all hot and bothered. He wanted the room number and we gave it to him. It was the room with the two big gentlemen of African decent and the 5’3” pretty little half-naked blonde. Sad to say we haven’t heard from that little bastard since.

Q. Who is someone you always like to watch wrestle?
A. Basing this when I was younger – Rock n Roll Express, Arn and Tully, Flair, Shawn Michaels, Hogan.

Q. As a promoter who would be in your money match?
A. I know they already worked, but, Michaels (’96) and Flair (’87).

Q. Do you think tag team wrestling is a lost art?
A. Yes. There are very few teams out there that actually put in the time to look and act like a team. Guys with mismatched gear and one guys tan the other guy’s pasty white. There are no similarities and that irritates me. Luckily we have guys like The Hi-Def Supernovas, The Soul Shooters, and Team Clash locally that take me back to the days of RnR Express, Midnights, Hart Foundations, etc; all great teams that actually looked like a TEAM!

Q. If you got the call from New York, would you change your gimmick and to what?
A. I have been thinking about this a lot recently and I would really fight to keep my current gimmick no matter whether it was a call from New York, Philly, or Nashville.

Q. Do you think titles need to mean something again?
A. Yes. I hate that people think of belts as props. You want a prop go join a f#cking play. I’ve always thought that if a promotion gives you a belt it means that they value you and your ability to put the promotion over, the angle over, build your opponent and what have you. It should mean something for sure.

Q. You own a promotion, who are the first five workers you hire?
A. Nationally if I can pick guys from different eras… Flair (’87), Savage (’92), Hogan (’86-7), Michaels (‘96), Rude (’90).

Q. What is the craziest match you have done?
A. I don’t do crazy matches, but a close one would probably be OCW War Games in Rittman, OH a few years back. It was The Hi-Def Supernovas and I against Jeff Cannon, Jeremy Madrox, and another guy. It was such a special night for all of us on so many different levels. There was a story in a story in a story and it was six guys that went out there did something very special, at least in my eyes.

Q. Do you prefer hardcore, traditional or a mix of the two for your own matches?
A. Old school with a bit of new school.

Q. Besides you, who is the best to ever step into the ring?
A. Well isn’t this a loaded question…Best Entertainer – Hogan. Best Wrestler – Flair. Best Sports Entertainer – 3way tie – Austin/Rock/Michaels.

Q. Who is your favorite opponent?
A. I would classify a favorite opponent by the quality of the match that we have. Back in the day I had a lot of solid matches with a wrestler out of Central Ohio named Shank Dorsey. Those were fun hard hitting stiff matches. In the last five years, I’d say some of the guys I’ve had the best chemistry with in the ring has been Jeff Cannon, Robby Starr, Brian Beech, and Matt Mason. I know I’m leaving some guys out, but those are the names that come to mind.

Q. If you could change one thing about the business, what would it be?
A. I would go back to the “golden age” of wrestling, as I knew it back in the 80’s. You had a couple national companies, yet you still had some territories and they were all doing well financially. If you could do that in today’s market, I’d consider that heaven.

Q. Does wrestling need a union?
A. It is a nice vision, but it will never happen.

Q. What drew you into the business?
A. I’ve been involved with the business since I was a young teenager and what initially drew me to the business were the championship belts. They were so amazing. As a kid, I was lucky enough to bump around in rings all over the Midwest so that was a unique experience as well. Finally how the crowd reacted to guys they did and didn’t like kind of sealed the deal for me.

Q. Do you think heels and faces need to be clearly defined again?
A. I don’t think it’s necessary, but it helps. I think you need guys who are good, evil, and a few that are a shade of gray to really keep people interested.

Q. In the annals of wrestling, what do you want to be said about you?
A. I’d like to be known for a guy that wasn’t the tallest or had the best body, but I used what I was given to put on the best matches possible. For a guy as big as I am to move the way I do and do the moves that a guy my size shouldn’t be doing; I take great pride in that. When fans of all ages come up and say they were really entertained by my work; I take pride in that. It really means that much more when I come through the curtain and the boy’s kind of look at me with their mouths wide open going, wow that was awesome. It wasn’t until recently that I have been able to accept this as a compliment. It really has become a good feeling.

Q. What decade, the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or 00s do you think best defined wrestling?
A. Not too familiar with 50s or 60s, but I’d say the 80’s wrestling did it for me. I guess that’s when I fell in love with the business so I’m pretty partial. The mid 90’s were fun too though.

Q. Do you think internet PPVs would help indie promotions?
A. If done right it could definitely. You have to have a good lockerroom, a good announce team, quality equipment and knowledgeable staff, impressive setup, and probably most importantly a lot of marketing/advertising. And all of this cost a lot of money that most promoters don’t have.

Q. What is one thing you want fans to know about you?
A. I’m a Taurus. I like long walks on the beach and…nevermind. I don’t know if I want the fans to know this, but I do a lot more than just wrestle in regards to the business. I work with some promotions doing a lot of behind the scenes stuff like improving their show layout and design entrance way setups. I work with the wrestlers on the gimmicks, merchandise, and gear. I really have a passion to make the promotions and workers that I work close with, look the best that they can to give the fans the best all around professional presentation that is possible.

Q. Have you ever had aspirations of trying MMA?
A. No not really. I can watch it, enjoy it, and respect it. It’s just not really me. Don’t get me wrong. If you piss me off enough, I will punch you in the face.

Q. Do you think the proposed changes that a lot of state athletic commissions will help or hurt the sport?
A. Depends on which ones you’re speaking about. I think there are too many crappy promotions out there taking advantage of fans who haven’t really been exposed to good wrestling. So if the commissions did something to regulate who can/cannot be a promotion and who can/cannot be a wrestler that would be great. I don’t necessarily believe in the commissions saying you can’t strike with a chair, or belt, or whatever. I know they think they are trying to protect us, but it will hurt the business. Most commissions could not care less about wrestling anyway.

Q. Who is someone you would not want to work again?
A. There are a long list of guys that I encountered in this business whom I want nothing to do with again in any realm of life, but one person that stand out among the pack is a guy that went around calling himself Cactus Sak. The back story on this is that in 2001 I left every promotion I was working with. I was burned out and betrayed by a lot of people I was close to, so I came home to Canton after I graduated from The Ohio State University. Somehow I met up with this guy Tim Shady (yes that Tim Shady… I know…I know) and he booked me in a “MCW Tryout Match” against this guy – Cactus Sak. The night before this match I went to the MCW training school in Massillon where I met Shasta and this Cactus Sak and I worked out a bit to clean off some ring rust.

While I was working out, I severely sprained my ankle (if I wasn’t wearing my wrestling boots, I’m sure I would have pulled a Sid Vicious and poked my femur out the bottom of my leg). As I talked to this Cactus Sak, he led me to believe that he was part of the MCW clique, so out of respect I let him lead the match. I get to the bar (the old BB McClain’s in Canton) where the show’s at and he shows up with this stripper. Now I was told by Shasta that if this guy f#cks up to totally shoot on him and when we have this match what does he do…he f#cks up. So I’m remembering what Shasta told me, to really f#ck up his day…but then I start thinking, well what if it’s a set up; I’m an outsider and he’s part of their clique and if I start beating his ass, is the locker room going to clear (now I don’t consider myself a pu$$y, I’ll throw down against a few guys if I have to, but I’m not stupid enough to fight an entire locker room)?

Well the match was the shitz because I was wrestling on one wheel and this guy was the king shitz. The crowd hated us both but throwing all dignity in the crapper this stupid f#ck told the crowd that if they cheered him he would tell this girl to get naked. They still booed him and he’s still not on the MCW roster. If I see him today, I will honor Shasta’s request and shoot all over him.

Q. Do you think blading is a necessary evil in the sport?
A. I think blading of any kind should be used with discretion and only used when necessary. It’s been over done and doesn’t mean that much anymore.

Q. Is the punishment you take worth the money you make?
A. No, but we are all stupid for doing what we do and will continue to do it because we have some sort of warped love for this business.

Q. We are all marks; have to be to love the business, how big a mark are you, what is your favorite piece of swag?
A. I’ve been around for a long time so my markish ways have kind of worn off over the years, but I agree that we are all marks to some degree to be involved in the business. My favorite piece of swag would be my real, 1987 NWA inspired United States Championship Belt that was made by Joe Marshall (the maker of the current WWE belts). I loved this belt a lot back in the 80’s and I had to have it. A few years ago, I had the belt’s leather strap remade by Dave Millican and he did a great custom job with the belt. So it’s a unique piece of wrestling swag in that it is made by two of the top belt makers today.

Q. Is there any match you would refuse to do?
A. Have no interest in any garbage death match bull.

Q. With more and more ladies taking on the men in the ring, would you have a problem doing a job for a woman?
A. It wouldn’t make sense for me to do that, but I wouldn’t be against it. Hell as big as I am, I’ve bumped for refs a third of my size to pop the crowd. So I do what I need to do to get somebody over, put an angle over, or make the crowd go home happy. How’s that for an ego?

Q. How big of an impact do all the recent deaths of the boys have on the business?
A. I’m sure we all think about the deaths all the time. There have been some great workers that we’re all fans of, cut down in their prime from various causes. However I believe that everybody cuts their own deal, you know…If you know the risks and you take this pill or that pill, or sniff this, or drink that; then by now you know the consequences. We’re all adults at least physically.

Q. Using steroids is still a sore subject among some of the boys, especially now that Ivan Putski came out and admitted using and Bruno Sammartino is against them but used them when they were legal, what is your feeling on them?
A. I’m not against people using them responsibly, but again people should be, by now, aware of the potential side effects. If you accept responsibility for the side effects and your actions being under the drug, then that’s what being an adult is about.

Q. Does there need to be more competition in the business and do you think TNA is the answer or does someone else need to come along and step-up?
A. I think a lot of the boys would love more competition. TNA is the closest thing we have to competition. ROH is somewhere in there too, but I would love for a handful of promotions to put a solid business plan together with intelligent wrestling minded personnel to give Vince a run for his money. Hollywood writers need not apply.

Q. Does it take an addictive personality to be a pro wrestler or what type of mental attitude do you need to make it in the business?
A. I don’t know if it takes an addictive personality, but it definitely attracts people with addictive personalities. We’ve lost a lot of good guys and girls to sad addictions. On the other hand, if you’re going to be in this business, you need to strive to be the best. You need to look and act like someone who is bigger than life itself. Almost “God-Like.” I think it takes a very intelligent person, who is very tough mentally and physically, to truly be a pro wrestler. Unfortunately some people need to use foreign substances to achieve or maintain this feeling. Then there are the posers that have no business being in, nor near a wrestling ring. These people that are really ok with working in front of 20 people (mostly friends and family) in a dive bar and have the balls to call themselves “wrestlers”. Don’t get me wrong, some guys use those little shows for experience to get better and I’m ok with that. It’s the other 75% of guys that “play” wrestler to feel big and important in their ebay or Wal-Mart branded gear. It really waters down our business and ruins the image of wrestling to the crowd.

Q. What kind of pre-match ritual do you have before you go through the curtain?
A. I try to get to the building early and chill…I like just laying in the ring and listening to music or stretching and talking with my boys. When I get dressed I try and do the same thing every show. Tape wrists, put shorts and pads on, boots and just walk around like that until it’s almost match time and then put my jersey on. Right as my music is playing I put in a piece of gum, drink a shot of water and think of my dad and my two little boys…wait for the cue in my music and then it’s on.

Q. Do you find yourself giving 100% no matter if there are 25 people in the crowd or 2500?
A. I try. When I first broke in, we were wrestling in front of a couple thousand people so going out there hearing that response; it was easy to give 100%. Going out there with 25 people in the crowd, I still try and give 100% but do it in a way that I’m not going to kill myself in the process. I don’t want to penalize the crowd for either a promoter not doing his job, a town that just won’t draw, or whatever the reason is. Maybe if they like what I’m doing they will each bring one more person with them next show.

Q. Do you ever practice cutting a promo in front of a mirror?
A. Yes. Sometimes I want to go grab our cameraman because those promos are heads and shoulders above what I normally cut.

Q. How do you define yourself as a pro wrestler?
A. A big man who has the mobility like a large cruiserweight.

Q. What is the weirdest thing you have had happen while in the ring?
A. I don’t know if it’s weird or just bad luck, but I was wrestling in Canada (we did a lot of Canadian shots back in the late 90’s) and it was a tag team match. Well I’m in the ring against The Casanova Cliq and during one of their tag moves, I was kneed in the head and pretty much knocked out on my feet. I was then whipped to the far rope and as I was running, my head was running faster than my feet. I hit all three of the opposing ropes with my face. Hit the top rope twice. Hit the middle rope twice. Hit the bottom rope…you get the idea. And then hit the canvas. Luckily I tagged out and came to on the apron to finish the match, but yes that sucked and has been the subject to a lot of good laughs over the years.

Q. Fans either love you or hate you, what has been your worst experience with a fan?
A. In 15 years I can’t really recall a really bad experience until recently. A few weeks ago I was working for CAPW in London, OH in a tag match. I was teaming with Mitch Ryder against Tommy Rich and Doug Gilbert. Right at the bell the match was turned into a no dq match and I paired off with Doug Gilbert. We literally beat each other’s ass all around that building, up the bleachers and in front of the crowd. Well when I was beating Doug down the aisle, I bumped into a trashcan, and thought, “hey, use the trashcan.” Well as I was picking it up to use it, I heard someone scream “Watch out for the baby” and as I turned to look with this trash can over my head, ready to hit Doug Gilbert with it, trash fell all over this 4 year old kid and his mom. I felt horrible and she was pissed. The trash was mostly chip bags and empty pop cans so it wasn’t really disgusting, but it was still trash and I couldn’t have felt any worse. I guess she left, but I think Matt Mason tried to talk to her and I think he kind of smoothed things over a little, so if you’re reading this Miss… I totally apologize for accidentally dropping trash on you and your son. (laughs) In my defense, a lot of people said that she was sitting in the front row and should have moved away like the other people did. But I still feel bad.

Q. If you could go back to any era and wrestle for one night, where would you go and whom would you step into the ring with?
A. Again I’d be in the late 80s. I’d dropkick Robert Gibson out of the ring and Ricky Morton and I would be defending the NWA Tag Team Titles against the Midnight Express.

Q. What move do you think is overused and just does not get over now, like the carotid clutch in the 70s?
A. The Lockup…(laughs)…No, um…I don’t know. There are a ton of moves I can think of off the top of my head that are overused, but they get over so I’m going with my first answer the lockup…

Jerry Wiseman Interviews RoH’s Colt Cabana

Colt Cabana in Demand in Ohio—Colt Cabana, rumored to be on his way back to New York, will be making stops in Ohio for two popular promotions in June and July. On June 26th Cabana will be wrestling as part of WAR-Wrestling and Respect, the Lima, Ohio based promotion known for hot crowds and great matches. Promoter Thomas Williams noted Cabana and WAR go back a long time and it is great to have Colt back on a WAR show.

On July 27th Cabana will be appearing for Scott Toler’s SWI wrestling in Sidney, Ohio at the Shelby County Fairgrounds. Cabana will be making an appearance at the local Aarons rent-to-own store on July 26th and July 27th for a meet and greet autograph session for fans. Toler has had decent crowds since his first show in April and hopes that Cabana will help bring a renewed interest in professional wrestling to the Northwest part of Ohio.

I recently spoke with Cabana, who not only wrestles but also takes part in doing stand-up comedy. Make sure to be a part of the Colt Cabana Express when it comes to Northwest Ohio in June and July.

Colt Cabana has been wrestling since 1999 and in that time he has worked for ROH, Wrestling Society X, the WWE, OVW, FCW and a few other indies. Cabana is outspoken, funny and a bit off the wall but is one helluva worker when the bell rings. In the midst of wrestling he can also be found opening for Mick Foley when they do stand-up at select comedy clubs. Cabana took a moment from his busy schedule to talk to Examiner.com

Q. You've spent a lot of time in ROH, what makes it different and almost cultish?
A. It's underground. We've gained an underground following. We don't have to listen to "the man" or be a part of corporate America. Because we don't have any creative restraints or glass ceilings, our performers go balls out and put on consistently memorable performances and shows.

Q. Your time in OVW, what is that like? As an OVW alum I have to say my time there was the most fun I've had in the business.
A. I always really liked Danny Davis (OVW owner), but it was one of the worst times in my life. Fortunately I made a lot of great friends and we were able to keep ourselves sane. The fans there were always great too. I did learn a lot in OVW and it was a great learning experience.

Q. Who would be the dream opponent for Colt Cabana?
A. My dream opponent was Johnny Saint and I was able to wrestle him for 1PW in Sheffield, England this past July. It was a true dream come true.

Q. Did it bother you to be called up to the WWE just to job and then get sent back to OVW? Do you see yourself back in the WWE soon?
A. Your facts are incorrect as it was FCW. I also was able then to get called back up to the road again while performing my WWE.com show that I was very proud of. A lot of guys don't even get the call up. That was a compliment in itself.

Q. What is your best road story?
A. I've been at it over 10 years now. I've got so many stories. We recently filmed a documentary w/ Bryan Danielson. It'll be available at www.wrestlingroaddiaries.com.

Q. In five years, what will we see Colt Cabana doing?
A. Wrestling and working on various comedy projects.

Q. How cool is it that your brother works on Family Guy?
A. It's just work man. He's worked so hard to get where he is. He deserves it. Just shows how far hard work and determination will take you.

Q.How do you change up your style for the different promotions you work for?
A. I try not to. My style is my style and that's why a specific promotion asks me to wrestle for them.

Q. What is next in wrestling for Colt Cabana?
A. ROH is going strong on HDNet every Monday. Otherwise check out twitter.com/drColtCabana for constant updates on my life and career.

Q. In the annals of wrestling, what do you want it to say about Colt Cabana?
A. Something completely different in a era of wrestling that was predictably boring.

Jerry Wiseman Interviews Ohio’s Lady Victoria

From the Tipp City and Dayton Ohio area comes one of the most prolific lady wrestlers the business has ever seen. Successful in every arena she has stepped into, Lady Victoria was also a pioneer in creating custom videos for the niche fan and has used, been abused and done some abusing to some of the toughest ladies to step into the ring including ODB, Traci Brooks and Angelina Love.

Lady Victoria, a spry, active and very tough lady still trains daily, still manages to wrestle from time to time, produce and participate in specialty matches filmed at her state of the art studio in Tipp City, Ohio. Lady Victoria’s website has downloadable videos, photos and more including photo sets of herself, Bobcat (married to Ohio legend Al Snow),Sin-D, Christina Ricci, ODB, Vanessa, Amanda Ruffin and more.

You can contact Lady Victoria are her official website at www.ladyvictoria.com or via MySpace at www.myspace.com/irngal for more information about what she does and who she is.

Victoria is tough as the proverbial nail on the outside but a super person and a delight to talk to, though no one is supposed to know that so ignore the last sentence I wrote. I was privileged enough to be able to talk to Lady Victoria about a number of things on her mind and she was never at a loss for words.

Q. Your dream opponent would be?
A. Well, I have stepped into the ring with the best already. Angelena Love was and will always be the best wrestler I have ever met but I would have to say Mildred Burke.

Q. What is your best road story?
A. One time I drove on Thanksgiving from Ohio to Boston. It was about sixteen hours. No gas stations open and no restaurants. No big semis on the road either. I spent so many long hours on the road I cannot remember one trip from another. One time I drove to Mississippi, Lollipop, Traci Brooka and ODB and about five other girls were on the show. After the show we drove back to Nashville all night and then drove home to Ohio. That was a fifteen hour trip. One Time I had a show and a shoot here. I had about 10 girls and the show was an hour away. I have a friend with a limo and he picked us up, it was raining. The limo was real old and rain was coming in through the windows, no heat, it was great.

Q. Who is someone you always like to watch wrestle?
A. It is hard to watch wrestling in any way but a learning way now. I am unable to watch as a fan. It is like any other profession, carpenters are looking for correct angles and correct construction. I look at matches in a critical way, I am a teacher now and that makes me more critical still. I watch old school matches with no high flying from the top and jumping up again, how stupid is that?

Q. As a promoter who would be in your money match?
A. Well, I am a promoter and I use Angel Williams, ODB, Traci Brooks and Madyson Rayne. Hell TNA just about too the best and left the crap to the WWE.

Q. Do you think tag team wrestling is a lot art?
A. No, I did a lot of shows with the Bushwhackers early in my career and I learned a lot from them. They did just about the same match every time and because they were that good, it was always an amazing match to watch. Listen and learn on the road, that is the biggest tip I could give to my students.

Q. If you got the call from New York, would you change your gimmick and to what?
A. NO, I have no interest in the WWE.

Q. Do you think titles need to mean something again?
A. Oh hell yes, now a champ is determined by boob size and who you screw in the business.

Q. You own a promotion, who are the first five workers you hire?
A. I have hired Traci Brooks, Lollipop, Angel Williams, ODB, Vanessa Harding, Christie Ricci. Now that most of them have go on to TV the matches sell like hotcakes.

Q. What is the craziest match you have done?
A. Ah, there are so many, how about the horrible tragedy with Meliah, or about the husband and wife thing we did? He played a dead beat dad who owed me back child support. We wrestled at a county fair with thousands of people and the whole audience was behind him. That was not the plan, he was the heel but in an audience of dead beats he was a hero. It went wrong in so many ways (laughs).

Q. Do you prefer hardcore, traditional or a mix of the two for your own matches?
A. Hardcore only when the story has built up for it. No need for a hardcore match out of nowhere.

Q. Besides yourself, who is the best to ever step into the ring?
A. Again, Angelena Love, she is technically the best out there.

Q. Who is your favorite opponent?
A. Vanessa Harding. We have had hundreds of matches together and I love her.

Q. If you could change one thing about the business, what would it be?
A. Politics, it is all about who you know and screw, it is not based on talent but that is in any big money business.

Q. Does wrestling need a union?
A. In a word, no.

Q. What drew you into the business?
A. My horrible temper (laughs).

Q. Do you think heels and faces need to be clearly defined again?
A. I make sure this happens in all my matches, I am the perfect heel!

Q. In the annals of wrestling what to do want to be said about Lady Victoria?
A. Veteran, trainer, oldest active lady to ever be in the business and make it a success. After all I get to stay home and wrestle. That is all that needs to be known.

Q. What decade do you think defined wrestling, the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, or 00s?
A. I think the 70s and 80s.

Q. Do you think internet PPV would help indie promotions?
A. No, most indie promotions hire their students and have crap matches.

Q. What is one thing you want fans to know about you?
A. I am not my character. My goal in life is to help as many girls as I can one at a time. That is how I want to be remembered, for helping to keep these girls in the business as long as I can.
Thank you Worm for all these questions and taking time to interview me, God Bless all of you.

Jerry Wiseman Interviews PWO’s Gregory Irons

Gregory Iron is an enigma in the world of professional wrestling, affectionately known as “The Handi-Capped Hero” or “The Cripple Crusader” Irons wrestles with a lot of heart while dealing with a mild form of Cerebral Palsy that has made his right arm somewhat useless. Even though this would be a set back or obstacle for most people, Irons is not most people.

The self-professed nerd and wrestling enthusiast is somewhat shy outside the ring but all business when he steps through the ropes. Trained by Jimmy Del Rey and fierce opponent Johnny Gargano, Iron has had some off the chart matches with Gargano resulting in injuries and concussions that both took months to recover from.

As a bibliophile and a writer himself from childhood, Iron always aspired to become a professional wrestling, never once giving thought to his CP holding him back from realizing his dreams. Gregory Iron is an inspiration to everyone who needs to battle through the challenges that life brings things always knowing that hard work and determination can lead you anywhere, even into the world of professional wrestling.

Q. Your dream opponent would be?
A. Right now, I’d love to wrestle Randy Orton. If Shawn Michaels hadn’t just retired, probably him, but right now, Orton is the best in ring performer WWE has right now.

Q. What is your best road story?
A. Uhhh, wow. I don’t know. I’ll just say anything involving Hobo Joe in the car equals hilarity.

Q. Who is someone you always like to watch wrestle?
A. I have always been a fan of guys like HBK, Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, Kurt Angle, guys like that. I can watch their matches all day long.

Q. As a promoter who would be in your money match?
A. Jimmy Del Ray vs. anybody, literally anybody. People love his Heavenly body.

Q. Do you think tag team wrestling is a lost art?
A. Without a doubt. It’s a real shame, too. In the 80′s you had so many great teams… The Bulldogs, The Rockers, Hart Foundation, the 90′s/00′s you had The Hardyz, E & C, The Impact Players, good tag teams are rare anymore. It’s not because of a lack of talent. It’s a lack of wanting to push tag divisions, for whatever the reason.

Q. If you got the call from New York, would you change your gimmick and to what?
A. If WWE wanted me to, I guess. But how much can you really alter MY gimmick? (laughs)

Q. Do you think titles need to mean something again?
A. I think so. It’s rough making a championship credible in an era where there are 4,064 titles around, and the belts change hands so often. I remember when being a double champion was special. But after the Invasion, it seemed like anybody and everybody had 1 or more belt at some point.

Q. You own a promotion, who are the first five workers you hire?
A. All members of X Factor, Oscar from Men on A Mission, and Hobo’s good buddy Virgil.

Q. What is the craziest match you have done?
A. Any multi-tag team ladder match I ever been stuck in on a couple of indie shows. For all the wrong reasons.

Q. Do you prefer hardcore, traditional or a mix of the two for your own matches?
A. Traditional is really works well for me. My story is usually told through my disability, so the basics work best. Any hardcore stuff could always help, if the story calls for it.

Q. Besides yourself, who is the best to ever step into the ring?
A. I have got to stick with Shawn Michaels. He has had so many classic matches, and has overcome so many personal and professional obstacles.

Q. Who is your favorite opponent?
A. Without a doubt, Johnny Gargano.

Q. If you could change one thing about the business, what would it be?
A. I would like people that think they are “promoters” to stop running shows. It’s watering down an already oversaturated market.

Q. Does wrestling need a union?
A. Yes, but it won’t ever happen.

Q. What drew you into the business?
A. Hulk Hogan was the first wrestler I really looked up to as a kid. Guys like Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Undertaker, Chris Benoit, Owen Hart, made me love the wrestling aspect so much more. But I think Zack Gowen was one of my biggest influences. Seeing him wrestle made me think, you know what, maybe I could do this one day too.

Q. Do you think heels and faces need to be clearly defined again?
A. I have no problem with “shades of grey,” but I think for the most part, a somewhat defined heel or babyface works better if you are marketing towards your average wrestling fan.

Q. In the annals of wrestling, what do you want to be said about you?
A. I hope that people can look to me and be inspired and realize any dream is attainable if you want it bad enough. You can’t let anything stop you, physically, or mentally.

Q. What decade, the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or 00s do you think best defined wrestling?
A. I am a fan of all eras really, but the Attitude Era is probably the most memorable. The 80′s were big, but from 97 to about 2001, EVERYBODY I knew watched wrestling. I think people may have still been a bit ashamed to be a wrestling fan in the 1980′s, but I think guys like Austin and Rock changed that so much. Man, I miss that time in wrestling!

Q. Do you think internet PPVs would help indie promotions?
A. Unless they are charging $5, probably not. This goes back to wrestling being too oversaturated.

Q. What is one thing you want fans to know about you?
A. That I truly give everything I can when I get in the ring, despite my disability.

Q. Have you ever had aspirations of trying MMA?
A. NOT AT ALL.

Q. Do you think the proposed changes that a lot of state athletic commissions will help or hurt the sport?
A. It will probably help in the long run, assuming they actually get enforced.

Q. Who is someone you would not want to work again?
A. Well, in 2007, I got a reckless concussion from Michael Tarver of NXT fame, so, yea, no offense to him, but you won’t see me in the ring with him anytime soon.

Q. Do you think blading is a necessary evil in the sport?
A. I think when done right, it can add to a story, but there has to be reasons.

Q. Is the punishment you take worth the money you make?
A. I don’t regret any of it.

Q. We are all marks; have to be to love the business, how big a mark are you, what is your favorite piece of swag?
A. (Laughs) I’ll just say that I own every WWE PPV ever, and a bazillion other wrestling DVDs.

Q. Is there any match you would refuse to do?
A. If the price was right, I can never really say never.

Q. With more and more ladies taking on the men in the ring, would you have a problem doing a job for a woman?
A. Nope.

Q. How big of an impact do all the recent deaths of the boys have on the business?
A. It’s a tragic thing. But the new generation of wrestlers seems to be taking care of themselves a little better than those of the 80′s and 90′s.

Q. Using steroids is still a sore subject among some of the boys, especially now that Ivan Putski came out and admitted using and Bruno Sammartino is against them but used them when they were legal, what is your feeling on them?
A. Personally, I have never been one to use drugs, steroids included. It’s an evil thing in the sport. To each their own, but I hope it’s something that leaves wrestling completely.

Q. Does there need to be more competition in the business and do you think TNA is the answer or does someone else need to come along and step-up?
A. Competition is always good. TNA has the talent. I think they are just lacking that one big storyline to get people to look and say, “HMMM, This seems interesting. I’m going to watch this.” I think they should also push the X Division the way they did in 2002-2004.

Q. Does it take an addictive personality to be a pro wrestler or what type of mental attitude do you need to make it in the business?
A. I think you have to be thinking about at least your character constantly. Moves, catch phrases, gear, storylines, you have to always be trying to figure out what works for you, what doesn’t, and how you can constantly improve.

Q. What kind of pre-match ritual do you have before you go through the curtain?
A. Nothing really, I just hope I won’t suck!

Q. Do you find yourself giving 100% no matter if there are 25 people in the crowd or 2500?
A. Without question!

Q. Do you ever practice cutting a promo in front of a mirror?
A. Maybe not necessarily promos as much as facials. My facials tell stories my words can’t always explain.

Q. How do you define yourself as a pro wrestler?
A. I guess the easiest answer for me is I never stop thinking about it. I’d like to think people are not defined by their past. They are defined by the moment. For now, every one of my moments somehow links to my ultimate goal… succeeding as a pro wrestler.

Q. What is the weirdest thing you have had happen while in the ring?
A. Oscar from Men on a Mission at ringside for my match… seriously, what hole did he crawl out of?

Q. Fans either love you or hate you, what has been your worst experience with a fan?
A. There is this guy TTT. He this 8′ 7″ weirdo who comes to all the shows. Every time he talks to any wrestler it’s both the worst and funniest experience ever. He does tarot card readings!

Q. If you could go back to any era and wrestle for one night, where would you go and who would you step into the ring with?
A. Some random Raw with Stone Cold in 1998. The crowds were insane for everything then.

Q. What move do you think is overused and just does not get over now, like the carotid clutch in the 70s?
A. On the indies, it’s the indie kick, I think.

Q. As a wrestler with a handicap, do you feel treated differently or have you had to work harder to be accepted by the boys?
A. At first, I thought I would be looked at different, but it was really just a mental thing. I think once the guys saw how hard I worked on my physique and in ring stuff, they gained a lot of respect for me. Like I said, I am obsessed with wrestling, and I think any guy in the back that has talked to me knows how much I love it, and how far I’d go for it. Hell, when I got that concussion, I could have died for wrestling! But I keep coming back.

Q. You show a lot of courage in the ring, is that how you are outside the ring too?
A. I think Gregory Iron brings every part of the real Greg that might not shine brightly in real life out in the open. I am a genuinely good hearted person. I really want to change the world and inspire people, and Gregory Iron lets the real Greg do that. So, I guess I do have an abundance of courage. I wish it would come out more in real life. The real Greg is shy and quiet for the most part. (Laughs)

Q. Your matches with Johnny Gargano have been off the charts, is he your favorite opponent and how stiff do you two work?
A. Johnny has been my greatest opponent. We have wrestled three times in the three years of PWO, and it gets better every time. I have been told several times that the Iron/Gargano rivalry is the thing that stands out most in the history of Pro Wrestling Ohio, and that makes me feel tremendous. Our Last Man Standing match at Wrestlelution in front of over 1,000 people in 2008 was not just the crowning achievement of my career, but of my life. To be bloody, defeated, and still get a standing ovation and chants of “Greg!” was an incredible feeling. I never knew five years ago I could wrestle, and to be able to say, with a disability, I was able to have a moment like that is almost surreal. As far as stiffness, Johnny and I have known each other awhile, so we hold nothing back.

Q. What are your future plans in wrestling?
A. WWE simple.

Q. As an advocate for handicap wrestlers, would you like to see more overcome their disabilities and work in the ring?
A. I would like to see anybody with a disability achieve all of their life goals.

Q. Working for PWO, describe how that experience has been?
A. It’s really a great place to be. The TV offers a great opportunity for exposure. I don’t know if all the guys realize it, but living locally in the Cleveland area, I legit, get noticed, at least once a day. But more than that, we have a tremendous locker room of young guys, who work hard and great veterans, who help out greatly. It’s like a big family in the back, with guys putting everything on the line to give the fans everything they want. If you haven’t watched it, watch PWO at 10pm on Sundays on Sports Time Ohio. Also, check out PWOwrestling.com.

Q. What is your go to move?
A. Handicapped Parking, of course.

Q. When a spot is botched and the crowd knows and reacts, how does that make you feel?
A. You can’t focus on it, you just keep going.

Q. If you could change one thing about your career what would it be?
A. Nothing. I feel everything has happened like this for a reason. J.J. Dillon has a son with CP, and he really appreciates my work. Something that really hit me was when he said, “I hope there are times when you look back and truly appreciate how far you have really come. If you never wrestle again, you can say you have gotten to live a dream that most will never experience.”

Q. What do you like to do in your down time?
A. I’m a plain guy. I write. I doodle. I work out. Play video games. And did I mention I love wrestling…?

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