There are more independent wrestlers in this country than we can possibly count. Each of them give of their bodies night in and night out, inside small venues to entertain the fans, and to improve enough to hopefully one day get noticed and take that next step towards fulfilling their dreams.
Our interview series continues with Indy grappler, Referee, and You Tube star Sign Guy.
When did you decide you wanted to be a Pro Wrestler?
I've followed professional wrestling since 1986. It never really occured to me that I'd be an active participant untill Jerry Wilson of Hoosier Pro Wrestling put me in his ring as such.
Who were your favorites growing up?
"Sweet" Stan Lane, Eddie Gilbert, Terry Funk, Kevin Sullivan, Hulk Hogan, Tito Santana, and a few more were always in my group of favorites.
Was your family supportive of you becoming a wrestler?
Somewhat, a lot of them have come to various shows.
Where did you train and what was it like?
I got a lot of OTJ training with Jerry Wilson at Hoosier Pro Wrestling which isn't the normal path most people take, but I was in there with some veterans that had major TV experience so it was an incredible learning experience. For formal training, Coach Mike Jones helped me with that and I learned a great deal from him.
How long have you been competing?
Depends on how you look at my unique situation, but first formal professional match took place in February 2004.
Have you met many big names since you started? And if so, what was your impression of them?
I've known quite a few. Diceman Ronnie Vegas of WCW fame I've known and interferred in matches for since the mid 90s, I've had in ring situations with Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, Bill Eadie, Flash Flannegan, Doug Gilbert, U-Gene, Kevin Sullivan, Lylah Lodge, and FCW referee Jason Ayers (whom I've known since his litteral first match). Stars, like everyone else, are individuals and so there's various impressions depending on the person. Jason Ayers once told me that a star is another indy guy that made it famous first. I always conduct myself that way.
What is your favorite match that you have competed in so far, and why?
I wrestled Lylah Lodge for NGW NW. It was my first ever intergender match and the fans really enjoyed it. This was shortly before her inclusion on World of Hurt 2 with Roddy Piper. If I hadn't lost that match then I'd have won it.
Who is your dream opponent?
I've teamed with my hero Diceman Ronnie Vegas, worked against another hero Doug Gilbert, I've been in matches with 3 former WWE Intercontinental champions, I helped include a man I'd known for 20 years get into his first main event angle. I think I've accomplished way more dream matches than most people will get to do and they continue to happen. Every match is a dream match in its own way.
What is the toughest and/or easiest part about being a wrestler?
Toughest part would be the politics that are connected to the buisness. Easiest part would be listening and learning by keeping my mouth shut and ears open.
Any strange or funny stories from your time in the business?
Yes, but my Aunt Kay and Uncle Fabe preferred they not be discussed.
What do you think about the PG direction of the current WWE product?
When wrestling was at its absolute peak in the mid to late 90s there was a PG atmosphere and it worked incredibly well. It's a matter of presentation and quality rather than anything else.
What do you think needs to change to help it grow to where it was in the late 90's?
If I had the answer to that then I'd be running the largest wrestling company in the world today.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
Perhaps coming up with the answer to the previous question.
Any upcoming shows you would like to plug?
I appear at Equilibrium Pro Wrestling in Lakewood, WA on Saturdays when SCW does not run. I'll be at SCW in Poulsbo, WA on July 14th. On June 17 I will be refereeing for Blue Collar Wrestling in Portland. Next March I will be on the A Night For Billy 5 show in Madison, IN.
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