01. What made you want to become a professional wrestler? Was it someone who
inspired you? A match you saw?
I had loved wrestling since I was a little kid, but never really considered it
an option as far as a career. I had come to a crossroad in my life and was searching
for some direction when I got a call from one of my life-long best friends. He told
me he was training to be a professional wrestler in Minneapolis, MN. I went to visit
him a couple of days later to check it out, and as soon as I saw that ring in front
of me, I knew this is what I was supposed to do with my life. I moved up on my best
friends couch a week later and began training. The rest, as they say, is history.
02. Whom do you credit with training you?
I attended the Eddie Sharkey/Terry Fox camp in Minneapolis, MN. Terry showed me
the basics while Eddie would give tidbits of his knowledge. The bulk of my learning
came from all the boys that were around the camp at that time, and just continued as
I began to have matches. To this day my training continues as I learn something
everytime I step into the ring.
03. Tell us about your first match. When was it, whom was it against, and how did
you feel about it then? What about now?
My first match was against "Sheriff" Johnny Emerald on Nov. 24th, 2000. I knew it
wasn't a great match, but I was just so excited that I actually was wrestling, and I
think at the very least I raised a few eyebrows and made people take notice that I had
some potential. Looking back on it now, I see it for what it was - a young, green
kid in his first match; the beginning of, hopefully, a long, successful career.
04. What would you consider your greatest accomplishment thus far?
I like to think my greatest accomplishment so far is working my way up the ladder
with respect and a lot of hard work. Anyone who knows me knows I bust my ass every
time I step between those ropes, no matter what the circumstances. I'm also proud
I've kept my integrity and haven't sacrificed my values to get ahead. I pride myself
on being a "good guy" in a business that is filled with a lot of assholes and people
who have no clue and no respect for professional wrestling.
05. Whom would you consider your toughest opponent thus far? Your greatest match
thus far?
Bryan Danielson is so damn good I really had to raise my game when we squared off.
Going toe-to-toe with him for 75 minutes was a great accomplishment.
06. If you had the opportunity to face anyone - past or present - who would it be?
There is a lot, but a few would be Dynamite Kid, Great Muta, The Horsemen (Flair,
Tully, and Arn - not Mongo McMichael or Paul Roma).
07. What frustrates you about the business?
There's a lot of things. I could probably write a whole page but I'll sum it up
with this: People who don't get it and don't belong in the business. Total lack of
respect for wrestling and its' history. Guys who don't give a damn about wrestling;
getting jobs just because they are 6'6" and 275 lbs. There's a big shortage of
"wrestling minds" in the business today. Finally, a complete loss of kayfabe.
08. What do you love about the business?
The mix of athletic competition and entertainment is unmatched by any other profession.
The travel and lifestyle is great, as well.
09. Do you have an anecdote that stands out that you can share? Something that
happened to you or that you witnessed?
The only thing I can think of is watching a wrestler, who shall remain unnamed,
shitting himself during his match. But it seems a lof of people know someone who
did that.
10. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Hopefully continuing a successful in-ring career. If not, I know I'll be involved
in wrestling in some capacity.