Recap of the Austin Aries Interview from the Gerweck Report Hotline

Credit: Steve Gerweck

- Aries felt overwhelmed by ending the title reign of Samoa Joe as Ring of Honor champion. He also felt it was an honor.

- Aries stated that he was surprised to learn he would be the one to end Samoa Joe’s streak of successful ROH title matches.

- When asked about being selected over CM Punk to become the new ROH champion, Aries stated that everyone has their own opinion, and arguments could be made for several wrestlers on the rosters.

- He feels pressure to keep the ROH title strong.

- In 2000, a friend from Minneapolis suggested that Aries give the wrestling business a chance, and he started training under Eddie Sharkey and Terry Fox.

- He debuted in November 2000.

- Aries said his training under Sharkey was old school. He said he heard a lot of great stories from Sharkey, and that he uses head games to motivate you.

- Aries comes from an athletic background having played baseball and football in high school.

- He said he started watching wrestling at age four. Aries grew up watching the Four Horsemen on TBS and the AWA. Of the major federations, WWF was he least favorite as he thought it was more "cartoonish."

- He got the ring name from his astrological sign being Aries, and he thought Austin "had a good ring to it," thus Austin Aries. He also enjoyed Austin Idol as a kid.

- Aries believes his biggest strength is his attitude, and he tries to be selfless. He recognizes the importance of making others look good.

- He feels Ring of Honor gave him a chance as champion because of his work and work rate, and his positive attitude.

- Aries identified a weakness in his lack of cutting promos. He also feels he needs more experience.

- He said CM Punk helped get him into Ring of Honor.

- Aries has wrestled extensively in Wisconsin and Minnesota. He said is also currently the WAR champion in California. He also enjoys working for Jim Kettner’s ECWA.

- He talked about Shawn (Khosrow) Daiviri beginning training at age sixteen, and being about 140 lbs. and in puberty. "He could be my connection into WWE," said Aries of Daviri.

- He doesn’t go out of his way to catch the WWE product, although he thought the shows are getting a little better.

- Aries says he doesn’t get to see TNA very much.

- Gerweck plugs his official web site, www.austinaries.com

- As far as goals, he wants to work in Japan and have a run in the WWE.

- He identified his first match, working a WWE dark match, wrestling in the super 8 and wrestling in his first match with ROH as his career highlights.

- He started with ROH as the Rob Feinstein controversy started. He felt the support was there, and it was just business as usual.

- He put over Gabe Sapolsky as a good booker saying that he has overcome obstacles and has remained successful. "He’s a good judge of talent," stated Aries.

- Aries stated that he enjoys working either way as a babyface or heel.

- "Its alright, I don’t think it’s in trouble" was his response to the question on the current state of wrestling.

- When asked about a dream opponent, he said "who wouldn’t want to wrestle Ric Flair."


To listen to the interview, call the Gerweck Report hotline at 212-502-6636. The 30-minute interview is on options #1, #2, and #3. The hotline is a free call, but long distance charges may apply.

Gerweck is webmaster of www.gerweck.net.