Hulk Hogan | The Johnson Transcript

Feb 20 2013

Failure to Launch (A Title Match)

by Daniel Johnson

Muzlem vs. Ron Jeremi

The way incidents like the Fingerpoke of Doom are built up and picked apart you’d think that only major wrestling companies can bomb in delivering major title matches. Not so as this match shows. Although this bout is a good deal longer than the infamous fiasco that featured Kevin Nash and Hulk Hogan it couldn’t have sent the fans home happy.

The scheduled bout was to feature Scottish School of Wrestling (SSW) super face Ron Jeremi cashing in the SSW Money in the Bank briefcase against the villainous Muzlem, the SSW World Championship holder. As with Nash/Hogan fans got the match they were promised…technically. Prior to the fight at SSW Superclash 2011 Muzlem sends in a goon to attack Jeremi. From there Muzlem cuts a promo and the match begins. The action consists of Muzlem hitting a chopfest that spans three of the four turnbuckles and…not much else. Muzlem delivers a CM Punk inspired high knee followed by a bulldog attempt, Jeremi gets in a brief comeback that is stopped by a super kick and after about five minutes Jeremi is left looking at the lights.

At least the post-match shenanigans are a tad intriguing with Muzelm attempting to pull a Brian Pillman by sticking Jeremi’s head into a chair and stomping it before all heck breaks loose.

Tagged Brian Pillman, chopfest, Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, Muzlem, Ron Jeremi, SSW, SSW Money in the Bank briefcase, SSW Superclash 2011, SSW World Championship, United Kingdom

Jan 26 2013

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Smooth Runs

Random Roundtable: Looking Back at 2012 and Forward to 2013

by Daniel Johnson, Kyle Childers, Jeremy Cundiff and Bad Booking

What wrestler do you think deserves to be called Mr. 2012 or Ms./Mrs. 2012?

Daniel Johnson: CM Punk deserves the title of Mr. 2012 beyond a shadow of a doubt. He held the WWE Championship for the entirety of the year and had some good to great matches with the likes of Chris Jericho, Daniel Bryan, John Cena and others. While not nearly as well known in the United States Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada have also been tearing the scene up in NJPW and perhaps deserve some honorable mentions. As for female performers, AJ Lee hogs enough time each week that regardless of quality she almost has to be the choice for Ms. 2012.

Kyle Childers: Mr. 2012 is, without question, CM Punk. Was there anyone that could outclass him in 2012? He started the year as WWE champion, had a great series of title defenses against the likes of Chris Jericho, Daniel Bryan and John Cena. Some people may say the character has gotten stagnant or that the heel turn shouldn’t have happened but even after the turn and the Heyman team up Punk was one of, if not the, most interesting characters in the WWE. Without question, 2012 was the year of the Punk. The question of Ms. 2012 is a bit harder for me since I’m a wrestling fan that exists in this odd sort of WWE, BJW, DDT bubble which really aren’t the best promotions for women. Based on my viewing habits, I’ll give the title of Ms. 2012 to Paige. She’s still very new on the American scene and hasn’t made it to either of the main shows yet but her in-ring talent shined in NXT this year as she put on some of the most enjoyable women’s matches the WWE has produced in a long time.

Jeremy Cundiff: CM Punk. Everyone else who’s been on top this year was already on top. Punk is now elevated to that level. They got behind him, and it’s paid off. Cementing yourself in the upper echelon and only needing one full year to do it? You earned that, Punk.

Bad Booking: Mr. 2012: CM PUNK! The man’s been the champion for the whole year, a feat that hasn’t been matched since Hulk Hogan in 1987. He has had a great variety of title defenses against many different characters. He can virtually work with anyone, anywhere, any time. He may very well be the best overall WWE Champion since Shawn Michaels in 1996-1998. The late addition of Paul Heyman only adds to the intrigue. Both heel and face, amongst the best and freshest things WWE has had going in the last little while. Ms. 2012: AJ Lee. I’m only writing this because she is the best overall woman in the WWE. That was a sad but true sentence to write. WWE has pretty much told us sports entertainment fans that women just don’t matter unless they have a vague presence of authority. At least with AJ, we have an unstable skippy who makes everything unpredictable and fun. That’s more than I can think of for anyone else eligible.

Who was 2012 the worst year ever for?

Daniel Johnson: Two names come to mind as far as 2012 being the worst year for them ever. Christian is the first to come to mind. With more injuries and lack of a serious push when he was healthy it solidified that he would never be at the level of World Heavyweight Champion again even if he is tremendously talented. Speaking of the World Heavyweight Championship Jack Swagger would be my second choice. With how little he did in 2012 it is tough to imagine he once carried that strap.

Kyle Childers: The TNA fans. I know I said I exist in a bubble of fandom and that’s true but there was a time earlier this year when Impact Wrestling was among my weekly watch-list and that was before Aces & 8s. That’s not to say the whole angle was terrible, it wasn’t, the starting few months were pretty good TV but then Devon was revealed as not the leader and things all went to hell. After months of rampant speculation, very little development, no resolution, and the rumor that TNA creative plans to extend the feud at least until Lockdown, possibly to Bound for Glory, 2012 was a bad year to be a TNA fan.

Jeremy Cundiff: Zack Ryder, easily. He started 2012 as being one of the few, if not the only, guys in WWE to get himself over WITHOUT the company pushing him in any way, shape or form. The fans got behind him moreso than anybody they’ve been forcefed in the last decade. WWE repaid this man’s extra effort by promptly burying the ever-loving piss out of him, letting every single wrestler in the industry know that you’re never going to make it in this business unless WWE SAYS YOU ARE. Zack Ryder not only had the worst year ever, but to me, that killed the dreams of every youngster in the indies. How could I expect to bust my ass knowing that even if the fans do like me, I’ll just get buried if I’m not what corporate wants?

Bad Booking: This is a tough one. WWE hasn’t really had a bad year in terms of Raw, Smackdown, or any of the other shows. However, there are two downsides to their current programming mantra: One, there is too much of WWE’s product on television. Three hours of Raw, two hours of Smackdown, one hour of Main Event and countless other online shows done on the WWE site. That’s at least six hours a week of original programming, not including specials and pay-per-views. OVERKILL! In turn, there is a big hint of indifference towards the product. Raw has pretty much been labelled the “must see” show. The effect of this is that all the other shows not named Raw have significant amounts of time devoted to recapping major angles on the flagship show. Geez, isn’t that what the Internet is there for?

What is the one match that you want to see for Wrestlemania this year?

Daniel Johnson: I love dream matches and WWE having The Rock, Brock Lesnar, The Undertaker, HHH, John Cena, CM Punk and others has a ton of potential. Yet, I’d rather see a match between two full-time wrestlers with proven chemistry on the biggest show of the year. CM Punk and Daniel Bryan at Wrestlemania XXIX would be a match people could still talk about positively 20 years later. They nearly had a 5 star match on a B pay-per-view. Imagine what they could do at Wrestlemania?

Kyle Childers: Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker in a street fight. Lots of speculation points to Lesnar taking on HHH again at Wrestlemania and while I’m sure the creative team thinks that’s awesome and HHH is itching to get his win back, it’s not what the fans want. Give Taker and Lesnar 20-25 minutes to just beat the hell out of each other, no end of an era, no overly dramatic stipulations, just two dudes attempting to punch each other into comas on the grandest stage of them all.

Jeremy Cundiff: The Rock vs. CM Punk. Only feud going on right now that might convince people to pay for the show. Everyone else is doing well, but they ain’t doing well enough to sell Wrestlemania. The Rock is guaranteed to have that show built completely around him, and since he’s already put John Cena down I believe they have no choice but to feed Punk to The Rock. Punk will at least make The Rock’s vacation in the WWE entertaining. And there’s always a chance that Punk will win, as opposed to anybody else they throw at Dwayne.

Bad Booking: The match I want to see for Wrestlemania this year is Undertaker/John Cena. Although these two have had run-ins here and there, their last major feud occurred in 2003 as completely different entities. Think of how these two men have evolved since then. Undertaker is an outlaw elder statesman, capable of getting a great match from anyone. John Cena is in a point of his career where not only does he still draw like gangbusters, but just his name recognition gets main event status. Undertaker’s career is coming to a close, and there is no better time than now to have the face of the WWE versus a man who is practically WWE.

In the WWE by the end of 2013 what wrestlers will have held the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships, respectively?

Daniel Johnson: For the WWE Championship CM Punk, The Rock and John Cena will have all held it. I see The Rock beating CM Punk at the Royal Rumble and Cena getting his win back at Wrestlemania. Perhaps someone could beat Cena later in the year as well, but if that happens I just see it going back to Punk. Sheamus will win back the World Heavyweight Championship either from Alberto Del Rio or possibly from The Big Show if he gets it back.

Kyle Childers: By the end of 2013, most of the people will be old faces and I’m okay with that. The WWE Championship is the top tier prize in the company to be given to whoever is established enough for WWE to promote him as THE face of the company (barring Sheamus and The Miz) so 2013′s WWE title holders will likely consist of CM Punk, The Rock and John Cena. There’s an off chance that Bryan or Ziggler will get a run with it but it seems more likely Ziggler willl get a World Heavyweight Championship reign along with Damien Sandow. I’m still holding out hope that Wade Barrett sees a title run soon.

Jeremy Cundiff: I see Sheamus holding one of the titles for sure. The other is a total blank to me. It’s a tie between Cena and Punk, although if there was ever a year to pull a Tommy Rich and shock people, this year would be it. I’d love to see Ziggler get at least a chance, but as I said once before—until Dolph turns face, he’s not going to get that big win. He just can’t. It’s the Shawn Michaels effect—the cocky heel who sells so good he can’t help but turn face. The turn has to be done right—gradually and logically. If that turn does not happen in 2013, then expect the same old guard until the next level is ready.

Bad Booking: WWE Championship: CM Punk and John Cena. World Heavyweight Championship: Big Show, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler, Randy Orton and Damien Sandow.

By the end of 2013 what wrestlers will have held the top titles in TNA, ROH and the NWA, respectively?

Daniel Johnson: Jeff Hardy will drop the TNA World Heavyweight Championship to Christopher Daniels if TNA is smart (meaning we may never get a Daniels run). If TNA does go with Daniels don’t expect him to have it for long as he will likely transition it to another face. My money is on James Storm since he was on fire in the last few months of 2012. For the ROH World Heavyweight Championship it is tough to see anyone defeating Kevin Steen at the moment. Still, Steen will probably drop it sometime before the end of the year. Possibly Davey Richards or Adam Cole could upset him. Lastly, the NWA World Heavyweight Championship will be around “The Tokyo Monster” Kahagas’ waist for some time. I see NWA eventually deciding to give it to a more well-known indie wrestler though. For some reason I’m thinking Steve Corino.

Kyle Childers: TNA: If Christopher Daniels or Bully Ray haven’t been champion by the end of the year, TNA hates their fans. ROH: I would answer this question but I don’t follow ROH well enough to have the slightest idea. I couldn’t even tell you who their champion is currently. NWA: The highest bidder for the belt.

Jeremy Cundiff: Austin Aries will get a second run with the TNA belt. Count on it. In ROH, I’d expect El Generico to finally get his run at the top, if Kevin Steen still isn’t. As for the NWA, I can’t even begin to tell you anymore. I’m shocked there’s still an NWA to begin with, and the only two guys I knew who were in the NWA World title picture (Colt Cabana and Adam Pearce) just walked out on them.

Bad Booking: I can really only answer for TNA mainly because I don’t follow the other two.TNA: Austin Aries, Bully Ray and Jeff Hardy.

What independent star will make it big in 2013?

Daniel Johnson: El Generico would be a predictable answer since he just got signed to WWE, but I see WWE botching his push. This is perhaps cheating a little, but I think Steen will make it big (or bigger). WWE or TNA (the latter of which I find more likely) may sign him at some point and give him a decent push. I could definitely see Steen being put in the Aces & 8s’ angle. Whether he could survive that angles’ inherent goofiness is tougher to say.

Kyle Childers: 2013 will be the year I keep the dream of Kenny Omega finally making it in the U.S. alive.

Jeremy Cundiff: I don’t see anyone catching fire really. If Joey Ryan couldn’t do it in TNA this year, I don’t know who will this year.

Bad Booking: Either Tony Nese or Sami Callihan. Both are great talents who don’t need any developmental work.

By the end of 2013 what will be the most impressive use of foreign talent by WWE/TNA?

Daniel Johnson: This one is really tough especially since WWE’s plan to sign Kazuchika Okada just fell through (if it ever actually existed). I’m reaching here a bit, but I wouldn’t be shocked if WWE finally unlocked some of Sin Cara’s true potential. Maybe he’ll just have a little more success with Rey Mysterio or actually be pushed in the upper midcard for a bit. Alternatively, Del Rio is a safer bet, but is pushing him down people’s throats really a sign of success? As for TNA they would be crazy not to do more with Magnus (which again may be a good sign that they won’t).

Kyle Childers: I think 2013 will be a big year for Antonio Cesaro, he’s got all the right tools and he’s finally starting to get a foothold in popularity. Hopefully the WWE gets behind him as a legitimate star in the next year.

Jeremy Cundiff: Alberto Del Rio actually gets over.

Bad Booking: Foreign talent…hmm…I just really hope WWE and TNA can promote talent for their talent and not predictable stereotypes.

What wrestler do you think will be Mr. or Ms./Mrs. 2013?

Daniel Johnson: I could see Bryan breaking away from Kane to become Mr. 2013. The guy is more phenomenal in the ring than AJ Styles and while I don’t care for a lot of his mic work all those people chanting “yes” or “no” seem to disagree with me. As for Ms. 2013 I’ll say Kaitlyn. Like AJ Lee, WWE love her. Unlike AJ Lee, WWE are actually willing to showcase her in-ring skills.

Kyle Childers: I really hope that when I write my portion of this next year I can spend most of my time talking about what a great year Dolph Ziggler had.

Jeremy Cundiff: Anybody but Garett Bischoff.

Bad Booking: Mr. 2013: Dolph Ziggler sounds like a damn good bet. He’s catching fire just as we go to Wrestlemania season. He looks really good right now. Ms./Mrs. 2013: Kaitlyn will be promoted as a big-time women’s player. Too bad we’ve all come to expect piss breaks for diva matches/sketches.

Any other thoughts on what will be in 2013?

Daniel Johnson: 2013 has the potential to be an incredible year. Wrestlemania in particular looks exciting with all of the aforementioned dream match potential. On a different note NXT has also been working to turn out a fine crop of talent. As for non-WWE related stuff NJPW can do no wrong with Okada and if his upward momentum continues he has a shot at succeeding Hiroshi Tanahashi as the true face of the company. TNA while not having the dream match potential of the WWE will continue to put out quality programming (as mistake heavy as it may be). Finally, the indies as always are unpredictable and I look forward to seeing what talent debuts and what talent steps up.

Kyle Childers: With NXT running strong with a deep talent roster of varied superstars, 2013 and will be looked at much in the same light as 2002 was in terms of introducing us to the next line of talent that will be the focus of the company for the next ten years.

Jeremy Cundiff: This is the year the fan will not be ignored.

Bad Booking: WWE and TNA need to prove they can rejuvenate an audience and promote new talent. Especially on WWE’s side, the main event scene needs a little shuffling with the midcard looking ready to cross over big time. 2013 could be a fruitful year if the chess pieces are placed properly.

Photo Credits:

Photos 1-6, 8-9: en.wikipedia.org

Photo 7: tribalwrestling.com

Tagged "The Tokyo Monster" Kahagas, Aces & 8s, Adam Cole, Adam Pearce, AJ Lee, AJ Styles, Alberto Del Rio, Antonio Cesaro, Austin Aries, Bad Booking, Brock Lesnar, Bully Ray, Chris Jericho, Christian, Christopher Daniels, CM Punk, Colt Cabana, Damien Sandow, Daniel Bryan, Davey Richards, Devon, Dolph Ziggler, El Generico, Garett Bischoff, HHH, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hulk Hogan, Impact Wrestling, James Storm, Jeff Hardy, Jeremy Cundiff, Joey Ryan, John Cena, Kahagas, Kaitlyn, Kane, Kazuchika Okada, Kenny Omega, Kevin Steen, Kyle Childers, Madman Szalinski, Magnus, NWA, NWA World Heavyweight Championship, Paige, Paul Heyman, Random Roundtable, Rey Mysterio, Rey Mysterio Jr, ROH, ROH World Championship, Sami Callihan, Shawn Michaels, Sheamus, Sin Cara, Steve Corino, Street Fight, The Big Show, The Miz, The Rock, The Tokyo Monster, The Undertaker, TNA, TNA Bound for Glory, TNA Bound for Glory 2013, TNA Lockdown, TNA Lockdown 2013, TNA World Heavyweight Championship, Tommy Rich, Tony Nese, Wade Barrett, World Heavyweight Championship (WWE), WWE, WWE Championship, WWE Main Event, WWE Monday Night Raw, WWE NXT, WWE Royal Rumble, WWE Royal Rumble 2013, WWE SmackDown, WWE Wrestlemania, WWE Wrestlemania XXIX, Zack Ryder

Jan 24 2013

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Wrestling Clips

Daniels is on a Roll

by Daniel Johnson

Christopher Daniels vs. Tetsuya Naito

Hulk Hogan, Sting, Jeff Hardy, Christopher Daniels…what do these names have in common? Well, if Christopher Daniels’ momentum continues than he has a shot at reaching a level in TNA only previously occupied by former longtime WWE and WCW guys…and possibly AJ Styles.

The first trait that Daniels has that makes him an attractive talent is that he knows how to work an audience. Whether he is getting a reaction out of them through his promos, in-ring work or a mixture of both he never leaves a crowd apathetic. Beyond this he also has a tremendous depth of skill and can tailor his style not only to his opponent, but any type of fans he works in front of.

In the above clip, we have serious Daniels as opposed to silly Daniels. While battling Naito it seems like he ignores the crowd completely, but in actuality is pacing the match to please the fans as best as he can. Playing the no-nonsense heel he stays grounded much of the match, has a few mildly underhanded spots and even beats Naito into the audience briefly. Still, the fans came to see Daniels so he has to bring out a few trademarks. He wallops Naito with his best moonsault ever finisher and grabs the pin.

On a random note, this also exists:

Tagged AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, Gangnam Style, Hulk Hogan, Japan, Jeff Hardy, NJPW, Sting, Tetsuya Naito, TNA, WCW, WWE

Jan 13 2013

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Wrestling Clips

Where Can We See Fat Guy Wrestlers Now? Right, Japan Will Do.

by Daniel Johnson

Big Daddy V vs. Akebono

My earliest memories as a wrestling fan come from the late 1980s/early 1990s WWF when fat guy wrestlers were not only welcomed, but allowed. Yes, for years fat guy wrestlers were a staple and included wrestlers such as Akeem, The Big Boss Man, Earthquake, Typhoon, Bam Bam Bigelow, King Kong Bundy, etc. putting on probably hundreds of main event matches over the years. Of course it made sense if you wanted to show a guy like Hulk Hogan’s strength. While it is scientifically proven that muscle weighs more than fat it is nearly impossible find a guy as muscular as Earthquake was girthy.

These wrestlers have all, but vanished in today’s WWE. Yet, like, the Godzilla villains before them some have made their way to Japan. Mostly they make a great addition to tag matches involving smaller/more technical wrestlers. Other times they are used for their old school purpose and matched with a Hulk Hogan type. Yet, promoters being promoters sooner or latter get lazy and match two big guys against each other. The result? Almost always a mess.

This match is no exception. It starts with Akebono attempting what looks like E. Honda’s 100 hand slap. From there the two trade smacks back and forth before Akebono belly flops on Big Daddy V for the win.

Warning: Be aware if you watch this and are British it may give you terrible flashbacks.

Tagged AJPW, Akebono, Akeem, Bam Bam Bigelow, Big Daddy V, E. Honda, Earthquake, Hulk Hogan, Japan, The Big Boss Man, Typhoon, WWE, WWF

Jan 12 2013

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Wrestling Clips

The First Alcobrawl

by Daniel Johnson

Giant Tiger vs. Sexxy Eddy

If you’ve never seen an alcobrawl…then maybe you should count yourself lucky. Actually, the matches tend to be a lot of fun and this first one set the standard for things to come. If you have no idea what an alcobrawl is, it is easy enough to explain. Basically, it is like beer-baseball, but with wrestling.

When ISW was looking for someone to innovate this concept there was no one better to turn to than Giant Tiger. Because of this fine selection this may be the first match in history where there is a “match of the year” shout followed immediately by a shout of “he’s going to puke.” It is also worth mentioning that, that is not the only Darren Drozdov reference in this bout, but the less said about the other the better.

As for the in-ring quality of this match it is about what one might expect. I haven’t seen a in-ring technician of the caliber of Giant Tiger since that cardboard box I stumbled over while walking home from work. At one point Tiger manages to showcase his best Hulk Hogan impression and deliver a barrage of blows to Sexxxy Eddy that would make Wade Barrett jealous. Tiger also delivers Razor Ramon’s famous finisher…which oddly enough doesn’t look that bad. Still, Eddy triumphs in the end when he pulls out a big (little?) surprise. Good thing he covers most of it up for the full moonsault.

Tagged alcobrawl, Canada, Darren Drozdov, Giant Tiger, Hulk Hogan, ISW, ISW (Canada), Razor Ramon, Sexxxy Eddy, Wade Barrett

Dec 24 2012

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Wrestling Interviews

Antonio Honda Interview

by Daniel Johnson

Photo Courtesy of Antonio Honda

Interviewer’s Note: Antonio Honda is a regular performer for Japan’s DDT promotion. He is known for his impersonations which include competitors ranging from Stan Hansen to Japanese singer-songwriter Eikichi Yazawa. He has had many accomplishments during his tenure in the promotion including holding the DDT Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship, the UWA World Trios Championship and the KO-D Tag Team Championship. He has performed in two stables in DDT, The Italian Four Horsemen and The Hawaiian World Order. Outside of DDT he has appeared in a variety of other promotions including NJPW, Dragon Gate and FREEDOMS. In this interview Honda and I focus on the topic of comedy wrestling in Japan.

Daniel Johnson: For those who have never seen an Antonio Honda match how would you describe yourself as a performer?
Antonio Honda: I’m a performer who tries to expand emotions and expressions. I also try to make cultural references in my personal interests and I kick some damn ass.

Daniel Johnson: How did you first hear about DDT? How did you come to work for the company as a performer?
Antonio Honda: In the winter of 2004, I wrestled at my university as a retired student wrestler because I graduated years ago. Muscle Sakai, who owned small promotion under DDT called Muscle, came to watch that match and recruited me. I heard about DDT from him, I wrestled for him, then graduated and began to wrestle for DDT too.

Daniel Johnson: Growing up were you a fan of wrestling? If so who were your heroes in the industry?
Antonio Honda: Yes and Antonio Inoki definitely.

Daniel Johnson: Who was the first comedy wrestler that caught your eye?
Antonio Honda: Muscle Sakai.

Daniel Johnson: Outside of wrestling what forms of comedy have influenced you as a performer?
Antonio Honda: Steve Martin, Charlie Chaplin and Mick Jagger.

Daniel Johnson: What, if anything, was the toughest part of starting out as comedy wrestler?
Antonio Honda: If you can take a good bump, there are few problems. At least if you wrestle with a good person…

Daniel Johnson: Do you remember the first big laugh you got as a comedy wrestler? If so what was it?
Antonio Honda: Maybe my Antonio Inoki impersonation at Muscle 2.

Daniel Johnson: Have you ever gotten any unintentional laughs. If so how do you deal with them?
Antonio Honda: I treat them as God’s gift.

Daniel Johnson: One of the most notable parts of your career was working as a member of The Italian Four Horsemen along with TAKA Michinoku, Dick Togo and Daisuke Sasaki. How did this group first come about?
Antonio Honda: Daisuke at that time came back from Mexico, then me and Togo wanted to form a team with him. So we created The Italian Four Horsemen with TAKA.

Daniel Johnson: You won the UWA World Trios Championship along with Michinoku and Togo as part of this stable. Do you have any particular memories about the night you won this title?
Antonio Honda: I don’t remember, but working with them was a treasure every time and I was glad I was one of the champions with them.

Daniel Johnson: You went on to have a 335 day title run. If you had to single out one specific moment of that reign as the one that meant the most to you what would it be and why?
Antonio Honda: Fighting with Masa Takanashi as a French team was delightful. It had a good story and good characters.

Daniel Johnson: In early 2010 The Italian Four Horsemen disbanded. Do you talk with any of the former members often?
Antonio Honda: Yes.

Daniel Johnson: On a related note, what did you think about Michinoku’s run in the WWF, specifically what did you think of his transition from being a no-nonsense face to a comedic heel?
Antonio Honda: His comedic role was, I think, only funny for English speakers. I enjoyed it though.

Daniel Johnson: Do you think there could ever be an Italian Four Horsemen reunion? If so what factors would need to be in place?
Antonio Honda: There will be no reunion. Togo is retired now. It is sad.

Daniel Johnson: Since that group disbanded you have also led the Hawaiian World Order. For those who haven’t watched the group what do you think they should know about the group?
Antonio Honda: HWO had special physicality traits. There was a very tall Hawaiian God, KOO and a very fat Hawaiian king, King Ala Moana.

Daniel Johnson: Are there any matches from your tenure with the Hawaiian World Order that you would recommend?
Antonio Honda: It’s not actually a HWO match, but me versus KOO was a very tough, memorable match.

Daniel Johnson: I recently watched a match where you impersonated Shawn Michaels in a match against Kikutaro who portrayed Bret Hart. You had a lot of his mannerisms and just his general character down. Are you a big fan of Shawn Michaels and if so how has he influenced you?
Antonio Honda: Indeed! His fashionable style and precise maneuvers are just great. Also, he has great expressions.

Daniel Johnson: You have also impersonated other wrestlers. What have been some of your favorite impersonations?
Antonio Honda: Hulk Hogan and Eikichi Yazawa, a Japanese musician.

Daniel Johnson: Have you done any impersonations that have been particularly tricky to pull off?
Antonio Honda: Maybe Stan Hansen.

Daniel Johnson: Your comedy spots are often unique, having never been performed elsewhere in quite the same way. What comedy spots have you come up with that you’ve been most proud of?
Antonio Honda: Maybe my strange forearm drop after the Thesz press.

Daniel Johnson: Even comedy wrestling spots can go wrong. Have you ever had to do any dangerous spots in wrestling? If so what was the most dangerous spot you ever took and how did you get through it?
Antonio Honda: I don’t remember any dangerous spots. Maybe I’m lucky.

Daniel Johnson: Do you feel the comedy wrestling scene in Japan has grown or declined in recent years? Why do you feel it has either grown or declined?
Antonio Honda: I don’t know, but maybe grown. Because Japanese independent wrestling is more free and radical than that of the past. There is more space for comedic roles.

Daniel Johnson: How has Japanese comedy wrestling been different in 2012 than 2011, if at all?
Antonio Honda: Um… I cannot see a specific difference.

Daniel Johnson: How do you see DDT developing over the next five years?
Antonio Honda: We are getting older…so we should hurry! Maybe we’re developing a little but when it begins declining, I think it will go rapid.

Daniel Johnson: What was the standout moment of the year for you as a performer?
Antonio Honda: Facing Danshoku Dino for the KO-D Openweight Championship, I guess.

Daniel Johnson: If you had to single out one single match as the best comedy wrestling match of all time then what would it be?
Antonio Honda: Ebessan (Kikutaro) versus Kuishinbo Kamen.

Daniel Johnson: In a similar vein who would you say is the best comedy wrestler in the world today?
Antonio Honda: Branco Ogiso.

Daniel Johnson: Who are some newcomers to the Japanese comedy wrestling scene? Who should Japanese comedy wrestling fans looks out for?
Antonio Honda: Hiroshi Fukuda.

Daniel Johnson: What wrestler have you yet to work with that you think you could have the funniest match with?
Antonio Honda: Atsushi Onita.

Daniel Johnson: Outside of your comedic wrestling you have also had some straight wrestling matches with some top wrestlers. Have you ever thought of quitting comedy wrestling in favor of working as a straight no-laughs kind of wrestler?
Antonio Honda: I think there is no distinction between comedic and straight. Wrestling is life, so there should be every emotion.

Daniel Johnson: I always like to hear about ribs and road stories. Do you have any ribs or road stories that you would be willing to share?
Antonio Honda: DJ Nira pissed in a PET bottle on the bus, then he mistakenly drank it!

Daniel Johnson: As part of my last few questions I like to ask five non-wrestling related questions to make the interview a bit unique. If you don’t have an answer or don’t want to answer one of them just feel free to say, “skip.” Outside of wrestling, what television shows do you enjoy watching these days?
Antonio Honda: I saw The Singing Detective by BBC. It was good.

Daniel Johnson: What was your favorite movie that came out this year?
Antonio Honda: Not this year, but I saw Death Hunt starring Charles Bronson and Lee Marvin recently. Superb.

Daniel Johnson: What is your favorite food that you tried for the first time this year?
Antonio Honda: Roll cake.

Daniel Johnson: What is your favorite song to come out this year?
Antonio Honda: Francesco De Gregori’s Sulla Strada is the best album of the year. He is Italian. If I had to choose one song on the album, “Guarda che non sono io.”

Daniel Johnson: Did you vote in your last local election? If so would you be willing to say for who?
Antonio Honda: I could not vote.

Daniel Johnson: What is the weirdest part of being a wrestler?
Antonio Honda: It is not weird at all. I think it’s far more normal than other lives. There is expression, fighting for love, for each other. There is making people laugh and getting them emotional.

Daniel Johnson: Is there anything you would like to add?
Antonio Honda: Sorry for my poor English!

See Antonio Honda get vicious! Here he takes on former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroyoshi Tenzan at NJPW’s NEVER.4 event:

Tagged Antonio Honda, Antonio Inoki, Atsushi Onita, BBC, Branco Ogiso, Bret Hart, Charles Bronson, Charlie Chaplin, Daisuke Sasaki, Danshoku Dino, DDT, DDT Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship, Death Hunt, DG, Dick Togo, DJ Nira, Dragon Gate, Ebessan, Eikichi Yazawa, Francesco De Gregori, FREEDOMS, Guarda che non sono io, Hiroshi Fukuda, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Hulk Hogan, HWO, IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Japan, Jimi Hendrix, Kikutaro, King Ala Moana, KO-D Openweight Championship, KO-D Tag Team Championship, KOO, Kuishinbo Kamen, Lee Marvin, Lou Thesz, Masa Takanashi, Mexico, Mick Jagger, Muscle, Muscle 2, Muscle Sakai, NJPW, NJPW NEVER.4, roll cake, Shawn Michaels, Stan Hansen, Steve Martin, Sulla Strada, TAKA Michinoku, The Hawaiian World Order, The Italian Four Horsemen, The Singing Detective, UWA World Trios Championship

Dec 10 2012

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Wrestling Reviews

TNA Final Resolution (2012) Review

by Daniel Johnson

The 2012 edition of TNA Final Resolution probably falls somewhere in the middle of all the pay-per-views the company has had this year in terms of quality. There were no mind blowing matches, but at the same time there were no stinkers either. Predictably AJ Styles/Christopher Daniels had the match of the night even though that rivalry has been played out to death. In fact, the commentators even pointed out that all in all TNA estimates that Styles/Daniels happened 115 times in one form or another. Austin Aries/Bully Ray had the second best competition and managed to improve on their beyond decent performance at TNA Sacrifice 2012. Rob Van Dam/Kenny King and Tara/Mickie James exceeded expectations with the latter being the best women’s match the company has had on pay-per-view in sometime. With that said let’s take a tad closer look at the night that was.

James Storm defeated Kazarian

James Storm opened the show by cutting a promo. He talked about how he wasn’t scheduled to compete at the event, but would still like to take apart Bobby Roode. Instead Kazarian came out and insulted Storm and the audience for being alcoholics. Storm demanded a match with Kazarian and a referee came down to make it official. The match had the feeling of a typical opener from TNA’s weekly TV show rather than being pay-per-view worthy. Just when the action starts to get going Storm signals for the last call super kick. Luckily, the heelish Kazarian pulls the ref in front of him. Unluckily, about five seconds later Storm hits the kick and the match ends anyway.

Rating: 3.25 stars

Rob Van Dam (c) defeated Kenny King to retain the TNA X Division Championship

Last month RVD ruined what could have been Joey Ryan’s first great X division pay-per-view match like he has ruined so many other matches. Of course I’m talking about his excessive showboating. RVD appeared very unlike how he is these days in this contest and I mean that in the best possible way. Van Dam kept his head in the game for this one, that is until King nearly knocked it off. When RVD went for a top rope maneuver the former WWF Tough Enough contestant cut him off with a kick that sent the ECW alumnus to the outside. These guys couldn’t keep up a lightning quick pace forever and the bout started to slow down after this spot. King came close to hitting RVD with the royal flush, but RVD instead caught him with a body scissors pin to triumph.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez (c) defeated Matt Morgan and Joey Ryan to retain the TNA World Tag Team Championship

Poor Joey Ryan. When is he ever going to catch a break on a TNA pay-per-view? Okay, nothing he has been in has been too bad including this match, which is at least decent. However, if you’ve seen some of his indie work then you can attest that Ryan is capable of so much more. If he doesn’t have a near 4 star X division match in the next six months than it will be obvious TNA has no idea how to unleash his full potential. Anyway, the heels come off as a threat here and the most interesting part of the bout prior to the conclusion is when Morgan and Hernandez get in the ring together. Morgan keeps challenging Hernandez to bounce off the ropes and knock him down, but Morgan continues to hold his ground. Still, as tough as the challengers look it isn’t long before Chavo hits a frog splash on Ryan for the pin and…Morgan pulls the ref out. The champions retain, but it is via disqualification. Morgan lets loose on Chavo after the bell rings and Hernandez does his splash over the top rope.

Rating: 3 stars

Austin Aries defeated Bully Ray

Bully Ray gets busted open in this match that is a good deal more physical than their previous pay-per-view encounter. The Brooke Hogan/Bully Ray storyline continues as Brooke comes out to check on her battered Bubba toy. Aries becomes livid (or at least more livid) and grabs Brooke and throws her in the ring. Before Aries can do anything else to Brooke, Bully awakens and starts laying into Aries. Hulk Hogan also comes out and Bully yells at him that they have to get Brooke out of there as if Aries was wielding an axe and high on PCP. With Bully still distracted by Brooke, Aries hits him with a nut shot and gets the win. On a side note it is a good thing they are not paying Hogan on a per appearance deal. He really added nothing to this show.

Rating: 4 stars

Tara (c) (with Jessie Godderz) defeated Mickie James to retain the TNA Women’s Knockout Championship

Micke James brings some fiery offense to the table early on, but Tara nearly hits a widow’s peak. Mickie manages to avoid it. After some clotheslines and striking it looks like it is time for Tara to retreat so Jessie pulls her out of the ring. Mickie shows her disdain for this move by hitting a sweet looking Lou Thesz press to the outside. Jessie is not quite done interfering and distracts Mickie again. Jessie gets a kick for his trouble, but Mickie lets her eye wander from Tara. Tara takes advantage of this with a widow’s peak. If they wanted to push this match from good to great than Mickie would have kicked out and the match would have went another five minutes. However, this is 2012 TNA and the company just can’t allow a great women’s match.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, Garett Bischoff and Wes Brisco defeated Devon, DOC and two masked members of Aces & 8s

Kudos to TNA for not going with the obvious swerve by having Wes Brisco and/or Garett Bischoff turn on Angle and Joe. Other than that TNA doesn’t deserve kudos for much else in this match. The Aces & 8s’ storyline needs to either be overhauled or ended immediately. It was bad enough when they were just having Hogan and Sting get into whacky adventures with them every week. Now they are wasting Angle and Joe in pay-per-view matches with a gaggle of rejected Scooby-Doo villains. As for this encounter the match starts with Angle and Devon. Angle has to physically restrain Joe from ripping apart the members of the heel stable. Oddly enough when Joe is tagged in it is not long before Aces & 8s are thoroughly gang assaulting him. Angle comes back in ready to go and it is not long before Angle pins the smaller masked man after an Angle slam.

Rating: 3 stars

Christopher Daniels defeated AJ Styles

As many times as this match has happened and as much as Daniels needs to move on, in terms of match quality it is always going to be money in the bank. Here, we get serious Daniels. Well, at least as serious as he can be for a guy who walks to ring with an even more exaggerated version of the McMahon walk. The fight spills outside when Syles does a suplex off of the ring apron. Not to be outdone Daniels drives Styles into the very edge of the ring mat and bounces outside with a uranage slam. Styles sells his exasperation when he just barely misses defeating Daniels with a Styles clash. AJ wants that win even if he has to repeat the move from the ropes. Unfortunately for him Daniels holds on. To add insult to injury Daniels defeats his longtime opponent for the “final time” with a Styles clash of his own.

Rating: 4.25 stars

Jeff Hardy (c) defeated Bobby Roode to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship

Anyone ever notice how recently Jeff Hardy has been ganging 20 pounds between the tale of the tape segment and the ring introductions? Anyway, there is a decent amount of back and forth action. Perhaps the spot of match is Hardy missing an attack by using the ring steps to jump off of onto Roode only to instead land in the audience. Aces & 8s come out and the commentators play up Roode’s recent alliance with them. However, Roode just gets distracted with their presence and Hardy defeats him with a twist of fate. After the match Aces & 8s attack both wrestlers. Again, can this angle either be overhauled or ended?

Rating: 3.5 stars

Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.org

Tagged Aces & 8s, AJ Styles, Austin Aries, Bobby Roode, Brooke Hogan, Bully Ray, Chavo Guerrero, Christopher Daniels, Devon, DOC, ECW, Frankie Kazarian, Garett Bischoff, Hernandez, Hulk Hogan, Impact Wrestling, James Storm, Jeff Hardy, Jessie Godderz, Joey Ryan, Kazarian, Kenny King, Kurt Angle, Lou Thesz, Matt Morgan, Mickie James, Rob Van Dam, RVD, Samoa Joe, Scooby-Doo, Sting, Tara, TNA, TNA Final Resolution, TNA Final Resolution 2012, TNA Sacrifice, TNA Sacrifice 2012, TNA Women's Knockout Championship, TNA World Heavyweight Championship, TNA World Tag Team Championship, TNA X Division Championship, Vince McMahon, Wes Brisco, WWE, WWF, WWF Tough Enough

Dec 08 2012

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Wrestling Lists

Counting Down 7 Heels Who Could Have Gotten Yokozuna’s Monster Push in 1993

by Daniel Johnson

It is no secret that the WWF was ailing in the mid 1990s. While the obvious backlash over a certain scandal (I think it involved anabolic asteroids or something) was a major culprit, some of the company’s booking decisions certainly didn’t help. An early example of booking gone wrong in this period was how much Yokozuna was pushed. The guy ended Hulkamania and won the WWF Championship within months of his debut. That’s insane! I remember back in 2009 there was a commotion about Sheamus getting too much, too soon when he beat John Cena for the WWE Championship. Well, if you converted Yoko’s 1993 push to Sheamus’ 2009 surge then not only would he have beat Cena, but he would have retired him then held the title for the better part of a year while destroying Randy Orton, Batista and anyone else who got in his way.

So what if instead of crushing Hulk Hogan and winning the WWF Championship, Yokozuna just feuded with Hogan freeing up the title picture? Well, we still would have gotten at least one racist Hulk Hogan promo (note: I can’t find evidence of this right now so the link leads to something else involving Hogan and Japan), but it could have given a decent push to one of the following.

7. Carlos Colon

If you’re unfamiliar with him then you should know that Carlito’s dad, Carlos was actually a wicked fun worker. He fought in a ton of early hardcore matches and would bleed buckets! As you may recall Carlos was one of those super randoms thrown into the 1993 Royal Rumble. The way I’d do it is that I’d book him to make a surprise appearance at Survivor Series 1992. At that event Bret Hart successfully defended his title against Shawn Michaels before celebrating with Santa Claus. What I’d do differently is have Colon dress up as Santa. Bobby Heenan could even make some wisecracks about how he doesn’t look like the traditional version of Santa when all of a sudden Colon snaps and attacks Bret. Colon could then either be paired with someone as his mouthpiece (Jim Cornette) or go at it as a lone wild man. After having Colon win the Rumble they could then book Bret/Razor to go on last and Colon could attack Bret making him look like even more of a threat. Maybe even give him an alliance with Razor since they have the whole Latin connection going on. WWF could then build up to the event by showing footage of Colon from Puerto Rico. The beauty of all this is that this is the year of Wrestlemania IX. Therefore they could book it to be a cage match and play up how gladiators used to duel it out to the death back in Roman times. At the event Bret could retain after a hard fought match where both guys’ juice. This would have to be a far less family friendly feud than Yoko/Bret, but WWF wanted to go in that direction anyway. Unfortunately, the criticism they got following the asteroid trial made them go the opposite route.

6. Genichiro Tenryu

Speaking of super randoms who appeared in 1993 Royal Rumble, Genichiro Tenryu has to be at or near the top of the list. If you have never heard of this guy then…shame on you! Fans of Japanese wrestling will recall that he is a wrestling legend in that country and arguably the best all around wrestler in Japan of all time. However, the average American fan in 1993 wasn’t terribly aware of who Tenryu was, what he had done and to quote Scott Steiner what he was, “capble of.” As such the best approach for Tenryu would have been to bring him in months prior to the Rumble so fans could get used to him. Originally he was promoted as a face anyway as he and Koji Kitao squashed the heel Demolition at Wrestlemania VII before Tenryu was brought back in two consecutive Rumbles, the second of which he was inexplicably made a heel henchman for Yokozuna. In this alternate booking, Tenryu instead could be brought back with The Great Kabuki by being approached by Yokozuna and Mr. Fuji in a vignette where the two are looking for thugs to help Yoko establish his dominance. Kabuki could take the payoff while Tenryu establishes himself as an honorable wrestler by rejecting it. Tenryu and Kabuki then enter into a feud culminating in a match at the 1993 Royal Rumble. Tenyru not only beats Kabuki, but wins the Royal Rumble after eliminating Savage. Tenryu then grabs an American flag…and spits on it…or at least throws it down. Yokozuna then comes out and banzai drops Savage. Mr. Fuji and Yoko have discarded Kabuki as a loser and managed to ally with Tenryu. Together they will end Hulkamania and capture the WWF Championship, respectively. Admittedly, this booking is pretty flimsy, but doesn’t that Bret/Tenryu match at Wrestlemania just make your mouth water?

5. Ted DiBiase

Ted DiBiase’s career was winding down in 1993. So instead of having him wrestle Razor Ramon in a forgettable match to cap off his career why not give him the Ric Flair treatment by having it end at Wrestlemania (sort of)? The Royal Rumble could play out with Yokozuna looking like a monster and eliminating people left and right. Finally, it comes down to just DiBiase and Yokozuna. The two stare each other down for a moment then Yoko turns around and…jumps right out of the ring (or however he can do to get over the top rope). Yes, it turns out that DiBiase has bought his title shot at Wrestlemania. Still, there is a problem with this idea. DiBiase is a co-holder of the WWF World Tag Team Championship with Irwin R. Schyster at this point. This can be fixed easily enough. DiBiase’s ego is so big that he announces he will be the first ever to successfully win tag team and world title matches at Wrestlemania. Just before the tag title match he could announce that he has paid a replacement to stand in for him…which of course would be Yoko again. This could start the Yoko/Hogan feud since Hogan and Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake challenged for the WWF World Tag Team Championship at that event anyway. Yoko could then be made the permanent tag champ or Money inc. could just be stripped of the belts after the match due to an illegal substitution. Meanwhile, Bret/DiBiase are left to tear it up in the main event and allow DiBiase to retire from in-ring competition.

4. Jerry Lawler

Thus far you probably noticed that I ultimately have Bret retaining at Wrestlemania. Well, that completely changes with Jerry Lawler entering the list. As the booking that actually happened shows as cringe worthy as their feud got at times Bret and Lawler could work well together and the feud to put it simply had legs. In this scenario Lawler could have actually lost the Royal Rumble with Randy Savage eliminating him last to win. The audience could get hyped up for Savage/Hart at Wrestlemania only for Lawler to goad Savage into putting his shot on the line. Savage and Lawler actually have a history together dating back to their Memphis days and Lawler could taunt Savage with old embarrassing footage. What kind of footage? Well, Lawler could probably go beyond the Memphis library with clips like this. Lawler not only cheating Savage out of his shot, but cheating to be the first heel to come out of Wrestlemania with the WWF Championship would make him one of the most hated heels in the history of the company. From there Hart could win the 1993 King of the Ring and go onto feud with Lawler as he did in reality.

3. Mr. Perfect

I hate to sound like I’m using too much hyperbole in one list, but Hart/Hennig had arguably the best chemistry of any two wrestlers…well, ever really. The match resulting from these two locking up at Wrestlemania would be a classic even if the storyline revolved around one eating the other’s lunch. Still, let me try some more armchair booking. Perfect was just establishing himself as a fan favorite in early 1993, but come on lets face it. This guy was born to be a heel. So how about this, Perfect wins the Royal Rumble, but gets goaded into putting it on the line in a match with Ric Flair on WWF Monday Night Raw. If Flair wins then he gets Perfect’s title shot, but if he loses he is gone for good. Perfect beats Flair in a legendary match just like the one that actually happened. Winning the Rumble and running Ric Flair out of town gives Curt Hennig a tremendously swelled head. He then goes back to the old arrogant and obnoxious Mr. Perfect we all know and love to hate. He could beat Bret at Wrestlemania or not. It doesn’t really matter. Whatever would have happened we would still be talking about it today.

2. Shawn Michaels

One of the most disappointing facts about wrestling in the 1990s is that as good as Hart/Michaels were in the ring together, they grew to hate each other. So what if instead of waiting until these two were pulling each others’ hair out to put them in a match they had a series of matches when they had a much better working relationship? As you may recall these two tore the house down in the main event of the 1992 Survivor Series. In this alternate scenario that match could still happen when Michaels shocks the world by winning the 1993 Royal Rumble. He could even drop his WWF Intercontinental Championship earlier in the night to Marty Jannetty, which would put a little fuel behind Jannetty at a point when his personal demons hadn’t quite completely destroyed his career. Since, Michaels wasn’t ready for the belt in 1993 he would have to job to Bret at Wrestlemania, but that would be okay because Michaels wouldn’t have the leverage at the time to act like a total dick. Perhaps this could even be a trilogy with the two wrestling a third time at that year’s King of the Ring. If Shawn lost thrice then maybe we would all be a little more sympathetic to his role in the Montreal Screwjob.

1. Razor Ramon

As bad as the WWF got in the mid 1990s the company always had a few bright stars, who could keep you watching. Just about all these stars either got a run or runs with the WWF Championship or were consistently booked in the main event. One exception to this was Razor Ramon. His biggest chance came at the 1993 Royal Rumble when he lost in a title match to Bret. In this scenario he could still have that same match only it would end in a disqualification. Razor could hit Bret with the title belt and/or a chair and then just really lay into him until a bunch of referees and staff have to break it up. Ramon could then take out a late entrant into the Rumble and claim that wrestler’s spot as his own. Ramon goes onto win and a rematch is set for Hart/Razor at Wrestlemania. One problem. Ramon wasn’t technically in the Rumble since he took someone out. This could then lead Razor to play an anti-authority character similar to what “Stone Cold” Steve Austin would become four years later. After Ramon has to go through some challenges to keep his title shot for instance wrestling the wrestler he took out and the winner-up in one-on-one matches he would then face Bret. For thoroughness lets say Mr. Perfect and Randy Savage, respectively are used to fill those spots. Would he win at Wrestlemania? Well, let me just say at the end of the night he would have gold around his fingers, gold around his neck and gold around his waist, chico!

Photo Credits:

Photos 1, 4-5, 7-8: onlineworldofwrestling.com

Photos 2-3, 6: en.wikipedia.org

Tagged "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Batista, Bobby Heenan, Carlito, Carlos Colon, Carly Colon, Demolition, Genichiro Tenryu, Hulk Hogan, Hulkamania, Irwin R. Schyster, Japan, Jim Cornette, John Cena, Koji Kitao, Money inc., Mr. Fuji, Puerto Rico, Randy Orton, Randy Savage, Razor Ramon, Ric Flair, Santa Claus, Scott Steiner, Shawn Michaels, Sheamus, Ted DiBiase, The Great Kabuki, WWE, WWE Championship, WWF, WWF Championship, WWF Royal Rumble 1993, WWF Survivor Series 1992, WWF World Tag Team Championship, WWF Wrestlemania IX, WWF Wrestlemania VII, Yoko

Nov 26 2012

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Wrestling Interviews

Aaron Epic Interview

by Daniel Johnson

Photo Courtesy of Aaron Epic

Interviewer’s Note: Aaron Epic debuted on the Florida independent scene in 2001 and since that time has moved over 1,000 miles north to make his new home in the growing Beyond Wrestling promotion. Last year he won Beyond Wrestling’s first ever Tournament for Tomorrow. He will not be competing in Tournament for Tomorrow II, but still looks to the future. Already he has competed for some top independent promotions including CHIKARA, Resistance Pro and Full Impact Pro (FIP). In the coming years he would like to add some more promotions to that list including ROH, DGUSA and EVOLVE. He can be followed on Twitter @aaronepicpro. In this interview Epic and I focus on the topic of being in the wrestling business for 10 years.

Daniel Johnson: For those unfamiliar with you how would you describe yourself as a performer in a nutshell?
Aaron Epic: When it comes to my wrestling style I mash a lot of the styles that I like and performers I love into what I do. I enjoy striking and a lot of mat based wrestling along with the British style of wrestling.

Daniel Johnson: What was your local wrestling scene like starting out? Does that scene still exist today or has it changed?
Aaron Epic: When it comes to the original scene where I started I did a lot of bar shows for the most part and a lot of shows in very small venues throughout Florida. When it comes to how has it changed here in Florida, to an extent it has not. There are still a lot of smaller bar shows here and then there are a lot of shows done at armories now. These were just starting to get used when I had first started. Overall though as a whole for me the scene has changed because I travel a lot more than I ever did when I first started.

Daniel Johnson: Do you remember the exact date of your first match and who your opponent was? If so do you have any particularly good or bad memories from that night?
Aaron Epic: August 2001, versus the other student at my school Eric Saito at Knight Life a bar across the street of the University of Central Florida. Good part was it was my first match, bad part was there were more wrestlers in the back than fans watching the show.

Daniel Johnson: What, if any was the one piece of constructive criticism that helped you out most early on?
Aaron Epic: Shut the hell up and listen. It doesn’t matter who is talking just always listen. Those who speak cannot listen to what is being said.

Daniel Johnson: Early on did you have a home promotion? If so what was your home promotion and how significant do you think it is for a wrestler to have a home promotion where they can get consistently booked?
Aaron Epic: My original home promotion was Southern Championship Wrestling (SCW) in the greater Orlando area. It is always nice having a home promotion. My current home promotion is Beyond Wrestling which is weird since its 1,100 miles away.

Daniel Johnson: Shortly before your in-ring career began the documentary Beyond the Mat came out. Did you watch the documentary when it came out? If so did this film scare you at all about becoming a professional wrestler or did it just make you more psyched to start your in-ring career? Or were you just apathetic towards it?
Aaron Epic: Beyond the Mat was an amazing film, not just a documentary because it makes super heroes human. I understood at a young age I was not going to be Hulk Hogan because of my size but honestly the movie itself was eye opening because it showed regular looking guys being able to be pro wrestlers.

Daniel Johnson: Around the time you debuted WCW went out of business and many wrestlers lost their jobs. The entire landscape of wrestling in the United States, if not the world was changed. What were your impressions of all this going on as an aspiring wrestler?
Aaron Epic: It was really weird because I ended up doing a lot of shows with WCW talent because Florida shows would use the lower card guys as draws but it also helped me a lot because I was able to speak to them and still learn a lot. People tend to forget just because you are not in the main event on TV it does not mean you do not have the mind for the business.

Daniel Johnson: You mentioned that you worked with some lower card wrestlers from WCW early on in your career. Which wrestlers were they. Do you have one specific story about one of them that shows how they were helpful?
Aaron Epic: A lower card guy that helped when I was younger and still when I see him today is Prince Iaukea. Great stories and always helpful and would give good advice. Also he is the kind of guy that won’t fluff you and if you sucked in the ring that day he would tell you and then let you know how to fix things.

Daniel Johnson: Who are some wrestlers you worked with starting out that you were surprised either didn’t stick with it or haven’t gone further? On the flip side were there any wrestlers that you knew early on who did achieve a lot of success that surprised you?
Aaron Epic: I am surprised that Dagon Briggs never got his just due with a little run somewhere. He always had a cool look and could work. I am never surprised about peoples’ success because you never know how much drive someone has for the business.

Daniel Johnson: In a similar vein who are some wrestlers from early on in your career that you thought you had great chemistry with? Are all of these wrestlers still active or have any of them dropped out of the industry?
Aaron Epic: I always had good matches with Kahagas, probably because he trained me lol. I always had good matches with Dagon Briggs who is still wrestling in Jacksonville and Georgia. Then other guys I had good work with were Nooie Lee, Austin Amedaus, and Jerrelle Clark who have all taken a step back from wrestling.

Daniel Johnson: A lot of readers of this website may know you from your work at Beyond Wrestling? How did you first get involved in this promotion?
Aaron Epic: I got involved with Beyond by annoying Denver Colorado, the man not the place, for a few months. Then ended up becoming friends with Sugar Dunkerton and he wanted people to ride up with him to Beyond and that is how I first got on. Me and Eddie Graves drove up to Georgia and from there drove another 10 hours to Pennsylvania for my first ever studio taping weekend.

Daniel Johnson: Beyond Wrestling seems like it has a unique atmosphere to it that makes it different from a lot of other promotions currently out there. Do you feel this is true? If so what do you think is most unique about it?
Aaron Epic: Beyond is always a unique show, and it does not matter if it is a live show or taping. The fans at Beyond’s live shows feel like part of the show since the wrestlers are out in the crowd throughout the whole show. And tapings are like a wrestling show broke out during a party. They are always so much fun.

Daniel Johnson: Is there anything that you think other wrestling promotions could learn from Beyond Wrestling?
Aaron Epic: Understand that wrestling does matter to fans because at the end of the day Beyond does focus on some of the best wrestling out there. Guys like Mark Angel, Drew Gulak, Jaka, Matt Justice, Brian Fury, Dave Cole, JT Dunn, Sugar Dunkerton, Jack Bonza, Jonathan Gresham, Biff Busick, Darius Carter, Dan Barry, Bill Carr, Taka Susiki, ACH, are wrestlers and all damn good ones and have been producing amazing matches period.

Daniel Johnson: Last year you won Beyond Wrestling: Tournament for Tomorrow. Will you be participating in the Tournament for Tomorrow II?
Aaron Epic: At the present time I will not be a part of TFT II. It is meant to find a breakout star and last year was my breakout and it is time to continue pushing.

Daniel Johnson: Aside from tournaments you have also wrestled for a number of championships. What would you say is the most prestigious championship you have wrestled for and why?
Aaron Epic: Becoming the Vintage Heavyweight Champion to me is the biggest and people ask why and it was because I became the heavyweight champion for a company. I have always been told I am on the small side so it was nice to show that wrestling matters, not size.

Daniel Johnson: The idea of an Internet Championship didn’t really exist over 10 years ago when you first began wrestling. In your career you have wrestled for Internet championships such as I Believe in Wrestling’s Vintage Internet Television Championship and the ASW Multimedia Championship. What was your first impression after you heard the idea of an Internet championship? Also, how significant do you feel these titles are?
Aaron Epic: To me they are an indie company’s TV title, not every company is lucky enough to have TV. If marketed properly I always have felt an Internet title can be great for a company to get new fans interested.

Daniel Johnson: You mentioned that an Internet Championship is like an indie version of a TV championship. I was just wondering what you thought of Zack Ryder and the whole gimmick of being an Internet champion in WWE?
Aaron Epic: Zack Ryder is one of the smartest guys period. People think that I am joking when I say this but I am not at all. He was able to get noticed and get a good little run because of it. You cannot be ignored if you get a reaction. I honestly wish the WWE would let him defend the title either on house shows or dark matches and put them up on WWE.com.

Daniel Johnson: Wrestling for 10 years must take a physical toll on your body. What have been some injuries that you have had and do any still affect you?
Aaron Epic: I have only had what I consider two major injuries wrestling. I tore my shoulder around three years ago and almost said I was done because of the amount of pain I was in. Also, me being stupid I didn’t get it worked on right away. I ended up taking a lighter schedule for a few months and let it heal up right. And I have openly said I have had a problem with concussions before and I suffered from bad memory loss at some points but I seem to be back on track now.

Daniel Johnson: Is there anything you would suggest to young wrestlers to prevent injuries or are they pretty much unavoidable?
Aaron Epic: If you are not confident on something do not do it, stretch and make sure you get warmed up and also train. Go and get in shape. The more you work on your body the more you can do.

Daniel Johnson: Being a professional wrestler for 10 years can be a challenging accomplishment. Do you think you will be in the business for another10 years?
Aaron Epic: It is hard to be able to answer this question because I never know when my last match will be so I can only wait and see.

Daniel Johnson: How has your character of Aaron Epic changed over time? Do you feel you have a gimmick and if so, how if at all has it developed?
Aaron Epic: Aaron Epic is a name and me not having a gimmick has been my problem for years. I have just always been a wrestler which is what it is. I have tried actual gimmicks before but they did not feel right.

Daniel Johnson: Prior to working as Aaron Epic did you have any other gimmicks? Ever wear a mask? If so what were these experiences like?
Aaron Epic: My first match I worked as Shifty Capone (awesome name lol) and I have worn a mask as the Mr.E (once again another amazing name lol), but I learned from them just like I try to every time I wrestle.

Daniel Johnson: Likewise, how would you say you have grown as a performer?
Aaron Epic: I have grown because all I seem to do is eat, sleep, study and train to get better. I believe there have been times where my heart or mind have not been focused and it has held me back.

Daniel Johnson: Some people make goals such as “in two years I want to be here in my career, in four years I want to be here in my career, etc.” Do you make any such goals or do you find it best not to set them up?
Aaron Epic: This is exactly how I have gotten better, unless you set goals you will wonder. I write down goals and when I achieve one I add another. The day I feel I have accomplished everything I can is the day I quit because I would be done.

Daniel Johnson: In a similar vein where do you see yourself in the future? Basically, where would you like to be in five years?
Aaron Epic: I can hope to be healthy, I do not ask for anything else. Everything else will be a plus.

Daniel Johnson: Talented performers can wrestle for years without getting a contract for a major company. On the other hand some wrestlers just get lucky breaks right after they debut. How frustrating is this reality for you and what advice would you give to fellow wrestlers to stay optimistic?
Aaron Epic: This is the hardest thing for me. I sometimes doubt my own abilities because just like anyone else I wonder why I am not “there” or “there” then I realize there are guys out there who want to do some of the things I do. Then I am humbled and know I need to keep working harder and that is it.

Daniel Johnson: If you would be willing to say what has been your best and worst payday as a wrestler?
Aaron Epic: Best I will never say, worst was promised money and got nothing.

Daniel Johnson: I’ve heard horror stories of wrestlers working a ton and then getting screwed out of all their pay. Has this ever happened to you? What advice would you give to wrestlers to avoid this?
Aaron Epic: This has happened more than once and it is sometimes hard to avoid but I will say building relationships with companies that you trust helps.

Daniel Johnson: On a slightly different topic what have been your favorite and if you would like to say least favorite places to work? You can include specific locations and promotions.
Aaron Epic: I have loved working for Beyond, Resistance Pro, Insanity Pro Wrestling (IPW), CHIKARA, FIP, Midwest Wrestling, Rampage Pro Wrestling (RPW) and Vintage.

Daniel Johnson: What places have you yet to work that you would like to, if any?
Aaron Epic: ROH, DGUSA, EVOLVE, ZERO 1, Fight Club Pro (FCP) and DDT are the top of my list of places I would like to go and do.

Daniel Johnson: This is a broad question, but what do you consider your biggest accomplishment in wrestling so far?
Aaron Epic: This is a broad question, but probably winning TFT for Beyond or doing last year’s Young Lions Cup for CHIKARA.

Daniel Johnson: Looking further down what would you like to say is your biggest accomplishment in wrestling by the end of your career?
Aaron Epic: I would like to travel overseas and work and tour.

Daniel Johnson: I always like to hear about ribs and road stories. Do you have any that you would be willing to share?
Aaron Epic: Any road trip I have ever had with Kory Chavis, Uhaa Nation, Sugar Dunkerton, Jonathan Gresham, Dany Only or Eddie Graves. I can write a book of the stupid things that have happened. From getting pulled over, windmills, death metal, singing, Uncle Adam, House of 1000 Corpses. To say the least its just crazy…

Daniel Johnson: You mentioned windmills in your response which stuck out to me. Can you expand on that? Also, who is Uncle Adam?
Aaron Epic: Well when it comes to windmills Dany Only is a worker out of Georgia who is a great friend of mine and is part of The Hate Junkies. For the most part he is a drinking, fighting machine who does not care about most things. But the road story is that we were driving through either Indiana or Illinois at the time and all these windmills were out there and this hate-filled monster became a 5 year old little boy excited and in love with these things so its just funny. And Uncle Adam is Edge lol. We were on a road trip to Ohio with Eddie Graves and a couple of other guys and we are watching the Edge DVD and Eddie takes the wrong exit and we end up driving about an hour and half out of the way because he was watching the DVD also. Uncle Adam is the joke because Ryder and [Curt] Hawkins call him Uncle Adam on the DVD. So we always mess with Eddie now because of it.

Daniel Johnson: Is there anything you would like to promote?
Aaron Epic: Follow me on @aaronepicpro.Check out lookmanofans.com. On November 30 I will be in Chicago for Resistance Pro Wrestling.

Daniel Johnson: As part of my last few questions I like to ask five non-wrestling related questions just to bring a little uniqueness to the interview. If you don’t have an answer or don’t want to answer one of them just feel free to say, “skip.” Outside of wrestling, what television shows do you enjoy watching these days?
Aaron Epic: I watch The Walking Dead, American Horror Story and Law & Order.

Daniel Johnson: What was your favorite movie that came out this year?
Aaron Epic: Safe House.

Daniel Johnson: What is your favorite food that you tried for the first time this year?
Aaron Epic: Mac and cheese wings, not even joking they are amazing.

Daniel Johnson: What is your favorite song to come out this year?
Aaron Epic: “Kill The DJ” by Green Day or “Blue Jeans” by Lana Del Rey.

Daniel Johnson: Did you vote in your last local election? If so would you be willing to say for who?
Aaron Epic: I voted for Steven Rogers aka Captain America. He punched Hitler.

Daniel Johnson: What is the weirdest part about being a professional wrestler?
Aaron Epic: The fact that you wake up days later with weird bruises lol.

Daniel Johnson: Is there anything you would like to add or anything that we have yet to go over that you would like to talk about?
Aaron Epic: [Skip].

Enjoy Aaron Epic in this performance for Beyond Wrestling! Here he wrestles with Brian Fury:

Tagged "The Tokyo Monster" Kahagas, Aaron Epic, ACH, Adolf Hitler, American Horror Story, ASW, ASW Multimedia Championship, Austin Amedaus, Beyond the Mat, Beyond Westling Tournament for Tomorrow, Beyond Wrestling, Beyond Wrestling Tournament for Tomorrow II, Biff Busick, Bill Carr, Blue Jeans, Brian Fury, BW, Captain America, Chicago, CHIKARA, CHIKARA Young Lions Cup, CHIKARA Young Lions Cup IX, Curt Hawkins, Dagon Briggs, Dan Barry, Dany Only, Darius Carter, Dave Cole, DDT, Denver Colorado, DGUSA, Drew Gulak, Eddie Graves, Edge, Eric Saito, EVOLVE, FCP, FIP, Florida, Georgia, Green Day, House of 1000 Corpses, Hulk Hogan, I Believe in Wrestling, IBIW, IBIW Vintage Internet Television Championship, Illinois, Indiana, IPW, Jack Bonza, Jacksonville, Jaka, Jerrelle Clark, Jonathan Gresham, JT Dunn, Kahagas, Kill The DJ, Knight Life, Kory Chavis, Lana Del Rey, Law & Order, mac and cheese wings, Mark Angel, Matt Justice, Midwest Wrestling, Mr. E, MW, MWW, Nooie Lee, Ohio, Orlando, Pennsylvania, Prince Iaukea, Resistance Pro, ROH, RPW, Safe House, SCW, Shifty Capone, Steven Rogers, Sugar Dunkerton, Taka Susiki, The Hate Junkies, The Tokyo Monster, The Walking Dead, Uhaa Nation, Uncle Adam, University of Central Florida, Vintage Heavyweight Championship, Vintage Wrestling, VW, WCW, WWE Internet Championship, WWE.com, Zack Ryder, ZERO1

Nov 12 2012

1 Comment

Wrestling Interviews

Twiggy Interview

Photo Courtesy of Twiggy

Interviewer’s Note: Twiggy is a proud member of the Inter Species Wrestling (ISW) locker room. In fact, he’s not only a member, he’s also the current holder of the ISW Championship. ISW began in 2005 and since that time have had a slew of shows across two countries. They are based out of Quebec, Montreal in Canada and Danbury, Connecticut in the United States. Their next show is coming up this Saturday, November 17 and is titled ARMAGEDDOCALYPSE. More information about the show can be found here. This interview took place on October 18, 2012 and in it Twiggy and I focus on the topic of being the top champion of a promotion in 2012.

Daniel Johnson: My first question is: In a nutshell how would you describe yourself and your career?
Twiggy: I would wager to say that it’s a good little underdog story. A lot of people, including myself never really thought I would have accomplished a lot of the cool things that I have been able to thus far. I’m just an easy going dude who’s goal has been to have fun in wrestling and I feel having that attitude has opened a lot of doors.

Daniel Johnson: Were you a fan of wrestling growing up? If so what kind of wrestling did you watch? If not then when did you first get into wrestling?
Twiggy: I was absolutely a wrestling fan growing up. My entire family watched it so I was basically raised on the stuff. I was a massive WWF fan as a kid. Hulk Hogan was my Jesus!

Daniel Johnson: Are you still a Hulkamaniac? Has your taste in wrestling changed at all? If so how?
Twiggy: I think I’ll always have a huge soft spot for the Hulkster, even if he is filming himself having sex with someone else’s girlfriend. These days I find myself a little disillusioned with mainstream wrestling. I certainly don’t feel as stimulated watching it as I once did but then again, it may be due to fact that I’m involved in wrestling so perhaps that kills the magic for me a little bit. At the end of the day, if wrestling is available to watch, I will definitely watch it.

Daniel Johnson: Prior to working for Inter Species Wrestling were you a fan of any comedy promotions? If so what are some of your favorite memories of these promotions?
Twiggy: Promotions, not so much. I certainly had an interest in comedy matches early on. At that time, I found a lot of entertainment in stuff that guys like Colt Cabana and Beef Wellington were doing. I also really enjoyed the series of matches between Ebessan and Kuishinbo Kamen.

Daniel Johnson: How did you first get involved with Inter Species Wrestling?
Twiggy: While working for the IWS, I met Mike Rotch and we instantly hit it off and became friends. Fast forward a couple of years and he has this wild vision for what he would like in a wrestling promotion. He asked me if I wanted to take part in it, which of course I did. The rest is basically history!

Daniel Johnson: How did you become the ISW Champion?
Twiggy: In November 2011, I took on Giant Tiger who at that point had been champion for over two years. We had a pretty physical match, which Giant Tiger is not known for. In the end, I ended up with the title!

Daniel Johnson: This is a broad question, but what is it like being the top champion of a promotion in 2012?
Twiggy: Well, it’s always an honor to hold any title in a promotion, let alone it’s main title. It’s especially neat to hold the ISW Title as I was there from it’s early days and I’ve been able to see it grow.

Daniel Johnson: A wrestling stereotype might be that wrestling champions are big oiled up He-Man types, but you are a smaller guy. Do you think this stereotype exists today and if so will it ever go away?
Twiggy: I think it’s a stereotype that has always existed and will likely continue to exist. I don’t even fault the stereotype, it makes absolute sense to me, but I feel like wrestlers do and should come in all different shapes and sizes. That is what especially makes independent wrestling special and unique. Even in the WWE, guys who haven’t been the biggest dudes have managed to make it as champions. Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels all the way down to Daniel Bryan.

Daniel Johnson: On a similar note according to Interspecieswrestling.com you are 5’9″ and 130 lbs. What do you think of a lot, if not most promotions, calling their top title a heavyweight championship. Is it significant at all that ISW doesn’t do this?
Twiggy: Well, with a company like ISW, if you look at their roster page, there aren’t many guys or girls that would be filed in the “heavyweight” category. So at the end of the day, I don’t feel like it’s significant whatsoever.

Daniel Johnson: At times promotions have used their top champion as the face of the company. Do you feel that you are pushed as the face of the company? Either way how, if at all important do you think it is to have one person serve as the face of a company?
Twiggy: For me, Giant Tiger has always been the poster boy of Inter Species Wrestling and that’s the way it should be. That character put the company on the map. With that being said, there are so many different characters that contribute to ISW and help make it special. I think with any company, it’s a team effort all the way.

Daniel Johnson: Some wrestling critics have said there are “politics” that may keep a performer from becoming a champion or on the other hand can be used as a way for a wrestler to stay champion? Have you had to deal with any “politics” in wrestling either in ISW or elsewhere? If so how?
Twiggy: I personally haven’t seen it happen in ISW or anywhere and if it does, I don’t know about it. That’s not to say it doesn’t happen, because I’m sure it does. In wrestling, there will always be disagreements between talent and people in charge as to what should or shouldn’t happen on shows. It’s just one of those things that happen so you just have to grin and bear it.

Daniel Johnson: How important do you think top championships are in wrestling these days? Do you think they have become more or less important in the last couple of decades?
Twiggy: I would say that titles have probably become less important in the last decade. In my opinion, the reason is simply because there is so much talent on shows in each promotion so everything has some importance to it.

Daniel Johnson: The ROH World Championship has been described as a title that some of the best independent workers have either had or will go onto have. Likewise, is the ISW Championship significant in any comparable way? In short, how important do you think the ISW Championship is?
Twiggy: Well, ISW and ROH are in two completely different universes. ROH has established itself as the number one independent wrestling company in the world. I don’t even know if I could label it as an independent at this point. ISW is still growing and there is still a lot of growing to do but the future certainly looks bright.

Daniel Johnson: Changing gears a little bit, who have been some of your favorite opponents to work with in matches for the ISW Championship?
Twiggy: At this point, I’ve only defended it twice but the two times I did defend it, I thoroughly enjoyed squaring off with Giant Tiger and the man they call “Shitty.”

Daniel Johnson: If you had to pick one what is your favorite championship match that you have wrestled in and why? You can count your matches as a challenger too.
Twiggy: I would have to go with a scramble match for the International Wrestling Syndicate Tag Team Championship back in 2008. It featured 3.0, Super Smash Bros., The Untouchables, Franky The Mobster and myself. We won the titles on that night so it was a pretty special moment.

Daniel Johnson: What is your favorite championship match that you have watched? You can go as far back as you like for this one and include any promotion.
Twiggy: Bret Hart versus Shawn Michaels in the iron man match at WrestleMania XII is a title match that always sticks out in my mind.

Daniel Johnson: Some say a top title is not a “world” championship until it is defended in a foreign country. Do you believe this factor should play a role in whether a title is defined as a world championship?
Twiggy: I would say there is truth to that. I would say what makes a world title is that it’s a championship taken to and defended in countries all around the world.

Daniel Johnson: A little earlier you mentioned Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart who both held the WWF Intercontinental Championship before getting the big one. ISW also has the ISW Other Championship. What importance do you think secondary titles have on today’s wrestling scene?
Twiggy: I think it’s extremely important, if not as important. Secondary titles often dictate who is on their way to the top.

Daniel Johnson: Sometimes promotions will cross promote and a title will be defended on another promotion’s show. What do you think of this concept and do you think you will do this in the future?
Twiggy: I think it’s smart, it can definitely help both companies. ISW has been known for featuring showcase matches in other promotions. For example, the ISW Championship was defended during the 2009 edition of the CHIKARA King of Trios.

Daniel Johnson: Do you think it is likely ISW will do something like that again with their top title any time soon?
Twiggy: It’s entirely possible and something I am always up for as long as I hold the title.

Daniel Johnson: In a similar vein are there are any promotions that you would like to wrestle for that you haven’t as of yet whether or not the ISW Championship is involved?
Twiggy: In all honesty, I would love to work with any promotion who would like to have me! I would especially like to go back to Europe and perform in countries I didn’t get the chance to my first time around.

Daniel Johnson: Any country in particular?
Twiggy: I would definitely like to make it out to England or Germany.

Daniel Johnson: A lot of wrestling fans are really passionate about championship belts. Have there been any belts in particular that you have liked the design of? Do you have a favorite design?
Twiggy: The “Winged Eagle” will always be my favorite.

Daniel Johnson: In the past some champions have rejected championships as a way to cause a blow to a former employer. Like Madusa tossing the WWF Women’s Championship in the trash on WCW Monday Nitro. Do you think this act would have as much of an impact today. Do you think that something like this will happen again any time soon?
Twiggy: Well, I think if a talent were to jump from any top company like WWE to TNA or vice versa, it would still have the shock factor effect to it. I would say the same thing goes for anyone who would do that in any top independent promotion.

Daniel Johnson: I also had some more general questions to ask. My first one is: Have you ever gotten any weird responses when telling someone that you work for Inter Species Wrestling?
Twiggy: I would say any time you tell people you work for Inter Species Wrestling or let people know what goes on in the shows with particular characters, you definitely get some interested and curious looks and responses!

Daniel Johnson: Nice! Have you ever Google searched the company and come up with anything strange?
Twiggy: You know, I never have but now that you mention it…I just might. I certainly hope I find some nice weird stuff!

Daniel Johnson: Haha. Again, I”m going super broad here, but how has Inter Species Wrestling changed, if at all since you first began working for the company?
Twiggy: I would definitely say it has changed. The locker room on day one is nothing like the locker room that exists presently. So many faces have come and gone. Even the style of shows have changed. In the early days, it seemed the shows were almost purely comedy based where now it seems the aim is to offer exciting wrestling with characters you can’t see anywhere else.

Daniel Johnson: Has this affected your personal style of wrestling at all or do you feel like what you offer is pretty much the same as on day one?
Twiggy: I am always aiming to improve but the core of who I am is the exact same as who I was from the day we started this wild ISW journey.

Daniel Johnson: I always like to hear about ribs and road stories. Do you have any that you would be willing to share?
Twiggy: I’ve been asked this question so many times and I always wish I had a great answer or story. Anytime I am in a car with 3.0′s Shane Matthews, my aim is to make his life a living Hell. I did spend a couple of hours in a car with him and Jagged as we listened to Jeff Jarrett/Jesse James’ “With My Baby Tonight” on loop trying to memorize all of the words.

Daniel Johnson: Haha, I’ve had someone do something similar to me with “Cooking by the Book” by Lazy Town. Anyway, is there anything that you would like to promote or that you think reader of this interview should check out?
Twiggy: As always, check out anything related to Inter Species Wrestling! They have a show in Connecticut on November 17! Interspecieswrestling.com. You can also find me in Ottawa’s C4 Wrestling! They are located on the web at C4wrestling.com. I am also a big part of Montreal’s BATTLEWAR promotion which is growing quickly as well. Any fan of the old IWS will love what BATTLEWAR has to offer. Facebook.com/battlewarinfo. I also perform improvised comedy every week at Montreal Improv! Montrealimprov.com!

Daniel Johnson: Awesome! As part of my last few questions I like to ask five non-wrestling related questions just to bring a little uniqueness to the interview. If you don’t have an answer or don’t want to answer one of them just feel free to say, “skip.” Outside of wrestling, what television shows do you enjoy watching these days?
Twiggy: I’ve always been a massive fan of Seinfeld and The Simpsons. Current shows I am really into these days are Dexter, The League and Breaking Bad. I also recently discovered Freaks and Geeks which I am over a decade late on!

Daniel Johnson: What was your favorite movie that came out this year?
Twiggy: I really enjoyed Lawless!

Daniel Johnson: What is your favorite food that you tried for the first time this year?
Twiggy: It certainly isn’t the first time that I have had a poutine but I recently discovered my favorite poutine in the city of Montreal over the past few months at a place called Chez Claudette.

Daniel Johnson: What is your favorite song to come out this year?
Twiggy: I am really out of touch with modern music. I do like The Sheepdogs very much so my answer is going to be their recent single “The Way It Is”.

Daniel Johnson: Did you vote in your last local election? If so would you be willing to say for who?
Twiggy: I am shameless in admitting that I took too long to register and then when I went to do so, I found out I was too late.

Daniel Johnson: Oh, that’s rough. This is a broad question, but one I try to ask everyone: What is the weirdest part of being a professional wrestler?
Twiggy: For me personally, I would say pro wrestling makes you just a tad cynical, which isn’t a great way to be!

Daniel Johnson: My last question is just is there anything you would like to add or talk about that we haven’t talked about already?
Twiggy: I just want to make it clear that I absolutely love the refreshing taste of Coca Cola!

Take in a showing of Twiggy in battle! Here he takes on Eddie Kingston at the ISW Burger King of the Ring event. Twiggy gets tossed all over the place before, after and during Kingston verbally abusing and mooning the audience:

Tagged 3.0, Anthony Michaels, BATTLEWAR, Beef Wellington, Breaking Bad, Bret Hart, C4 Wrestling, Canada, Chez Claudette, CHIKARA, CHIKARA King of Trios, Coca Cola, Colt Cabana, Connecticut, Cooking by the Book, Danbury, Daniel Bryan, Dexter, Ebessan, Eddie Kingston, England, Europe, Franky The Mobster, Freaks and Geeks, Germany, Giant Tiger, Google, He-Man, Hulk Hogan, Hulk Hogan sex tape, Hulkamania, Hulkamaniac, Hulkster, iron man match, ISW (Canada), ISW ARMAGEDDOCALYPSE, ISW Burger King of the Ring, ISW Championship (Canada), ISW Other Championship (Canada), IWS, Jeff Jarrett, Jesse James, Jesus Christ, Kuishinbo Kamen, Lawless, Lazy Town, Madusa, Madusa Miceli, Mark Gore, Mike Rotch, Montreal, Montreal Improv, mooning, Ottawa, Player Dos, Player Uno, poutine, Quebec, ROH, ROH World Championship, Scott "Jagged" Parker, Scott Parker, Seinfeld, Shane Matthews, Shawn Michaels, Shitty, Super Smash Bros., The League, The Sheepdogs, The Simpsons, The Untouchables, The Way It Is, Twiggy, WCW Monday Nitro, With My Baby Tonight, WWE, WWF, WWF Intercontinental Championship, WWF Women's Championship, WWF Wrestlemania XII

The Johnson Transcript

Devourer of Wrestling

Tag Archives: Hulk Hogan

Failure to Launch (A Title Match)

by Daniel Johnson

Random Roundtable: Looking Back at 2012 and Forward to 2013

by Daniel Johnson, Kyle Childers, Jeremy Cundiff and Bad Booking

Daniels is on a Roll

by Daniel Johnson

Where Can We See Fat Guy Wrestlers Now? Right, Japan Will Do.

by Daniel Johnson

The First Alcobrawl

by Daniel Johnson

Antonio Honda Interview

by Daniel Johnson

TNA Final Resolution (2012) Review

by Daniel Johnson

Counting Down 7 Heels Who Could Have Gotten Yokozuna’s Monster Push in 1993

by Daniel Johnson

7. Carlos Colon

6. Genichiro Tenryu

5. Ted DiBiase

4. Jerry Lawler

3. Mr. Perfect

2. Shawn Michaels

1. Razor Ramon

Aaron Epic Interview

by Daniel Johnson

Twiggy Interview

Follow “The Johnson Transcript”