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Kevin Knight Interview: A Knight’s Tale
by: Derek Pivko 6/6/09
University of Arizona
Sports Journalism
WEST PATERSON, NJ-- Name any town in New Jersey and Kevin Knight has probably left some blood, sweat and tears behind.
A 14-year wrestling journeyman, Knight got his start while at William Paterson University promoting local wrestling events on WGHT-AM.
The radio station was given tickets to local wrestling events and it was up to Kevin to get in the ring and “hype up the crowd” before the events. Promoters saw something in Knight as he brought a certain energy to the crowd. Knight finally found his life goal: to become a professional wrestler.
Knight traveled the East Coast wrestling in events anywhere he could get booked. It wasn't until 1998 when he and a friend started their own company, Independent Wrestling Federation.
“I started Independent Wrestling Federation with Commissioner Rich Ross in 1998 because most of the independent wrestling promoters who ran the events I wrestled on were inept. The events were not family-friendly, and the talent was poor. Here we are 11 years later and the IWF is bigger and better than ever. And all those old inept wrestling promoters and that poor-quality talent are long gone. IWF stands alone in the Northeast. Unfortunately, the corrupt Commissioner Ross now runs the IWF and I am under-paid,” said Knight.
Independent Wrestling Federation currently boasts a roster of 40 hungry wrestlers who compete in over eight shows a month at IWF.
For those who enter the squared circle, they are living out a dream in hopes of becoming the next Hulk Hogan. Although you don't become Hulk Hogan overnight, it takes a serious commitment to become a professional wrestler.
And the path to becoming a professional wrestler isn't any easier.
Knight has body slammed his way into broken noses, broken fingers, broken ankle, separated shoulder, sprained knees, hyper-extended elbow and chronic lower back pain. Throughout the pain, he has only missed 10 matches due to injury.
“Just tape it up and be a man, baby,” laughs Knight.
With laughs aside, Knight has kept busy at IWF. Since 1999, Knight has trained hundreds of prospects willing to step in the ring with him. The prospects have come from 20 states and nine countries, some were wannabe's and some had a dream. But for 21 gifted individuals including Kevin Knight, they have competed at the highest platform in professional wrestling: World Wrestling Entertainment.
Recently Fred Sampson, who was trained by Knight signed a developmental contract with WWE. Sampson is living in Tampa, FL training at Florida Championship Wrestling in hopes of making it to the main roster one day.
It was no surprise to Knight when Sampson gave him the big news.
“I knew from day one in 2002 when he joined the school that Fred Sampson would make it. He has the desire, dedication and passion. You can't teach that...you have to have it in your heart. And he does. Fred was the youngest man to win the IWF Heavyweight Title. No idea if he will make it to the main roster, but anything can happen. If there is any justice in the world, he will. He is an old-school type of wrestler, and WWE is getting back to that on their programs now,” said Knight.
What other job in America can you punch your boss and get away with it? At Independent Wrestling Federation, they bring the fantasy to life. Do you have what it takes to become a professional wrestler? If you do try stepping in the ring with Kevin Knight, and by Knight fall you'll have Knight mares for days to come.
 "No Excuses at Reckless Abandon or at IWF Wrestling School"
A Knight's Tale Blog by Kevin Knight
Updated: April 20, 2009
On April 25, 2009 at the Independent Wrestling Federation's 12th Annual Reckless Abandon Weekend Anniversary Live Events, there will be no excuses in the "I Quit" Match as I challenge IWF Heavyweight Champion Hi-Definition Chris Steeler in West Paterson, NJ. Two men enter...one man quits...the other man leaves as champion. No excuses!
Speaking of excuses...with IWF Wrestling School in our 10th year, I decided to compile a Top 10 List of the worst...actually the best...excuses I have heard from students for missing a class. Yes, they are all 100% true. Yes, they all eventually quit wrestling...shockingly. Somehow I doubt the likes of WWE Superstar Seminar and Clinic Instructors John Bradshaw Layfield, Dr. Tom Prichard, Honky Tonk Man and Tito Santana ever made these excuses as they made their way up the ladder of the professional wrestling ranks.
10. My father died. (I believed this at first)
9. My knee is sore. (we are all sore, suck it up)
8. The Giants football game is on TV. (do you want to watch football or do you want to wrestle?)
7. It's raining out and there's a puddle on my street. (I guess the world stops when it rains)
6. Mick Foley is signing books at the mall. (at least he told the truth and didn't make up a phony excuse)
5. My father died. (yes, 6 months later from the same student who provided excuse #10)
4. Got sick from eating Wendy's bacon triple cheeseburger before class. (at least he told the truth)
3. I'm in jail. (at least, unfortunately, he told the truth)
2. I'm upset DX broke up last night on Raw. (at least he wasn't a mark)
1. My father died. (for the third time, 9 months later from the same student who provided excuse #5 and #10) I wonder what excuse Chris Steeler and Ross Hogg will provide when they lose The Ross Family's most prized possession at Reckless Abandon? We'll find out on April 25th, as their tears will fall!
"I'm not happy, until you're not happy!" The Ross Report Blog by Commissioner Rich Ross Posted: March 9, 2009 Finally, The Ross Family controls all the major Independent Wrestling Federation titles. Last month at February Fury Weekend, Hi-Definition Chris Steeler won the IWF Heavyweight Title and become the first Grand Slam Winner in IWF History, having held all four championships. When the money was on the line in the bottom of the ninth, Chris hit a Grand Slam home run against Kevin Knight, a feat even A-Rod could never do! Dangerous Dan McGuire joined our elite family alongside Franciz, now they reign as the Tag Team Champions. And with Damian Adams as the American Champion and Tournament of Champions winner, I hold ownership over all the gold. While the rest of the world suffers in economic peril, Ross Family stock is soaring sky-high.
This month at March Madness Weekend, get ready for the "Ross Rumble!" On March 28th, the rumble winner earns a shot at the American Title at April’s Reckless Abandon Anniversary Event. On March 29th, that rumble winner earns a shot at the Heavyweight Title at Reckless Abandon. But I'm not concerned about who the winners will be, because my Family will also enter the rumble's to make sure there are NO contenders and ALL the gold remains in the Family!
There will be a rampage in the rumble. When I let the 340-pound Mastodon loose, Kareem West will look like the woman in the Chimpanzee attack! The mauling Kevin Knight gets will be worse than what the tiger did to Siegfried & Roy! There will be no Heavyweight or American Title contenders for April, and I am going to give my Family the month off. I think a nice vacation for the group in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico sounds nice, don't you? As seen on Eruption, my boys were lighting up the town in style on location in Damian's Den as the American Champion hosted an extravagant party for the Family. To us, money is no object. What an introduction Dangerous Dan received. You wish you could live in our world. Remember, I'm not happy, until you're not happy! |
Winter Warfare Recap, Foreign Affairs & February Fury Weekend Preview Evan's Two Cents :-D by Evan Schwartz Posted: February 15, 2009 Let's start Evan's Two Cents by talking about how I was rudely interrupted last month at Winter Warfare by an uninvited surprise, Fady "Arabian Bull" Madani. Fady, you had no business coming out to the ring while I was talking. Do you know that I'm Evan Schwartz? Are you aware that I host my own talk show and write my own blog, Evan's Two Cents? I'm a big deal…people know me! But you had to stick your big, oversized rear-end in my business. Once again, I was taken advantage of when I wasn't ready, and that inappropriate behavior was condoned by the IWF fans. Fady, you learned a hard lesson later in the night when you fell victim to the hands of my entrepreneurial creation, Foreign Affairs. Your poor tag team partner and your only friend in life, Chachi Perez, learned that it doesn't matter how well he did in his debut, he fell victim to the shot heard around the IWF...my home run swing :-D.
I'm sure you'll agree that Foreign Affairs looked better than ever at Winter Warfare. Both gained size and strength, as they want to be just like their mentor, me :-D. The way they manhandled Fady and Chachi was more than impressive. On top of all this, German Menace Kraig Stagg gave Travis Blake the beating of his life. Blake was lucky to walk away with his hand raised. But know this, if Blake has the guts to step back in the ring with the Menace, you can bet the outcome won't be the same.
Now, we are on the verge of February Fury and up first for Foreign Affairs is Bigg Nutz (Eruption Webcast). Bigg Nutz has been a thorn in my side ever since they joined forces here in the IWF. Every time I'm ready to catapult myself into superstardom, these two somehow get in my way and I'm sick of it! That's why this month will be the last time you ever see Bigg Nutz together. Foreign Affairs has been instructed to stop at nothing to rid these two from the IWF. After Foreign Affairs wins their tag team championship opportunity, we have a chance to capture the most important piece of gold in the IWF, the Heavyweight Title, when the German Menace goes one-on-one with Heavyweight Champion Kevin Knight. Knight, if you happen to be lucky enough to hold onto that title past Saturday, you might as well kiss it goodbye on Sunday. The Menace has never been more ready for battle in his life. This is a bigger deal to him than the Berlin Wall coming down, and he knows failure is not an option. Knight, you don't stand a chance.
Foreign Affairs is about money and gold. So on behalf of the Portuguese Powerhouse Dan Marques, he challenges whoever comes out of February Fury as American Champion and nothing would make him happier than to win that prestigious belt and rename it the Portuguese Championship. That only leaves one item of business left, the Junior Heavyweight Title. Jennifer, don't think I forgot about you and how you've humiliated me in the past. It's only a matter of time before I strip you of that Title, and Foreign Affairs claim all the IWF gold! |
Thanksgiving Thunder Recap, Foreign Affairs & Tournament of Champions Evan's Two Cents :-D by Evan Schwartz Posted: December 4, 2008 Welcome back to the online home of Evan’s Two Cents :-D. It’s a smart decision to read what I have to say, because it’s definitely more important than anything else you have to do, so let’s get to it.
Thanksgiving Thunder was a mixed bag for the so-called perennial no-hoper, Evan Schwartz. First of all I am not a no-hoper! I'm a doer! I get things done. However, I didn't get everything done at Thanksgiving Thunder, and I am disappointed. If I didn't know any better I'd be disappointed with myself, but I know better, and all the blame should be placed directly on the shoulders of the fans. Just like every month, the fans have let me down again, and should be ashamed for not doing their job correctly; that is cheering me on to victory. Because of the fans, I have less money and can't afford to buy myself all the things I wanted this holiday season. However, thanks to my international entrepreneurial skills I did receive one early gift, Foreign Affairs.
 
Foreign Affairs was victorious at Thanksgiving Thunder, first against Latin Revolution, and again when the Portuguese Powerhouse Dan Marques flattened that nutcase Mad Dawg Jenkins. Take a look around, the Revolution is no longer revolving (good to see King of the Streets Tony Torres finally lose the dead weight he carried around for five years) and the Nutz were nearly cracked in half…literally. Jenkins, I hope you enjoyed the taste of Marques’ fist topped with cold metal, because it’s something you're going to need to get used to in the coming months. Now, my other investment, German Menace Kraig Stagg wasn't as lucky when he was upended by Biggie Biggs. It was a mere oversight on the part of Foreign Affairs and no credit should be given to Biggs. Even the best teams in the world have miscommunication problems (ever heard of the New York Knicks?). One thing to remember heading into December...Bigg Nutz has a Bigg problem.
Now, onto some bad news. Unfortunately, I didn't get the job done against Stellar Travis Blake. I hope Commissioner Rich Ross finds the time in his very busy schedule to read Evan’s Two Cents :-D. I know his meetings with President-elect Obama are very important to him, but I'm Evan Schwartz, and that’s just a little more important. Heck, who are we kidding? That is far more important, and I am taking this time to apologize for not taking out the trash at Thanksgiving Thunder. Commissioner Ross is a kind and giving man, and I have 100% confidence he understands that it wasn't my fault. Everyone saw Blake cheat when he kicked the rope underneath me for no good reason. And if you didn't see it I demand that you order the DVD. He took advantage of me when I was entering the ring to continue a fair, athletic competition. Blake, consider yourself lucky!
Speaking of lucky, the IWF is home to the luckiest person in the entire world, Jason Somers. At Thanksgiving Thunder, this kid had the luckiest day of his life when he pinned my shoulders to the mat in his very first match. I'm normally a happy guy. I mean, who wouldn't be happy to be Evan Schwartz? But, I'm not happy right now. Somers, I suggest you enjoy your 15 minutes of fame and do yourself a favor….don't cross my path again.  It’s December and that can only mean one thing, the 9th Annual Tournament of Champions. Sixteen competitors enter the tournament, and only one wins. I'd give you more of my thoughts on the tournament right here, but then Evan's Two Cents :-D could no longer be offered as a free public service. However, you can simply check out the latest edition of the Eruption Webcast, and you'll hear plenty more of what I have to say. Remember, Evan Schwartz has no problem giving you his Two Cents...and then taking it right back! :-D.
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IWF Interview with WWE Superstar John Layfield:
Posted: April 2008
(WEST PATERSON, NJ)- Mamajuana and 418 Energy present John Layfield…Raw Superstar and former WWE Heavyweight Champion…as Guest Instructor at the Independent Wrestling Federation Training School, West Paterson, NJ. Mr. Layfield hosts a Pro Wrestling Seminar for IWF students, graduates and indy wrestlers on April 30.
WrestlingIWF.com had a chance to talk with John Layfield to get his thoughts on his new Energy products, his personal pro wrestling training experiences, as well as what participants can expect at his seminar at IWF Pro Wrestling School...
IWF: Mamajuana and 418 Energy present a Pro Wrestling Seminar with John Layfield at IWF School in West Paterson, NJ. First, please tell us how your involvement with these energy products came about? JOHN: I WAS WORKING ON WALL STREET AND HELPED A NUTRITIONAL COMPANY BUY ANOTHER ONE (COMPANY). IN DOING SO, I REALIZED AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTNER WITH THE BUYER AND FORM A JOINT VENTURE TO DEVELOP TARGETED NUTRITION...THAT'S HOW LAYFIELD ENERGY WAS FORMED. IWF: How do Mamajuana and 418 Energy differ from similar products on the market? JOHN: MAMAJUANA IS A VIRILITY PRODUCT. "LIQUID VIAGRA" I HAVE HEARD THE ORIGINAL MAMAJUANA CALLED, WE HAVE CREATED SEX IN A BOTTLE. WE HAVE ALREADY AGREED TO NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION WE JUST HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL PRODUCT IS ON SHELVES IN STORES TO ANNOUNCE IT. YOU CAN BUY IT AT MAMAJUANAENERGY.COM. IT IS GETTING UNBELIEVABLE TESTIMONIALS. WE WORKED FOR OVER A YEAR DEVELOPING THIS. NO YOHIMBE AND NO GINGKO SO THERE WOULDN'T BE ANY PROBLEM GETTING PRODUCT LIABILITY INSURANCE, MADE IN AN FDA APPROVED LAB. 418 ENERGY IS MADE FOR GOLFERS, IT HAS A NATURAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY BUILT INTO IT AND COGNITIVE INGREDIENTS...ALLWHAT GOLFERS NEED. THERE IS NOTHING LIKE 418 ENERGY, WE MADE IT SPECIFICALLY FOR GOLFERS. IWF: Looking back, tell us about the early stages of your wrestling career and about your road to the WWE? JOHN: I WAS BROKEN IN BY BRAD RHEINGANS...1980 GRECO ROMAN WORLD CHAMPION. I WRESTLED IN TEXAS, JAPAN, MEXICO, AND LIVED IN EUROPE FOR TWO YEARS WRESTLING THERE. I FINALLY MADE IT INTO WWE IN DECEMBER 1995.
IWF: During your training, who was most instrumental in your development and what was the most important advice you received? JOHN: DICK MURDOCH ONCE TOLD ME WHEN I WAS ON MY WAY TO AN INTERVIEW "MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN" AND THAT HAS BECOME MY PHILOSOPHY IN LIFE.
IWF: How long did it take you to "get it" and were there any defining moments that stand out when you truly understood what performing and the business were all about? JOHN: I DON'T THINK I HAVE IT NOW. I WENT OUT THE OTHER DAY AND GOT LOST. I AM STILL WORKING ON GETTING IT. I HOPE TO GET CLOSE ONE DAY. SKANDOR AKBAR INGRAINED IN ME THAT THE MAIN EVENT HAD TO BE SPECIAL...IN EVERYTHING FROM DRESS, TO APPEARANCE, TO STYLE. JIMMY CROCKETT TOLD ME THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER...IT MADE AN IMPACT.
IWF: At IWF Wrestling School in addition to yourself, WWE Hall of Famer Tito Santana, WWE Trainer Tom Prichard, WWE Legend Honky Tonk Man, WWE's Steven Richards, WWE's Nunzio, WWE legend Ricky Steamboat, former UFC and WWE Champion Ken Shamrock, and former WWE Diva Dawn Marie have hosted clinics. How valuable are these sessions for trainees? JOHN: IT'S THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE IT, THERE IS NO EASY ROUTE. I WISH THERE WAS.
IWF: This Seminar at IWF Wrestling School marks your first-ever lecture at a training facility for young hopefuls. What qualities and attributes separate an ordinary "independent" wrestler from a first-class "professional" wrestler? JOHN: IF I KNEW THAT, I WOULD MAKE MILLIONS. GUYS WHO MAKE IT HAVE A PASSION FOR THE BUSINESS. THERE ARE A FEW EXCEPTIONS, BUT FOR THE MOST PART GUYS WHO MAKE IT LOVE IT. YOU HAVE TO LOVE WHAT YOU DO OR YOU WON'T BE GOOD AT IT. THIS BUSINESS IS NO DIFFERENT.
IWF: Many trainees and young wrestlers expect to make it to WWE after just a few months or few years of training. What are some things that young wrestlers need to keep in mind during the early years of their career? JOHN: YOU HAVE TO LEARN EVERYTHING...EVERYTHING! TOO MANY THINK WRESTLING IS JUST ABOUT HIGH SPOTS AND PHYSIQUES. I HAVE CERTAINLY PROVED THAT WRONG AND I'VE DONE FAIRLY WELL IN MY CAREER.
IWF: With about 20 years of experience as a wrestler, you have seen countless wrestlers come and go. What are the keys to a prosperous wrestling career? JOHN: STAY HEALTHY AND STAY OUT OF TROUBLE. I DID NEITHER, SO I GUESS BEING LUCKY HELPS OUT TOO. CONSTANTLY EVOLVE. THE BUSINESS IS DIFFERENT FROM WHEN I BROKE IN. THOSE WHO CHANGED WITH IT ARE STILL HERE, THOSE THAT DIDN'T AREN'T HERE.
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IWF Interview with WWE Legend Honky Tonk Man:
Posted: April 2008
(WEST PATERSON, NJ)- WWE Legend Honky Tonk Man…the Greatest Intercontinental Champion of All-time…returns this spring as Guest Instructor at the Independent Wrestling Federation Training School, West Paterson, NJ. Honky Tonk Man hosts an informative Pro Wrestling Clinic and Seminar for IWF students, graduates and indy wrestlers on April 16 and April 17.
WrestlingIWF.com had a chance to sit down with Honky Tonk Man to get his thoughts on his personal pro wrestling training experiences, as well as what participants can expect at his upcoming classes at IWF Pro Wrestling School...
IWF: Take us back to the early stages of your wrestling career and tell us about your training experience?
HTM: I trained 2 nights a week, 3 hours each session. My training partner was Koko B. Ware. Our trainer was Herb Welch of the famous Welch-Fuller family of the south. We trained countless hours on holds, and reversal of the holds, takedowns and escapes. I was 9 months into training before Herb released me for a match. After that match, I realized I knew nothing. I went back to training for another 3-4 months having matches off and on.
IWF: During your training, who was most instrumental in your development and what were some of the most important tips you received?
HTM: My trainer, Herb Welch was the most instrumental. He had wrestled all over the states and was very well respected by all the wrestlers. He drilled me on fundamentals and taking the business seriously. He hated lazy work!
IWF: How long did it take you to "get it" and were there any defining moments that stand out when you truly understood what performing in the ring was all about?
HTM: I took about 4-5 years…somewhere in that time frame to stand back and say, "I have been doing this all wrong!" Fundamentally I was very good, but the mental part was way behind the fundamentals. It takes awhile for the mental part to catch up to the physical part.
IWF: At IWF Wrestling School in addition to yourself, WWE Hall of Famer Tito Santana, WWE Trainer Tom Prichard, WWE's Steven Richards, WWE's Nunzio, WWE legend Ricky Steamboat, former UFC and WWE Champion Ken Shamrock, and former WWE Diva Dawn Marie have hosted clinics. How valuable are these sessions for trainees?
HTM: It is very important for the students to get a chance to listen to and to ask questions of these veterans of the business. The trainees get a better insight into the big picture. Sometimes the trainees think the teacher is full of nonsense when he tells them how things really work and the need for doing certain things the trainees might think are boring and mean nothing. The outside veterans can help shore up the trainees' confidence in the trainer.
IWF: You conducted many clinics at IWF Wrestling School since 2002. Since that time, 17 different IWF graduates performed with WWE. What qualities and attributes separate an ordinary "independent" wrestler from a first-class "professional" wrestler?
HTM: It all goes back to the training, the trainer, and the atmosphere of the wrestling school itself. If the training is professional, the trainer is professional, and the school is run professionally, then the students who graduate and move on will in turn be more professional. The IWF does all of the above and each of the graduates are professionals when they go on to the next level. The groundwork that is laid at the IWF camp is one of the best I have ever seen. Some of the "run of the mill ordinaries" are just that,"ordinary." They will never move to the higher level simply because they do not know how to take it to that level.
IWF: Yourself, Tito Santana and Tom Prichard among others, have been credited for the success of IWF Wrestling School as a result of your roles as guest instructors. The common theme is basics, fundamentals and storytelling. To some young wrestlers, this seems boring when compared to stunts, dives and barbed wire. Any idiot can do a stunt, a dive or fall into barbed wire, but it takes a skilled professional athlete to master the basics and tell a logical story. Why are these the most important elements for a wrestler to learn?
HTM: As you stated, anyone at any given time can do a stunt move. Guys and girls do them during Spring Break all the time, whether they are sober or drunken to the gills. Being able to put it all together to captivate and audience is a different kind of skill. It is a skill, as I said before, that is not just physical, but it is a mental thing. You have to be able to control the audience's emotions. High-flying stunts, barbed wire, fire, blood, and dives off the rafters are exciting to watch, but they have to be put into a storyline that will control emotions.
IWF: Today, with the short attention span of society in general and instant gratification expected, many trainees and young wrestlers expect to make it to WWE after just a few months or few years of training. What are some things that young wrestlers need to keep in mind during the early years of their career?
HTM: Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals! Without these elements you are a lost ship on the ocean. When all else fails, the fundamentals you have learned will always bail you out of trouble. Short attention span is something we have "given in to." I think given the right circumstances on any given day, we can, if we are fundamentally sound and have a good understanding of the mental aspects of a good versus evil storyline, any of us can control the audience's emotions for any given amount of time. Top rated movies go for over 2 hours. Where is the short attention span there?
IWF: With almost 30 years of experience as a wrestler and having performed in four WrestleMania's, what are the keys to longevity?
HTM: Staying healthy. Doing those things in the ring that you are comfortable doing. Never push the limits the body has set forth. The mind might say go for it, the body says I can't do that. Listen to the body. The longer you stay around, the more chances you have to be prosperous.
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Exclusive IWF Interview with WWE Trainer Dr. Tom Prichard:
Posted: August 1, 2007 (WEST PATERSON, NJ)- Independent Wrestling Federation sat down with WWE Developmental Talent Trainer Tom Prichard of Florida Championship Wrestling prior to his WWE Seminar, Clinic and Tryout in 2007 at IWF Wrestling School. Prichard, a former Tag Team Champion with The Heavenly Bodies and The Bodydonnas, spoke about his role as a coach, and what it takes to make it as a successful wrestler...
IWF: First, tell us about the early stages of your wrestling career and about your training?
TOM: I am a lifelong wrestling fan and have watched my whole life. From the time I was 4 years old I knew I wanted to be a professional wrestler. I started watching on TV in El Paso, TX and there were great workers like The Funks, Harley Race, The Infernos, The Von Brauners, Nick and Jerry Kozak, Grizzly Smith, Rickey Romero, Gory Guerrero, El Santo and many other top names who I didn't know at the time were top names pretty much everywhere they went. Or, they were being groomed for a top spot. West Texas was run by the Funk family and they were very smart in how they did business. When I was 10, we moved to Houston and got acquainted with a whole new crew of wrestlers; Wahoo McDaniel, Johnny Valentine, The Spoiler, Gary Hart, The Great Malenko, Fritz Von Erich, Jose Lothario, and Dory Funk Jr. just won the NWA World championship before we moved so he was now a touring champion, going from territory to territory so I was able to still see some of my favorites from West Texas. Paul Boesch was the promoter and we were able to go to the matches every Friday night at the Sam Houston Coliseum in the 70's. I made it a point to be around the entrance the guys arrived at in the coliseum and would try to talk to some while other times I just watched. I finally introduced myself to Paul and told him I wanted to wrestle. Of course at 11 years old I was told there’s no way but I was persistent and never gave up. From the time I was 10 up until I was 20 years old I was at the matches every week and in between those years I managed to work in the Houston office during summers, referee, second and set up rings. I was a gofer and did anything I could to be a part of the business. I never gave up my hopes and dreams. There wasn't a lot of encouragement to go around either but I wasn't going to let that stop me.
IWF: During your wrestling training, who was most instrumental in your development and what were some of the most important tips and advice you received?
TOM: The most influential person in my early training and development was my karate instructor, Bill Gray. About the same time we moved to Houston, my brother and I took karate classes and that’s where I met Bill. Bill brought a speaker to class one night who said, “There are 3 kinds of people in the world: Those who ‘try’. They'll never make it because when they don't they say “Well, at least I tried.” Those who ‘give it their best shot’. They'll never make it because when they don't they say “Well, at least I gave it my best shot.” Then there’s that third kind of person who says ‘Whatever It Takes.’ There is no denying these people because they will not stop until they accomplish their goal. There is no ‘try’ or ‘best shot.’ I thought that was the most profound thing I ever heard. What’s possible is done, what’s impossible will be done. How true! I was told I was too small, couldn't wrestle, didn't have ‘it’, blah, blah, blah. I knew what I wanted to do and while I wasn't sure exactly how I would get there I was going to get there! I took a lot of risks and made a lot of mistakes but that’s life. I just couldn't see myself doing anything else. Paul Boesch letting me work in the office and train with The Iron Sheik on Friday afternoons in an empty coliseum was a big help as well. Paul was a great influence and inspiration to me too.
IWF: How long did it take you to "get it" and were there any defining moments that stand out when you truly understood what performing and the business were all about?
TOM: The rule of thumb when I had my first match (1979) was you had to be working for at least 5 years before you would be allowed to call a spot or anything in the match. Back then you were put with a veteran every night and you listened to him. That’s how you really learn this business is on the job training and experienced veterans pass down their knowledge. I think I finally ‘got it’ when I turned heel in Louisiana. Then I was able to try things and try my hand at calling a match. It was right around my 5 year mark after working 5-7 nights a week for 5 years! It’s next to impossible to fathom that today. There’s just no where to go and do something like that. Going to the Pensacola/Alabama territory really gave me the freedom to try my hand at some ideas and get comfortable about who I was as a performer. But then again, going to WWE it was like starting all over again! The great thing about this business is it’s constantly changing. And the bad thing about this business is it’s constantly changing!
IWF: In 1996, you began a new career as a trainer and coach for WWE. It is well known you had a hand in preparing The Rock, Kurt Angle and Ken Shamrock among others for their careers What were the qualities and attributes that separated those that made it to the big dance from those who didn't make it?
TOM: The biggest qualities these guys all have is they are students of the game. They kept looking for improvement and new ways to do things. It wasn't “just doing moves for the sake of doing moves.” In the case of Rock and Angle they both became extremely entertaining on the mic and in the ring. Shamrock had a lot of talent as well. They all had the “Whatever It Takes” attitude!
IWF: Kevin Knight opened IWF Wrestling School in 1999 because there weren't any quality schools in the area. His role was also that of a student as he began brining in countless stars and legends to conduct clinics. In addition to yourself, WWE's Steven Richards, WWE's Nunzio, WWE Hall of Famer Tito Santana, former WWE Intercontinental Champion Honky Tonk Man, WWE legend Ricky Steamboat, former UFC and WWE Champion Ken Shamrock, former WWE Diva Dawn Marie, former WWE star Tom Brandi, former ECW Champion Steve Corino, and TNA's Simon Diamond have hosted clinics. How valuable are these sessions for trainees?
TOM: The hardest part starting out today is finding a reputable school and coach who knows what he’s doing. To be able to hear it from the people who have “been there, done that” is immeasurable. No two people have broke into the business the same way but the successful ones with longevity know and understand what someone must do in order to follow some direction. No one knows everything, therefore it is good to hear a different point of view as long as the information is constructive and helping the students attain their goals. You never know when you might see or hear that ‘one thing’ that inspires you or answers that burning question nobody else seemed to have the answer to. Too many times trainers give answers they “think” is right because they read it in a book or magazine.
IWF: Kevin Knight formulated his coaching style for IWF Wrestling School by combining all the valuable knowledge gained during these superstar clinics. Who was influential in helping you to develop your coaching style?
TOM: Once again, Bill Gray. His method of teaching kept things fun, interesting and informative. I actually learned and wanted to learn more. You must have a passion to learn the business but I also feel a good coach must have a passion for coaching. A good coach must also be willing to change and adapt as things change.
IWF: You conducted many clinics throughout the country, including developing a relationship with IWF Wrestling School in 2002. Since that time, 16 different IWF graduates performed with WWE. Now, there are thousands of independent wrestlers in the country. What qualities and attributes separate an ordinary "independent" wrestler from a first-class "professional" wrestler?
TOM: Attitude. Too many guys think it’s all about how many moonsaults or huracanranas they can do. Stone Cold Steve Austin has NEVER done a moonsault! Less is more! The real pros understand it is about quality, NOT quantity. This is a business and it should be enjoyed. The object is not to kick each other as hard as you can. It’s to give the impression you are beating the hell out of each other! Pros understand this. Indie/Outlaws don't!
IWF: Yourself, Honky Tonk Man and Tito Santana among others, have been credited for the success of IWF Wrestling School as a result of your roles as guest instructors. The common theme is basics, fundamentals and storytelling. To some young wrestlers, this seems boring when compared to stunts, dives and barbed wire. Any idiot can do a stunt, a dive or fall into barbed wire, but it takes a skilled professional athlete to master the basics and tell a logical story. Why are these the most important elements for a wrestler to learn?
TOM: We can teach moves. We can't teach charisma or passion. How much talent does it take to do 15 huracarranas, 12 moonsaults, go thru 20 tables and still get up and do a flying dive off the cage? I'm sure it takes something but the object again, is to tell a story and entertain people. The Rock will still get more of a reaction by raising his eyebrow than some 165 pound guy stapling a dollar to his tongue.
IWF: Today, with the short attention span of society in general and instant gratification expected, many trainees and young wrestlers expect to make it to WWE after just a few months or few years of training. What are some things that young wrestlers need to keep in mind during the early years of their career?
TOM: Worry about having a solid foundation before worrying about “getting my tattoo on my trunks and ring jacket!” Without knowing the BASICS and having a solid foundation you will go nowhere fast! Ask veterans who have been where you want to be for advice! Become a student of the game and live this business 24/7. Don't live your gimmick…live and understand the demands and sacrifices required of this business.
IWF: With almost 30 years of experience as a wrestler, trainer and coach, you have seen countless wrestlers come and go. What are the keys to longevity and a prosperous wrestling career?
TOM: Attitude. Understanding ones strengths and weaknesses. Learn everything you can about everything connected to the business. It won't last forever. Are you thought of or capable enough to pass down what you learned? Longevity means WORKING SMART! That doesn't mean be lazy, it means work smart so you don't get a serious injury and aren't able to make a living any more.
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