Breaking Kayfabe #3 w/Louis Kendrick

Welcome to the third edition of Breaking Kayfabe. I am as always, Mr. C.C.. On this edition of Breaking Kayfabe, I am will be talking with an up and coming indy wrestler who went from fan as a child to pro wrestler early in adulthood. He has made his mark in the team ranks from the Midwest to the northeast teaming with Flip Kendrick, his brother. You may know him as Louis Lyndon or formerly Brian Lyndon in Hybrid Wrestling. I am pleased to bring to you this interview with Louis Kendrick

Mr. C.C.: Thanks for taking time to do this.

Louis: No problem. Looking forward to it.

Mr. C.C.: Was getting into wrestling something you always wanted to do or did you just fall into it?

Louis: I was seven or eight, definitely really loved it I'd say. Lost sight of it until about eighth grade and from there I felt like it was something I would do in life. My excitement over ECW and WCW cruiserweights when I look back on it now equated to a want. Seems obvious to me to become apart of wrestling at some point in high school or beyond that.

Mr. C.C.: For those that don't know, you are from Michigan, correct?

Louis: Yes, I reside from Mt. Clemens, MI and at times the campus area of East Lansing as well.

Mr. C.C.: Being as you grew up in Michigan was any local wrestling available to you growing up? Or was it the bigger promotions that would come through town?

Louis: I never was a go to indy wrestling show guy. I probably went to two shows in my life for the purposes of strictly watching wrestling. ROH and WWE. My dad does not like wrestling besides of TV WWE. So I had no one to really take me. Plus I think in the eighth grade I really didn't know anything about indy wrestling. High school was just ECW, WCW, WWE, and me going straight to All Japan [Pro Wrestling] and Toryumon when I got tired of WWE. Wrestling friends of mine did mention IWR and maybe GLAPW [Great Lakes All Pro Wrestling]. But really I had no idea beyond ROH, CZW, and IWA MS for indies at all. I would just buy insane amounts of tapes from RF Video or HighSpots for that.

Mr. C.C.: If your dad doesn't like wrestling aside from the WWE, then who would you say was the first person to introduce you to wrestling?

Louis: My friend Brandon. Parents befriending and a classmate I believe. He was into as was his father. We watched a pay-per-view or two. I remember not being able to stay up for Raw and having to record it. Loved it. It was during the time of your 1-2-3 Kids, Quebecers, The Lex Express, and of course Bret Hart.

Mr. C.C.: So you really got into wrestling just before the Attitude Era?

Louis: Yeah, I was in for a minute. Then once 94' hit I believe I was out again for whatever reason. The Attitude Era brought me back.

Mr. C.C.: So between the big three of the time being WWE, ECW, and WCW, who would you say were influences?

Louis: Influences, hmm. I would say The Rock was one the biggest at the time for me. He had it all. Then the crusierweights were next: Juvi [Juventud Guerrera], Super Crazy, Tajiri, Taka [Michinoku], and Jerry Lynn. I always tuned in for the those matches. For a time I think I even argued that Jerry Lynn was better than Triple H. I was little misguided at the time I feel like. Maybe just not wanting to not be norm and like DX so much.

Mr. C.C.: Certainly some talented individuals. As wrestling evolved, did your influences change?

Louis: Yeah definitely. Taka continues to be in there as well as the Rock. Beyond that I found myself watching shoot style pro wrestling guys like Volk Han and Kiyoshi Tamura. I found time to watch some women's wrestling. Really like the Mariko Yoshida and Jaguar Yokota. Guys like Kenta Kobashi, Jushin Lyger, [Bryan] Danielson, Ikuto Hidaka, CIMA, and newer guy like Prince Devitt. The main thing that really changed me was discovering of the all British style wrestling. Clive Myers is basically my gimmick. I really went away the big leagues I feel like. Just always looking to find the different guy doing the different thing that makes me audibly go "wow."

Mr. C.C.: When did you start actively seeking out wrestling schools? Or were you more self-taught?

Louis: Basically in about 2003 I started getting interested in possibly going pro, but I had no car. I met Josh Raymond, trained with him a couple times. Once in a barn with a guy named Matt Maverick. I also trained with the owner of GLAPW a few times as well. Whoever I could go to with someone else already going. I was done with it though by the end of 03'. I kinda picked up things from various people along the way and got word to debut in 06' in the summer for this place in Ohio called WASP. I also wrestled for AIW [Absolute Intense Wrestling] at that point as well. I got lucky in the fact I knew people and was accepted in with Hybrid Wrestling when they first started. It was around July 2007, where I decided I could be better. I wasn't the worst, but definitely was not good. I had just got a car and decided it was time to go to wrestling school for real. I looked around and found Price of Glory Wrestling. Got lost trying to find a freeway for first time trying to go there. I never had really driven anywhere besides up to east lansing at that time. Wrestled my last match pre-official training that weekend with Josh Prohibition. The next week i started with none other than Josh Raymond as my trainer at Coldwater after all those years. Trained with Keith Creme as well CJ Otis for at least 14 months I feel like there. It was worth it!

Mr. C.C.: Out of all the training you did, who was the one that you say was a mentor to you?

Louis: I feel like Josh taught me the most, but CJ was the guy who took me under wing after he got back from Japan. I feel like he was just prepared for wrestling really well.

Mr. C.C.: Since you were in some ways already broken in to wrestling, besides the training, how did they further along your career in terms of getting booked? Or did they?

Louis: Training helped me get some chances in MI [Michigan], IN [Indiana]. Nothing big, but things I needed to grow I feel like. I kinda stalled really early in my re-debut, but somewhere in august 08' I feel like the training really payed off. Got a chance to meet Ian Rotten and work at IWA Mid South as well as Luchacore. Started to get more work right about then... on a consistent basis.

Mr. C.C.: So from there you, ventured into more of the Midwest circuit with promotions like Heartland Wrestling Association?

Louis: Yes, around that time Hybrid stuff as well Luchacore lead to me actually being heard of it. Simply sending a message and getting a reply back shortly after to do the show. I feel like at that point I had not once been able to do something like that.

Mr. C.C.: In your early days of traveling the Midwest, how was it?

Louis: Well... Fun I would say. Very negative in the pocket, but still worth it I feel. My brother, Jack Verville, and Brian Skyline were usually the four. Got to go Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, and to a lesser extent Illnois. Felt like we made countless connections. There was one trip with the trainers that comes to mind that was little rough. I think on the way to Luchacore. Drinking while driving happened on my part. Never again. Riding with trainers was always a different animal than with your peers.

Mr. C.C.: What's the best road story you have out of your whole time in wrestling? Were there any ribs pulled?

Louis: I feel like the people I ride with are really less rib driven. One story the comes to mind... more ridiculous than best. I got to ride around with HUSTLE, SMASH wrestler KUSHIDA. Got to drive him around basically to a couple shows. We had a show on Friday at a place called CWE in Austintown, OH. Went fine. We then went hotel in preparation to pickup Paul Orndorff for IWC on Saturday. Random, yeah. We had continental breakfast at our hotel... Kushida and I that is. We picked up Orndorff at the airport and dropped him off at his hotel, which apparently was different than ours. He wanted us to have continental breakfast with him too. So we had continental breakfast with Paul Orndorff as well. He talked about us being small and needing to eat. He talked about the government. Real akward stuff, heh. We left the hotel and proceeded to go to Elizabeth, PA with my own paper MapQuest directions. A terrible mistake honestly on my part in not having a GPS. I took one wrong turn when we supposed to get off a highway. Ran into the most traffic ever with time ticking for Orndorff to have his autograph session. "Just get off freeway," he says. I proceed to drive off the freeway through some dirt on the road little below. Even more lost now. The main street we were supposed to get off of is pretty much unreachable. Orndorff was subdued, but I can feel the anger rising. It sucked. I call the owner of IWC and directs to go some street. Out of nowhere he appears in front of me driving... we follow and we make it there late. After all that, Kushida, who had said nothing for like the last two hours... says "Oh... are you ok?" I was not... worst day, most ridiculous road story. Don't get lost with a veteran, it sucks.

Mr. C.C.: That's a crazy story. Did you mark out when you met Ondorff?

Louis: I mean I knew of him, not so much of his work at the time. I marked out that I was driving a guy who had been on the first WrestleMania. Very surreal.

Mr. C.C.: Now that you've had a number of years in wrestling, have gone back to the wrestling of past and studied up and watched it to gain a better understanding of where the business has come from and just basically learn?

Louis: Yes definitely. I had gone back to watch older WCW, NWA, World Sport stuff, and WWE stuff. I was very caught up on the new stuff or just Japanese stuff when I first started. I have realized that there so much good stuff from back in the day. I was not watching Arn Anderson or even [Ricky] Steamboat a few years ago. Definitely has changed. I want to be as well rounded as I can be.

Mr. C.C.: I know you mentioned who your influences and mentors are, but watching the older pre-90s stuff, who would you say are influences from the kayfabe/golden age of wrestling/"wrasslin" eras?

Louis: Hmm, from that age I would say Tiger Mask or Ricky Steamboat. An actually I forgot about it, but man Randy Savage is one the best ever. He is had it all kinda like Rock for me.

Mr. C.C.: For those that don't really know much about you, what kind of gimmick do you have?

Louis: I am not a martial artist. The gimmick is that I am big fan kung fu movies and even martial art inspired video games to the point that I believe I am a star in a kung fu movie. Through watching the movie "Snake in Eagle Shadow" I acquired the ability to use Snake Style... I think.

Mr. C.C.: What is your wrestling style? How have you adapted your gimmick into your wrestling style?

Louis: On the surface, I am pretty much your traditional super junior I would say. Some highflying, some submissions, and some strking type deal. I definitely feel the gimmick adds a little more theatrics and excitement. I throw poses out, trips, and even kicks that are movie inspired. It adds another flavor to just being a junior.

Mr. C.C.: What ring names do you go under or do you just go under Louis Kendrick?

Louis: I go by Louis Lyndon exclusively currently. I have gone by Brian Lyndon in Hybrid, but it has since changed.

Mr. C.C.: Right now you are mainly a tag team wrestler. How did you get to teaming with Flip Kendrick as the tag team Aeroform? Where did the team name come from?

Louis: Well, basically, I guess people thought since we were brothers and rode together we would make a good team. Never had planned to be a tag wrestler at all. It started in AIW in 08' kinda grew from there. Aeroform is a tricking move and we thought Aero - Aerial and Form - Martial Forms would go well together. People had trouble with the name and meaning. We had planned to change it, but Gabe Sapolsky decided we should keep it for EVOLVE. Decided at that point we would just go with it. Has worked out and not been as mispronounced since then.

Mr. C.C.: Speaking of Gabe Sapolsky, I recently interviewed him. How did you get involved in working for him in Dragon Gate USA and EVOLVE?

Louis: Good question. Hmm... I think he saw a video of the JAPW Best of Light Heavyweights in 2008. He sent Flip and I emails about more footage. He liked enough that I got a chance to be in the first Fray of the debut DGUSA show. It was awesome. He booked me for the Jeff Peterson Cup of 2009 as well. From there he told me of the his plan to start in EVOLVE and bam here we are. Got really lucky, some dude (Lee Okami) put us over (Flip and I) on a JAPW message board in 2008 from our work at Hybrid. Changed everything for the good.

Mr. C.C.: How do you both get into Heartland Wrestling Association? I seen your TLC match for the HWA Tag Team Championships which was really good.

Louis: Well, they had seen our work from other promotions basically, plus I had some standing already. At that point we had done IPW for most of 2009... a sister promotion basically. High flyers were needed so they called us.

Mr. C.C.: Now, Les Thatcher has severed ties with HWA. Was he there at the time you both got your starts in the promotion?

Louis: No, not all. I am not sure when he left, but I have only heard of him.

Mr. C.C.: Have you done work outside of the United States in Japan, UK, Europe, etc. or have you stuck to working in the United States?

Louis: Only the US. I am hopeful the resume will increase at some point.

Mr. C.C.: If you had to pick three places outside of the United States to apply your craft, where would they be?

Louis: Easy Japan (DDT), Mexico (CMLL), and somewhere in the UK. Really the only first two matter to me.

Mr. C.C.: Which three promotions would you like to debut for if you had the chance? In the United States that is.

Louis: WWE, ROH, and PWG.

Mr. C.C.: Nice choices for promotions. As you've been paying your dues, have you worked in some bad promotions for some bad promoters?

Louis: Nothing overly bad. One promotion in the Grand Rapids I have been too. No names necessary... just plain terrible. Be it money or just a bad show. Nothing else has been overtly bad. EWF in IN [Indiana] was little rough. Locker room was like ice... with one small heater. Definitely a place only early in your career.

Mr. C.C.: Out of all the feuds you've had whether it be in singles or tag team competition, who have been some of your favourites to feud against?

Louis: Haven't been in many feuds really, but the set of two matches and the four way ladder match I had with Marion Fontaine in Hybrid is probably my favorite. Very entertaining stuff.

Mr. C.C.: Where do you see yourself in wrestling in five years?

Louis: Either out of the business or doing something big in wrestling. Not really one to hang out if things aren't working. Hopefully, I had a big break or something and I am still in it by then.

Mr. C.C.: If you do end up retiring in five years, which wrestlers would like to work with if you have the chance?

Louis: Wow, hmm. Lets go with El Generico, Prince Devitt, Jushin Lyger, Kenny Omega, and CIMA.

Mr. C.C.: Just before I wrap this up, I will play a game of word association. Say the first thing that comes to mind when I name a person. Flip Kendrick.

Louis: Crazy.

Mr. C.C.: Jon Moxley.

Louis: Promos.

Mr. C.C.: Johnny Gargano.

Louis: Afro stealer.

Mr. C.C.: [Laughs] I seen that picture.

Louis: Yeah, always seems to have it when I'm looking for it.

Mr. C.C.: Gabe Sapolsky.

Louis: Opportunity.

Mr. C.C.: "Fat" Frank Iadevaia.

Louis: Negotiator.

Mr. C.C.: Josh Prohibition.

Louis: Solid (worker).

Mr. C.C.: Up In Smoke (Cheech and Cloudy).

Louis: Not high (do they even smoke?).

Mr. C.C.: Tim Donst.

Louis: Jukebox.

Mr. C.C.: The Irish Airborne (Dave and Jake Crist).

Louis: Unexpected.

Mr. C.C.: Arik Cannon

Louis: Hilarious.

Mr. C.C.: Last one, Reid Flair.

Louis: Surprising.

Mr. C.C.: One more, Hallowicked and Jigsaw.

Louis: Tremendous.

Mr. C.C.: Anything you would like to plug or promote like a website, MySpace, or upcoming events?

Louis: Yes, AAW has a show this Friday. Details for that are at http://www.aawrestling.com/ . Also, check out, AIW Wrestling November 26th. Info at http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=143603935682408 . Both are a great time.

Mr. C.C.: Anyways to keep in contact with you like Twitter, MySpace, or website?

Louis: You can find me at http://www.myspace.com/louiskendrick on MySpace, as well as http://twitter.com/RyoCoola on Twitter.

Mr. C.C.: Thanks for your time and continued success in wrestling!

Louis: Thank you. It was a good time.

Twitter: @RyoCoola
MySpace: MySpace.com/louiskendrick

Breaking Kayfabe #2 w/Gabe Sapolsky

Welcome to the second edition of Breaking Kayfabe. I am as always Mr. C.C.. On this edition, I will be talking with Gabe Sapolsky, a man who has risen through the ranks behind the scenes in professional wrestling to become a respected booker and promoter. Rising through the ranks of merchandiser in ECW to co-founder of Ring of Honor to vice president of the North American chapter of the Dragon Gate promotion called Dragon Gate USA. As well in 2010, Sapolsky has once again founded a promotion called EVOLVE which has achieved some early success and more.

Mr. C.C.: Thanks for taking the time to do this.

Gabe: Thanks for having me.

Mr. C.C.: Not a problem. I've been reading some of your history in the business of professional wrestling and you got a start in ECW as a merchandiser. How did that come about?

Gabe: I wrote Todd Gordon a letter asking if I could do a newsletter and he took me up on the offer. It was before the Internet, so I'm sure he didn't get a lot of letters like that. Now he'd get 25 emails a day like that.

Mr. C.C.: So in a backstage role, it wasn't hard breaking in you would say? Was a career in pro wrestling a dream you always had?

Gabe: It was a different world back then. Yes, it was always a dream.

Mr. C.C.: So during that time, kayfabe was still closely guarded? The business was still guarded and the appearance of it being real attempted to be maintained?

Gabe: Nah, not really. It was definitely much, much more guarded than it is now, but once you gained the trust of a couple of people it was easy to break through.

Mr. C.C.: Seeing as ECW was your first employer in wrestling, was gaining the trust of Paul Heyman one those people? Or did Heyman come a little later?

Gabe: Yeah, definitely. It probably took a good six months until Heyman really started acknowledging me. Then I guess he figured I wasn't going anyplace.

Mr. C.C.: But now he probably thinks different with your success with ROH, DGUSA, EVOLVE, etc.. Now, as I understand, you were there with ECW throughout it's peak.

Gabe: I was there the whole time.

Mr. C.C.: ECW caught that niche market of wrestling fans. How "rabid" were the ECW fans?

Gabe: They were incredible. They were one with the product. ECW was theirs.

Mr. C.C.: I've said many times that ECW grabbed the niche portion of fans, do you feel the WWE's Attitude Era was their attempt at grabbing the niche fan base that ECW had? As well, do you think the Attitude Era was done because of what ECW was doing?

Gabe: Attitude Era was taking what ECW created and mass marketing it because they had the TV exposure and money to do it.

Mr. C.C.: Do you agree with the opinion that Vince McMahon did a watered down version of hardcore wrestling?

Gabe: Well, they were doing some crazy stuff there. It was as extreme as ECW, but its hard to call some of the stuff they did watered down.

Mr. C.C.: As ECW was one of the first hardcore/extreme promotions in North America, why did XPW and why does CZW get labeled ECW ripoffs? They are just following a mold ECW set out for that type of wrestling.

Gabe: Well, XPW was definitely a rip off. They were trying really hard to be ECW. I haven't heard CZW called a ECW ripoff. I think they always put their own spin on things.

Mr. C.C.: From watching the history of XPW DVD, they often tried to feud with ECW with some going to XPW, what was the feeling in the locker room when Shane Douglas, one of the top guys in ECW left for XPW? Was there a bitterness towards him?

Gabe: I didn't have any to him, I really don't care about XPW. I have no idea why I'm being asked about it in 2010.

Mr. C.C.: Touche, touche.

Gabe: It's not relevant to anything.

Mr. C.C.: Right and I agree, they didn't have the same impact as ECW.

Now after ECW folded, you went to working full-time for RF Video. What was your time like there?

Gabe: It was good for a while.

Mr. C.C.: It wasn't something you felt you wanted to do long term?

Gabe: I don't remember, it was a long a time ago.

Mr. C.C.: So your involvement in RF Video is how you met Rob Feinstein?

Gabe: No, I knew him from the ECW days.

Mr. C.C.: So, how did you both come up with Ring of Honor? I understand you two founded ROH.

Gabe: A big part of RF Video business was the ECW Fan Cam Series and that needed to be replaced after ECW went under. We looked around at different indy groups and then figured there was lots of great talent and we had some new concepts so we decided to just do it ourselves and start our own promotion.

Mr. C.C.: Did you ever imagine that ROH would become what it is today?

Gabe: I don't know what it is today. I don't watch it.

Mr. C.C.: Or did you see it becoming as popular as it is?

Gabe: Oh yeah, I think it can be more popular.

Mr. C.C.: You said you don't watch it, but being on HDNet is what is hindering ROH from being seen by a much more wider audience. Would you agree?

Gabe: That's not really my concern.

Mr. C.C.: During your time with ROH, did you ever hear fans who didn't like ROH call it a promotion geared towards "smarks?"

Gabe: Yeah, it was. It wasn't a product for everyone, just like ECW wasn't for everyone. The people who were into it, loved it and that's what counted. It's about finding your niche and learning to live in it. That's what we are doing with DGUSA and EVOLVE now. We want to serve one type of fan and serve them as best we can. Not all music is meant to be for everyone. Not all food is meant to be for everyone. You have to find your niche and do your best to satisfy that audience.

Mr. C.C.: Have you ever heard ROH called the next ECW due to the niche fan base it has?

Gabe: It was two totally different things in two totally different times.

Mr. C.C.: Also during your time with ROH, how did you get to be a booker for FIP and how did that come about?

Gabe: I was in Florida all the time for ROH production so Sal Hamaoui gave me the FIP gig so we could tie it in with ROH production and help raise awareness of FIP. We felt we could have a product with some of the hot names at the time that complimented the ROH product.

Mr. C.C.: While you were there with FIP, you enjoyed your time?

Gabe: Oh yeah, it was a blast. The crowds down there were great and it was a lot more of a loose atmosphere than ROH. You could relax a lot more and have fun, while at the same time seeing some great wrestling. It was a great time.

Mr. C.C.: I've noticed that people still ask you about ROH and FIP, but was leaving both companies due to you becoming the vice president of Dragon Gate USA?

Gabe: How do you not know the answer to that question?

Mr. C.C.: How has the response been from the fans in regards to DGUSA (Dragon Gate USA)?

Gabe: It's been great. We really hoped to become pro wrestling's premium product and I think the fans have responded. When I say that I mean when it comes to in ring action, as we have the tremendous roster from Japan in addition to the top indy workers, and also in our products. For instance, we have deluxe packaging on our DVDs, have great bonus discs and do everything we can to make them the highest picture quality possible. I think the fans have responded.

Mr. C.C.: I seen the Mercury Rising pay-per-view and have to say that it's one of the top pay-per-views of the year. Truly great stuff.

Gabe: Thank you.

Mr. C.C.: With the weekend of events DGUSA did in Phoenix, did you purposely plan it out that way due to the WWE being in Arizona for WrestleMania? Or was it just a coincidence?

Gabe: No, we planned it that way. WrestleMania weekend sees tens of thousands of fans travel in from all over the world. It is a hub. We want to take advantage of that and expose our product to those fans, who will then go home and talk about our shows.

Mr. C.C.: In your own mind, you were successful in exposing new fans to the DGUSA product?

Gabe: Somewhat, but you always want more.

Mr. C.C.: Wrestling promotions are a business, so you want more fans to grow your promotion in any ways possible. Now, how important has it been for DGUSA in establishing partnerships with other promotions like Chikara and Maximum Pro Wrestling for instance?

Gabe: It's really important. There's a lot of great independent wrestling groups but there's also a lot of terrible ones. The bad ones can drag down the good ones, because they can give the fans the wrong impression of indy wrestling. I think its important for the quality, professional groups to really bond together and help each other rise up.

Mr. C.C.: I notice you offer special bonus matches from other promotions on your DVDs from time to time. Is that part of the commitment you are making in exposing the fans to the quality promotions out there?

Gabe: Yes, exactly.

Mr. C.C.: You also allow the other promotions talent on your shows. How have the fans responded to someone who isn't on the core DGUSA roster?

Gabe: They have all played a big part on the DGUSA roster. Mike Quackenbush, Jigsaw, Gran Akuma, Hallowicked and the CHIKARA talent have made a huge impact and been a really important part of the first year of DGUSA. Now we are seeing talent like Jon Moxley, Ricochet, Johnny Gargano, Brodie Lee to name a few make their mark. Ricochet got over huge with his spectacular high-flying on the last Chicago show. Moxley is a guy that is really connecting with the crowd. Chuck Taylor is making some noise too. I know I'm missing some names too, there's a lot of great talent with high ceilings of potential now. The fans will see them develop into stars right before their eyes.

Mr. C.C.: Speaking of Jon Moxley, he is a the future of wrestling. His match against Tommy Dreamer at Mercury Rising was very good. His skills on the mic are second to none. He went from little known to being booked everywhere. A guy to watch for years to come.

Gabe: He has a tremendous character and promo ability. He's totally different than CM Punk, but he reminds me a lot of Punk in 2003.

Mr. C.C.: I know you've ventured into Canada for shows. But is DGUSA just going to stick to putting on shows in North America?

Gabe: Yes, I'm just involved with DGUSA in North America. I don't have anything to do with DGUSA's shows in other places of the world.

Mr. C.C.: Now aside from working with DGUSA, you have once ventured into owning your own promotion once again. What was the decision for doing so?

Gabe: There was a lot of great talent we could feature and we had some new concepts so we decided to start EVOLVE. Our next event will be November 20th in Union City, NJ, right outside the Lincoln Tunnel. You can go to www.EVOLVEwrestling.com for info.

Mr. C.C.: For those that don't know, can you can share the philosophy behind EVOLVE.

Gabe: It is giving wrestling a fresh and modernized approach with a total focus on win/loss records and the real person outside the ring.

Mr. C.C.: So have you decided on bringing in any titles at this point in time?

Gabe: Just wait and see.

Mr. C.C.: I've noticed that you've brought in Canadian Kyle O'Reilly, who got his start in Extreme Canadian Championship Wrestling. How has he worked out?

Gabe: He's a future star.

Mr. C.C.: I've noticed you've been promoting shows for EVOLVE in New Jersey. Have you thought about promoting outside of New Jersey with EVOLVE?

Gabe: Sure, right now we are just trying to get the brand and concepts over.

Mr. C.C.: Would you say from the initial response that EVOLVE has been well received so far?

Gabe: Yes, I have gotten lots of positive response. We weren't trying to be an overnight sensation. We were looking to slowly build a brand and earn a reputation and I think that has happened.

Mr. C.C.: Why have you decided to go with the "win a qualifying match to get on the roster" type concept?

Gabe: We dropped that.

Mr. C.C.: I didn't hear that. Now going on to wrestling in general, where do you see it headed?

Gabe: Hopefully it is headed in a good direction.

Mr. C.C.: Anything you would like to plug and promote.

Gabe: Make sure to check out DGUSA on live iPPV on October 29th with "Bushido: Code Of The Warrior" on www.GoFightLive.tv. You can also get DGUSA DVDs and gear and all the latest news at www.DGUSA.tv. DGUSA will have its final shows of 2010 on Oct. 29th in Fall River, MA and Oct. 30th in Rahway, NJ so come check them out. For EVOLVE DVDs and news go to www.EVOLVEwrestling.com and check out our event on Nov. 20th in Union City, NJ, just outside Manhattan. Thank you everyone.

Mr. C.C.: Thanks again for your time and make sure to support DGUSA or an EVOLVE show near you. In fact, support indy wrestling near you.

DGUSA: DGUSA.tv
DGUSA Twitter: @DragonGateUSA
EVOLVE: EVOLVEwrestling.com

Breaking Kayfabe #1 w/Austin "Consequences" Creed

Welcome to the first edition of Breaking Kayfabe. Breaking Kayfabe is pleased to do the inaugural interview with former TNA superstar Austin “Consequences Creed.

Mr. C.C.: Thanks for taking the time to do this.

Creed: No at problem man, thanks for doing it.

Mr. C.C.: Everybody knows about your TNA release. How did that come about? Was it mutual, or did TNA say “thanks for coming out, goodbye?”

Creed: In regards to my release, they just did not having anything for me creative wise. So rather then holding on to me and keep me from pursuing other avenues, they decided to let me go.

Mr. C.C.: You felt it was better to do that, then just lounge around per se not doing much?

Creed: Yeah, I think at this moment in time it was the best thing for me and TNA. They are going in a new direction and I really did not fit into where they were going so it is all for the best.

Mr. C.C.: But if that was the case of going in a new direction, why did they keep Jay Lethal?

Creed: We are two totally different kinds of characters and his [character] has some use with all of the new things going on as to where mine did not. It looks like it is becoming less kid oriented and with me being super kid oriented, it just did not work out.

Mr. C.C.: Now being that TNA is trying to hit the 18-35 demographic and you being and you being oriented towards kids, have you entertained the idea of going to the WWE?

Creed: I’ve entertained the idea of wrestling wherever I would fit. As one door closes, another one opens, and wherever that next door takes me is where I will land.

Mr. C.C.: As of now, you are content to working the North American indy circuit?

Creed: Right now I’m having a blast working the worldwide indy circuit. I’ve been hitting Canada for anime/comic conventions and I’ll be heading to Japan in May. So things are working out alright for me.

Mr. C.C.: Speaking of Canada, how was Wizard World?

Creed: OMG! It was awesome! I met these guys that made a comic called “Bad Kids Go to Hell.” The only thing is that its not for kids, but if you’re old enough, then I definitely put my stamp of approval on it!

Mr. C.C: I noticed on the card you teamed with Elmo, how did that go?

Creed: That didn’t go through. I heard something about it, but I never saw Elmo [says with a sad face]. I wrestled a guy named Hornet who was from Fiji and he was really good.

Mr. C.C.: I laughed and thought it was awesome you were initially scheduled to work with Elmo.

Creed: Yeah, I hear that he is amazing in the ring! [Laughs].

Mr. C.C.: How was it getting to see other TNA stars again like Kevin Nash, former Knockout Traci Brooks, and wrestling legends like Demolition, Iron Sheik, Honky Tonk Man, among others at Wizard World?

Creed: It was nice getting the chance to see and talk to them. Finally catch up with friends after not having seen them for a while. Demolition are always great to see and they are two of the nicest guys that I have met while in wrestling. [Iron] Sheik was [Iron] Sheik which means he was awesome as usual [laughs]. It was all around a really good time.

Mr. C.C.: If invited back, you would defiantly go?

Creed: [Laughs]. I am going back next month! This time it’s Anime North, but it’s the same people running the wrestling show. So it should be another good time.

Mr. C.C.: I know Great Canadian Wrestling is know for putting on big wrestling conventions. The events they put on are very well run and professional?

Creed: This is true, they are great professional organization and sometimes that is hard to find on the indys.

Mr. C.C.: So while you have been paying your dues, you have worked for unprofessional promoters and promotions?

Creed: Wrestling is just like every other job on the planet. You are going to run into shady unprofessional people. But that’s just a part of life in general?

Mr. C.C.: Very true. Now going to back to TNA, have you watched much of TNA iMPACT, pay-per-view etc. since being released.

Creed: Yeah, of course. If you are going to be a wrestler, I feel that you need to watch as much wrestling as possible.

Mr. C.C.: The reason I asked is because other wrestlers have said they don’t watch the product, example former WWE superstars.

Creed: Got ya. Well, each person has their own thing and is going to do things differently. I still have a lot to learn about wrestling and in order to get better at something, you have to study it. Since we don’t have textbooks, watching is how I do it.

Mr. C.C.: With learning as you go and watch tapes and such, what style or wrestler do you study mostly or do you watch or everything possible?

Creed: I really watch everything I can get my hands on. There isn’t one specific style that I try to replicate, but I try to take a little from over here and a little from over there to create my own thing.

Mr. C.C.: Who was the first wrestler that inspired you to learn their style and just learn in general?

Creed: Honestly, I have no idea. I’ve wanted to wrestle for as long as I can remember, But as for favourite wrestlers, it’s 2 Cold Scorpio, Brian Pillman, and Crash Holly. There totally different guys, but they are all at the top of my list because they are/were amazing.

Mr. C.C.: Very true. The Brian Pillman DVD showed how much he absorbed the business. Is that something you are to do and continue to be a life long student of the wrestling?

Creed: Of course, I learned a lot from watching that DVD, especially the way he was able to sell himself. H wasn’t the biggest guy, but he managed to make it to the top and that was really inspiring.

Mr. C.C.: Knowing that Pillman trained at the famed Hart Family Dungeon and Stampede Wrestling, if you had the opportunity would have you have gone up to Calgary to train and follow in his footsteps?

Creed: If the opportunity arose then of course! But by no means would I do something purely because someone else has done it. I do not want to be like anyone else and I don’t want to compare myself to anyone else. I am me and I do what I what I do because that is where my life takes me.

Mr. C.C.: I feel the same way. A lot of people have compared Brian Kendrick and John Morrison as the Shawn Michaels. Is giving such a comparison sometimes setting them up for failure?

Creed: You can only be as good as you can be and I feel that you can’t compare people to others or say things like that because everyone is different in their own way. So setting them up for failure no. Both guys are great athletes and they both already shown that they are not failures in this business.

Mr. C.C.: I didn’t necessarily mean failures, but more they can’t live up to that comparison/

Creed: You can’t really rate something until it’s done because you don’t know what is going to happen along the way. Anyone could live up to the expectations of other people, but what’s important is that they live up to the expectation they set for themselves.

Mr. C.C.: That is something you live by and try to instil in your younger fans?

Creed: Yes. I believe that we are role models. When I was a kid I looked up to these wrestlers and wanted to be just like them. So regardless of what people may think and whether they want to be or not, we are role models. That means that we need to show these kids that look up to us some sort of morals, manners, and rules to live by. We can’t get in trouble in our personal lives because that effects the children that look up to us. That’s my soap box and I’ll get down before I really get going. [Laughs].

Mr. C.C.: [Laughs]. As the fans may or may not know, you are studying to get your doctorate in childhood autism, how is that going?

Creed: I’m actually doing homework while we are talking. Multitasking is one of my many talents. [Laughs]. Yeah, I’m shooting my for my PhD in educational psychology and it’s going well. I’ve got a few more years left and then you’ll have to call me Dr. Creed!!!

Mr. C.C.: You will be a real doctor unlike Dr. Stevie claims to be. I remember watching the episode of the Spin Cycle and you two went back and forth on that.

Creed: Yeah, [laughs], that was a pretty funny episode.

Mr. C.C.: Once you get your doctorate in your field of study, will you retire from wrestling or will you do both wrestle and practice educational psychology?

Creed: Retire?! NO WAY! Wrestling is my number one. My education will be there for me to land when I’m no longer able to do this stuff anymore.

Mr. C.C.: You will be the second wrestler who is a doctor that I know of. The other is Shawn Stasiuk.

Creed: He is in chiropractic something isn’t it?

Mr. C.C.: Yes, but he also has an interest in getting back into wrestling.

Creed: Got ya.

Mr. C.C.: You said that you will be heading to Japan in May. Which promotion will you be touring with?

Creed: That will be May 8th with New Japan [Pro Wrestling]. And I will begin teaming with Kota Ibushi in a tag team tournament. This will be my first time going to Japan and I’ve been gunning for it a while now. From what I hear, it is awesome over there. They have video games, anime, and pro wrestling. My three favourite things!!!

Mr. C.C.: Kota Ibushi is very good in he ring. I seen a match he did in Chikara with Jigsaw, El Generico, and one of the Young Bucks. It was very good.

Creed: His high flying abilities are through the roof!

Mr. C.C.: Yes they are and you will make a unique pair. But this tournament is an annual tag team tournament?

Creed: Yes, from what I understand, this will be an annual thing and this is the first year!

Mr. C.C.: So you are making history by participating in the first one. What is the name of the tournament?

Creed: It’s the Super J Tag Tournament or Super J Tag Cup/Super J-Cup.

Mr. C.C.: From what I am reading, this tournament is a companion to the Super J-Cup.

Creed: Yeah, it’s the companion tournament. Same concept, but just tag teams instead of singles.

Mr. C.C.: Should be a great tournament for both singles and tag teams. Aside from Japan, have you got any offers to wrestle in Europe, UK, Mexico, etc.?

Creed: Possibly going to France, possibly, but other than the Japan show and my Canadian stuff, I have not set up any other international shows. But all my information can be found at GoCreedGo.com and on my Twitter @AustinCreed.

Mr. C.C.: In France, would you be working with NWA France (ICWA) or NWE?

Creed: Not sure, but I’ll be sure to let everyone know if things come through.

Mr. C.C.: Alright. Word association. I will name some people an you say the first thing that comes to mind.

Creed: Got it.

Mr. C.C.: Jeff Jarrett.

Creed: Guitar

Mr. C.C.: Jay Lethal.

Creed: Oh yeah!

Mr. C.C.: Dixie Carter.

Creed: TNA.

Mr. C.C.: Jim Cornette.

Creed: Tennis racquet.

Mr. C.C.: Beer Money, Inc..

Creed: Drunk.

Mr. C.C.: Since I know you talk to him on Twitter, Jesse Neal.

Creed: NO MERCY!

Mr. C.C.: A.J. Styles.

Creed: Dropkick.

Mr. C.C.: Vince Russo.

Creed: Beard.

Mr. C.C.: Hermie Sadler.

Creed: Nice.

Mr. C.C.: Kevin Nash

Creed: Hilarious.

Mr. C.C.: Rob Terry.

Creed: Large.

Mr. C.C.: Brutus Magnus.

Creed: British.

Mr. C.C.: Doug Williams.

Creed: Uppercut.

Mr. C.C.: Finally, Christopher Daniels.

Creed: Leader.

Mr. C.C.: Anything you would like to plug like upcoming shows and whatnot?

Creed: Just go to the website, GoCreedGo.com and the Twitter @XavierWoodsPhD.

Mr. C.C.: Well, thanks for your time and good luck with your studies and continued success in wrestling.

Creed: No problem, thank you for the interview.

Website: GoCreedGo.com
Twitter: @XavierWoodsPhD
MySpace: MySpace.com/mountzero

Note: This interview was conducted in April of 2010 and since then, Creed has signed a WWE developmental deal. He is now under the name Xavier Woods.