Austin Aries

First we brought you John Walters, then we brought you Tyson Dux, we followed that up with Rocky Romero. Today we bring you 10 Questions With... Austin Aries. Aries is one of the 8 participants in this year's ECWA 8th Annual Super 8 Tournament who have taken time to answer 10 Questions for the visitors to WrestlingClothesline.com. The ECWA Super 8 Tournament is now in it's eighth year and has one of the strongest lineups ever. (For more on the lineup click here).

1. What made you decide to get involved in professional wrestling?

A fateful intervention. In early 2001 I decided college wasn't my thing and I took an extended "vacation" to Arizona consisting of partying and being a bum. When I finally returned to Minnesota I didn't really know what to do with myself. After a couple of weeks I figured hell, if I was going to sit around with no direction I might as well go back and do it in Arizona where at least I was having fun. About two weeks before I was going to move I got a call from one of my best friends I had known since early grade school. I hadn't talked to him for quite some time. He told me he had moved from Atlanta to Minneapolis and stared training at a pro wrestling camp. We had both loved wrestling since I could remember and I couldn't believe it. A couple of days later I drove the two hours to Minneapolis to check out this camp. As soon as I saw the ring right in front of me for me to use I knew this was what I was supposed to do . I moved up on my buddies couch a week later and began training. Sometimes I think about where I'd be if I never got that phone call; probably in Arizona telemarketing and doing lots of drugs,or maybe in jail. Instead I'm getting to do something I truly love. Thanks Justin.

2. If you could change one thing about your career so far, what would it be and why?

I wish I would have gotten into the business a few years sooner, and received more extensive training.

3. You are a participant in this years' ECWA Super 8 Tournament. What was your reaction when earning that spot in such a prestigious tournament?

I was really happy. The Super 8 historically brings together some of the top up and coming wrestlers and allows them to showcase their talents.
This year will be no different, and with the addition of a couple of more established stars in Christopher Daniels and Nicho I think we'll see a real exciting tournament with a good mix of styles. I'm really looking forward to this great opportunity.

4. Any thoughts on how you'll prepare physically for three possible matches in the Super 8?

While I'll focus on one match at a time,there are some strategies that I can use that will help me in the second or third rounds. One strategy will be to not take too many unnecessary risks early on to avoid any major injuries. There are a couple more strategies I'll try to use but I'll keep those to myself for obvious reasons.

5. What do you want people to think of when they hear the name "Austin Aries?"

Nice...Nice...Nice...Nice...

6. If you could step in the ring with or against anyone (alive or dead) who would it be? Why?

Wow, there's a lot of names that come to mind. Antonio Rocca, Dynamite Kid, Great Muta, The Four Horseman. But if I can only pick one, I've always wanted to storm the ring with the Road Warriors while Iron Man blares on the PA and proceed to kick the sh*t out of some extremely overmatched and frightened jobbers. Ohhh.. what a rush!

7. How has the wrestling business changed since you started? Has it changed for the better or worse?

When I started there was 3 major companies ECW,WCW, and WWF (WWE). Now there is only WWE as a recognized major promotion with ROH and NWA-TNA being the top "indy" promotions. I think the lack of major competition has hurt wrestling as a whole. It also seem that there has been a big explosion of indy promotions across the country, many of which have no business running shows. Unfortunately these unprofessional, watered down "promotions" have killed some territories with there crappy shows. Also with so many promotions running in close proximity you have seen indy attendances drop. Another problem is guys with little experience or no clue opening up wrestling "schools". This has led to a influx of "wrestlers" who don't belong in the ring, which is not good.

8. What is the best thing you've been a part of, or even not been a part of, in the wrestling business?

Actually, seeing Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit both climb to the top has been great. I've admired both guys for some time and to see their dedication and hard work finally pay off has been sweet. It also gives someone like me hope that I can accomplish the same goals if I work hard
and stick with it.

9. What's your funniest or most embarrassing moment so far as a wrestler?

Nothing funny or embarrassing has ever happened to me as a wrestler. If you believe that, I have some land I'd like to sell you. I lost to Sheriff Johnny Emerald once. That was pretty embarrassing.

10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I'd like to see myself in Wrestlemania XXV, but as long as I'm healthy and making a comfortable living wrestling i'll be happy.

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