Earlier this year I had the pleasure of interviewing Paul London for the Wrestling Clothesline. The interview took place just after he had won the 2003 ECWA Super 8 Tournament.

In honor of Paul's debut on WWE Smackdown last night I am pleased to repost this interview on our main page!

-Brett

Paul London

He is one of the most talked about wrestlers on the indy scene today. He is the 2003 ECWA Super 8 Winner! He has a shooting star press that has to be seen to be believed. He is none other than Paul London and he has taken time out of his busy schedule to do 10 Questions for us. Thank you, Paul!!

1. How did you get your break into the business?

I broke into the business after returning home from two attempts at College up north (in Pittsburgh and then in Memphis). Basically I went up there hoping to find a good wrestling school but it didn't work out for various reasons. When I returned home in the spring of 2000, Ivan Putski had opened his wrestling school here in my hometown of Austin, TX. It's weird because everything I thought I needed to find elsewhere I found right back where I started. I trained (got hammered really) by Ivan for months and then he was instrumental in getting me some bokings to get my feet wet. I made my debut against Jimmy Bud on April 7th 2000 in Austin at the old, now torn down Austin City Coliseum which was cool because Ivan had many battles there himself during his prime. It was special.

2. What promotions do you and have you worked for? Which have been your favorites and why?

I have worked for many promotions in my short career. I guess the promotions that stand out would have to be ETW (Extreme Texas Wrestling run by Rudy Boy Gonzalez),ECWA, ROH, Zero-One in Japan, MLW, NWA-TNA and obviously WWE. I guess all of the mentioned promotions have been great with WWE being at the top of the list for obvious reasons.

3. Had you heard of the ECWA Super 8 prior to being invited to participate in it? Do you know how Jim came to learn about you? How did you feel when first asked to be in it?

I had heard of the Super 8 back when I was in High School and it was something I had always seen as THE BIG DEAL, not just for Indy wrestling but for wrestling in general...I was/am a big mark for the Super 8. I don't know how Jim came to know about me. I have some friends who work for Jim on a regular basis so perhaps through one of them. When Jim first asked me to be a part of the Super 8 I honestly could not believe what I was hearing. It took a while to really sink in. I would stand in front of the mirror and tell myself that I was in the Super 8...in a way it was quite surreal and still is. Imagine someone telling you that they are giving you an OPPORTUNITY to live a dream you've had for a long time...it's awesome!

4. How do you cope with what seems to be the new, stiff shoot style of wrestling? (especially after your face got busted up a bit at the Super 8.)

I would say that the fans are always looking for something new to get behind because everyone likes to say they were the first. With the stiff "shoot" style catching on in the states, many wrestlers are feeling it's the way to go in order to be popular with the fans and to earn respect. Personally, I don't think there is anything artistic with blasting someone in the face for the sole purpose of being popular or as a means to ear respect. I respect those who are considerate to the fact that I need my health in order to do what I love and are not using me and my body in order to get themselves over. In regards to the Super 8, everyone was quite snug but no one had the intentions of hurting someone else...just putting on a great show.

5. What is your opinion on the internet "critics" who say you looked "off" after coming off of sinus surgery?

In regards to the "Keyboard Critics" who say I looked "off"...thanks for buying a ticket!

6. What have been your most memorable moments in the business thus far?

I would say my most memorable moments in the business so far have been everytime I have had the opportunity to wrestle for WWE (especially getting punched out by Ric Flair), being a part of the Super 8 and making new friends during that time, winning the Super 8, getting the opportunity to wrestle for Zero-One in Japan and my 42 minute match with Bryan Danielson.

7. What do you think of the current state of professional wrestling?

I think the current state of professional wrestling is in a small lull period, meaning that the wrestling business tends to resemble a roller coaster and so it goes up and then it goes down. Think back to the WWE in the mid 90's...everyone thought it was over and on it's way out and then here comes the late 90's and BOOM! If we are in a down period now...the BOOM period could be scary.

8. How do you spend your time when you are not wrestling?

I love this question and I don't really know why. When I'm not wrestling, I like to spend my time at home in Austin resting and working out. I watch movies more than any man should, and I enjoy spending as much time as possible with the few friends I have at home...most of my friends live all over the country so it's not like I can just call one up to fly down and go to the movies. I enjoy going to malls even if I don't buy anything. I plan on doing some more rock climbing which I love as well. Also, I love acting so I try to make it to as many auditions as possible and a few acting workshops here and there. To get away I will spend my time swimming in the lakes around town and in the natural springs being "one" with the turtles and salamanders. If I have time I will drive up to New Mexico to visit my Mom and get away to clear my head...I love driving to New Mexico because there are some great little barbecue joints along the way where I can fill up and then I can drive with my stomach controlling the steering wheel lololol

9. What do you like most about being in professional wrestling? What do you like least?

What I like the most about being in the wrestling business is the traveling, although tough at times, it gives me the opportunity (familiar word huh?) to see places I otherwise would never get to see. And what better way to spend time in a foreign place then to spend it with your best friends whixh is the other part I love about being in wrestling...I have made so many wonderful friends and feel very blessed. As far as the worst part...I would have to go with the unprofessionalism displayed by many in the wrestling business. What I mean is there are a lot of weasles who are only out for themselves and when they show their nasty faces, wrestling can be very stressful.

10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years I would love to have a steady and solid spot on the WWE roster and making a BIG impact for them and for the wrestling business. It's where I want to be.

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