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Nick Berk Interview.
By P. Staniforth 2003.
I have to say it, most people don't want to work on their birthdays. I'm certainly one of them. Yes, the day this is being written is my birthday. But…. When the opportunity arises to interview your favourite wrestler in a particular wrestling promotion, it doesn't matter WHAT day of the year it is; you just can't wait to do it. Step forward the man who to my opinion, is Combat Zone Wrestling's finest talent - Nick Berk.
PETER STANIFORTH) : Nick, really great to catch up with you; and as always your time is very much appreciated. Tell us about growing up, your younger days.
NICK BERK) : My parents were the type to raise their children to be nice and respectful, and although I was nicer than many other kids; I still found myself in new trouble all the time. I wasn't the best child, but I wasn't a bad kid either. I played basketball, football, and soccer throughout my youth. I was accepted by the 'cool kids' in school, but they were never too delightful to hang out with. I used to get into a lot of street fights because of my wise mouth, but that was just kid stuff. My parents said I could be anything I wanted to be when I grew up, so since I was a little kid I wanted to be a professional wrestler. I went to college for a couple of semesters, but eventually dropped out because it was getting in the way of wrestling. My parents weren't too happy, but I had to do what was in my best interest.
PETER) : I find it nice to find someone who played soccer myself! Most of the guys in the business I mention it to give me a weird look! How did you break into wrestling?
NICK) : When I was about 14 years old, I met Trent Acid and a few other kids that were training in a gym in a rough neighbourhood in Philadelphia. They invited me down to the gym, and I began to train under the supervision of Reckless Youth and a few other wrestlers. Two years later I had my debut match with a company called Tri County Wrestling.
PETER) : How did you get your break with CZW?
NICK) : I started there when it was a small indy promotion, and was somewhat further advanced than many of the fellow wrestlers. I was spotted by John Zandig at a show in Burlington, New Jersey when I wrestled Ric Blade for the first time.
PETER) : In retrospect, what were your first impressions of the company?
NICK) : I saw it was a company that had great potential, and obviously I was proven right. CZW was the company that I felt I needed to stay a part of.
PETER) : Tell us what titles you've held in CZW, and what your favourite moments and matches have been.
NICK) : I've held the Iron Man title in CZW, and that was for two months. I loved the first Cage of Death match in the old ECW arena, when I wrestled Adam Flash and 'Sick' Nick Mondo; as even though I lost - the feeling that night was great. I loved my matches with Quiet Storm, Trent Acid, Tony Mamaluke, Nick Gage and Adam Flash.
PETER) : Who else in CZW do you respect as a worker? How would you describe the locker room atmosphere? Every other CZW wrestler I've had the pleasure of interviewing always notes the close friendships and willingness to go out of the way for each other.
NICK) : I respect every worker in our locker room. Everyone has a style that needs to be respected, they all put their bodies on the line every night. We are for the most part a family, and try to make every newcomer feel the same way. Honestly, for that reason; I feel it is the best locker room I've been in so far. That's how a company survives…being a family is the key!
PETER) : The Berkeset (correct my spelling if I've done it wrong!). Killer move - how did you come up with it?
NICK) : I was sitting on one of many long bus rides in Japan, and thinking of new moves; and that one came to me.
PETER) : And we're grateful it did! I love to watch that move, and mark out every time without fail. What are your feelings on the WWE, and TNA?
NICK) : WWE is a great promotion, I'd love to wrestle there someday but now isn't my time. One day will be, I'm sure of it. I also like the talent in NWA TNA, although I haven't seen their shows in quite a while; I'd love to wrestle there someday too.
PETER) : Ever had the urge to come over to my country, England; to wrestle?
NICK) : Of course, I'd love to do so. I've heard great things, and I love the appreciation your fans have for my style of technical wrestling.
PETER) : Who would you like to wrestle most from any other company except CZW?
NICK) : Kurt Angle, Bret Hart; and Chris Jericho.
PETER) : It doesn't get thought of by a lot of people who watch, but CZW is a very physical company which must be very demanding on the body. That said, how are your neck and shoulders doing?
NICK) : They are fine now, I do get them injured sometimes; but I see a chiropractor regularly to help keep them in good shape. But you are right, they do take a beating!
PETER) : Being a long term CZW man, how much (if any) input do you have on your direction within the company?
NICK) : I have almost no input, I bring up many ideas and almost all of them are shot down; they have their own intentions on when and how I will break through to be higher in the company - so I guess I have to wait until that happens.
PETER) : What are your plans for the future? Is there anything you'd like to promote right now?
NICK) : I always take it one day at a time, I want to perfect myself in this business; so when I do that… Who knows what the future will hold for me? I'd love you all reading, to check out my website www.nickberk.com when you have some spare time on your hands.
PETER) : Nick, it's been really great speaking with you. Thanks ever so much, and all the best for the future.
NICK) : Thank you.
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Peter is a columnist for www.prowrestlingdaily.com
A columnist for www.justinrules.com
And a video reviewer for www.simania.co.uk
When using any of this information give proper credit to Cactusb and the Wrestling Clothesline at http://www.wrestlingclothesline.com
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