Crazy Ivan Interview

By P.Staniforth 2005

I recently managed to catch up with someone I've always liked to watch when I can get chance to, independent star Crazy Ivan. Here's what he had to say on various subjects.

PETER) : Hi, and thanks for making the time for this interview. What was growing up like?

IVAN) : I grew up in central New Jersey, in a small town; and did all the things that kids do when they are growing up. My dad came from a big family, and is the oldest son of fifteen children. I was always surrounded by aunts & uncles who were wrestling around.

PETER) : When did you first view wrestling?

IVAN) : When I was ten years old, at my grandfathers house with all my aunts & uncles; they would be watching Benny Hill. My mom would tell them to change it, & when they did, they turned it over to wrestling.

PETER) : So, did you want to become a wrestler; or did it take you by surprise?

IVAN) : No, I knew that I wanted to do it.

PETER) : How did you get your first break in the wrestling business?

IVAN) : A friend of mine came back to town after a trip to Arizona, and told me that he was going to start wrestling. I told him that I wanted to do it as well so he introduced me to Mike who is otherwise known as Butcher Blackwell. From then on we trained together at various places.

PETER) : Who do you credit for training you to wrestle?

IVAN) : As I was training in various schools, such as Iron Mike Sharpe, the Monster Factory, and ECPW; Gino Caruso took me under his wing and showed me the true life of a wrestler and worker. In 1998 the "Raging Bull" Manny Fernandez trained me as well.

PETER) : So, what was your first match like?

IVAN) : My first match was a nightmare. I worked a tag match and knew nothing about what I was getting myself into. The next night I fought 'Ironman' Tommy Cairo. It was a great match and from then on I was lucky enough to wrestle all the superstars I watched growing up.

PETER) : How would you describe your wrestling character?

IVAN) : An unorthodox brawler that makes sure that everyone in the audience hates him.

PETER) : What would you consider your favourite match so far?

IVAN) : It was for USA PRO against Konan, in Queens at the Elks Lodge. The Latin community was proud to see us battle.

PETER) : Who do you consider your friends in the business?

IVAN) : Homicide, Dan Maff, Low Ki, Crowbar, Danny Doring & I'm lucky enough to have more.

PETER) : What would you consider your lowest point in wrestling so far?

IVAN) : I've never really had a time that I can say was my low point. There have definitely been times where I questioned why I wasn't working in certain companies, but overall I have been blessed with good times.

PETER) : What do you like to do in your spare time?

IVAN) : I like to spend time with my kids, and my girl.

PETER) : What five words do you feel describe you best as a person?

IVAN) : Respectful, humble, professional, funny, and sometimes mean (when I need to be).

PETER) : What are your plans for the future?

IVAN) : For my life to stay healthy, and also to keep on working in the business as long as I can.

PETER) : What are your thoughts on WWE, TNA; and the indy's?

IVAN) : I would love to work for all of them, or at least work a match and show them what I can give them.

PETER) : Who do you like to watch and learn from?

IVAN) : Honestly as we speak today, I don't watch much wrestling on TV because I work early hours. When I go to shows, I like to watch guys such as Homicide and AJ Styles as well as the new up and comers.

PETER) : And to finish up, is there anything you'd like to promote; and anyone you'd like to thank?

IVAN) : My web site is www.ivanonline.8m.com. I would like to thank everyone that has helped me from when I started in 1996 until now in 2005.

PETER) : All that's left for me to do is thank you for this interview.

IVAN) : Thank you for your time and interest, Peter.

Peter Staniforth.
www.pswrestling.net

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