Jason Jennings Interview.

By P.Staniforth 2005.

Referees often don’t get the appreciation they deserve, or get the chance to speak out too often; and I’ve always felt this. This will be my third interview with a referee, so on that note let me introduce you to Jason Jennings.

PETER) : Thanks for making the time for this interview. Can I start by asking a little bit about your childhood?

JASON) : I was born in St. Louis, Missouri and have lived here pretty much my entire life. I spent most of my childhood playing any kinds of sports I could, like baseball, soccer, and football. When I entered Jr. High, I got my first taste of wrestling and actually did fairly well winning some tournaments.

PETER) : I’m just always pleased when I find someone who appreciates my other sporting love, soccer! So, when did you first watch wrestling?

JASON) : I remember this event like it was yesterday. My first ever live sports event was a match between Hulk Hogan and ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage at the Kiel Auditorium.

PETER) : What made you decide you wanted to be a referee?

JASON) : Well, I knew that I wanted to be part of the industry for as long as I possibly could. And I decided that being a wrestler wouldn't allow me to go as long as I wanted, so I decided to be a referee.

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

JASON) : My first actual break, was up in Michigan back at the end of 2001; and then into 2002. This was what led to me being able to work with guys like Demolition Ax (who I'd previously known).

PETER) : Who trained you to become a referee?

JASON) : Most of my training has come from myself studying referees Mike Chioda, John Finnegan, and former referee Teddy Long; and just doing matches. Jesse Hernandez who owns the School of Hard Knocks (Cal.), Demolition Ax, Nikolai Volkoff, Nikita Breznikov, and The Stro have been huge helps to me as far as in ring; and how to carry myself outside the ring.

PETER) : Stro is one of the nicest guys in the business, in my opinion. What were the first matches you were involved in like?

JASON) : I have tapes of some of the first matches I ever did, and it really is good to be able to take them out from time to time; and see how much improvement I've made. I had guys up in Michigan around me like Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, and Petey Williams; which added a lot to the events and matches.

PETER) : To know me, is to know I’m a huge fan of Petey Williams. How would you describe yourself as a referee?

JASON) : I always keep moving and look for something that needs to be changed. I take being a referee very seriously, and that is a big difference to a lot of guys I know. You may not be the main person in the match, but you can make or break a match as the referee!

PETER) : What would you call as your favourite match or show that you’ve been involved in?

JASON): There really have been so many favorite moments since I started, but two events jump out in my mind. First is the match with Nikolai Volkoff -v- Ryu Shinzaki, and the second would be Doink against Pete Christie when I was shot with silly string, a super soaker; and had a bucket of water thrown on me.

PETER) : That must have been a sight to see! Who would you consider your friends in the business?

JASON) : A lot of the guys I've worked with, and even some I haven't. I myself am a big believer in the old school style, so I tend to took to those types of people. Off the top of my head, Nikolai Volkoff and Nikita Breznikov are as they would put it ‘comrades’.

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

JASON) : It came in Amateur Wrestling back in High School during my Jr. year, I ended up with a 2nd degree sprain on my ankle during wrestling practice; after a guy fell on it wrong which knocked me out for the season.

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

JASON) : Outside of the ring, my number one priority is spending time with both my son Jordan and my fiancée Amy; they are what keep me going. Other then that, if there's a boxing match, NCAA Football Game, UFC, or Pride Event on TV; then I'll be watching it.

PETER) : What five words you feel describe you best?

JASON) : Confident, trustworthy, serious, discipline, heart.

PETER) : What are your plans for the future?

JASON) : As far as wrestling, I'd say to have a good career; and outside of the industry it would be to get married and have a family.

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

JASON) : I think one thing professional wrestling as an industry is missing is the ‘good guy vs. bad guy’ scenario. As far as WWE, there are some things they've done which I have really liked; and some things that I haven't. With TNA, I do watch it when I can; to see a lot of the people I've worked with during my career and to see what they're doing. I am looking forward to see how TNA can evolve, and let the X-Division guys use more of their personalities.

With the indy’s I have been around now to the Mid-West Region, Great Lakes Region, and NY/NJ. I honestly believe that a lot of indy workers do not respect the traditions and beliefs our industry was made from. A lot of guys seem to be worried about going for the gold and going for the big moves, rather than getting the feuds and angles.

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

JASON) : Like I stated in a question above, I really am a follower of the old school. I love sitting around watching tapes of guys like Harley Race, Pat O'Connor, Danny Hodge, etc. As far as the ‘new age’, I'd say the guy I watch the most as a referee is Mike Chioda (WWE). As for wrestlers, I would have to say AJ Styles, RVD, and Pat Kenney.

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

JASON) : Check out my website http://freewebs.com/refjj, and two training places I would recommend to the reader are http://jessehernandezwrestling.com and http://www.thestro.com/school.html as well.

Peter Staniforth.
www.pswrestling.net

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