Jay Phoenix Interview.

By P.Staniforth 2005.

Peter) What made you want to become a wrestler?

Jay) Wrestling to me has always been an extemely important aspect of my life, however its only since I began training it has actually become my life. Wrestling is truly my undeniable and unrelenting passion and this business means the world to me. Its worth my life and anyone who knows me well enough will be able to tell you that also, I dont think there is any other better reason to become a wrestler than when it is already in your soul.

Peter) How did you get started in the business, and who trained you?

Jay) I trained as an Olympic Freestyle wrestler for a while before turning pro, and I turned up accidently one day to BCW in East Kilbride and never looked back. Its a decision I have never re-considered or regretted since. I have been trained by a few people such as Spinner McKenzie, Justin Richards and Carl Conroy but for the most part, I was trained by Highlander who has been wrestling for 13 years and originally was trained by Hammerlock. A lot of people have had influences on my training in other ways such as Alex Shane, GTS and Doug Williams.

Peter) What were your first matches like?

Jay) My first official match was in July 2003 v Spinner McKenzie, who was training me at the time. The match went to plan which was the good part, but looking back I realized I probably shouldnt have been in the ring just yet. Even though I had been training 14 months, I firmly believe no one should be in the ring with under 2 years training, I think it takes that long to be truly comfortable in front of a crowd and within your own personal performances.

Peter) For those seeing you for the first time, or have only heard your name -
how would you describe yourself as a wrestler?

Jay) I will be happy to let them judge me as they see me. Rather than build myself up and stroke my own ego, I'd rather let them decide if they like what they see.

Peter) What are your feelings on working for 1PW?

Jay) 1PW certainly seems like it could be a strong contender for one of the top spots (promotion-wise) in the UK in time, no one can truly tell I dont think beforehand what will happen but I have high expectations for the company, but like the last question, I dont like to predict too much or have people expect too much beforehand in the case of anyone being let down.

Peter) A little about yourself - what do you like to do in your spare time?

Jay) My life is devoted to training, I workout, train, work shows and back around again. Thats all I care for, that is my passion. It's what I chose to do in my life and Im having the time of my life doing so.

Peter) Who are your friends in the business?

Jay) To be truthful, I dont have many, or really any true friends in the business. This business doesnt allow you to make great friends. There are too many politics, which I loathe with a great passion.

Peter) Who do you like to watch wrestle, and learn from?

Jay) Initially, from a young age I would have to say the Hart Brothers (Bret & Owen), more so Owen as I felt they both always had excellent matches regardless of who there opponents were. Anyone they worked with looked excellent as well as them and both are true legends. More recently, Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit, Benoit especially for his desire and passion for the business which I can truly relate to. I do not encourage people who are in the business who dont have true passion for it. Benoit is the epitomy of what desire is. I admire that greatly.

Peter) What are your plans for the future?

Jay) I shall keep them to myself. I dream alot, perhaps too much. But until I live them all out, I'll still dream.

Peter) Anything you'd like to promote that you're doing, or believe in?

Jay) I wouldnt like to plug myself too much, but as far as what I believe in... Pure Desire.

Peter Staniforth.
1PW Media Correspondent.
www.pswrestling.net and www.1p-w.com

Peter is a UK based sports and music journalist, writing on such websites as www.pwbts.com, www.wrestlingdotcom.com, www.wrestlingclothesline.com, www.bgwwrestling.com, www.wrestlingenterprise.co.uk,www.prowrestlingdaily.com, http://www.mikels.cjb.net, www.thesuplex.com, www.JimmyVan.com, www.kayfabememories.com, and the exclusive WWE writer and music reviewer for www.ukevents.net

Peter is a very proud member of The WrestlingClothesline.com's Independent Wrestling Hall of Fame Selection Committee, which can be found at www.wrestlingclothesline.com.

Peter has written for Bill Apter's "Total Wrestling" magazine, the well respected US based newsletter 'Wrestling Then And Now'; and also has written press releases for the UK's WWE Euro Shop merchandise company. He was also mentioned on the credits of the cult wrestling simulation game by Adam Ryland - EWR 4.0.

When using any of this information give proper credit to Cactusb and the Wrestling Clothesline at http://www.wrestlingclothesline.com

Questions? Comments? Results? Wrestling Related items? Send them to us here. If we use them on the page you will be given full credit for supplying us with it!