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The contestants for the 2009 ECWA Super 8 Tournament have been announced and, as WrestlingClothesline.com does each year, we bring you "10 Questions With..." interviews with each of the participants. Our third participant... Tommaso Ciampa!!
1. What made you decide to get involved in professional wrestling?
I think I fell in love with wrestling a few different times throughout my life. As a child, I was in awe of the larger than life super hero personas, and I decided to pursue wrestling straight out of high school. As I began training for wrestling I fell in love with the work ethic it takes to be a professional wrestler - the in ring training, gym training, promo work, dieting, tanning, film studying, etc.
At this stage in my career wrestling has become more of an addiction. I have become almost obsessed with the art form. I believe professional wrestlers are the best performers on earth - we are able to use our bodies to tell a story and bring the fans on an emotional roller coaster.
2. Of all the promotions you have worked for, which ones stand out as your favorites? Why?
My home promotion over the years has always been Chaotic Wrestling. CW has always been one of my favorite places to work. The promotion has a consistent fan following, and by using storylines the fans are truly able to get emotionally involved with the wrestlers and the angles. Over the years I have worked for dozens of promotions and each has had its own plus side. I am always ready and willing to work with new and different promotions.
I've also had a few opportunities to work pre show matches at ROH. And the crowd there has always proven to be second to none.
3. You are a participant in this years' ECWA Super 8 Tournament. What was your reaction when being invited to wrestle in such a prestigious tournament?
When Jim asked me to be a part of the Super 8 I was very honored. Many great workers have come through the Super 8 over the years, and went on to make great names for themselves. This year will be no different. The tournament is a terrific opportunity to showcase to everyone what I love to do.
4. Prior to being invited to participate, what were your thoughts regarding the tournament?
The Super 8 is the most prestigious independant tournament in the States. It has been a goal of mine to be a participant for years. I'm hoping to seize a major opportunity this year, and get my name out to a widespread array of wrestling fans.
5. Any thoughts on how you'll prepare physically for three possible matches in the Super 8?
I was actually pretty concerned that I would not be able to accept Jim's invitation this year due to injuries. I had a knee surgery this past May, and was not expected to be back in a ring so soon. I had a great surgeon work on my knee, then completed some intense sessions of PT for a couple months. After PT I began working at Total Performance Sports training center to finish my knee rehab and focus on conditioning my body for my return to the ring. Luckily, with Steve's (my trainer) program I was able to get back in the ring sooner than ever expected. I'm currently in the best shape of my life.
I'm in a ring 3-4 days a week, constantly dieting, and in the gym every other day. My training at TPS is a combination of strongman, mma, and weight training. I do it all - from flipping tires, to swinging sledges, to deadlifts, to circuit training. Being prepared for October 10th has been a very good motivational tool.
6. Who do you think will be the toughest competition in this year's tournament?
All the competitors are tough. I've never faced any of them in a singles match. If I were to pick the two men that may be the "toughest" I'd have to say Quiet Storm and Metal Master. I am pretty familiar with every other competitors syles, as I have been on shows with them in the past. But I have never met Quiet Storm or Metal Master, so I think you are always cautious of that which is unknown.
7. What do you enjoy most about being a professional wrestler? Is there anything you dislike?
Every so often, there is a moment in a match when time stands still. The crowd, the venue, the referee, your opponent, everything seems to just be perfect. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, there is no better feeling in this world. You just feel like for that moment, you have somehow mastered the art form.
As far as things I dislike - I'd have to say all the "workers, promoters, promotions, etc" that truly do our business injustice. There are tons of performers out there who bust butt everyday to bring respect to wrestling, but unfortunately there are also those people out there who enjoy exposing what we do and make a mockery of it. That doesn't sit well with me.
8. If you could step in the ring with or against anyone (alive or dead) who would it be? Why?
As a child, the Hitman was always my favorite so I'd love more than anything to be able to work with my childhood hero. I'm sure I could come up with a neverending list of guys though so we can just leave it at that.
9. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything about your career?
I would have never dropped out of college! I am working very hard right now in hopes to return to college and further my education. But over the last 5 years if there is one thing I learned, it is that you MUST have a fallback plan. Injuries happen and life happens. You need to be sure you can provide for yourself - both while chasing the dream, as well as, for life after wrestling.
10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I honestly have no idea. In the last 5 years since I started, I have lived in MA, KY, and MO. If you asked me 5 years ago if I would have ever imagined my career to have gone the way it has, I would have said, "No way!" In wrestling you have to be prepared at all times to take on all opportunities. I am confident that 5 years from now I will be in a better position in the business than I am today. But for now, I am just concerned with working my ass off to become better than I was yesterday. I want to leave a positive impact on the industry that I love. Wherever the journey takes me I am prepared to go!
For more information on this year's ECWA Super 8 Tournament, check out ECWAProwrestling.com!!
