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BY Alan J. Wojcik
http://alanwojcik.tripod.com.
Please credit Alan J. Wojcik of http://alanwojcik.tripod.com when posting,
thank you.
“Wildcat” Chris Harris and “Cowboy” James Storm comprise the team of America’s Most Wanted. They have held the NWA world tag team titles three times since joining NWA: TNA last June. Their last reign ended August 27th losing them to Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger. Before teaming up, both had successful singles careers in promotions throughout the Mid-South region. They will talk about that and more in this interview conducted before they fought David Young and Glen Gilberti on October 29, 2003 in the TNA Asylum.
Alan Wojcik: What got you into the business and who were you trained by?
Chris Harris: I had my dream to be a wrestler when I saw a James Storm match. It really turned me on and I couldn’t wait to get in the ring (laughs.) Really, like many guys I watched it growing up. I went through the right steps and trained for a year. I was on my own; no one in my family helped me get here. I began with Charlie Fulton who taught me the basic. I live in Cincinnati so I hooked up with Roger Ruffin who completed my overall training.
James Storm:I was the same way. I heard the music and saw the “Wildcat” come out with the long hair and the flashy jacket I said that’s gonna be me (laughs.) Actually I enjoyed watching wrestling as a kid and didn’t want to be anything else. I began my training in the USWA Wrestling Academy under Wolfie (NWA: TNA star Slash.) I broke my shoulder about 4 months into my training; it went through my skin and all that. So I was out for a year after having it repaired. When I felt ready to try again I met up with (Mid-South wrestler) Shane Morton. I traveled with him and he showed me the ropes.
AW: At one point both of you were employed by World Championship Wrestling. How did that come to being and were you shocked when the WWE bought the group?
CH: They were looking for the R & B security people. I think about fifteen of us made including the two of us. We would occasionally get some Worldwide or WCW Saturday night matches. There was some talk of some angles but long story short it was happening when the WWE bought them. I was disappointed; you finally work you way up and the rug gets jerked out from under you.
JS: I was part of the “Run and Bump” team as I called it. It was fun to be on Worldwide and Saturday night or some matches. I enjoyed the ride while it lasted.
AW: Many country music fans will remember Chris being in the video for the Clay Davidson song” Can’t Lie to Me.” What was it like to be immortalized in a music video and any chance of you remembering how Chris Champion got in the video?
CH: We tried like hell to keep Chris out…I’m kidding Chris is a great guy and fun to have him in the video. That was a big thrill it turned out to be something bigger than just a music video. I came down to the Fairgrounds thinking I’m going to wrestle in front of the crowd, not knowing the video would go to number one on CMT. Many non-wrestling people would recognize me. I don’t think Chris was their first choice to be in the video but I think they liked the SIN gimmick he was doing at the time. He looked real evil. Ron Harris and Jerry “The King” Lawler were also in it with us.
AW: Before you became a tag team you worked as singles wrestlers in Bert Prentice’s USA championship wrestling based out of Nashville. What led you to working for USA and what were your initial impressions of Mr. Prentice?
CH: That was my big opportunity since I was stuck for so long in the Cincinnati area. There wasn’t much going on so along with a friend of mine, Rob Williams, we had a chance to come down and work for Bert. That was four years ago. This whole area, Nashville and Memphis, is known for giving opportunities for guys. The traveling was a problem at first but its part of paying your dues. I had heard tales about Bert some true some not. I have to say he has been there for me and given me the best chances for me. He was the one that got me into WCW and brought me back for some work before TNA started up. I enjoyed that singles run with Bert in Nashville.
JS: It was about the same way for me. I was traveling with Shane to towns like Shelbyville, Petersburg and Columbia. Everyone said if you are going to make it you need to get some TV exposure and Bert had TV at that time. I took it from there and worked my as off. Here I sit today so it paid off for me.
AW: Let’s talk about June 1, 2002. In the building we sit in at the Nashville Fairgrounds you wrestled each other on a “Legend’s Night” card. Is it true that match got each of you a shot on the initial NWA: TNA PPV?
CH: We try to put that night out of our head. Actually we dream that we can beat each other up again soon (laughs.) June 1st was it. It was the big day and we didn’t know what was at stake on that night. We were both looking to take our singles runs as far as they could go. The TNA scouts were on hand so we did what we know to do, beat each other up and entertain the fans. We’ll pop the tape in and watch it sometimes. It will forever be one of the greatest nights of our careers.
JS: I am the same way. June 1st is my birthday so that was a cool night. We knew it was our chance with the TNA people including Jeff (Jarrett) in the building. Before we came out we knew it had to be a great match. Many call it one of the best indy matches they’ve seen. Like Chris said we were both looking for singles careers. But they put us together we said let’s make this work and beat up on other people instead of each other.
AW: Were you fans of the idea of a weekly PPV? Plus the most asked question who put the team together and what did you think of it as both of you have said you wanted singles careers?
CH: As far as the weekly PPV idea we don’t care as long as we are getting the chance (laughs.) We have been with so many companies that hadn’t had this much success. Putting us together, the initial idea came from Bob Ryder. You were right Alan we both wanted singles careers. We are so opposite in characters and wrestling styles that we were begging them to kill the idea. Like Storm said we were happy to get the chance. Lots of people were getting lost in the shuffle at the outset of the company so we felt as a team we might be able to succeed. We sucked it up and made it work for us by doing old school wrestling.
AW: During the NWA world tag team title tournament you wrestled the former champions Mike and Todd Shane who wrestled under hoods as the Johnsons. Any memories of that match and who idea was it to have the Hotshots (Cassidy O’Reilly and Chase Stevens) jump you in the locker room?
JS: I don’t remember much about it except it was in the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville. I wrestled them on the first show with Psychosis as my partner and they are two big guys that move like light heavies. I wouldn’t mind wrestling them again. There was supposed to have been a big drawn out story about who jumped us but then it got jump started.
AW: After TNA broadcast it was the Hotshots were the ones who jumped you; it seemed the story went nowhere. Any memories on why it was shortened since you had wrestled them for local groups like Bert’s promotion and NWA Main Event and CWA down in Columbia?
CH: The bottom line is we were pushed away and put on the back burner. We had some good showings on the first few PPV’s but someone in the office didn’t like Harris and Storm. We had to fight to get our spot back. So that happened right in the middle of the storyline. They tried to bring it back and just brought right out it was them without building a story then it was axed again. There was so much back and forth crap going on. We try to forget about it. They told us the best they could do was give us an Xplosion dark match, so we took that and kicked ass.
AW: Is there any truth to the rumor TNA was going to break you up and have a feud?
JS: It was talked about but we squashed it. We didn’t felt our run wasn’t over as a team. Many promotions do that, have a team together for a couple of months and split them off. We went to TNA and told them to keep us together. They seem to be happy with us since that idea came up a little before the cage match with XXX.
AW: On September 18 2002 the NWA World tag team titles came to you after surviving the “Gauntlet for the Gold” and defeating the Ron Harris and Brian Lee.
CH: I will remember that one forever, since it was our first world titles. We talked about it when it happened, the history behind the belts and the teams that held them. The Rock n Roll Express, the Midnight Express, the Road Warriors and the Horsemen. For two young guys like us, coming up in the business to realize a dream like that was the ultimate. The end of the match was fun. Look at those guys, they are rugged, tough guys. We knew we were in for a fight. We pulled it off.
JS: Ditto for me (laughs.)
AW: You lost them and won them back from the Disciples of the New Church. Memories of wrestling Brian Lee and you trainer Slash?
JS: It was great to be in the ring for them Brian has been around and both of those guys know how to carry a match. Knowing them out of the ring helped us in trusting them in doing new things. We put on some great matches that make people think of that as a feud of the year.
AW: You then went into a TNA feud with Sports Entertainment Xtreme (SEX) led by Vince Russo. What did you think of SEX?
CH: I thought it brought some interest to the table. It’s a battle of old school against the idea of wrestling as sports entertainment. It got the fans going so that’s important. When they got into our business that’s when we took it personal. Between Russo, Gilberti and XXX we wanted to settle the war in the ring.
AW: What was it like to be in the ring with the legendary Rock n Roll Express?
CH: It was great. I grew up around here watching them when the USWA ran here in the Fairgrounds. To be in the ring with legends was an honor.
(TNA announcer Jeremy Borash yells for the building to be quiet as he and Mike Tenay do some pre-show TV work)
AW: Guess we need to speak lower. You lost the titles to XXX (Low Ki, Elix Skipper, Christopher Daniels) and then won them back in the first TNA cage match. In his interview with me he spoke highly of the two of you. Any memories of wrestling the trio?
CH: The jackass Christopher Daniels spoke well about us? No way (laughs.) I’ll touch on Chris first. I never realized until I stepped in the ring with him that if there is a ring general for this generation he is the one. He is amazing person inside and outside the ring. He has the total package including ring psychology. Anytime I get to wrestle him is a pleasure. We never get tired of talking about the cage match. That is one of the matches we go back to have a big thrill. There was lots riding on it as you mentioned, it was the first TNA cage match. There was pressure to make it work. We all stepped up to the plate and became a four man team. We kicked ass and came out on top.
JS: It was fun to be in there with Daniels and Elix they are world class athletes. As Chris said all of us became a unit and gave 110% to make it work. It was great knowing TNA wanted us to be in their first cage match.
AW: You lost the belts on August 27 to Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger led by Glen Gilberti.
CH: Let’s not waste any time on Glen (laughs.) Once again we lost the belts for the sixth or seventh time.
JS: I think six.
CH: The truth is they were looking for a good team to work with us after the XXX/cage match. TNA made mention of Simon and Johnny. I don’t know about Storm but I knew some of their ECW history. They seemed like nice guys the day we met them. Once we got into the ring it clicked. To us it was magic. We have had some of the best matches ever with them, not only with TNA but in other groups around the country. The interesting part to us is was we clicked even though we had never worked with them. I think I speak for them as well as Storm in saying we can’t wait to lock with team again for the tag titles.
AW: Glen brought in someone from your past as part of a team to “take care of you.” What was it like to wrestle the Naturals, Chase Stevens and his new partner Andy Douglas on TNA as well as the recent NWA anniversary show?
JS: I like working with those guys. They know how to be heels. They have great ring presence and we gel with them. The NWA show was the best match because of the gelling. We just went out there and gave the fans their monies worth. Those guys will hopefully come back around soon and we can go again.
AW: This year’s PWI 500 had you guys listed at 73 (Harris) and 77 (Storm.) What are your thoughts on being listed?
CH: Since I hadn’t been listed before it was a big thrill. I think I bought about forty-five copies, I’m kidding. To tell the truth that is mostly for the fans. The fans buy the magazines and when they acknowledge you as one of the best in the business; that is another part of making it. Doesn’t matter how what the boys say about you and your matches, when the fans and the media acknowledge you like that that is the best thing. I can’t wait for next year’s list.
JS: It was great for me. I still have the first PWI that had my name in it. Now that I’m number 77 I am on top of the world. I’m my biggest mark. It’s a great honor just to be ranked. Hopefully next year we will be ranked higher
AW: The December 2003 issue of PWI featured a story on you. Did you read it and any thought on it?
CH: The funny thing about it was we were in New Jersey at a show and someone showed us an early copy. When we began in the business we were excited just to see our names mentioned in the arena results area. Now articles are being written about us as well as interviews like this, it is a whole other thrill. I would ride my bike just to get to Kroger and read PWI. I hope this keeps happening.
JS: It was great to see articles about us and hopefully there will be more.
AW: Has WWE contacted you and if they did would you accept a deal?
CH: Let’s just say they have contacted us and we are happy where we are right now at TNA.
AW: Who handles your non-TNA bookings and if any promoters read this, what kind of criteria do you have for them to follow?
CH: TNA handles the bookings for us. (Check out www.tnabookings.com for more details) Bob Ryder is heavily involved, he has taken good care of us. We want to go many places like Mexico, Japan and Puerto Rico. Does that answer your question (laughs.)
AW: Since you have been singles and tag, who are some of your personal favorites to be in the ring with?
CH: My singles. I’m sure when you ask that question; you probably get a big name or a featured match on TV. But to be honest my two favorites are Storm and Abyss.
JS: That was what I was going to say!!
CH: You aren’t allowed to take my answer (laughs.) That’s tells you something if Abyss is our choice. I grew up in the business with Abyss when he worked as Justice. It never gets dull being with him even after wrestling each other for ten years. Those have to be my favorite as a single. As far as tag team, our TNA matches are in the favorites; the XXX/cage match, Diamond and Swinger and the New Church. But this ride isn’t over yet and there can be more to this list later on.
AW: Come up with anything since he stole your answer?
JS: I have to say the same thing.
CH: You have to say me now (both men laugh.)
JS: As far as singles, I love wrestling Chris. We have never had a bad match. I love wrestling against him and with him. Abyss is the best big man I’ve been with in the ring. The cage match is top of the list as far as tag matches.
AW: If you could be granted a dream match who would it be with and why?
CH: I’m gonna take your answer on this one to.
JS: Then let me go first man. I’ve got to say Bret and Owen Hart against AMW. I used to watch them growing up and the whole Hart family name speaks for itself. They gave so much to the business and we could learn so much from them. Bret has forgotten more than we have learned.
CH: What is there to say? If there was a tag it would be them or the Hart Foundation, Bret and Jim Neidhart. We have talked about it a few times. Both of us are big Bret Hart fans and he would be our choice for a singles opponent.
AW: What do you hope the future hold for you as a team and as individuals?
JS: NWA world tag team champions real soon baby.
CH: As far as singles is concerned we aren’t really thinking of it. We feel there is so much to do as a team. We went through the phase of them keeping us down and wanting to break us up. We are getting peoples attention and hope it takes them on a thrill ride. We are the same people as we were two years ago. We want more than anyone to be team players and help TNA continue to grow. We want to take it to the top. AMW will be there whether it means more title reigns on not.
Many thanks to Chris Harris and James Storm for their time. Also thanks to Jody Davis and Tim Welch of NWA: TNA for setting this interview up and their hospitality when I attended the PPV. Be sure to log onto Chris’ website, www.wildcatchrisharris.com and for more on NWA: Total Nonstop Action, see their site www.nwatna.com .
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