by Gerry Strauss
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What's up, people... time for yet another edition of everyone's favorite pseudo-hard hitting look at a pro wrestling personality aka "Seven Deadly Questions"... figured we would take a break from the females this time (don't worry, I have a couple already lined up for the very near future)... anyway, this time around, I interviewed Damien Adams, current indy competitor on the east coast who recently made both his 3PW and WXW debuts. Check it out, and shout me out at gerrystrauss@aol.com...
You are on a short list of guys in this business, both recent and from awhile ago, who have roots in Camp IWF, the training facility and promotion run by AJ Sparxx and Kevin Knight. Describe, in detail, how that came about, and what your relationship was with them, from start to finish
I met Kevin Knight at a show in Hazlet, NJ in early 2000. We talked for a bit, and a few weeks later I signed up at the IWF to begin my training. My relationship with Kevin and AJ was fine and during my time there I enjoyed their method of training, however, due to opposing opinions, I chose to leave.
2) Varying opinions have surfaced in this very column about Camp IWF and its treatment of those within its ranks. Bottom line, after graduating from the training program there, workers are offered the opportunity to continue to train and to wrestle for the IWF on their regular shows. After a period of doing that, you chose to dissasociate yourself from them entirely. What personal and professional events and factors led to this decision?
I did not agree with the way things were being done there. For example, the view of indy wrestling through the IWF was that of total isolation from everyone else. Personally, I believe a lot can be done if you assocciate with other promotions. The IWF missed multiple opportunities that may have benefited the company itself, their workers and possibly even change the way the IWF is looked at through others.
3) What was your least favorite match so far in your career, and why?
I don't have a least favorite match. I always watch my tapes over and over, looking for little things that perhaps I could've done differently in order to to improve myself.
4) Months ago, you had the opportunity to work with the infamous pairing of Tammy Sytch and Chris Candido, who may be considered, in some ways, wrestling's most tragic products. So many stories have surfaced over the years about their apparant drug abuse and physical deterioration. Describe that experience.
It was actually a tag match with Josh Daniels and myself working with Chris Candido and "Dangerous" Danny Davis. Aside from the body slam Daniels took from Danny Davis on the concrete, it was fine! Chris was really cool and smooth in the ring. I had a good time with them and really enjoyed the opportunity.
5)You recently started wrestling for Pro Pain Pro Wrestling aka 3PW in Philadelphia. How hard is it to get over in a larger fed in front of the toughest fans in the world, without much of a gimmick? How much of the responsibility for that falls at the feet of the booker vs. those the wrestler?
Actually, I think it's mainly the wrestlers responsibility. He's the one the people are there watching. Philly fans are tough and they've pretty much seen it all. However, they're still fans and they want to be entertained like everyone else!
6) Tell your best "ring rat" story, even if it didn't involve you.
I probably wouldn't tell you even if it did involve me, lol. I do have some interesting stories but they don't involve any "ring rats"...sorry!
7) Realistically speaking, what is your definition, for yourself, of "making it" in the wrestling business? What do you think are your chances of getting there?
I'm sure others will differ, but I feel that "making it" would probably be making it to the top (WWE). I also believe that staying physically and mentally fit, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being able to one day walk away without any regrets are all important factors included in the idea of making it. Unlike other sports where stats and numbers determine your progression, getting there in wrestling can be as fateful as being in the right place at the right time. For now, I'm concentrating on getting as much working experience as possible while striving to improve myself day by day.
You can check Damian Adams out at
www.damianadams.com
