by Gerry Strauss
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Hey people, Gerry Strauss, back again with another edition of "Seven Deadly Questions". This time, our subject is Kevin Matthews, arguably the lesser known member of his unofficial tandem with one of Independent wrestling's fastest rising female stars, Valentina. However, Matthews has a lot going for him on his own, and has a LOT to say about a variety of topics...seven of 'em, to be exact. Hey, before we get to it, a couple things. First off, if you have a free second, check out the website of one of the promotions I work for, PCW, at Phoenixwrestling.com, I have a column over there totally unrelated to this one. Also, if any of you work in the wrestling business, and want to be the next subject of "Seven Deadly Questions", or if you have any other comments or notes you wanna shoot my way, feel free at djg4evr@aol.com...don't be a stranger...and here we go...
1) You trained for a time at Dory Funk's Funkin Conservatory. How did that come about, and describe your experiences there and the effect they had on you and your wrestling career.
I attended Dory Funks Funking Conservatory camp right after I turned 18 in February 2001. I had saved up my money for a couple of months to make the trip to Ocala, Florida. I learned a lot of things from Dory Funk Jr. at the Funking Conservatory (formally the Funkin Dojo). Im not sure what effect he's had on my wrestling career but when you spend a week with any legend such as Dory Funk Jr. you can't help but to pick up several helpful tips.
2) With so much pressure in wrestling to get a "look" in order to be considered for the big time, many performers are regularly influenced by temptation to turn to extreme measures to get bigger. How prevelant are illegal steroids or legal alternatives in the locker rooms you have been a part of, and have you tried any of them yourself? Would you?
To answer the first question, I have been in locker rooms with guys 5x my size (not saying I'm a tiny guy) but these guys are enormous, and when you're that big at such a young age its pretty apparent that you're "juicing". I personally have never asked anyone even when I know they do it regularly, quite frankly its none of my business. I myself have never and WILL NEVER try or do steroids. When the big time is knocking on your door though and they tell you if you get a "lil bit" bigger within the next 4 weeks then you can probably be offered a contract, that's what suckers a lot of guys into doing it. Cashing in their own well being and there body's health for glitz, glamour & fame. I personally don't think the trade is worth it, I myself would rather live.
3) ECW may be dead, but "extreme" is alive and well, as evidenced by the success of CZW and the influence it has on the whole wrestling world, even today. Whether it's glass, fire, chairs, tables, ladders, or whatever, astonishing physical abuse is becoming more and more expected by fans and promoters. What is your opinion of the hardcore style, or even the ever increasing popularity of a stiff, "strong" style used by guys like Shinya Hashimoto or Low- Ki? Is there anyone you have ever, or would ever, refuse to work with? Is there anything at all that you have or would refuse to do?
I guess "to each their own" when it comes to wrestling styles. I mean there's so many fans with so many different likes & dislikes when it comes to wrestling styles. Some fans prefer high flyers like Red, Brian XL & SAT then theres some whom perfer stiff style such as American Dragon, Low-Ki, Somoa Joe. My opinion on the hardcore style is that if they LOVE to do "that" kinda wrestling and the fans love to see "that" kinda wrestling then it seems that everyone involved is happy so let them keep doing it. My personal opinion on it is its stupid, pointless and ridiculous. There is NO reason to smash 4,839,189 flaming light bulbs over someones head EVERY single show. As far as refusing to wrestle ANYONE.. I mean Im open to take A LOT of abuse from alot of different style wrestlers, I have never complained about working anyone. In several promotions I've REQUESTED matches against people others would consider very "stiff". I believe wrestling is a team sport if 2 people cannot work together and a worker is AFRAID to wrestler another worker then I think there is something drastically wrong with that. I havent really refused anything yet , I mean nothing has really been asked totally crazy of me to do.
4) In the tradition of Chris Candido and Tammy Sytch, Simon and Dawn, and many others, you appear to have become somewhat of an item with Valentina, at least from a booking perspective, as you guys appear to seek shows together. What is the relationship between you guys, and how much of a part does it play in the advancing of your own wrestling career?
Thats pretty cool that you would compare us to them. I always joked with her about those same pairs of people you have mentioned. Val is my buddy & best friend. I've known her for almost 4 years, before I even got involved in wrestling. Whatever shows we do together, we do for fun mostly, and when it comes time for one of us, if not both of us to be called up by a major company, we would wish each other all the best. I think we work real good together, I have a lot of fun with her out there. Shes like my lil side kick that kicks butt.
5) On the same topic, Valentina is one of the most sought after women in the indies, as far as being booked. Do you think that, in any way, helps you get more work than if you were on your own, or less?
In some cases yes, I mean if Val is on a show and she can get me on, she does, and right there thats a booking that I normally wouldnt have, so Yeah it does help me in a sense of getting work. But we work as a team mostly and when I get bookings I will get her on and vice- versa, It works out best for everyone like that.
6) Is there any promoter or promotion out there, based on personal experience, that you would never work for again? If so, who and why?
World Wrestling Council in Pennsylvania, run by a fat scumbag named Carlos. He is good for nothing, he stiffs wrestlers, he books backyarders and he does nothing more then talk trash behind your back. By all means he is the WORST promoter I have ever wrestled for and I urge every worker out there to NEVER work for this scumbag. Latino Americano Wrestling Association run by Angel... this promotion is now defunct but I urge everyone to also NEVER work for this guy if he ever runs again as he is no better then WWC. Other then those two every promotion I have ever wrestled for has treated me with the utmost respect and I thank them for that.
I would like to tell everyone looking for work to check out CHAOTIC in
Mass, SSCW in NJ, IHPW in NJ, WXW in PA, GLAPW in MI, TWF in PA, SCW in
NC, ACW in Maine.
...... these are all promotions I have worked for and are run by honest
guys who know how to take care of their wrestlers and know how to run
a wrestling company.
7) Finally, being a young veteran of many locker rooms, which veterans that you have met would you say have been the most helpful? Which have been the least?
Dory Funk Jr, I have learned alot from my time spent in the Funking Conservatory.
Ricky The Dragon Steamboat, I did a clinic with him which in 2 hrs I possibly
learned more about ring physcology then my whole time involved in this
business. Johnny Rodz, the man who's school I started at. You have to
know johnny to understand his ways and once you understand him you'll
pick up a lot of good advice. Ox Baker, This guy is crazy... thats the
normal opinion of anyone who comes in contact with Ox but if you take
the time to hear him out and really listen to him this man knows EXACTLY
what hes talking about and is very far from being "crazy". Also
Ive gotten tips along the way from guys such as Johnny Valiant, King Kong
Bundy, Jimmy Snuka and a couple of others.
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Gerry Strauss has been working with a variety of quality independents
in the tri-state area for a couple of years as a commentator, interviewer,
and/or ring announcer. He lists companies like PCW, PTW, IHPW, 3PW, KAPOW,
and SmartMark video as among those who have given him valued opportunities
to contribute, and now, in an effort to try something different, has come
up with a unique spin on interviews.
Previous Columns:
Billy Reil
Matthew Hendrickson
Chris Hamrick
