Pro Wrestling Ponderings

I am the first one to admit that I am fairly green when it comes to writing about professional wrestling. Wrestling has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. The same can be said for writing, so I’m not sure why it took me this long to combine the two. Sometimes that enthusiasm can become detrimental, like when I’m trying to maintain a relationship, keep grades up in school, or when interviewing a wrestler for the first time. You see, the excitement overrides better judgment, and I end up making assumptions. I assumed my interviewee was, like Max Moon or Doink the Clown, a creation of some kind. Well, I was soundly put in my place by this man, who set the record straight on a number of topics. He does not respond well to shallow, Russo-like usage of locker room lingo, assumptions made about his origins, or fake wood. He is above this petty banter. He is currently in line for a shot at Chikara’s tag titles and is unbeaten this year in singles matches. He is, unquestionably, manlier than anyone reading this. Statistics show that, upon wearing flannel during his matches, said shirts become nearly impossible to supply in stores due to fervent demand. Chuck Norris fears his beard. He is GRIZZLY REDWOOD.

1. What are your first memories of wrestling and when did you realize it was something you wanted to pursue further?

My very first memory was seeing my friends outside playing with some crazy toys in a ring. From there it was history. I always thought it would be something fun to do but, didn’t come to fully pursue it until I was fifteen or sixteen.

2. Who did you train under at the Ring of Honor Wrestling Academy and how was that experience?

I trained under then head trainer Austin Aries. It was an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world. Austin Aries gave me (and Rhett Titus) a great foundation on which to build and hone our craft.(wrestling not tree chopping) Training under Aries at the ROH school to this day supplies me with a wealth of insight and knowledge from one of the best minds in the business today. It was a great time.

3. How did the “Grizzly Redwood” character come about? Did you choose the beard, or did the beard choose you?

First off this beard is an enduring symbol of the pride and grit of the lumberjacks. Second, I’m not a “character”, this isn’t the USA Network! Times were tuff and I needed a change of scenery. Rhett Titus pointed me to the Yukon after several other attempts to find my place in life. I stumbled upon a lumber camp and the rest………is written in my “BLOG” at Grizzly Redwood on myspace.com.

4. How did you first get involved with Chikara?

On my debut show I was supposed to just be in for a battle royal. I was a body just to make the event seem that much more spectacular I guess. What Chikara didn’t plan on was the impact Grizzly Redwood was about to make. Choppin’ my way to the big “W” in Easton, PA.

5. How did The Roughnecks idea come about in Chikara?

Simple really. On my debut I proved that I was a fan of hurting people. The big man himself Brodie Lee needed a hand choppin’ that freak duo of Frightmare and Hallowicked down to size. I was just the man to do it. Add the last of a dying breed Eddie Kingston to the mix, and you have the baddest Trio Chikara has ever seen.

6. You currently work heel in Chikara and face in Ring of Honor. Do you have a preference?

Excuse me? I “work” what? Look bud, I wrestle. In ROH I may be in a little better mood than elsewhere. Is that a problem for you? The truth is it’s a lot easier for me to kick people’s teeth in here in Chikara, and I love kickin’ teeth in.

7. At “Never Kneel at the Altar of Conformity”, a fan made a tremendous monument to you, and you smashed it to pieces in front of their eyes. Do you ever find it hard to stay in that chip-on-your-shoulder, heel mentality?

Again with these made up words. Look that sign very much took my breath away. To see such a majestic, hardy piece of wood engraved with my name was a sight to see. But you know what? It wasn’t even wood!!!!!! IT WAS FAKE!!! I HATE FAKE WOOD!!!!

8. At Night One of King of Trios 2009, you received a one-hundred second Giant Swing courtesy of Team Uppercut member Claudio Castagnoli. What were the lingering effects, if any, of this deadly maneuver?

It was about as fun as a long walk through a muddy forest. As for lingering effects, yeah it took about a month for me to get my balance back.

9. On the topic of Team Uppercut and me being the king of segues, how do you think Bryan Danielson will fair in the WWE? Do you think their policy on the size of their athletes will hinder him at all?

I don’t know much about whatever policy they have in the WWE but, Bryan is an exceptional talent. No matter what company Bryan is with he’s a star. I’m sure he’ll do just fine.

10. You and Brodie Lee have a shot at the Campeonatos de Parejas coming up in the near future. Out of the three teams that could be holding the straps when your turn comes, The Colony, F.I.S.T., and the Osirian Portal, who would you like face and why?

It just doesn’t matter. There’s not a team in all of Chikara that can hang with the two of us. We’re the hardest hitting team in Pro wrestling, no matter who is in front of us Brodie will run em’ over and I’ll chop em’ to bits.

11. In addition to earning a tag title shot, you are undefeated in Chikara singles contests this year. How does it feel to currently be Chikara’s most dominant wrestler?

Hahaha! It feels better than fresh split wood. With Steve the Turtle coming up I don’t think I’ll be losing any time soon.

12. Have you mastered the double axe-handle, or do you feel you have more to learn?

I’m the best axe handler in wrestling. As far as lumberjacking goes….I could use a little work I guess.

13. You wrestle barefoot a lot now. How hard was it to adjust to being in the ring without boots?

Not half as hard as adjusting to being in the woods with no boots. Being bootless in the ring gets more and more comfortable every day.

14. What do you “mark” for in wrestling nowadays?

“Mark”? What? OOOOkay guy keep making up words why don’t ya.

15. What dream opponents, in Chikara and elsewhere, would like to take on?

I would love to take on The Big Show. That slow Galoof wouldn’t stand a chance against me axe choppin’ arms. It would be the biggest timber I ever toppled.

16. You are, quite frankly, jacked. How do you stay so ripped? My method of Volcano Tacos and sleeping a lot hasn’t worked so far.

No that wouldn’t work now would it? I have a fairly steady diet of Flapjacks and Chicken with rice. There’s not a moment in the day that I’m not running around doing something active.

17. You also have fantastic face fur, a man-beard of legends. I have a beard as well, though not nearly the length of yours. Some general tips about growing and maintaining a magnificent mug mane would be helpful.

I put some time into it. I comb it out twice a day with a wooden comb I made. On top of that I condition it with sap from only the finest of Dutch River Trees.

18. How long can food be on the ground and you can still reasonably consume it? What’s your personal food-second rule?

I don’t eat any food that’s been on the ground that’s not at my house. In that case ten seconds is the limit.

19. A guy punches you in the face on the street, unwarranted. Do you kick his teeth in or do coolers head prevail?

If you refer to one of my other answers, I love kicking teeth in.

20. A name like Grizzly Redwood deserves a sandwich named after him. You’re at a Subway restaurant. What would be in “The Grizzly Redwood”?

Mmmmmm….Subway. Well: two oven-roasted chicken breast, American cheese, spinach, banana peppers, salt, pepper, oregano and flapjacks.

Before you ask: yes, I actually ate the sandwich. I had a crazy stomach ache before I took the first bite, but I ate it all the same. That’s my commitment to frivolocity, which is a word I just invented that means anything pointless or crazy done very quickly so that you don’t have time for common sense to kick in. So I ate the damn sandwich. I gotta admit though, it was pretty good. The flapjacks, courtesy of IHOP, actually did bring something to the table. Thanks again to the Grizz for answering all my questions. Go see him wrestle for Chikara Pro this Saturday in Massachusetts against Steve Weiner and again Sunday in New Hampshire, where he’ll tag with Eddie Kingston against Delirious and UltraMantis Black, The Order of the Neo Solar Temple! Now, go forth and demand a “Grizzly Redwood” at your local Subway!

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Not many people Shiima Xion’s age can say that they have accomplished as much in the wrestling industry as he has. Shiima made his professional wrestling debut at seventeen-years old. Since then, he has competed in international promotions, such as Dramatic Dream Team in Japan and Desastre Total Ultraviolento in Mexico. Though, Xion will be reaching his biggest feat yet this summer, as he heads off to join the Asistencia Asesoría y Administración roster.

He’s competed against some of the best athletes in the world today, including Homicide, AJ Styles, Joey Matthews, Chris Sabin, Jimmy Jacobs, Alex Shelley, and Nigel McGuinness. He’s had articles written about him in Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Heck, he’s arguably the best known Filipino supermodel out there. With that being said, can you blame Shiima for being a little overzealous?

As the current-reigning IWC World Heavyweight Champion and one of the fastest rising stars in the world today, Shiima Xion has gone out of his busy schedule to stop by Cheap Pop Café for an interview with yours truly. Let’s get this thing started, shall we?

PERILLO: Before we get begin, thank you so much for going out of your way to be interviewed by me. It’s truly an honor. I’ve been a big fan of yours for a couple of years now. With all that being said, how are you doing today, Shiima?

SHIIMA: I’m feeling amazing, man.

PERILLO: Superb. It’s a question that’s always asked first, but it’s sort of tough to avoid. Just exactly how did you break into the wrestling business?

SHIIMA: To make a long story short, I was sixteen-years old and I was bored with playing high school sports like football and basketball. I always loved professional wrestling and knew I wanted to do it someday. Then, I went to an ROH show in Pittsburgh in January 2003 and met IWC promoter, Norm Connors, there. He told me about the IWC training center and I decided to try out for the school that summer. I made it into the class and trained there for fourteen months before having my first match in August 2004 at the age of seventeen.

PERILLO: Which wrestler or wrestlers have had an influence in your in-ring style?

SHIIMA: I have a real clusterfuck of influences. I’ve learned so much from Joey Matthews, Dick Togo, Ricky Reyes, Chris Hero, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, and the list goes on. I’m very blessed to be around so many amazing wrestlers and their constant tips and advice has really helped me develop my style.

PERILLO: Tell us a little about your training. You started out at the Coalition of Competition in Pittsburgh, right?

SHIIMA: Yes, Super Hentai and Shirley Doe trained me at the COC in Pittsburgh. Training began in June 2003 with ten students. Around December 2003, however, there were only three of us left. I guess that’s the easiest way to describe how intense the training could be at times! We practiced Tuesdays and Thursdays and I lived an hour and a half away. I would literally get home from school, pack my bags, and drive straight to practice. Then, I’d get home around 2:00AM and wake up for school the next morning… very, very sore. Honestly, though, I miss those days at the COC. It was a blast.

PERILLO: You recently won the IWC World Heavyweight Championship for a second time. This is arguably the biggest championship win of your career thus far. Care to explain your feelings on winning such a prestigious independent wrestling title?

SHIIMA: I didn’t think it was a big deal, initially. Then, when I actually won the title, the locker room came out to celebrate with me, former champion, Dennis Gregory, put the title around my waist, and the crowd chanted my name…. I fucking cried. Some people have collections — baseball cards, stamps, whatever. Well, I collect moments and memories… and both times that I won the IWC world title have been some of the best moments and memories of not just my wrestling career, but also my life.

PERILLO: According to a numerous amount of sources, you will be joining the Asistencia Asesoría y Administración roster this summer. What is going through your mind, as you prepare to compete for one of the most well-known wrestling organizations in the world?

SHIIMA: I still don’t believe that it’s real! I don’t think it’s going to truly hit me until I’m physically there, but I’m really excited. I love the country of Mexico. And to be doing something I love, full-time, in front of thousands of people every night… shit… that’s living the dream, man! I’m also going to be training with Gran Apache and Negro Navarro, two of the most respected luchadors in Mexico, so I’m honored to learn the lucha libre style from two of the absolute best.

PERILLO: What is your opinion of the current WWE and TNA products? Do you follow either of the companies? If given the oppurtunity, would you be interested in wrestling for either promotions in the future?

SHIIMA: I don’t watch either of the products, but of course, like most United States independent wrestlers, I would love an opportunity with either companies. It might actually happen sooner than you think, too.

PERILLO: How did the CHIKARA opportunities come about? What was it like there? Would you be interested in wrestling for them in the future?

SHIIMA: Shirley Doe and Mike Quackenbush are long-time friends, so that’s how I initially got hooked up with CHIKARA. I’ve only had a few matches there over the years, but CHIKARA has always been a fun time and I’d love to come back again in the future.

PERILLO: Who is your dream opponent in the squared circle? The person can be alive or deceased.

SHIIMA: I don’t really know, to be honest. Maybe Shawn Michaels, as he is my all-time favorite to watch. There are so many others, though. It is very hard to pick just one.

PERILLO: What are some of your interests away from the ring?

SHIIMA: Girls, girls, girls. Those are my main interests. I’m also really into working out, hip hop music, fashion, photography, and partying. Typical stuff for a college kid, I suppose.

PERILLO: Just out of curiosity, what is the biggest rib someone played on you backstage?

SHIIMA: It’s a long story. If my career is ever interesting enough for a shoot interview, I’ll tell the entire story then. But let’s just say it was in Japan and that it involves DDT’s KUDO, a Japanese prostitute, a bar of soap, and a great deal of pain.

PERILLO: It’s ten minutes before you are set to come out for a match. What are you doing as you wait until it’s your turn to walk out from behind the curtain?

SHIIMA: I usually have to take a piss really badly right before every one of my matches, so I’m often cursing myself for letting it happen again and for not using the restroom earlier.

PERILLO: At this point in your career, what is your biggest strength? What is your biggest weaknesses?

SHIIMA: My biggest strength is that I’m a junior heavyweight with somewhat of a total package. I have a unique look and gimmick. I take care of my body, I’m not afraid to talk on the microphone, and I can keep up with that fast-paced style of wrestling. I think I’d be a good fit for TNA’s X-Division some day. As far as weaknesses, I have them, but I don’t feel the internet deserves to know what they are. Sowy!

PERILLO: What would be something that would surprise fans to learn about Shiima Xion?

SHIIMA: Hmmm. I had a pretty serious drug problem, a few years ago. I don’t know how I ever got my head on straight, but my desire to succeed in wrestling really helped me get my act together. It might sound cheesy, but I do think wrestling saved my life in a way. If it wasn’t for professional wrestling, I might be some pathetic junkie living on the streets right now.

PERILLO: The floor’s yours now, Shiima. If you would like to plug anything in particular, go right ahead.

SHIIMA: Add me on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/shiimaxion. Support the independent wrestling scene, watch me this summer on AAA television, and thanks to all of my Shiimarks for enjoying my work. I promise I will only work harder to keep you, sweethearts, entertained.

PERILLO: Once again, thanks so much for taking the time to do this. I’m sure that we can expect many great things to come from Shiima Xion in the near-future. Good luck in AAA and whatever challenges cross your path next.

SHIIMA: Cheers!

Keep your eyes on this guy, as I truthfully believe that he will be one of the next big names to break out of the independent wrestling scene. Move aside, Brock Lesnar. Shiima Xion is the new “Next Big Thing”.

- Anthony Perillo

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At just twenty-one years of age, Johnny Yuma has already made a name for himself on the Southern California wrestling scene. You may also recognize him from early in his career when he competed as surfer, Johnny Mahalo. Just recently, SoCalUNCENSORED.com announced Yuma to be their runner-up for “Rookie of the Year”, losing to Chris Kadillak by a mere three votes. Notable opponents that Yuma has faced already are current-reigning PWG World Tag Team Champion, Nick Jackson, and the “New Age Punisher” B-Boy. Yuma was also scheduled to face former PWG World Champion, Joey Ryan, and Total Nonstop Action alumnus, TJ Perkins, but schedule changes prevented him from ever getting into the ring with either men.

Today, Johnny primarily works for New Wave Pro Wrestling and SoCal Pro Wrestling. Many Southern California wrestling fans believe that is only a matter of time before Johnny Yuma is one of the biggest names on all of the independent scene. If you’re interested in checking out Johnny’s work, the majority of his matches can be found on YouTube under the account name, “andrewxpulido”. Without further adieu, let’s get this interview under way.

PERILLO: First of all, thank you for taking the time to do this, Johnny. I really appreciate it. I’ve had the pleasure of watching you grow and develop in the ring over the past few years. I have yet to find a match of yours that isn’t entertaining. With all that out of the way, how are you doing?

YUMA: I’m doing great, man. The weather here is messing with me and I’ve been sick on and off for over a month now, but other than that, I am fine and dandy.

PERILLO: Glad to hear it. First, I’ve got to ask you this question. When did you come to the decision to go out there and become a professional wrestler?

YUMA: Well, I’m definitely an odd story. I grew up hating wrestling. All my friends loved it, but all I cared about was Star Wars. I ripped up Raw magazines, broke the heads off “Bone Crunching” figures, and called wrestling “gay”. But I had never actually seen it. Then, one Thursday, one of my best friends convinced me to watch SmackDown! by asking politely and saying he was sure I’d enjoy it. I tuned in and on my screen, there was a tiny white guy getting wrecked by a giant black vampire in a trash bag. I was hooked. Instantly. And I knew there was nothing else I’d want to do for the rest of my life. Right then and there. I was twelve at the time.

PERILLO: What was your training like when you got into the business? Who trained you? Where did you get trained at?

YUMA: I started training right after high school. I moved from San Diego to El Segundo, in order to train with the best around at UPW. I was trained by the Ballard Brothers, Lil Nate, and when I wasn’t being a pussy, Aaron “Jesús” Aguilera.

PERILLO: Who were your wrestling icons before getting into the business? If you’re still a fan of the current product, who are some guys that you enjoy watching today?

YUMA: Well, right off the bat, due to him being the first wrestler I ever actually saw wrestle, Viscera was my favorite. I had never seen a human like him and he amazed me with his spinning heel kick. Influence-wise, Jericho has always been my idol and who I model myself after. But I’m a huge Rey Mysterio Jr. fan, too. Watching him succeed in a big man’s world will always give me hope and having his mask tattooed on my arm will always remind me not to let my size get me down. Watching now, I’m all about Evan Bourne, Jericho (still), Rey (still), and Festus. I really enjoy the big dudes, even though I’m a small guy. Honestly, there isn’t really anyone on television that I currently don’t enjoy. Oh, and don’t forget Mark Henry. That dude’s a beast.

PERILLO: With a total of thirty-six votes, you took runner-up as SoCalUNCENSORED.com’s “Rookie of the Year” for 2008. Previous winners of that contest include B-Boy, Samoa Joe, TJ Perkins, and Human Tornado. How does it feel to take up such an honorable status?

YUMA: I was super stoked. Obviously, I was a little bummed that I didn’t actually win, but to be the only San Diego guy nominated in SoCal, which is all about Los Angeles wrestling, was a great feeling. Not to mention, having Human Tornado and Johnny Webb vote and put me over on SCU was very cool, as well, and I really appreciate it.

PERILLO: Just out of curiosity, what is the funniest or strangest thing a fan has ever asked you?

YUMA: I’ve never really had too many “funny” fan interactions. However, I have been punched in the face by one at a lucha show.

PERILLO: Just a few questions back, you brought up one of your many tattoos. Do you mind telling us a little bit about a few of your favorites?

YUMA: I love all of my tattoos, even the ones that are terrible. I’m very fond of my hammerhead shark on my leg because hammerhead sharks are ugly and badass. My most recent one is of the city of Chula Vista’s logo, which is where I was born and raised. I love that city and I love San Diego as a whole. It’s pretty much my way of saying how much I love my city. The lucha half-sleeve is cool because it gets people asking me about it. Then, I get to tell them about what I do. It’s a definite conversation starter.

PERILLO: I know that you’ve only been around for a year or so, but what is the worst injury that you’ve had to deal with since you began your career?

YUMA: I’ve gotten pretty messed up in training. Two concussions, a broken thumb, etc. Last year, at my twenty-first birthday, my back just gave out. I had a show, a few weeks before, and it felt odd, but thought nothing of it. Then at my party, I leaned back to chug some Jaeger and collapsed. It felt like lightning struck my back and I thought I was paralyzed. Haha. The partygoers thought I was wasted, but that was my first sip all night. The next two days were hell. The doctor told me I had a bad muscle spasm, due to potentially herniated discs. I’m okay now, though! I think.

PERILLO: When you’re not wrestling, what are some things that you enjoy doing during your free time?

YUMA: Watching wrestling. Haha. Seriously, I watch tapes all day. I love it. I love other stuff, too, but I watch at least an hour every single day. I watch old Attitude Era stuff while I work out. Usually, the first time is to enjoy it. The second time, to watch what the wrestlers are doing and why the crowd is eating it all up. I’m a musician, as well, and play bass with my band when the other half is in town and not away at college.

PERILLO: Do you have any advice for people who are trying to break into the wrestling business?

YUMA: Take it seriously. From day one, make sure you really care. It’s definitely not fun at first. It hurts, it’s discouraging, and tons of hard work. If you want to get to the fun stuff, you got to go through the bullshit. Always take it seriously, including your physical shape. I was super scrawny when I first started and everything hurt that much more. After my time off, I was a slob when I started training again and got blown up and embarassed all the time. Take every single aspect seriously and always be respectful.

PERILLO: If you could have a match against any wrestler in the world, who would it be and why? The person can be alive or dead. It doesn’t really matter.

YUMA: Chris Jericho or Viscera. Honestly, it’s always been a silly dream of mine to have a squash match with “Big Vis”. That dude is the reason I didn’t change the channel that Thursday night. As for Jericho, I don’t know. I just feel like he could teach me so much out there.

PERILLO: What is, in your opinion, the best match you have ever competed in?

YUMA: I’d say my match with B-Boy. It got a lot of people ’round these parts talking about me and I was very proud that I was able to keep up with a guy who has been everywhere.

PERILLO: What is your favorite match of all-time that didn’t involve you in any way?

YUMA: That’s a toughie! God, I have so many, but I’d have to say Shawn Michaels versus Chris Jericho at WrestleMania XIX. I was there live and couldn’t believe what I was getting to witness. That night was intense. So many magic-ass moments.

PERILLO: It’s ten minutes before you are set to come out for a match. What are you doing as you wait until it’s your turn to walk out from behind the curtain?

YUMA: Remembering I forgot to stretch and scrambling to get some Elixir-flavored 5 gum out of my bag, so I don’t puke in the ring!

PERILLO: If you weren’t a professional wrestler, what would you be doing with your life right now?

YUMA: Well, sadly, I do have a stupid day job, but I can tell you that if I wasn’t a wrestler, I’d probably be all about music and clothing. I’m going to start my own printing company soon and I’ve always wanted my own clothing brand.

PERILLO: This is a question that I used to like to ask on the Cool Kids’ Table a lot. What’s one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you?

YUMA: From looking at me, I’m assuming it’s hard to tell that I’m obsessed with Star Wars and Pokémon!

PERILLO: You are a brave man for admitting the latter. Pokéfans, beware of Johnny Yuma on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

YUMA: That’s right! I will wreck you with my team! No joke.

PERILLO: My Breloom would sweep your team, son.

YUMA: Well, dang! I dunno, but I’m good!

PERILLO: Haha. It’s all you now, Johnny. If you would like to plug a website, merchandise, upcoming appearances, or whatever else comes to mind, shoot away.

YUMA: If anyone wants some gnarly Yuma t-shirts, hit up my MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/hypertite. Also, check out my band at http://www.myspace.com/talkfahrenheitband. In addition, you can message me on my MySpace at any time. I’m always down to chat about whatever. Check out my calendar to see if I’ll be in your area soon, which I doubt… unless your area is San Diego or Los Angeles… or… Easton? Nah, just SoCal!

PERILLO: I appreciate your time, man. Good luck in the future. I’ll be watching closely for whatever you have in store for us, wrestling fans, next.

YUMA: Thanks for having me, dude. It was a pleasure to be the first person interviewed on your new website. Everyone should check out Pro Wrestling Ponderings. Rock on!

Johnny’s an outstanding guy and I’m proud to call him a close friend of mine. Give him all the support you can. There’s some real cool merchandise on his MySpace page, so buy everything one thousand times. I know for a fact that Johnny works real hard and does whatever he can to keep the fans entertained. It’s rare that you see someone with so much passion and I’ve got to give it to him for that.

If you liked this interview, you can expect a lot more similar stuff from me soon. I have already started talking to a few potential guests, but nothing is in cement just yet. As soon as I get confirmations, I’ll be sure to let you guys know.

- Anthony Perillo

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