Its great to be back after a couple of weeks absence.  In this issue of the Future-Shock, I'm going to talk for the first time on my recent MMA experience.  As I mentioned earlier, my training has undergone its usual annual overhaul and I have done something that most pro wrestlers would find pretty intimidating- that is throwing myself into the world of Mixed Martial Arts training.

I've always enjoyed a challenge, and after a good portion of time spent teaching others the art of pro wrestling in 2003, I wanted to keep on the cutting edge and learn new things too.  I found MMA appealing because it's something that I have a tiny amount of experience with, and its something I always wanted to bring into my pro wrestling sessions.  I think learning legitimate techniques and holds builds character, and toughens you up to survive the ego infested waters of the sport we love.   I went into the MMA sessions expecting to be outmatched, and boy I wasn't wrong.  I thought I had a good grasp of how things worked, and to be fair, I have hung in there, but there is so much to learn...and as I expected it really is a different ball game, so to speak, than my first love of pro wrestling. 

It made me realize how many pro wrestlers carry a belief that they are the toughest dog in the yard, and yet probably wouldn't last five minutes with some of the guys I've been training with.  Trust me, at nearly 17 stone, being crushed by another human being is a strange experience, but one that makes you all the more eager to succeed.

The reception I have received so far has been good - I have entered the sessions on a clean slate, eager to learn everything from scratch, much like learning a different language, I feel that pro wrestling and MMA are separate entities that work well together. I know that the MMA training will make me a tougher character, and a more technically experienced grappler, and look forward to some of my upcoming matches. 

The MMA training has given me a new found respect for the Pro Wrestling that I do on a regular basis, because it has shown the restraint and technique involved in making the action look good. The respect I now have for the MMA boys is incredible, but don't think for a second that I'm not first and foremost a pro wrestler.  I've also been busy preparing some of my vast archive of footage for CD ROM release.  The first version is complete and will feature a full match, promo's and other features.  We are currently at the artwork stage, and the plan is to release the CD in volumes, so that a collection can be built up of some of my matches from around the world.  This way I can get a little more exposure. I've had many emails over the years for video footage and this is now to be a reality, which is great news - more information on that coming soon.

Ill be back shortly with another Future-Shock, with news on an upcoming match in July that I have confirmed, more on my MMA experiences, and the usual straight shooting you've come to expect! 

Stay Cool,

Scott Future