This week I managed to catch up with the Shark Boy. He is one of the premier American indy stars at the moment and has worked with WCW, WWA and NWA-TNA. We talked about various topics including his time spent in WCW to the indies and how he got in to the business to start with. The interview questions were set before Shark Boy made an appearance on NWA-TNA or confirmed his upcoming UK tour.
Hey Shark Boy how are you doing today?
Fine, thanks.
You have wrestled for many major promotions like WCW and WWA, you are now one of the premier independent stars in the states. How did you first get in to the business and where did you train?
I first broke in seven years ago in Cincinnati. I met Les Thatcher at an independent show and expressed my interest in being a part of the wrestling business. I gave him my phone number and he called me once he opened up his wrestling school. Four years later I continued my training at the WCW Power Plant in Atlanta under Paul Orndorff and Sgt. Buddy Lee Parker.
How did you come up with your Shark Boy character?
It was originally inspired by the Toadies song “I Come from the Water.” The song gave me the idea to create a comic book-type character named “El Piranha” who rose from the water to fight the bad guys in wrestling. Then, when I went to work for Ian Rotten in Louisville, KY, we changed the name to “Shark Boy.” Months later I would add the fin and teeth to the mask to complete the look of the character.
One of the highlights of your career is your time spent in WCW how did you get in to the organisation?
I was “discovered” at the 2nd annual Brian Pillman Memorial event in 1999. WCW invited me to their “Nitro” taping in Cleveland for a dark match. I was signed shortly thereafter.
How did you feel you were treated in WCW and do you still keep in contact with any of the old WCW guys?
A lot of guys were “lost in the shuffle” at the Power Plant and I think it’s fair to say that I was one of those guys. They really didn’t even start using my character on TV until AFTER I was released from my contract. I still keep in touch with nearly everyone I befriended during my time in Atlanta. wrestling is like a great big family and I made plenty of “brothers” during my time in WCW.
You were involved with the WWA’s attempt to get off the ground as the major competitor for WWE, what were your thoughts on the company and why do you think it didn’t succeed?
The “Revolution” pay-per-view was not a great show overall. There are lots of reasons why I think they had problems, not the least of which was the fact that a couple of the major names announced as appearing never showed up for various reasons. I think if they can get their act together overseas first, the WWA could have a major impact here in the US some day down the line.
These days with WWE using a lot of larger than life characters taking the Hurricane for example, are you surprised you are not in WWE with arguably the best character and gimmick in a larger than life business?
I don’t know if “surprised” is the word, but I would definitely love a chance to perform for the WWE. So many other factors besides “character” and “gimmick” are involved in who gets an opportunity with the company, everything from financial reasons to political reasons, that I just need to keep working and hope to one day find myself in the right place at the right time.
If Vince was to call you up tomorrow would you go and work for him and if so who would you most like to be put in a programme with?
Yes I would and right now I would love the opportunity to step into the ring with Kurt Angle.
Has anyone from NWA-TNA been in contact with you and if they did would you sign up for them?
I have worked for NWA-TNA a couple of times already and I can’t wait for the opportunity to do so once again. As far as “signing” with the group, my understanding is that their contract is not an “exclusive” contract. In other words, I would still be able to work for various independent promotions as long as I attended the Wednesday night tapings that I was committed to. Those being the circumstances, I would love to land a deal with TNA and appear on pay-per-view much more regularly.
What have your thoughts been on the NWA-TNA shows?
I think they are doing plenty of things right and I hope the company makes a billion dollars and offers wrestling fans a fun alternative to the WWE.
What promotions have you been working with lately and how have the shows gone but more important which promotions have treated you the best?
I’ve had plenty of positive experiences with groups like HCW in Hollywood, FL, PCW in Los Angeles, NBWA in South Bend, IN, and RCW in La Salle, IL. I’ve done a lot of travelling lately and it amazes me how the fans really get behind me no matter where I go. I think my fans are the greatest in the world.
Over the years who have been your favourite guys to work with and why?
One match that really stands out in my mind is a three-way dance I had with Eddie Guerrero and Billy Kidman. I learned so much from those guys, and I also learned a lot from the WWE guys who would pop in to Cincinnati when the HWA had a developmental deal, and I would have to say that my favourite guys to work with are the ones who make me better in the ring.
Would you ever consider working or taking bookings abroad?
Yes. In fact, I’m headed to England in less than a month for a four-month tour with All Star Wrestling. More details can be found at my website: http://www.SharkBoy.net.
You have accomplished so much already what more do you want to accomplish in the future?
Landing a spot with the WWE is right at the top of my list. For now, I’m happy just doing what I love and having the relationship I have with my fans.
Thanks very much for your time Shark Boy, any last comments?
I just want to say please visit my website, You can email straight from the http://www.SharkBoy.net site, post a message on my message board, or pick up a cool Shark Boy T-shirt or mask on the Merchandise page. Thanks for following the fin!
Adam Sibley