This week I sat down with young up and coming UK star Jamie James. Jamie let us in on how he got in to the business, how his career is going at the moment as well as his plans for the future. Also with a new TAP show coming up he lets us know about his thoughts and his association with the promotion.
How old were you when you first trained to become a professional wrestler?
I was 14 years old when I started training to be a professional wrestler.
For those that don’t know you explain your current character/gimmick for us?
Yeah, The Hot Property gimmick is basically a heel character who is always trying to get the crowd to like him, and he believes he is Hot Property i.e. He thinks everyone wants him to wrestle for them. He’s like a free agent and likes the sound of his voice on the mic.
You were trained by Jack Taylor and were involved in some of his shows what was it like to work with somebody of such stature?
First of all it is Jacks school, he owns it, but doesn’t train anyone as he just sits on his arse for all of the sessions. Jack has now closed the training school. He does shows once a month though. I was mainly trained by Ralf Bellis, Mark Viedor, Stu Platt and Adam Brookes.
How did you get involved with TAP (Tri-Association Pro Wrestling)?
I got involved by being asked by Adam Brookes one of the co-owners of TAP. Adam was trained at NWA Hammerlock and is a very accomplished wrestler.
What are your thoughts about the promotion and its chances?
I think TAP are going to take it one show at a time to begin with, and hopefully build it up gradually. I think TAP aims to establish itself as the top promotion in the Midlands, but we will see if it develops. The great thing is with TAP is its going to appeal to a whole fan base and all ages. If you like technical wrestling, hardcore, highflying, mat based wrestling – TAP has all those, but the main aim is to get the families involved and get stuck into the action.
You have wrestled for various promotions including WAR what has been your favourite to work for and why?
WAR most definitely, its a real good laugh there and a good sense of team spirit. There are no egos and you are always picking up tips from people.
What are your opinions on the UK Scene at the moment who do you like?
The UK scene is getting bigger and better all the time, promotions are popping up everywhere which means I guess more work for wrestlers and more promotions for the fans to chose from. I’m actually a big fan of Celt Kennedys work he plays it really well trust me. Go see this guy and you will be impressed – a star in the making. My second would be Chris Fury I’ve never seen so many suplex variations from a person. His dvd into a diamond cutter has to be seen to be believed. There’s so much talent around in the midlands right now things can only get better.
Since your time spent in the UK Scene have you had any regrets or has the job been better than what you thought it would be?
Not getting bigger as in muscle wise, now I’m going to the gym 3 times a week. Getting bigger doesnt happen over night, it takes you about a month or two to notice the results. The jobs demanding as in bumping and stuff. At first my body was in so much pain, but you get used to it after awhile, and anyone who says wrestling doesnt hurt, dont know shit.
What do you want achieve with your career, your short term and long-term goals?
Long term, hopefully in a few years time have the chance to complete a tour for All Star Wrestling. After that a tour in America but thats in many years to come.
Any last comments?
Thanks for letting me do this interview .Thanks to my mum and dad for the lifts to shows, and keep your eyes peeled for TAP events in the future. One more thing before I sign off, there might be a possibility of a Jamie James website if there is some interest.
Adam Sibley