On and off I have been receiving a few emails asking me about this Danny Devine character I keep going on about. Instead of me replying to those emails, I decided to conduct an interview with him to let him tell you about himself.
First of all I’d like to thank you on behalf of Wrestling 101 for doing this interview.
No problem.
Can you tell us how you first got into wrestling?
I remember it like it was yesterday, it was when I saw Wrestlemania 6 and the main event was Hulk Hogan Vs Ultimate Warrior! It blew my mind and changed my life forever. From that day I have been hooked.
Could you tell us about your career to date?
I started in 2001 at a K-Star seminar, I was really scared, {Laughs} I didn’t know what to expect. I remember getting slammed for the first time and it took the wind out of me. I was with KSW for about 3 months but suffered a back injury in training, I was out for a long time, decided I was “damaged goods” and I wouldn’t be able to make a go of it. After nearly 2 years out I decided to give it another shot and came back. My career really took off last year, I am really enjoying it and I haven’t looked back since.
Tell us about life in KSW…
KSW has really sorted itself out. I didn’t enjoy it before my injury but now the atmosphere is awesome! Everyone gets on with everyone and everybody helps each other. I take credit for starting the term “the family” but that is what we are like, one big happy family.
Who do you rate in K-Star?
Obviously the Injection of perfection, {Laughs} but seriously, everyone in KSW has great ability and all bring something different to the table. It’s probably because Sal Americana & Maddog Maxx train everyone! They know their stuff and they have really helped me a lot. Without their help and encouragement I wouldn’t be here talking to you now.
Who do you ‘click’ with?
I ‘click’ with most guys because I can change my style to suit most opponents’ styles. I click very well with Sal Americana and have had some great matches with him. I also ‘click’ with guys like Maddog Maxx, Marcus Kool, Nemesis, Skull, Kade Callous and some chap called Sharon? Oh sorry, Saracen {Laughs}.
Cheeky git! Who do you rate outside of K-Star?
The UK scene has grown a lot and produced a great deal of talented athletes the ones that I really rate are guys like Spud, who is everywhere {Laughs}, Jack Storm, Dragon Phoenix, the Judge, Robbie Brookside and Cameron Knite, there are many others but they are the main ones.
What do you think of the UK scene as it stands at the moment?
As it stands, it’s ok. There are a lot of promotions now but only about 20% are worth watching like KSW, FCW, FWA, RBW & WAR. It will never be as big as it was way back when, unless British wrestling gets regular T.V. exposure. So channel 5 needs to pull its finger out! {Laughs}.
Will you be going independent?
Well, I would like to but I would like to get more experience first. KSW helps train and develop us for an independent career, which is very helpful to people who want to work for more than one promotion. Hopefully I will have some outside bookings soon, so watch this space.
Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
That’s a tough one. Well, like everyone who gets into wrestling, I would like to make it to the WWE. I would love to be wrestling in the U.S or Japan in 10 years time. That’s the dream anyway.
Favourite wrestler of all time?
The best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be, Bret “HITMAN” Hart. The first time I saw him I thought he was so cool and when grew to know more about wrestling I realised that he was an awesome worker and storyteller. I have also been a big fan of Mr Perfect, God rest his soul.
Do you have a philosophy to wrestling?
Wrestling, 24/7! I eat, sleep, drink, think and live wrestling.
What is the worst moment in your career?
I don’t think I have had one, yet! But at a push I suppose the back injury that ended my first attempt at a career before it started probably fits in to this category.
How about your best?
Probably beating Sal Americana at Walsall Town Hall in front of 400 plus fans, that was fantastic for me.
Any regrets at all?
Yes! Beating myself up over confidence issues! I suffered with lack of confidence and sometimes I got myself worked up and convincing myself I was going to mess up really badly, but with the help of my girlfriend, Sarah and my friends at KSW I have overcome this problem and now thrive on getting in the ring.
Tell us about your… rather bright costumes.
{Laughs} Well, all I am doing is trying to inject some colour into a dark world. I love the late 80’s early 90’s era of wrestling when every one was colourful and bright, now it seems everyone wears black so I’m just trying to be different. it seems to be working too, I have had a lot of support in my matches and come on how many guys do you know that can get away with wearing bright pink? {Laughs}.
Bret Hart?
Well Ok, just because I called you Sharon…
If you were able to give one piece of advice to someone who wanted to wrestle, what would it be?
I think you have got to have the heart for it and the desire, else you aren’t going to make it.
Sum yourself up in one sentence…
Absolutely Perfect! Oh, and a big-head {Grins}.
Who would you like to face in a match, if you had the choice of any wrestler?
“Of all time” it would be Bret Hart, but in today’s world it would be Triple H, he is awesome and he is a superb worker. He is the man and he is the GAME!
I think there are a few on TWO who would disagree, speaking of which, what would you like to say to fans of UK wrestling?
If you hear about a show in your neighbourhood go and watch it no matter what promotion it is. The U.K. scene needs you to help it grow so just come nd support all the promotions in the U.K who bust there asses every night.
Thanks Danny.
Thanks for the interview, it was fun.
If you wish to know any more about Danny Devine, try his web site at DannyDevine.net.
Saracen