My first question is do you watch TNA and if so how long have you been watching TNA?
I've been watching TNA for most of the last 5 years except when I was without cable or was working my shoot job as a deli clerk. They have some of the best talent around and really seem to be coming together as a total package now.
What are your thoughts on the new Gutcheck Challenge with the fans voting?
I think its a great way for fans to be interactive and involved with the hiring practice and lets their voices be heard. There is so much great talent out there that often gets overlooked. This gives some guys and girls a chance to gain momentum and exposure on a larger scale.
Which inspired you to become a wrestling referee?
Funny story, I actually fell into reffing by fluke. I used to be a videographer for GCW (Great Canadian Wrestling) in Oshawa and was doing a comic themed show for Wizard World's debut in Toronto. Turns out the refs didn't show so I was given a crash course and was thrown to the wolves. About halfway through day 1 I blew out my knee and watched it swell 3 times the size. It was a 3 day weekend with shows all day long everyday. From there I invested in gear (I had borrowed a wrestlers old ref gear) and was on my way learning as I went. Within months I was working with legends like Tatanka, who taught me a lot by just being in the same ring and even became part of a roster with a TV deal. Not bad for a rookie eh? The following year I took a month long course run by Jimmy Korderas and realized I had much to learn about fine tuning my skills. By far the best advice I was given was to "be a ghost until needed".
Which promotion do you primarily referee for?
I referee across Ontario for a variety of promotions with GCW being my first 'home'. I have also worked for OCW (Ontario Championship Wrestling (had TV deal), Alpha-1, PWE (Pro Wrestling Eclipse), UIPW (Union of Independent Professional Wrestlers), SCW (Squared Circle Wrestling), Max Pro Wrestling, and several others. Hoping to start taking some American dates in the near future and venture out of Ontario across Canada.
Why should anyone vote for a referee? What makes you stand out?
Referees are often overlooked on the indy scene because many promoters believe anyone can count to 3. Truth is that's a small part of our job. I have sought out training and have invested in myself. The Gutcheck seminar taught me what is needed on the next level and I believe I am ready for the next stage. Vote for me because I'll bring the law back to the war zone that is the ring. #RespecttheRef
Have you ever refed a match with anyone in the Gutcheck Challenge?
I have had the pleasure of working with many of the participants in the challenge, at least 30 of them I would guess. Many deserving talent but sadly space is limited to get in. I think I've learned the most from Kwan Chang who has really taken me in and mentored me. Jake O'Reilly and Courtney Rush are 2 others who have really helped me in my growth into the stripes as well.
What is your gimmick?
I don't really have a gimmick, I'm just the law in the ring who always calls it as I see it. You'll get no favouritism from me.
Do you feel like the referee is an overlooked aspect of wrestling?
Very much so on the indy scene, thankfully in Ontario we have many good, solid promotions who treat referees with respect because we are a reflection of their company as much as anyone else. A great ref can add to a match by being in position and having confidence. A bad ref can ruin a match with the best of stars by just being untrained or unknowledgeable. Hopefully fans can appreciate the hard work us referees put it just as much as the stars they pay to see. After all while we are important, we don't increase the overall ticket sales.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your site and all the best. May 10th is when my bracket opens, hope I can 'count' on your vote.
