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Interview with SWCW Champion Striker

Posted: Oct 8th 2007 By: mikeiles

Recently, I had the privilege (err, sort of) to sit down and talk with the reigning Sooner World Class Heavyweight Champion, Striker. We talked about how he got his start, where his future lies and his thoughts on the current situation within the SWCW organization.
-- Earl Everett

First and foremost, for those out there that don?t know who you are, where are you from?
McAlester, Oklahoma

How long have you been wrestling?
9 years

Who or what inspired you to get involved in wrestling?
Well I always wanted to do it when I was young watching WCCW and MSW. But I got derailed at an early age and never quite got it back together until '98. I went to a WCW Thunder show in OKC and met with Glacier. He sat and talked with me for 2 hours. It was awesome. I was ready to do this after that.

How did you get your start? Was there someone out there that gave you your first big break?
I met Tiger Treach Phillips in Tyler, Texas in April of '98. He gave me his home phone # and told me to call him on a Wednesday. I did so and the very next Sunday I was training with Tom Jones in OKC at New Mid South.

What belts have you held other than the SWCW heavyweight championship belt and with what federations?
Oh wow. Ok let's see...19 total. All Star Pro Wrestling Champion, Mid-South Wrestling Alliance Mid-South Champion, New Mid South Champion (4x), NMS Oklahoma Champion (3x), NMS Tag Team Champion (2x; both w/ Luscious Larry), NMS Tri-State Champion (3x), SWCW Champion, Texas Championship Wrestling Champion, TCW Hardcore Champion, TCW Tag Team Champion (w/ Gary Tool), Texas Outlaw Promotions Tag Team Champion (w/ Ricky Jackson)

What would you consider your career highlight thus far?
Wrestling Vader and Honky Tonk Man. I had great matches with these guys.

How did you get affiliated with SWCW Commissioner Mike Iles?
We met at SWCW.

I mean, how did you get involved with him on a management level? Did he approach you or did you approach him, needing a manager?
It was kind of a mutual thing. Can't let out details but we were both interested.

Was it yours or Mike?s idea to turn on Party Man Rick Garrett and why was that decision made?
Garrett had it coming. Didn't matter whose idea it was. We did what we had to.

What exactly do you mean Garrett had it coming? Was there something he did to wrong you or someone else?
Garrett was running things his way and not letting anyone move up the ladder, so to speak. All the messages boards say that Garrett brought me in because I was part of his so called clique. Well I guess they know different now. With Garrett knocked down a notch, SWCW is right where it needs to be and so am I. Right at the top!!

Okay, moving right along then. What are thoughts on the current tag title situation? Any opinions on Texas Inc being stripped of their title?
I believe that SWCW has the best tag champs they have ever seen now that my guys (Luc Lapointe & Beau Dalton) have the belts. I think Texas Inc. got what they deserved. If you can?t defend your titles in the allotted time, then see ya!

But don?t you think Trailer Park Trash should have been given the belts considering they WERE the #1 contenders?
No, they have had way too many chances already. The people want to see fresh talent, not Mary-Kate and Ashley.

Is there anybody out there that you would really like to fight?
I would love to have a shot at Sting or Undertaker one day in the future.

What is next for you?
Good question. I would love to have something closer to home where I could help train the new and upcoming generation.

Okay, well Striker, thanks for taking the time to do this interview with me, I know your time is precious. Any last thoughts you would like to say?
Just let the people know, whether you boo us or cheer us, come support us and Indy wrestling as a whole. Without you there, there is no us there!

Tags: SWCW, Striker