SG> Were you a big wrestling fan growing up? Did you have any particular favorites?
SS> Yeah, I sure was. I watched a lot of NWA. I was a big fan of Ricky Steamboat, Tony Atlas, Dusty Rhodes, Junkyard Dog, Ric Flair - the whole four Horseman.
SG> What made you interested in a career in professional wrestling?
SS> A friend of mine, Lodi, we went to school together at East Carolina University. He approached me about going to Atlanta and trying out at the Power Plant. I had nothing else to do, so I decided to go to Atlanta and do a try out. Twenty three guys tried out,
and only three of us made it, and that’s how my whole career started.
SG> As I understand it, you had wanted to pursue a career in professional football, but an injury prevented that?
SS> I played football prior to wrestling. I had played football since I was the age of seven or eight years old. I played elementary, junior high, high school, and college. My goal was to play in the NFL. I had a lot of stingers throughout my career. I got a stinger that went from my head down to my leg, and the doctor told me that if I kept playing, it wouldn't be good for me in the long run. So I retired from football.
SG> How would you describe your experience at the WCW Power Plant?
SS> At first it was fine, but it was something new for me. It was a learning experience, taking bumps was all new to me. It was fun at first. After two or three years at the power plant, all we were doing was the Saturday night tapings. When Russo was there, I made a few appearances on "Nitro" and "Thunder." But when Russo left, they cut the whole story line with the power plant guys. So I was back at the power plant doing nothing. It
seemed like my career was pretty much going nowhere. So I decided to quit WCW. That when I tried to go up to WWE, WWF at the time. I was miserable, but I was the only one that decided to leave. The others guys decided to stay.
SG> In general, how would you describe the working environment in WCW? Did you find it an organized company?
SS> In the short time I was there, I didn't find it organized at all. They would tell us something last minute, right before we would go walk out there on tv, like we would have to cut a promo or do something different. There were a lot of egos going on in the back. There were a lot of guys there just for the money. They weren't hungry like the younger power plant guys. There were a lot of egos, and everybody was out for themselves.
SG> When did you leave WCW?
SS> It was in the middle of 2001.
SG> Did you receive a WWF try out?
SS> I had a few dark matches with them. But at the time, another federation in California called the Urban Wrestling Alliance contacted me and offered me a
contract, and I went with them.
SG> What can you tell me about the UWA?
SS> The majority of the guys in the UWA were minorities, and they wanted to put it on BET (Black Entertainment Television). The majority of the guys were blacks, Puerto Ricans, and Hispanics. The main focus was on the minorities.
SG> In general, do you feel minorities are treated fairly in professional wrestling?
SS> Yeah, if you go out there and have a good match, and do well on the mic with your promos. If you are getting over with the people, you are getting over with the people in the office. Every federation will give you that chance, to see what you have. Take The Rock, they gave him a chance, and he took the ball and ran with it.
SG> You wrestled as "Money" in UWA. Was that your creation?
SS> My creator in UWA was a lady's man. They came up with a few names, including the one I used.
SG> How long were you apart of the UWA?
SS> About nine months.
SG> You turned up next with Dusty Rhodes and Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling?
SS> Actually, I was training with Dusty Rhodes during my time with the UWA. I started training with Dusty and Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling, and actually, I'm still with them.
SG> What is it like to be trained by the legendary Dusty Rhodes?
SS> I love being trained by him. Not only does he teach us how to cut promos, he's one of the best at cutting promos. He also teaches us the psychology of wrestling.
SG> What is the status of Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling?
SS> It was shut down for awhile because of the weather. Before closing down, he was running about four to six shows a month.
SG> How did you get involved with NWA TNA?
SS> I don't know (laugh). They called me up one day. I don't know how they got my number. It was Jeremy Borash, and he told me that I was going to be apart of a group called the Flying Elvis's. And June 19th (2002) is when I started with them.
SG> Were you familiar with Jimmy Yang and Jorge Estrada?
SS> Oh yeah, especially Jorge Estrada. We were at Turnbuckle together. Jimmy Yang, we were together for a few months at the power plant. He was also training there. Oh yeah, I was very familiar with those guys.
SG> What was your opinion of TNA being sold to Panda Energy company?
SS> I really didn't have an opinion. I was just happy TNA was still running and that I had a job. I have met with the Panda Energy people, and they are really nice people, cool people to work with. They critique us on how we are doing. Panda Energy has a lot of experience in entertainment. I'm happy Panda Energy is behind it, because the people behind Panda are really cool to work with.
SG> Were you surprised the Jarrett's sold the company?
SS> Actually I didn't know they were selling it. I heard a few rumors here and there that they were having money problems. Either Panda Energy was going to be apart of it, otherwise, there was going to be no more TNA. I'm just happy that Panda Energy is apart of this.
SG> I have to ask the obvious. You are often compared to The Rock. How do you feel about being compared to the "great one?"
SS> You are right, I get that question every interview I do. I think the only reason we are compared is because we look alike. There will never ever be another person like The Rock. The Rock is the best entertainer that I have ever seen. I'm not trying to be anything like The Rock. He does what he does, I will never be like him, and there will never ever be anybody else like him. I'm trying to be Sonny Siaki, and being my own character. I've tried to do a lot to get away from that look. I grew my hair out, I got tattooed up. When I wrestle, I wear baggy pants. He has his own repertoire, and I stay away from everything he does. I'm a wrestler, you know, he doesn't have a lot of wrestling moves. But as far as being an entertainer, I think he is one of the best. I just want people to know that I'm trying to be Sonny Siaki and not trying to be like him. But as far as being an entertainer, I think he's the best ever.
SG> Are you a fan of WWE? Do you watch their product on a regular basis?
SS> I watch "Raw" and "Smackdown." The main reason I watch is that I learn, and I learn from the best. You got Chris Benoit, Angle, Triple H, and some of the top guys in the business. I watch because I want to learn. I want to be as good as these guys, but in a different way. TNA has some of the best talent in the business, and have been around
for a long time. I watch them and I learn. I talk to Syxx Pac and Dusty Rhodes, and ask them to critique my matches. Dusty has been in the business for over twenty years, and
he says he's still learning today.
SG> When TNA debuted, the X division was hyped and really marketed as a distinct difference in product. Since that time, do you feel the X division has lost some of its momentum or luster?
SS> Yes, definitely. When I first got the belt, I heard on the internet that people didn't think I should have it. The main focus of the show is going to the S.E.X. vs. TNA tradition angle and the heavyweight title. I think they are bringing the X division back.
SG> Do you think the X division still can be effective with the on going feud between Russo's group and traditional wrestling?
SS> Yeah. They are bringing in new guys that can bring back the X division back up. This is TNA, expect the unexpected. The reason why a lot people watched TNA from the start was the X division, and in the last few months, the focus hasn't been on the X division. But they are bringing that back up to where it once was.
SG> TNA has run some 30 pay-per-views to this point. How would you evaluate the overall product?
SS> I'm happy where its at right now. We are not WWE, we want to be different. As I said before, we have some of the best talents in the world. We are going to do everything we can to make TNA number one. WWE is a force to be reckoned with, but we are not concerned about them. I guarantee, real soon, we are going to be number one.
SG> TNA is exclusively on pay-per-view. Do you feel its essential to the survival of the company to secure a national cable television deal?
SS> I keep hearing that $10 a week is a lot of money, and that some people can't afford it. Yes, I do think its very essential and hope we get a cable deal.
SG> In evaluating yourself, what do you consider your greatest strengths? And what are your greatest weaknesses?
SS> I'm still learning, and I have a lot to learn. I think I'm a good wrestler, but I can improve. My goal is to be the best wrestler and entertainer that I can be. I think my strengths are my looks, my wrestling. I think my weakness is, and it will improve, what I do on the mic. You know, my promos.
SG> Which match do you consider your best?
SS> Prior to TNA, I had some really good matches with Jorge Estrada. I think my best matches have been against Jerry Lynn. He's one of the best wrestlers out there today.
Just being in the ring with him was a learning experience for me, I learned a lot from him. He taught me a lot.
SG> If you weren't in wrestling, what do you think you'd be doing?
SS> I'd love to be a trainer in the NFL, or a personal trainer. Or maybe doing videos and commercials. Before wrestling, I wanted to play in the NFL, and if I couldn't be that I wanted to be a trainer in the NFL.
SG> Along the same lines, what are your professional career goals?
SS> To be the best. To be one of the best wrestlers ever. To be one of the best entertainers. To be an all around good person.
SG> I know that you have taken acting classes in Hollywood. Is that something you'd like to pursue?
SS> Yeah, I'd love to do that. Hopefully when my wrestling career is over, I'll have a career in acting.
SG> Do you currently have a contract with TNA?
SS> Yes I do.
SG> It must be a flexible contract?
SS> It allows me to wrestle for anybody in the world except WWE.
SG> Have you had any contact with WWE since entering TNA?
SS> No, I haven't had any contact with them.
SG> There are rumors that you are romantically linked to Kim Neilson, your valet Desire? Any comment?
SS> No comment.
SG> Do you have a message for your fans?
SS> Yes I do. Check out TNA every Wednesday night, 8PM Eastern time, 7PM central. I'm happy right now in TNA, there is no place I'd rather be. I'm doing all I can to make TNA number one. Tune in. There is a lot of action in TNA, and there is going to be more to come.
Name Association:
SG> Jerry Lynn
SS> Incredible.
SG> Jerry Jarrett
SS> Knows wrestling.
SG> Vince Russo
SS> Crazy and very innovative.
SG> Dusty Rhodes
SS> A legend.
SG> Vincent Kennedy McMahon Jr.
SS> (laugh) All business.
