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A Q&A WITH
ERIC XTASY
By IWC Media Correspondent Joe Dombrowski
Well, Eric, it's been
a rough year for you so far, you began 2003 riding a wave of success
but that all came to an abrupt end when you sustained your injury.
Remind us if you will of the severity of the injury and what the
doctors were telling you at that time.
You're right. Coming off 2002, a year where Eric Xtasy and Sexual Harassment finally came into their own, 2003 looked even better and we started it off right by regaining the tag titles with the help of Sabu. But then tragedy struck the next day. I knew it hurt real bad when it happened but I didnt realize the severity fully until I could move the ball of my ankle. It was completely destroyed. I also cracked my shin in half and fractured two sections of my tibia. It was living hell. As far as walking again, the docs said maybe four months and wrestling closer to a year... something I didnt want to hear.
What was your mindset in a situation like this, going from a fast rising star to someone who could only sit by and watch?
You can ask anyone close to me that not being able to wrestle or entertain killed me more than sitting in a wheelchair, not being able to drive, having to count on my family to do everyday normal things for me that I couldn't do. I couldn't take it. But in retrospect, I got to watch a lot of wrestling and put my own strategy and moveset into perspective.
At that point you had no choice but to find a replacement partner for JT Rodgers. What was it like making the emotional speech you made regarding your injury last March?
I almost started crying. I'm an emotional guy and to know my dreams were put on hold for God knows how long, I'm surprised the tears didn't let loose. But it only reassured me of how much I love my fans as they were with me the whole way.
Luckily your old friend Troy Lords was willing to step up to the plate. Were you satisfied with the new incarnation of Sexual Harassment?
Troy was contemplating retirement himself to pursue academics more seriously. I think my injury brought him back and that's a good thing. The new Sexual Harassment was effective at times, but there was just something missing. But I guess from my point of view, I want to be in there with them. I'm proud of them. They defended and won the tag titles and lost them fighting. It's unfortunate that Troy was a casualty of that war.
You didn't spend your time on the shelf doing nothing. You accepted a color commentary position on several IWC shows, providing what many say was a much-needed combination of knowledge, wit, and in-ring experience. What was your take on commentating, and did you use that time to scout any future opponents?
Anytime I can run my
mouth I have a good time (laughs). I absolutely loved it. I've
been a huge wrestling fan all my life and calling the matches just came
natural and, of course, I used it as a vehicle to scout future foes.
Unfortunately, Troy Lords was pinned in the "Loser Leaves Town" stipulation, forcing him to leave IWC forever. How do you feel about one of your close friends having to leave the company?
Every war has casualties and, unfortunately, Troy was one. Troy will always remain one of my best friends. He was there for me every step of the way during my injury. I love him like a brother. We gave Troy his start in wrestling in Sexual Harassment and it's heartbreaking for us and the fans to see him go.
As of now, we're under a week away from your return to the ring. Are you 100% currently or is this too much too soon? Was your decision to return so soon in any way influenced by Lords' departure?
Well I guess we will find out on August 23. I feel I'm ready. This has nothing to do with Troy's departure. I set a goal of six months (August 23 to the very day) for a return. I wasn't going to listen to doctors. I was coming back in six months and I'm more than ready to do what I do best and what I love again!
Will we see the Sexual Harassment of old, or do you feel ring rust could be a factor?
I dont think you will see the Sexual Harassment of old.You will see a new and improved Sexual Harassment. I'm in the best shape I've ever been in and you can bet your ass that JT and I will dominate the tag titles and indy tag wrestling once again.
About the time of your injury is when we first saw The Mysterious X burst on to the scene. One of his first acts in IWC was to perpetrate a sneak attack on you and JT. The abuse continued as recently as our last show at the Big Butler Fair when he sent The Ballard Brothers to the ring to cost JT and Lords the match and the championships. What are your thoughts on X and do you have any speculation as to why he has involved himself in your business so much?
Everyone has their suspicions. Back in the day, Sexual Harassment made a lot of enemies and it could be any one of those people. I just think a real man would have just came after us and asked for a match, face to face... no mask! I dont care if X is "willing" to unmask. I'm gonna do it for him!
Speculation is running rampant about the possibility of X unmasking. If he unmasks, do you think that will be a psychological advantage for himself and Sterling James Keenan?
Guess that
really all depends on who X is, doesn't it?
You've never been in the ring with the new Sterling, or with X. How do you assess your chances of victory?
We were never in the ring with Christian York and Joey Matthews, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, M-Dogg and Josh, etc., and look what happened. We always are 100% sure of victory. Why go out there with doubts? One of them will get the Strawberry Surprise and the surprise won't be creme filling!
As always, it's been a pleasure. Good luck on Saturday.
Thank you, and to all my fans who gave me the support to come back. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here and I invite you all to CCAC South Campus in West Mifflin on August 23 for the biggest Xtasy RETURN Bash EVER!