INTERNATIONAL WRESTLING CARTEL INTERROGATION NIGEL McGUINNESS Conducted by Joe Dombrowski IWC Color Commentator / Media Correspondent One of the new arrivals on the IWC scene toward the end of 2004 was the latest export from Great Britain Nigel McGuiness. Perhaps best remembered for balancing himself, upside-down, on the top turnbuckle for over a full minute before going on to defeat Claudio Castagnoli, Nigel has also left his mark all over the United States, including in TNA and ROH.   Q: What made you first decide to become a professional wrestler? A: A number of things: Always a big fan, had the dream after Roddy Piper cut a promo on Wrestling Challenge about following your dream, then I nearly died when i was eighteen and decided life is short so follow your dreams now. Q: Who were some of your heroes and idols growing up? And who are some of yours today? A: Michael J. Fox, Bret Hart, Ultimate Warrior, Sunny, Steven Baldwin, Spiderman. Now: Mick Foley, Alan Lewis, Robbie Brookside, Ricky Steamboat, Bret Hart, Christina Aguilera, Steve (William) Regal. Q: Tell us about your training and your early days in the wrestling business? A: Trained with Les Thatcher at the HWA (Heartland Wrestling Association, Cincinnatti, OH). Very hard, lots of cardio and drills, but instilled a real sense of respect, love and professionalism for the business. Long road trips for 25 bucks, s***ty rings, and a dream of some day making it. Q: What has it been like being an Englishman in professional wrestling? Has there been any difference as to how you are perceived? A: Sometimes people think you're tougher than you are since a lot of the last generaion were good shooters e.g. Dave Taylor, Fit Finlay, Bert Assirati. Sometimes you seem to get over more with the workers than the casual fan. Q: What would you consider your first major break-out moment? A: Wrestling Misawa and Ogawa for Pro Wrestling Iron. Q: You've had the chance to tour all over the world for some very prestigious organizations. What do you consider the highlights in terms of locations you've visited and promotions you've worked for? A: Always loved wrestling for All Star in England. You get to work every night and feel like a real wrestler. Pro Wrestling Iron are a very good group, but I still am proud to be part of the HWA. Q: For those fans that aren't very familiar with you: describe your in-ring style and some of your signature moves. A: It's largely British, i.e. holds, not strikes, but brought up to date with some bigger bumps. Signature moves: Guvnor's Crumpet - keylock snap pedigree; Tower of London - Ace Cutter with ropes for leverage; Artful Dodger - quick series of leaps and crawls ending up with a pinning combination. Q: You made your IWC debut this past November against another newcomer Claudio Castagnoli. Your thoughts looking back on that night? A: Very happy to wrestle him. Great potential, knows the European style well. Glad i won. Q: Your initial impressions on the IWC locker room? A: Very nice bunch of lads, some good talents too. Q: Your initial impression on the IWC fans? A: Very respecful. Popped for some of my s*** which made me very happy. As glad as I was when I won. Q: What should people expect when they see the name Nigel McGuinness on the card? A: Something different, a cheeky smile, and a shared love of the business. Q: What are your future goals in IWC and abroad? A: Get some important victories against the top guys. Elsewhere I'd love to go to Japan and ultimately I want to make a good living at this which means WWE. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Send feedback to iwcmc_dombrowski@yahoo.com { RETURN TO INTERVIEW PAGE - RETURN TO THE MAIN PAGE - }