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Peter Peter's WWE Column

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Peter interviews Mason Raige - 16th March 2005

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Peter interviews Mason Raige.
 
Mason Raige
I recently had chance to catch up with NYWC and NWA Cyberspace star Mason Raige for this interview, and am going on record as predicting big things in the wrestling business for him. Here's what was said...

PETER) : Hi, and thanks for making time for this interview. What was growing up like for you?
 
MASON) : My childhood was pretty average I would say. Looking back, it is amazing how much of an impact wrestling had on my childhood. Having loved this sport since the age of twelve, I was hooked on it instantly. I played a lot of sports and grew up in a great neighbourhood where we played ball all the time. However, WWF television was a priority in my life. Wrestlers were my heroes, and I tried to emulate them in any situation. I must've seemed like a really crazy kid!
 
PETER) : Well, if you were crazy then so was I; because that's exactly how I was at the age of twelve too! So, when did you very first view wrestling?
 
MASON) : Wrestling and I go way back to the days when there were good guys and bad guys, and Hulk Hogan ruled the world. As a kid my life revolved around wrestling. Saturday morning was 'Superstars of Wrestling', and midnight was 'Wrestling Challenge' on channel 9. I used to set an alarm clock to wake up and watch it. 'Tuesday Night Titans' was a must, and 'All American Wrestling' on USA Network was the Sunday fix. The once a month shows at MSG was a three-hour treat as well. I was hooked on The Hulkster, and it just grew into a full-fledged passion for wrestling. I collected everything WWF, except I still wish I had my black and white Paul Orndorff sweatshirt my parents bought me from McCrory's. It had 'Mr' down one sleeve, and '#1derful' down the other. How cool would that be to have now? Although it wouldn't come close to fitting, I'd still try to squeeze into it once in a while.
 
PETER) : I agree, that would be very cool still today! So, I would guess that you knew you wanted to be a wrestler one day?
 
MASON) : Actually, I never even thought of being a wrestler as a kid; but I was backyard wrestling way before backyard wrestling was even a term people used. As a twelve-year-old kid, my friends and I would have Wrestlemanias on the lawn. Down the road, I actually considered going to ECW's House of hardcore when they used to advertise it on MSG Network;
but I didn't have the guts to do it at the time. Man, I can't help but wonder what could've happened. But I decided to find a wrestling school after watching 'Tough Enough'. I really didn't know that there were schools out there until that show. Once I picked a school (after about six to eight months of research and deliberation), the rest is history. The first time I stepped into a ring was at Mikey Whipwreck's old QWA school, and, even though I didn't end up training there; the first time my two feet touched the ring, I knew I was meant for this. It's an indescribable feeling, but it was about as empowering as experience that I've ever had.
 
PETER) : Where did you go from here?
MASON) : NYWC, The New York Wrestling Connection; are who broke me into the business. I started training there in 2003 and debuted a few months later in a limited role, just doing run-ins and demolishing guys left and right. Man, that was fun! From there, I progressed quickly and earned a spot among a very talented roster. I still train regularly at their school in Deer Park and am currently one half of the NYWC Tag Team Champions, along with Dickie Rodz.
 
PETER) : Who trained you to wrestle?
 
MASON) : Training was really a team effort at the garage in Hicksville, but we credit John Curse and Mike Mayhem as being the head trainers there. Luckily for me, I was able to learn from some quality wrestlers about many facets of the business. Like any hard worker, I'm still learning and will always be learning. Mikey Whipwreck is now the trainer at NYWC's new school in Deer Park, and Mikey is about as knowledgeable in this business as anyone can be. I've learned a lot in a relatively short time, courtesy of the NYWC, and I am very grateful to them. The real beauty of the NYWC Training Center is you never really know who's going to walk through the door to train. Every class is a learning experience for me; I always take something away and try to apply it.
 
PETER) : Ever since he first broke in with ECW, I must admit to having been a big admirer of Mikey Whipwreck. What were your first matches like?
 
MASON) : Well, I started off about as nervous as I've ever been; and that shows when I watch tapes. I was still developing my character and my wrestling, but I'm proud of those matches. We all need to start somewhere, and looking back is always a humble reminder of that.
 
PETER) : This is very true. How would you describe yourself as a wrestler?
 
MASON) : Mason Raige is an intense and aggressive individual, and that always shines through first and foremost. I always look to be original and give the fans something to remember. I am dedicated to the sport of wrestling, and I am ambitious and focused. Mason Raige is a powerhouse, and whether the fans love him or hate him, his goal it to destroy his opponent. Remember…you can't cage the Raige, so I don't even try!
 
PETER) : What has been your favourite match or show that you've been involved in?
 
MASON) : It's always difficult to isolate a favourite, but last week's battle against A.M.I.L was a strong and memorable match. The crowd was very hot, and we (both All Money and Rodz and Raige) stood out in what was a very outstanding show. Wrestling on both 'Psycho Circus' cards was exciting because the crowds are electric. I've wrestled on shows with Mick Foley, Tommy Dreamer, Jeff Jarrett, DDP, and Al Snow, and those were all very exciting as well.
 
PETER) : Who are your friends in the business?
 
MASON) : Luckily, I have met a lot of quality guys and ladies in the business; so I don't want to list some due to perhaps leaving someone out. My friends know who they are!
PETER) : What has been your lowest point in wrestling so far?
 
MASON) : Thankfully, I haven't had any real low points. I try to avoid a lot of the nonsense that comes along with professional wrestling, but I have seen a lot of double talking and the 'smile-to-your-face and stab-you- in-the- back' mentality of some people. I guess that's a part of life. But, for the most part; all of my experiences have been either really positive or a way to learn and progress.
 
PETER) : Don't get me started on wrestling politics, it drives me mad! I think your approach is a good one though. What do you like to do in your spare time?
 
MASON) : I keep myself very busy. I love to exercise, lift weights, read, write, and travel. My website has been keeping me very busy as of late. Between work, wrestling, and family, I don't have all that much spare time; so I just try to relax and have fun.
 
PETER) : What five words do you feel describe you best?
 
MASON) : That's a tough question…determined, dedicated, powerful, memorable, and intelligent.
 
PETER) : What would you say are your main plans for the future?
 
MASON) : I plan to keep working hard and progressing. I want to go very far in the wrestling business, and hope to get the combination of hard work and luck to become very successful. I really have high hopes for myself in wrestling, so the future is always on my mind.
 
PETER) : What are your feelings on WWE and TNA, and the indys?
 
MASON) : The indys, to me, are the blood and guts of wrestling. There are a lot of talented guys out there who are hungry to make it in the business. There are also some guys who have no business even stepping foot in a wrestling ring, so the talent spectrum is extremely wide; as is the professionalism of promotions. The indy's offer fans a close-up look at our sport, which is such a benefit for them. On the other hand, it is the fans who give us, the wrestlers, the opportunity to showcase our abilities; so the relationship between fans and workers is actually pretty intimate.
 
Unfortunately, I don't get the opportunity to watch much TNA due to cable availability, but I have worked with a lot of TNA guys at NWA Cyberspace; and they are talented and hungry as well. I think that by hiring a lot of ex-WWE guys, it makes them look second-rate, almost like a lesser promotion. I would like to see them stay consistent in creating and pushing their own stars. Do we really need to see Kevin Nash and Billy Gunn at this point in their careers, when there are a lot of young guys ready to take the ball and run with it? I'm not saying that guys like Nash and Gunn can't still go, but when they come in with such an elevated status in TNA; it overshadows the hardworking talent who are making names for themselves.
 
The WWE is and will forever be the pinnacle of wrestling (or Sports Entertainment if you prefer) because they have a stranglehold on the market. Monopolies are not good for any business as far as consumers are concerned, but the WWE still has flashes of brilliance; although the product as a whole is not at the level it should be. To me, Smackdown is so far behind Raw that it is hurting the business, and it seems hard to the WWE to introduce new talent. That seems to hurt their product as well. I still watch the WWE, but now it's almost because I feel obligated to. I'm hoping the business picks up a lot in the near future.
 
PETER) : Who do you like to watch or learn from?
 
MASON) : As corny as this sounds, I watch and learn from everyone. However, some of my wrestling heroes are Hulk Hogan, Superfly Snuka, Rick Rude, Randy Savage, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Ricky Steamboat, and Ric Flair. Those guys had it all. As far as charisma and promos, I look towards Mick Foley, Jesse Ventura, Roddy Piper, and The Rock. As far as athleticism and intensity, I watch Kurt Angle, Eddie Guerrero, and Chris Benoit. As far as brute force and presence, Batista, although new and relatively inexperienced, sets the standard; but I also like watching Davey Boy Smith. Being big, I have to focus on power guys; but I am also drawn to their style as a fan as well. My list could literally go on for pages and pages.
 
PETER) : To finish up, is there anything you'd like to promote; or anyone you'd like to thank?
 
MASON) : Check out my official site at www.masonraige.com, and be sure to check out the merchandise section for some very cool 'RaigeWear'. My webmistress is extremely talented, and the site is really great. Also, visit www.nywcwrestling.com and www.nwacyberspace.com to check out some top-notch independent wrestling. As far as thanks, I have a list a mile long; but I'll just thank anyone who has supported me or is helping me on my journey. I'm lucky to have such a strong support system of friends and family, and I plan to deliver success to them all.
 
PETER) : And I'm very sure you will. Thanks again for the interview, and all the best for the future.
 
Want to send Peter a message ? Email [email protected]
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