In Profile: SLTD Wrestling meets Lionheart

It’s time for another exclusive here at sltdwrestling.co.uk., where I’m bringing you an interview with one of the top wrestlers in the country. This is probably the biggest interview I’ve done for the site so far, and I was really pleased to be able to sit down and talk with PWE’s Lionheart! With the recent news about TNA running a British Boot Camp, a few people were surprised that Lionheart wasn’t selected, especially because he’s worked TNA & WWE shows before.

His name’s been all over the internet over the last few weeks, so there’s no better time to have sat down and discussed his career, his promotion (PWE) and what his goals are moving forward! I caught up with Lionheart just before the PWE show last weekend which featured, among others, SLTD favourite Nikki Storm as well as current TNA Superstars Mickie James and Magnus at Ayr Town Hall.

What made you want to be a wrestler?

It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, at least in my teenage years anyway. I always watched it, never grew out of it, and knew it was what I wanted to do. So I went to wrestling school, and the rest is history.

How would you describe your wrestling style?

Probably fairly mixed. I’m classed as a heavyweight but I do some high flying stuff as well. I’ve always considered myself to have more of a wwe “entertainment” style than “wrestling” style.

What are your memories of your first match?

I had a ridiculous name for a start! I was wearing tracksuit bottoms and a pair of trainers. I didn’t know any better at the time. Looking back it’s actually quite embarrassing considering some of the talent that was on the show lol. It was a great experience though and really cemented my decision to be a wrestler.

What would you say has been your best/worst gimmick?

I don’t have a “gimmick” as such. I’ve always been Lionheart, and until one of the big companies tells me otherwise, I’ll stay Lionheart.

Where are we most likely to see you wrestling?

Scotland mainly. I work in England fairly regularly and around Europe a handful of times a year as well. But Scotland is where I’m primarily based. There are a few companies in England I appear for regularly too

What’s the one thing that frustrates you about the wrestling world right now?

Bitter people

There are lots of good, strong wrestling companies in the UK at the moment. What do you put that success down to?

It’s a team effort. A lot of factors from the guys and girls on the show, the promoters who are willing to put the time, effort and money into doing it properly, and of course the fans who continue to pay their hard earned money to support it. It’s a great thing when it all come together.

You’ve had lots of matches all over the world. Which one means the most to you and why?

The TNA and WWE matches were career highlights for me purely for the experience and learning it gave me. It gave me even more drive to succeed as well.

Is there any wrestler in Britain that you haven’t faced yet that you’d love to work a match with?

Mark Haskins always springs to mind on this one. I’m a big fan of his work and abilities.

Of all the matches you’ve had so far in your career, have you got a favourite opponent and why?

My favourite opponent is Kris Travis, closely followed by Noam Dar, El Ligero and Joey Hayes. Other real favourites are Andy Wild, BT Gunn, CJ Banks, and Martin Kirby. Too many to mention to be honest.

What motivated you to start your own promotion and what are your aims for Pro Wrestling Elite going forward?

I had wanted to run my own shows for a while and had always been put off by the bullshit involved with it. One guy taking the huff because I don’t book him and he books me. I really couldn’t be bothered with all that. But I got to a level where I didn’t need to worry about it because my spot (certainly in Scottish wrestling) was very secure. I had always been confident that I could put on a great show and I really wanted to create some great opportunities for some talented and hard working people. I knew a year ago I was going to bring AJ Styles over here for Noam Dar, because that was a goal of his and I could see how hard he worked and wanted this. I wanted to create a unique show that catered to families and wrestling fans and brought some unseen talent to Scotland. I know exactly where I’m taking elite in the next couple of years and I’m going to give some big opportunities to some deserving individuals.

There was a documentary on Channel 4 the other week about the Knight family and British wrestling. How much did you relate with their story in terms of running your own promotion?

The story to me didn’t relate in any way with regard to running my own shows and to be honest, I didn’t watch it for that. I did enjoy how it was put together and the story came across well.

The latest show PWE show was in Ayr a couple of weeks ago, where one of the matches saw Noam Dar take on former TNA World Champion AJ Styles. Were you surprised at the outstanding response to the show, given that the company is still relatively young?

Honestly? No. I wouldn’t have paid thousands of pounds to do it if I thought it would be anything less than a great success. I don’t want to sound funny, but if a mainstream performer the calibre of AJ Styles didn’t create a buzz, nothing would.

As well as being a huge wrestling star in the UK and Europe, you’ve worked on TNA & WWE tours in the UK. What kind of reception have you got backstage after those matches?

Both were received positively. The TNA was a bit different as it had been built at quite a strong media level in the run up to it. Everyone was exceptionally polite and positive before and after and I enjoyed it. I was made to feel relaxed and part of the team and that was great. The WWE experience was different. It was very structured, very routinely laid out, everyone knew exactly what they were doing, where and when. Again everyone was a polite who you spoke to and I did receive some positive comments after.

How would you describe the differences (if any) between the atmosphere backstage at a British show compared to a WWE/TNA event?

It’s hard to make that comparison because on British shows you’re known, you’re very relaxed, you have a laugh and a joke, you’re comfortable etc. TNA was a watered down version because I still knew a few people so I was fairly comfortable. The WWE experience although I knew a few other tryout guys was, I guess intimidating could be the word. In one hand I felt totally at home and believed this is where I would be destined to end up. On the other hand you’re shitting yourself in case you look at someone the wrong way.

If we were to do another interview in a few years time, what do you want to have achieved both personally and in terms of your wrestling promotion?

I want to be in either WWE or TNA no question. If that doesn’t become a reality, I’d like to be more full time with Pro Wrestling Elite.

Let’s say that Vince McMahon called you up and said “Lionheart, I’ll give you a match against any wrestler from the recent past or present at Wrestlemania?”, who would you choose and why?

If I said anyone other than The Rock, no one would believe it anyway. Simply put, in everything we ever do, we all have heroes, he is mine

How important have Twitter, YouTube and Facebook been to you in terms of growing your fanbase?

It’s kind of how the world has gone in general to be honest. Facebook not so much I guess for me but Twitter is good. I have just under 2000 followers. Silly things like tweeting about a new Lionheart DVD and within an hour I have 10 orders. It’s great thing social networking and it’s only going to grow. The use of it from WWE/TNA is evidence of that.

When’s the next PWE show and where can our readers/fans find out information about it?

Fans can check out our Facebook page for info: http://www.facebook.com/ProWrestlingElite

And finally, have you got a message for all your fans?

Just a huge thank you! It’s been memorable to say the least and we still have a long way to go to achieving the dream. But for all those supporting me, I won’t give up. Thank you.

Like I mentioned earlier, the latest PWE shows were last weekend and they’ve received rave reviews from everyone who’s watched and the word’s spreading like wildfire about just how good the promotion is. If you’ve not had the chance to catch a PWE show yet, check out their Facebook page here or follow them on Twitter @ProWrestleElite for updates on when their latest show is. While you’re at it, give Lionheart a follow on Twitter too @LionheartUK!

From everyone involved with the site, I just want to thank Lionheart for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions and we really appreciate the time he took to talk to us.