Interview: Shark Boy, Wrestler: 6th July 2003

Just when you thought it was safe to visit Media Man Australia, on the world wide web, Greg Tingle interviews pro wrestling sensation, Shark Boy.

What's your background?

I'm from 20, 000 Leagues under the Sea originally, but now I spend most of my time wrestling on land all over the world.

How did you get your "break"?

My first big break came when Chris Kanyon discovered me at a wrestling show and hooked me up with a WCW contract.

Who trained you?

I was originally trained by Les Thatcher in Cincinnati and later at the WCW Power Plant in Atlanta under Paul Orndorff and Sgt. Buddy Lee Parker.

How and why did you come up with your character name?

My original name was "El Piranha", which was a character inspired by the Toadies song "I Come from the Water" and the lucha libre influence that was featured on WCW Monday Nitro at the time. However, when I went to work for Ian Rotten's IWA Mid-South, he wasn't too fond of the name so we changed it to "Shark Boy".

What's your real name?

You can just call me Shark Boy for now.

How do your describe your style?

A combination of solid mat wrestling mixed with high-risk aerial tactics and plenty of biting people on the ass.

What's your finisher?

The DSD (Dead Sea Drop), more commonly known as Diamonddust.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Too many to name, but plenty of them are listed on my website: www.SharkBoy.net

What are the most serious injuries you have had?

Knock on wood, no super serious injuries, but I did get a pretty scary concussion once.

What media exposure have you received?

Besides wrestling on pay-per-view and cable TV, I've been featured on MTV, ABC's 20/20, the Discovery Channel, and various other forms of TV and print media.

What's life on the road like?

Every trip is different. Rarely a dull moment.

What are some funny stories from the road or the locker rooms?

The truly funny stories aren't printable in order to protect the not so innocent.

Can you surf? : ) I just had to ask that - I live at Maroubra Beach, and there have been shark sightings over the years!

Never surfed, but I do enjoy swimming and fishing.

What is the largest and smallest crowd you have ever performed to?

Largest would have been between 10-15 thousand at a WWE or WCW show. Smallest was 9 at a bar in Dayton, OH.

Does WWE owner, Vince McMahon like the idea of your teaming up or feuding against The Hurricane?

If he did, I'd probably already have been hired.

How did you get your awesome marketing off the ground?

the shirts, masks etc) I've developed a pretty keen business sense over the years. It's just something I do to supplement my wrestling income and help put my little fish through college someday.

What promotions have you worked for?

WWE, WCW, NWA-TNA, WWA, XPW, and countless independent companies in the US and England.

What parts of the US / the world have you travelled?

All over the US and Europe. I've wrestled in England, Scotland, Ireland, Switzerland, and I'll debut in Finland soon.

Who have been your influences?

When I first started learning the ropes, I watched a lot of Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels tapes. I've been influenced by plenty of wrestlers over the years.

What's your motto?

Think it's safe... Think again! Shark Boy is waiting to strike!

What's you best promo?

- that you cut Any of the recent skits involving myself and New Jack. They've been too much fun.

What's the biggest misconception in pro wrestling?

That it doesn't hurt.

What else should your Australian fans, and indeed fans around the world, know about you?

I couldn't do this without them. I'd just like to say thanks for following the fin! Hope to make my Australian debut soon!

...end.

Editors note: Shark Boy is going somewhere, and it aint under! A sure thing future superstar in pro wrestling.

Links:

www.SharkBoy.net

ABC News: wrestling school article