Amongst the many new names that have appeared on the independent pro wrestling scene in the past few months, the name of Chris Hero is often being talked about by fans. A cornerstone of IWA Mid-South, he's also known for being a former CZW Iron Man Champion, and trained wrestlers such as Swiss Money Holding. Besides, he recently wrestled in France for ICWA. Kid Kavern speaks with the self-proclaimed "Savior Of CZW".
This interview was conducted in January 2005.
Kid Kavern: First, on behalf of Catchland and its readers, I thank you for accepting this interview. Here are our questions: First, did you like the UWF Gran Estrella's DVD?
Chris Hero: I am a big fan of Gran Hamada and I've always wanted to see what his promotion was like. I haven't finished the entire tape but I thoroughly enjoyed what I saw and Mike Quackenbush borrowed it and loves it.
Kid Kavern: For those who don't know you in France, can you introduce yourself?
Chris Hero: I am Chris Hero, American Independent wrestler, and I have spent the last 6 1/2 years of my life traveling the world and wrestling in front of crowds of all ages and size. I have wrestled in 9 different countries, almost half of the United States and I have a very unique style. I use my size, strength and unusual agility to break opponents down and wear them out. I have become a proficient mat technician and I pride myself in being a student of the game. Having over 300 matches in the last 2 years, I don't plan on slowing down anytime soon. When I'm not on the road traveling from show to show, I'm at the CHIKARA Wrestle Factory training the next generation of independent wrestlers alongside fellow indy journeyman, Mike Quackenbush.
Kid Kavern: One month ago, you wrestled for the first time in France for the ICWA. What are you thoughts on this company and on the French audience?
Chris Hero: I enjoyed the show very much so. The fans were very receptive to me and my style and they really help me fight my hardest and defeat Doug Williams, who is a very tough foe. I look forward to returning to France in the future and performing for all of my new French fans.
Kid Kavern: You are the most booked American wrestler in Europe. Do you know why Europe loves you so much? And what are the differences between wrestling in America and wrestling in Europe?
Chris Hero: I've been very fortunate to endure so much success throughout Europe. Since my second trip I think I've created a special relationship with my European fans and I've really been able to connect with them. I think they see how much effort I put into my work and they more I feel the appreciation, the harder I push myself. I haven't found a huge difference between the different countries but whenever I wrestle on a smaller show, you're immediately closer with the fans and it realy gives off a special feel.
Kid Kavern: What is the greatest moment of your career?
Chris Hero: It is really a toss up between wrestling for over 93 minutes in a singles match and wrestling in Japan. I've been very lucky and whenever I sit down and think about what I've been able to accomplish, it makes me gracious and thankful.
Kid Kavern: We had a lot of questions concerning your training. You seem to mix various influences like European style or Lucha Libre. Who trained you, and how long did it takes you to master your moves combinations?
Chris Hero: I've trained with the following: Les Thatcher, Dory Funk, Jr., Ian Rotten, Tracy Smothers, Dave Taylor, Fit Finlay, Steve Regal, Mike Quackenbush, Skayde, Joe Legend. I like examining everything as a whole and deciding what I like and how I would like top use it. I have taken a little of everything from my various trainers and I blend it all together to form my style. It hasn't been easy but the more I work, the more I accomplish. I like every style of wrestling and I hope, one day, to be able to do and know everything there is about the wrestling business.
Kid Kavern: You have wrestled many times for NWA-TNA in their Xplosion show. Did you like working for them, and why do you think they never offered you a spot on their main roster? And if they offer you an exclusive contract (you can't wrestle elsewhere), would you pick it?
Chris Hero: I enjoyed all the time I spent at the TNA shows whether I wrestled or not. There were so many veterans there and I think I learned a lot by going to the shows. NWA TNA is on pay per view and they want their wrestlers to look like superstars. I have a unique look but I don't have the physical presense that they want to put on television. If they offered me a contract I would have to weigh every option before I made a decision. It's easy to say no...I wouldn't work for them exclusively, but it's not that simple of a question.
Kid Kavern: You wrestle and you are also trainer for a promotion called Chikara. Chikara begins to have a huge following in the US, but is almost unknown in France. Can you tell us more about it?
Chris Hero: CHIKARA is the name of the promotion/wrestling started by Lightning Mike Quackenbush and Reckless Youth in 2002. They have a very atypical feel to their shows and are an alternative to the average indy show. They have a strong Lucha Libre influence with a mix of puroresu and European wrestling with some American old school flavor. A great deal of the characters wear masks and are products of the CHIKARA Wrestle Factory. Check out the site at http://www.ChikaraPro.com/
Kid Kavern: As said earlier, you are also a trainer, and you trained some European wrestlers like the Swiss Money Holding, Murat Bosporus and Emil Sitoci. Are you proud of them, and which one you think has the brighter future?
Chris Hero:Double C, Ares, Roudin and Emil are all students of mine that have trained with me both in Europe and the US. I spent some time training Murat but not as much time as I have spent with the other 4. It's hard to say who has the brightest future because they are all different wrestlers with different styles. I am proud of all of my students.
Kid Kavern: You've wrestled most of the stars of the Independants: who was your favorite opponent? And who would you wish to wrestle?
Chris Hero: To give an answer here would really be unfair to all of the wonderful opponents I've had throughout the years. I hate to give a crappy answer but it's how I feel.
Kid Kavern: Nathan wants to know why do you wrestle for CZW, which he considers as being a "Garbage Promotion"?
Chris Hero: Nathan, talk to some friends and get some recent CZW. Is it the best promotion around? No. Is it a garbage promotion? No. Is it a young promotion with a little bit of everything? Yes. I've had so much fun at CZW in the last year. Check out some of the late 2004 shows and see if you are entertained.
Kid Kavern: Let's says tomorrow the WWE call you to give you a contract. The same day, the NJPW call you too to offer you a contract. Which one would you pick?
Chris Hero:I think I would be happier in Japan but it's also almost every American wrestler's dream to be employed by the former World Wrestling Federation. I would have to look at both choices and see which I thought would be best for me in the longrun. Questions like this aren't too easy to answer.
Kid Kavern: Where do you see you in one year?
Chris Hero:I hope to be wrestling just as much and have visited more states and countries over the previous 12 months. I hope to be in better shape and look better in the ring. I want to see myself as a more adept trainer and more successful. In 2006 I hope I am still living comfortable, happy, healthy and doing what I love, wrestling!
Kid Kavern: Let's finish with the classical words association:
Chris Hero: I really hate word association so instead I'm going to say something different.
2005 is their year: CHIKARA, Trik Davis, Hallowicked, Claudio Castagnoli, Arik Cannon and Daisuke Sekimoto
Independent Dream opponents (singles matches): Spanky, Chris Daniels, Reckless Youth, Jamie Noble, El Generico, Robbie Brookside, Gran Apache
Little known facts about Chris Hero:
-wrestled Larry Zbyszko
-wrestled Michinoku Pro's Mini Jinsei Shinzaki (Koichiro Arai)
-wrestled in the Ervin J. Nutter Center (home of KOTR 93) and Hara Arena in Dayton, both places where I grew up watching WWF shows as a kid.
-got to ask Kamala where he could get a similar necklace to his. The answer: "Oh, I don't know....K-Mart?"
-is one degree of wrestling separation from Terrible Ted the Wrestling Bear
-lived with Ian Rotten for a few months
yeah, I think that's enough...
Thank you for your time, we hope to see you back soon in France.
Thank you, I hope you enjoyed it and I hope to be back soon.