Interview with an Anarchist

One of the most colorful performers on the IYFW roster with the most dedicated following, he is the most outspoken wrestler on the independent circuit. The one and only Ian Daniels takes a moment to share a glimpse within his one of a kind mind.

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WF: What made you pursue a career in professional wrestling? Was it one particular performer or a few? What, or who, inspired you?

IAN DANIELS: A combination of insanity and desire for fame. In all honesty, I can't say what or when I made the decision. I've been a fan since my first step father introduced it to me when I was 5. My grandma would record them onto VHS for me, WCW and WWF. I was just a little past the NWA glory days sadly, I was a little Warrior sadly growing up, not a Hulkamaniac I don't know that I was ever inspired per say by one person, act, or tag team. I was a fan of it as a whole, and always thought that'd be awesome to do. So, I went to wrestling school and here I am.

WF: Ok, so you made the decision to jump in to the biz... Who did you turn to for training?

IAN DANIELS: I originally went to a local school in NY, but I just didn't feel it was for me. The people there that did the training just didn't seem to get it, plus I had always heard "learn from someone who had actually wrestled". In 2005, I applied to be an intern for Highspots.com. Out of 1000 applicants I was selected along with two others. I got a free apartment, paid, and got to go to wrestling school free. My trainers were Mr. No 1 George South, a charter member of the jobber hall of fame and a great talent. Really implored us to learn old school wrestling. Flying body press was about the craziest thing he taught us. Ethan Cage who was a worker down there and also works at Highspots, and Tornado Tony Kozina. Yes, the same guy who trained Davey Richards trained me. I just have the better body of the two of us.

WF: Mind sharing your craziest story from your training days? I imagine you have a few...

IAN DANIELS: I don't mind, but I don't really have one to be honest. Monday was with Tony. Tuesday George. Wednesday Ethan. Tony did a lot more athletic stuff. Stuff he picked up from his NOAH dojo tryouts. George was more old school, drills, and putting things together. Tackle, drop down, get it again, leapfrog, hip toss, arm drag, dropkick. Ethan did more just regular stuff but also did takedowns for shoots as well.

WF: Do you recall your first match? What promotion were you working for and who was your opponent?

IAN DANIELS: It was for George South's Exodus Wrestling Alliance. I worked two matches in one day. I lied when I got down to North Carolina and told them I'd done some training. Well, 7 training sessions is "some" right? I teamed with Ethan Cage to face Jason Jones (who has toured with Pro Wrestling NOAH and has done WWE dark matches) and "Asian Sensation" Mike Lee. I remember my anarchy symbol patch fell off my elbow pad and some little kid swiped it, but it was a church show so I couldn't punch him. Grr. Then we traveled to another show and I teamed with Ethan to face George and Jimmy Jact Funk Jr. George clotheslined me in the face as a welcome to the business. I never looked back.

WF: I know that your pursuit of this career has taken you all over the country... Share a great road story with my readers.

IAN DANIELS: And outside the country as well. I think probably the worst road story was my first and only trip to Maine. My buddy wrestled there and said, I'll get you on. 6 1/2 hours on a school night ( I was a senior in college). Get there. They tell me I'm not on the show. It's been snowing. It's freezing. No heat in the building, and not just the raucous crowd of 25. And to top it off, there's no guardrails on the highways in Maine. Horrible snow, ten foot vertical drops, and no guardrails. What the hell? Anyway's, my buddy Sam was working the show and he gets me on. The guy I have to wrestle is the shits. He calls a jackhammer for the finish. I ask my two other buddies and they tell me he's never done that before. Rad. 4 minute match. Drops me on my head. Concussion. 6 1/2 drive home with my ex. Thankfully she drove. Get back. Throw up in parking lot. Sleep three hours. Class at 9.

WF: Ouch. I first learned of you through your exploits in IYFW, obviously... How did they find you, or vice versa, and what's your experience been like with this promotion?

IAN DANIELS: I've known the owners from working other places. They started a promotion and wanted me on their first show. I've been there ever since. It's great. 30 minute drive to a show, and home by ten. Paid well and respected. No complaints. Love it.

WF: Care to share any memories of your time with the Nubian Lynch Mob? How did you come to be an unlikely part of that team?

IAN DANIELS: Well, I don't even know really. It was originally just De Sade and Shaft. I just showed up one day and we were teaming together. I think it's because the three of us, De Sade and Shaft, used to ravel together, and we're really good friends outside the ring. They'd both show up at my house since I live the furthest north, and we'd travel to shows together. Much the same way the Black T-Shirt Squad formed. Obviously, since I'm the blackest of the three of us, it was a natural progression. And Longoria over Mendes all day. They'll get that.

WF: Heh. Who would you say has been your favorite opponent to stand across the ring from, and why?

IAN DANIELS: Anybody who's willing to work hard for a match would be the cowardly answer, so I'm not doing that. To be honest, I hate most of my matches. I usually love them that night and then later wish I had never wrestled. But, if you purchase my DVD from www.iyfwrestling.com (along with a t shirt) you'll see who my favorite opponents are. Ok, I'll tell you. For comedy, my matches with IB Green and Loca Vida were two of my favorites. For wrestling, Scotty Vegas, Maxx Burton, and Mikey Mudd.

WF: I know you to be a straight shooter and never afraid to call it like it is... And seeing as how I asked who your favorite opponent might be, I have to ask: Least favorite and why?

IAN DANIELS: Chris Envy. Nothing else needs to be said. Thanks Mark!

WF: Well... Since we're shooting... How about some word association?

Maxx Burton

Good friend, dangerous foe, gives good advice, gets it.

Vigo

Big fella. Gonna be a daddy soon. Makes me laugh. Baked me a birthday cake once.

Scott Scarsdale

The richest hedgehog in the business. But, gives me orange soda, so I can't hate. Plus, lets me edit my stuff.

Fronz Roddy

Who?

I kid. Despite his non-acknowledgement of me, he is a talented all natural athlete. Really, he's very "well".

Roman Dominguez

The pillar. He thinks it's fun to do bad things.

Superbeast

Sigh. I had a great match with Superbeast once. Then, not so much. Barks a lot. Makes me laugh. Think we could have a better one.

WAR

Sweet entrance gear, bro.

Adam Badger

Goes to the gym and tans a lot. His girlfriend's cute.

The Savage Wolves

Jackoffs. But they beat up Lil Adam, and that was funny.

Guillaume de Sade

My buddy from way back. Don't fuck with the NLM. Sadly, did what he had to do to win a belt. I'd have done the same, but with more explosions!

Celtic Crew

Wishing they looked as good in green as me.

The Northern Studd

Tries hard, and is super dedicated. Gave me a chance when no one did. A friend from way back.

Justin Foxx

The stiffest worker and most talented guy in the business. ...What?

Bobby Ocean

The less black version of me. So pimp it’s ridiculous. A friend. Period. Works out and in almost as good a shape as me.

Pierre Vachon

A big teddy bear. Who will rip your fucking arms off.

Rocco Perelli

Probably my favorite opponent right now. So easy to hate and so fun to wrestle against. Looks like a deranged penguin.

Shiloh Robinson

Fun to watch. Show me some emotion.

Good Lord Willing

Backstabber. Chicanerous con artist. Snappy dresser. Gentleman. Scholar.

WF: Somehow I knew that wouldn't disappoint. Anything else you'd like to get off your chest now that you have the readers full attention?

IAN DANIELS: No not really. Just kidding. For the four of you that read Paul's column and are sttill awake, go to iyfwrestling.com and buy my damn t shirts and DVDs. Come support us and scream your heads off. Well, come support me at least. Anyone else, whatever. But seriously, come to the shows, have a good day, yell, boo, cheer, scream your heads off and it's awesome. The louder you yell, the harder we will work for you. Ehh, not really. You all suck anyways, and I hate you. Heel turn bitches! Tragedy! Peace! sXe XXX

WF: Thanks for giving me the opportunity to speak with you! I'm sure we've only scratched the surface and, who knows, maybe we will do this again soon! Thanks again.