JOEY MATTHEWS INTERVIEW

Featured Article: Joey Matthews

This interview is property of 4wrestling and should be considered that way. If reused, please give proper credit.

Just last week, Joey Matthews debuted with Extreme Championship Wrestling. I had a chance to interview him just days before his debut show at the Arena. While we do not discuss that topic, we do discuss many things about his life. Just to note, Matthews is currently Whoo’s 8^th Ranked Indy wrestler and climbing fast. Here is the latest 10 Questions with Jason Howard.

Ten Questions With Jason Howard

Joey, first I would like to thank you for taking the time to sit down with us here at 4wrestling.com.

Question 1: Joey how, and when did you get into the wrestling business.

Joey’s Response: I started June 1996 at age 16 in a training center run by Q-Ball Carmichael and Jimmy Cicero in Virginia.

Question 2: Being a Carolina Boy, what kind of an affect does seeing other Carolina guys like the Hardy Boyz, Shane Helms/Shannon Moore, and others make it to the big time have on you. Does it give you that extra inspiration?

Joey’s Response: I really couldn't be happier for all of them. Matt and Jeff, Joey Abs, Shane and Shannon, the Dupps, Lita- all of us put in a lot of hard time together, there's a real strong bond there. So, naturally, I really get off on seeing them do well because I know what they went through to get there.

Question 3: Your getting ready to turn 21 years of age in just a week or, so Happy Birthday. However, the question is what would you give advice to young hopefuls out there who want to become a wrestler?

Joey’s Response: Thank you. For the record, I'll be 21 on July 18. My advice would be to just make sure you love it and you know you want to do it. The business will put you on your ass physically, mentally and emotionally, so just be aware of that going in. Make sure you can devote yourself 100%. Otherwise, it's a waste of everyone's time.

Question 4: Last year, you and your good friend Christian York had a stay with WCW. What went wrong in that relationship?

Joey’s Response: In a nutshell, we were hired by Bischoff in July of 99. We were told we could stay home until further notice. Notice came in mid- October in the form of a Fed Ex from JJ Dillon and a phone call from Paul Orndorff to inform us of our releases. Basically when Bischoff was removed from office, they were cutting the budget and we were casualties along w/ numerous others. It was a great experience and I have only good words about WCW.

Question 5: Talking about Christian York, you and him put on the feud of the year in 1998, and the last two years have had the top tag team on the Indy scene currently being the MCW tag team champions. What has he meant to your career and to your life?

Joey’s Response: Christian York, along w/ being my cousin, and my tag team partner, is my best friend. I couldn’t ask for a better partner or a better friend.

Question 6: Currently, who are your favorite wrestlers to watch on TV and in the Indy scene.

Joey’s Response: Like I said before, anytime guys I consider close friends are on, I'm glued. Other than that, I think Triple H is the complete performer. Top to bottom, I enjoy and study everything he does.

Question 7: Talking about TV, what is your favorite TV show to watch?

Joey’s Response: For the most part, I really only watch wrestling.

Question 8: Where do you see yourself about five years from now?

Joey’s Response: 5 years from now is such a hard thing for me to envision. I can only hope to continue to grow and learn as a person and a worker, and be great at both.

Question 9: You put on a match of the year with Shane Shamrock, but do you think you can put one on in his honor July 19^th.

Joey’s Response: The 2000 Shane Shamrock Memorial Cup ~~WILL~~ be match of the year. I personally will do everything and anything it takes to make sure I'm right. We owe it to him.

Question 10: Any last comments/remarks for your fans?

Joey’s Response: Comments for fans- I feel so blessed every time I can go out and perform in front of you. Whether you say my name or say my name followed by "sucks", I hope I give all of you your money's worth every time. Thank all of you either way. It sounds cliché, but, w/o you there would be no me. Thanks for giving me a chance to be more than I ever could imagine.

Jason’s Comment: Thanks Joey, its been real, its been fun, it just has not been real fun. No, I’m just joking, it was real fun.

Joey’s Comment: Thanks Jason, it was my pleasure. ~~Joey Matthews~~

ALL QUESTIONS WERE ASKED BY JASON HOWARD OF 4WRESTLING.COM

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