How did you get into wrestling?
It was always my dream to be a part of the wrestling
business, I always thought it would be in an announcer capacity, so that's why
I was Real Action Wrestling's ring announcer. When I got gipped my pay (the
start of a trend in RAW) I made a deal that instead, I would get trained. They
jumped at the chance of not paying me ever, but I actually made an impression
in training camp with the Sinners, and I got hired. Now I HAD to be paid. LOL
What was training like?
Training was the best experience. I've been to
leadership conferences and such, but nothing helped me grow as a person like
wrestling training. I got the physical part down, but there was
so much growth mentally and
psychologically, it was amazing. I really latched on to the psych part of the
business...but if you want to know about the physicality of the training, I had
broken blood vessels in my chest, torn muscles in my legs, and a constant
headache. It hurt, but I've never felt so good.
What was going through your mind just a few minutes
before your first match?
Funny question. There was definitely some
nervousness, but mostly excitement to get out there. The thought going through
my head was how I could be a better Cpl. Kaos. I had the middle
finger thing down pat, LOL, but it
was weird wrestling under a hood.
How did you come up with “Patron saint of style”?
Well I didn't come up with the Vinny Glyde gimmick
on my own. I thank Duke and Kingman for that, for making me dance for a slice
of pizza. But the "patron saint" was a moniker that Joe E. Legend
gave me the idea for, when he called himself the "patron saint of swift
and blinding violence", I thought well, that may be true, but nobody knows
style like I do! I'm definetely the Patron Saint of Style.
What is your opinion on the state of Maritime
wrestling?
I've grown up in the business very spoiled. I've
been around the best minds and bodies in Canadian wrestling and some legends
from the WWE. Having that in the Maritimes was a fantastic feeling. Now, there
aren't any BIG, wealthy promotions running that offer the true image of the pro
wrestler, a huge gladiator-like creature. But, there is Mainstream, and what a
job they are doing. It's a welcome challenge that they are undertaking to build
this territory back into a hybrid. Devin enjoys being the only promotion, and
he enjoys the task of building
Maritime Wrestling.
What female celebrity could make the ultimate
“Glydette”
You mean the celebrities that HAVEN'T called me
begging to be one? LOL, The ultimate fantasy Glydette (and don't rule it out as
impossible) would be Alyssa Milano. She is everything a Glydette
should be. She is the model for
Style perfection. She's also the hottest woman on the planet.
Which would you want to be, “The World’s Ultimate
Fighter” or “The World’s Ultimate Lover”?
Well, I AM the World's Ultimate Lover, and I'm
working on being the best fighter. Sometimes the two go hand in hand, just ask
my girlfriend.
What was going through your mind during the first
Maritime Cup?
"Man this is professional, man this is good for
Maritime wrestling...man I should damn well be a part of this."
What was it like working with the Honky Tonk Man?
One of the best experiences of my career. Honky did
more to put me over than any opponent I've ever had. He freely and outwardly
gave advice, and shared so many stories and lessons. He has such a positive
outlook and friendly demeanor; anybody would be a sponge around him. I mean it
was impossible not to soak up some improvement for yourself. He's in command of
the business, and command of the psychology.
Can you compare it with working with someone like
Jim Neidhart?
Working with Jim Neidhart was so very valuable
because it came so early in my career. At that point I was a sponge around
ANYBODY. He was excellent in the ring, and he's in great shape. I'm sorry we
didn't get to talk in depth like Honky Tonk and myself did. Although there was
one night in Berwick that left us alone in the locker room for a few moments
over a beer.
Who do you think is the biggest scumbag in wrestling
today?
Anybody who is a backyarder and thinks he's a pro is
a scumbag. But personally, Cinder is the exact representation of scumbag...him
with his dreadlocks, articulate way of speaking, and grungy look. SCUMBAG
What is your opinion on backyard wrestling?
Come on, what kind of question is that? Oooh, I love
it. That's like asking what someone's opinion on evil is. IT SHOULDN'T EXIST.
It is one thing for kids who love wrestling to risk themselves having fun and
pretending. But to have an audience, tour around, and not be trained, yeah, you
may feel big, but your just a BIG pain in the ass of a decent, professional who
relies on this business to make a living. Backyarders kill towns, and they kill
wrestling. Not to mention themselves, more often than not.
Would you rather be a big star in a small promotion
or a lesser known in a big promotion?
I'll admit, being recognized and being somewhat of a
celebrity is a great feeling. But in this business, the further up the ladder I
go as far as exposure and promotion size, and most importantly in pay, the
better. I don't care if they make me look like a soggy loser, as long as I'm in
the game and on the stage I'm happy. Too many people put emphasis on titles,
fame, main event status blah blah. I'm only a rookie, but I DO recognize that.
Who do you think is the next stand out Indy wrestler
to make it big?
Where the hell is Bobby Rude? I keep watching Raw
and Smackdown for him, but I never see him. Maybe I'm missing him, but if he is
still considered an Indy worker, he's the "next big thing."
Chris Daniels in the States is very
entertaining, and I love Eric Young. But I'm too green to be making these
calls...except to say Vinny Glyde has what it takes.
If you could pick anywhere to wrestle, where would
it be?
Well, on March 14th, I'd love to be working in
Madison Square Garden. But in all seriousness, little old me would love to fill
the Metro Centre in Halifax for shit sake! On a larger scale, put me in Japan
man, that would be great.
Where do see yourself in five years?
I'm not sure. I really have no idea...but I imagine
I'll be in a major centre like Toronto or Vancouver, working for a television
or radio station, and I'll be making a name for myself on the side on the local
indy scene. Maybe I'll make it to the fed, but probably not for wrestling
ability. LOL I believe I could only make it if I made myself a celebrity
outside of wrestling and was a draw to come in and take my bumps as a guest.
You have a bicycle pump, a beach umbrella, and a
flamingo, what are your plans for the evening?
Obviously you let your four-year-old brother ask a
question...
If you started your own promotion, who would you
want to bring in?
I'd build a promotion around any capable young
talents I could train (this is hypothetically in years time) and I would
definetely have Cinder on board, the Kowboy Mike Hughes, and the big man
Kingman if he'd want to. I'd love to have the indy names I mentioned above on board,
as well as a variety of stars to filter in and out all the time.
What’s next for Vinny Glyde?
Well, while Ben McCully kicks it on CKEC radio,
Vinny has to sit and wait for his next booking. He'll be appearing at Dave
Doolittle's from time to time starting soon. Other than that, it's living the
good life. Things are awesome for Vinny right now.
Any final comments? Anything to plug?
www.vinnyglyde.cjb.net My awesome revammped website.
vinnyglyde.com is coming soon. I have all new pics of my time with the Honky
Tonk Man coming up soon. Plus, on CKEC, I'm hosting lots of shows. (And hey
folks you can listen online at ckec.com) Every day from 1-3 it's the
CountrySide, Every NIGHT from 8 till 12 it's the rockin' Nite Ride, and on
Saturdays catch
The Saturday Gold Show from
3-6. And support Mainstream Wrestling wherever it is, they are THE show to see.
Go to Doolittle's every Thursday night! I'll see you there!
Name Association
Bobby Rude- The most TOGETHER
wrestler NOT signed by the fed. He's #1
Gary Williams- The personality
alone should have him signed. LOL, Great humour, great worker, great attitude
Honky Tonk Man- The consummate
professional, he's giving and knowledgable, and boy he can still rock and roll.
Thanks Honky Tonk
Sarah Stock- The best female
wrestler I've ever seen in person. And I've BEEN to WWE shows... She is going
to revolutionalize women's wrestling wherever she is. A pleasure to work with.
And damn she's hot.
Cinder- He's a true friend above
and before being a wrestler. He's unique and interesting. He better call me
though, before I REALLY burn him.
New Scott- It scares me how good
and knowledgable he is without having training or anything. His power freaks me
out too. Good friend to have, he's actually a good mark that is good for the
business
Tony Armstrong- Great listener,
loves to grow (and I'm not talking physically) Big improver
Vinny Glyde- One of the best pure
entertainers you will find in the Maritimers. If you want a solid showing, a
tried and true performer, check him out. He can go, AND he's hot.