|
Special
thanks to Time-Warner Cable Ch. 13, Steven VanBeckum, Ralph
Piro, and Jason Ripkus
For
providing text transcript of “The Enforcer” Steve Anderson
interview conducted on
“Independent
Pro Wrestling Review” for April 16th, 2002.
SVB:
Ladies and Gentleman, our next guest here is a familiar face
that we’ve all known to love.
Tonight,
he’ll be sitting here in our chair as we conduct a no holds
barred shoot interview.
Please
welcome back to “Independent Pro Wrestling Review”, “The
Enforcer” Steve Anderson.
::
Proceeds through the crowd hugging audience members::
SVB:
Welcome back brother. We’ve
missed you around here.
Enforcer:
How bad have ya’ missed me “twat”?
::
Steve VanBeckum hugs “The Enforcer” in a very homosexual
manner ::
Enforcer:
And you wonder why we call you “Twat” don’t you now!
::
Audience laughs ::
SVB:
Ok, ok now! Let’s
get down to business here Steve.
Now for those of you joining us tonight, our panels
here at “I.P.W.R.” have staged questions for me to ask our
guest here tonight.
The
best part about our “Hot Seat” is that we’ll also take
questions from our audience for the guest.
So
let’s get the ball rolling, and start asking away.
::
Audience cheers in anticipation ::
SVB:
Now Steve, can you tell us how you got involved in
professional wrestling?
Enforcer:
Well, it’s actually a long story, but to sum it in a
nut shell, I’ll tell it like this.
Many
moons ago while I was still a freshman in high school, I was
looking through a magazine when I came across an article for a
professional wrestling school based out in Gulf Breeze, FL.
I
ended up calling the legendary “Exotic” Adrian Street
asking about coming to Florida to train.
At
that time, I was a complete mark and had no idea what to ask
him, but I knew what I wanted.
When
I told him I was only fourteen, he told me that I was too
young, but we talked for over an hour.
After
he learned I was on the wrestling team in school, he told me
to focus on that before anything.
After
getting off the telephone with him, I remember running to
everyone I knew saying to them, “I’m going to be a
professional wrestler!”
When
I told everyone, they laughed their fucking asses off at me
because they thought it was funny.
Even
the teachers pulled me to the side telling me that I’d never
become a professional wrestler.
To
be honest, I couldn’t have given a flying fuck what my peers
and mentors had told me.
What
tested my will to make this dream become a reality were my
parents telling me this shit.
My
own father even wrote a psychology paper about me saying this
dream will never come true.
All
I do is obsess about wanting to be a pro wrestler, but he
knows it could never happen for me.
SVB:
How did you feel when your own family told you to just
give it, that it’ll never happen?
Enforcer:
I felt like shit. How would you feel if your parents told you that sort of
shit?
SVB:
I don’t know. I guess I’d feel like shit too!
Enforcer:
I knew that I had a lot of work to do in order to prove
I was serious about all of this.
However,
no matter how hard I worked at reaching for my dreams,
everyone still laughed at me.
I
remember talking to a very important person in my life who
inspired me to go after that brass ring.
Her
name is Kathleen King, and she is such a wonderful lady who
cares so much about me.
I
don’t think she knows how important she is to me, but if she
ever finds out, I love her very much.
She
told me not to listen to what others had to say about my
dreams in life.
During
the month of May in 1996, I had received a newspaper article
from home.
It
spoke of three local teenagers who followed their dreams of
becoming professional wrestlers.
This
newspaper article spoke of three living legends amongst the
independent scene.
I’m
talking about Ryan Eatmon, Joe Furror, and Adam Pearce.
After
I graduated high school and before enlisting into the U.S.
Navy, I took that first small step.
I
made a road trip with “The New Age Lumberjacks” Mike and
Jerry to the P.W.I gym in Chicago.
They
were telling me what to expect when I walk inside of the
school and what to do and not to do.
We
walked up three flights of stairs, walked to end of the hall
to find a two roped ring in a shack.
SVB:
What were you expecting to see when you walked into the
gym?
Enforcer:
I was expecting to see a fancy weight room, and a
sauna, and Jacuzzi for after workouts.
Walking
into that gym broke me of any preconceived ideas that I had
about being a pro wrestler.
After
sitting around for a bit, I met with AWA Legend Sonny Rogers
about signing up for training.
I
remember he took me outside to talk with me about why I had
wanted to become a pro wrestler.
He
asked me his questions, and I gave him his answers.
I
also remember him telling me that a guy my size won’t make
it anywhere in the business.
I
should just train to be a manager or even a referee.
SVB:
I bet you were pissed off like hell when he told you
that huh?
Enforcer:
Actually, I was now that I admit it, but I did work out
there for a bit before I enlisted.
When
I enlisted into the U.S. Navy, I decided that maybe Sonny was
right, and moved on in life.
SVB:
So when did you end up finally realizing that being a
pro wrestler was still your destiny?
Enforcer:
Actually, I never stopped thinking about it like that.
I just didn’t think about it then.
After
I got out of the military, I remember hooking up with a pro
wrestler named “Nomad”.
He
was talking with me about how he was opening up his own school
and wanting to train people.
The
first thought that ran through my mind was, “Fuck Yeah!”
He actually believed in me Steve.
He
was honest, he was straight the fuck up which is very rare,
but I admired that from “Nomad”.
SVB:
Now I know when I spoke to you before off camera, and
many times before, you told me about where you and others were
forced to train. Tell
us about it if you would for our viewers please.
Enforcer:
Well, “Nomad” didn’t have his own gym yet, but
was in the process of getting one.
He
also had no ring, so I was kind enough to find us a gym with a
ring to be working out inside of.
It
wasn’t a wrestling gym or a wrestling ring.
It was a boxing gym with a super stiff ring with no
give.
I
remember our first day of training, because it was I and
eleven other people in that ring.
One
of those people would just happen to be “Totally Awesome”
Danny Childs.
The
“Nomad” worked all of us inside of that ring paying our
dues bump after bump after bump!
Many
of the people who were working out with us had walked out on
it because they didn’t want it.
It
came down to a select few of us, but we kept coming back for
more punishment. I
loved it.
I
made it a habit to not miss practice because I never wanted to
miss out on learning.
During
the time I was training though, I was married to a bitch that
made my life a living hell.
SVB:
Oh that sounds like so much fun. :: Chuckling Cynically
::
Enforcer:
During the fall season of 2000, I was in the process of
getting a divorce from my wife.
I
took time off from training to get things straight on the home
front, but things only got worse.
SVB:
What happened if you don’t mind me asking?
Enforcer:
My wife was a fucking psycho with a lot of fucking head
problems. She was
mental dude!
It’s
something I’m not going to get into right now, because all I
can say is that bitch is gone now.
Like
I was saying, I got divorced, and I was only married for one
year and three months. Cool
huh?
SVB:
I guess.
Enforcer:
I was hoping that it would really work out, but it
panned out she was a dirty ass bitch.
After
my divorce, I remember wanting to get shit off my mind, so I
decided to go back to practice.
Thinking
that this would be helpful to get my mind off of everything, I
would find out I was wrong.
SVB:
What do you mean by that Steve?
Enforcer:
I mean that I would find out that I was not ready to
step back inside a wrestling ring.
I
ended up getting hurt inside of the ring during basic drills.
I
ended up hitting my head on two belly to backs, and during
drop downs, I got hurt even worse.
My
judgment inside of the ring was clouded and I was danger to
others and myself inside of it.
I
would find myself bailing through the front of the gym and
walking home nine hours broken down.
SVB:
So at that time, did you find that this would be the
end of your professional wrestling career?
Enforcer:
As a matter of fact, I thought it was the end of my
dream. I just
decided to give up on it.
But
during a trip at the mall in Gurnee, I was buying a video from
the old RF Video Store.
My
friend Jeremy and I were watching some Japanese wrestling
videos on the monitor.
Anyhow,
I overheard someone talking about buying a belt for their
wrestling promotion.
Hearing
that, I walked over and asked this gentleman if he happened to
be a worker.
When
he said he was, I shook hands with him and the two other
people with him.
The
person I met at RF Video was Mike Mercedes of Powerhouse Pro
Wrestling.
He
gave me a telephone number to call if I was interested in
getting work with Powerhouse.
SVB:
Did you jump out of your seat and call the number right
away?
Enforcer:
Actually I thought nothing of it because I wanted
nothing to do with wrestling.
However,
the thought of wanting to work kept entering my mind and made
me call Powerhouse.
When
I called, I had gotten a voicemail, so I left a message with a
phone number to be reached at.
Thinking
my message would be returned right away, I was anxious for the
call of my entire life.
After
a few weeks, I just said to myself, “Fuck this business”
and threw away that phone number.
SVB:
So you threw away the number, you basically said,
“Fuck Wrestling”, what happened then?
Enforcer:
Well back in February of 2001 when I was on the phone
with you, the phone beeped.
Well,
not knowing who the fuck it was, I answered the phone saying,
“Hello”.
The
next thing I heard made me shit in my pants.
::
Steve VanBeckum laughs at “The Enforcer” ::
SVB:
What did you hear that made you shit your pants?
Enforcer:
What I heard was, “Hello, is Steven there please?”
I mentioned that I was speaking.
Then
it was, “Hi this is Robin Thompson from Powerhouse Pro
Wrestling. How
are you?”
She
was calling to apologize for not getting in contact with me
any sooner, but she had been busy.
While
I was sitting on the phone talking to Robin, she had asked me
if I’d be interested in working.
Well,
you’ve known me long enough, but for those of you who
don’t, I never turn away any work.
I
told her that I’d be interested in wrestling for Powerhouse
Pro Wrestling and the rest is history.
SVB:
Now when did you make your professional wrestling debut
and who did you wrestle?
Enforcer:
I made my professional wrestling debut on February 3rd
of 2001 in Kenosha, WI.
My
opponent for that match was Big Daddy who basically kicked my
ass in that ring.
Before
the show even started, I came across the other wrestlers who
would be working that night.
I
was nervous as hell, but they took me in like I was family,
and that made it easier for me.
At
first, I was going to wrestle Big Dawg and go over in my first
match ever, but things changed.
SVB:
You have any idea why you wrestled Biggz instead of Big
Dawg?
Enforcer:
Well, I think the match changed because I ribbed Big
Dawg about his fucking man titties.
::
Steve VanBeckum, production crew, and audience laugh ::
The
reason why I ribbed him was because he asked if he should come
out with or without a shirt.
When
he took it off, you couldn’t help but to say something about
it.
I
just happened to tell him that he had bigger titties than my
ex-wife.
Maybe
that’s the reason why I got my ass handed to me by Big Daddy
in the ring that night.
SVB:
So can you tell us how you felt about your first
professional wrestling match?
Enforcer:
I was nervous about fucking something up inside of the
ring during the match.
Especially
since the promoter told me that I’d be working as a baby.
I
thought, how in the hell can someone with my name work the
crowd over as a baby?
Well,
when Big Daddy and I went over our match, I learned exactly
how it could be pulled off.
SVB:
How many people did you wrestle in front of on your
professional debut?
Enforcer:
I wrestled in front of 12 people.
The majority of them were sitting at the bar drinking.
SVB:
How did that make you feel?
Enforcer:
It made me nervous.
It was my first match.
I was just afraid of fucking shit up.
SVB:
Well did you fuck anything up inside of the ring?
Enforcer:
Actually, once the bell rang, I stood there for a
second telling the ref, I forgot the match.
The
ref ran over to Big Daddy and told him that I forgot the
match, so I ended up getting squashed.
However,
for a squash, it looked awesome because I was rookie trying to
battle a 335 lbs monster.
SVB:
How did you feel after that match?
Enforcer:
I felt I could have done a better job, but it was my
first match, so what can I say?
SVB:
Ladies and gentleman, this is Steven VanBeckum and
you’re watching “Wrestle Source”.
My
guest with me tonight is independent professional wrestler
“The Enforcer” Steve Anderson.
If
you’re just joining us here tonight, I recommend you don’t
change that channel.
Now,
besides Powerhouse Pro Wrestling, whom else have you worked
for in pro wrestling?
Enforcer:
Well, I’ve worked with Flatland Superstars of
Wrestling, Future Shock Wrestling, and a few other promotions
that are no longer running shows called Hardcore Pro Wrestling
Alliance and Insane Championship Pro Wrestling.
Awesome promotions to work for, just sadly didn’t
make it.
SVB:
Now I understand you just returned from Tennessee after
having wrestled in the Main Event.
Enforcer:
Yes, that’s right Steve.
SVB:
What promotion did you wrestle for in Tennessee?
Enforcer:
The name of the promotion is South Eastern Championship
Wrestling.
SVB:
Who operates South Eastern Championship Wrestling?
Enforcer:
It’s owned and operated by “The Working Man” Johnny
Raynor who’s a legend in TN.
SVB:
How did you like working out there in Tennessee with
S.E.C.W.?
Enforcer:
I don’t say this too often, but I’m proud to say
that it was a honor to work with fine people like Mr. and Mrs.
Johnny Raynor, Perfect Pat, Madd Dogg, and The Deathrow
Inmates.
It
was my pleasure to also have tagged with rookie sensation Jay
in the Tag-Title Tournament.
The
moment we walked out to that ring in Lake City, we had that
crowd wanting to kill us.
He
took the microphone and literally impressed the shit out of me
that he almost made me mark.
From
the second the bell rang, he was a consummate professional
inside and outside the ring.
However,
he unfortunately hurt his back inside the squared circle, and
I could tell he was hurt.
So
being the veteran of the team, I asked him if he felt like he
could continue the match.
Even
though he told me he could, I knew he was lying, so I took it
home for our team.
This
was Jay’s first main event match, and from what I know his
first payday in pro wrestling.
I
was truly impressed with his skills inside of the ring that
night on April 12th in Lake City, TN.
Even
my manager Fyre had an excellent match against Lil’ Azz Lori
in Lake City, TN.
Even
though I think Lori cheated, overall, it was the best show
I’ve ever been part of.
SVB:
It sounds as if you had a blast out there!
Enforcer:
Oh fuck yeah I did!
I even brought some good old Tennessee mountain holy
water here.
SVB:
What in the hell is that if I may ask?
Enforcer:
You’ll find out. Trust me, it’ll put hair on your face “Twat”.
SVB:
Well, I can see where this is going to lead, so right
now, it’s time to take questions from you.
::
Steve VanBeckum proceeds through audience with microphone ::
SVB:
Hello. What’s
your name and where you from sir?
Jimmy:
My name’s Jimmy from Kenosha.
SVB:
What’s your question for our guest “The Enforcer”
Steve Anderson?
Jimmy:
I would like to know what your thoughts are on backyard
wrestling sir?
Enforcer:
Well, my question for you is if you participate in it
yourself?
Jimmy:
Yes. That
is why I ask. Will
it help me to become a pro wrestler?
Enforcer:
Well, to answer if it’ll help you become a pro
wrestler. The
answer is hell no!
What
it’ll help you do is become dead in an instant. Backyard Wrestling is a dangerous thing.
More people alone get injured in backyard wrestling
than trained wrestlers do inside the ring.
My
thoughts of backyard wrestling are strictly political, but
I’ll share it with you here.
Backyard
wrestling is the death for any prospective professional
wrestler.
It’s
an insult to this business, and it’s an insult to those who
pay their dues for this.
I’ve
met backyarders who think because they see some shit on Monday
night they’re a wrestler.
Parents
who put the blame on us as professionals for children being
stupid have confronted me.
They
cuss, they get physical, they tend to act as stupid as their
damn children at these shows.
You
want to know the worst thing about it all?
There are parents who actually support this shit!
They’ll
defend their children by saying, “He trains all the time”
and that right there is just bullshit!
If
you’re serious about wanting to become a pro wrestler,
contact a pro wrestling school.
If
you’re not old enough to train at a school, get on the
wrestling team at your school.
Whatever
you do, just stay as far away from backyard wrestling as
possible.
::
Audience applauses “The Enforcer” for his comments ::
SVB:
Our next question comes from Tina from Kenosha.
Go ahead Tina.
Tina:
Hi there! Umm,
I was wondering if you had a girlfriend?
::
“The Enforcer” Steve Anderson blushes ::
Enforcer:
Actually, I don’t have a girlfriend right now at this
time, so I’m on the open market still.
SVB:
Okay, okay! We
have time for one more question.
Who has a question for our guest?
::
Steve VanBeckum approaches an audience member ::
SVB:
What’s your name?
Anthony:
My name’s Anthony and I have a question for your
guest?
SVB:
Shoot Anthony!
Anthony:
I was wondering what your thoughts were about the
“Tough Enough” television show?
SVB:
Oh my! Talk
about an excellent question for “The Enforcer” Steve
Anderson.
Enforcer:
I’m so glad that you asked me that question.
My thoughts are very negative.
What
wrestling fans don’t understand is that we pay our dues to
reach our ultimate dream.
Then
Vince and MTV decide to let a bunch of mizarks have a chance
to win a WWF contract.
Personally,
it’s a bunch of fucking bullshit because there are so many
talented workers who truly deserve the opportunity of being
signed to a contract with the World Wrestling Federation.
In
my eyes, anyone from “Tough Enough” is not a wrestler in
my eyes.
Maven
is not a wrestler. I
don’t care if he’s on television.
He is not a professional wrestler.
The
Champ put it best when he said to them:
“You’re
miles away from where you should be paying your dues right
now!”
If
you look at their faces, not a single fucking one of them knew
what the hell he was talking about.
Those
who didn’t win that contract are getting the shit kicked out
them on the independent circuit.
When
you pay your dues inside of a sweatshop with the blood from
your wounds,
The
sweat from your determination to want this business,
And
the tears that we shed from pain and humiliation,
You
know that deep inside of yourself, you have earned the right
to be called a pro wrestler.
::
Audience applauses “The Enforcer” Steve Anderson ::
SVB:
Ladies and gentleman, for the “Independent Pro
Wrestling Review”, I’m Steven VanBeckum.
I’d like to thank our guest, “The Enforcer” Steve
Anderson for joining us here this evening.
You
can visit his official website at https://www.angelfire.com/ego/theenforcer
and get all the 4-1-1.
|
