**webmaster note. this interview was conducted over the phone.
WELCOME EVERYONE TO THE INTERVIEW WITH RAGE, SPEAKING OUT SINCE A NEAR TRAGEDY, WITH SCOTT THE WRESTLING INSIDER
W.I.--First of all i'd like to say thanks Rage for taking the time to speak out. Cutting to the chase, i'm sure like me, the fans and everyone else in the wrestling community that knew were shocked. Speaking for everyone, we'd like to know the ultimate question....why?
Rage--Well man, it's complex. There are a variety of reasons. Last year wasn't a really good year for me personally and my life's just twisted and upside down on a personal level. When you get into a state of depression, that's all you can think about. Career wise..it's going ok.
W.I.--I don't mean to get too personal and if i do you can stop me, but can you give me an example?
Rage--Sure. For those that know me personally, a lot of the speculation was soley based on the bad breakup i've had to endure these past three months. While that plays a big part of it, it's not the sole reason.
W.I.--Always a classic.
Rage--Exactly. I mean it goes way beyond that. I know my life could be a lot worse. There are a lot of people out there worse off than me, but it's not exactly a happy tale either.
W.I.--How can a failed relationship be the focal point of something so devastating?
Rage--That's just it. It was a failed relationship and i don't take failure too well. I've been dumped a lot but it's just when you really love someone and they tell you they don't want to be with you anymore especially when you did nothing wrong, when they had just told you that they did the week before, when all the while she gives you bogus reasons based on lies, then you really start to value existense. Especially when it constantly happens to you over and over. Depression's something i've had to constantly deal with.
W.I.--Now on your website in your first statement, you said that she had said or did something that kind of gave you that push. What was that?
Rage--Well, i don't really want to get into details but she's been kind of spreading the lie of accusations about me and have been threatening to take it to the courts. On jan 5, her and her new "partner" came to the show i was on and left after my match and had told my brother that she was intending to have charges pressed on me that were completely false. With that and with having my brush with the law on New Year's really sent me into a low state of self worth. IT nearly sent me into insanity. The thing is, she's the one that ended it so i'm thinking..why is she doing this to me and trying to make my life a living hell?
W.I.--That's really messed up. Sounds like she has the problems not you.
Rage--(laughs) Obviously.
W.I.--My notes say that some heat from other workers played a role. What's that about?
Rage--Well again...it played a very small role. Like i said, I don't take failure or criticism for that matter too well. Sometime i feel i'm not accepted or taken seriously and some critcism from peers bring me down. At first, it was from fans but growing in the business, i've grown not to listen to them but when it comes from peers, it can be a real blow to your self esteem. But obviously i'm doing something right. I've held like five or six titles so far so i'm impressing someone out there. Also, i just signed with a promotion in New jersey that's planning to go national so that's going to be interesting in seeing how that's going to pan out. Also one of the goals i've made is to get into a decent school and get some advanced training.
W.i.--Any in mind?
Rage--yeah i'm looking at Ohio Valley cause it's really close to me.
W.I.--From Pics you have sent, I can see a difference in your figure. You've lost some weight, or body fat rather.
Rage--Yeah i'm starting to get back into working out everyday after a month break. So i'm determined to lose more. I've been taking the product i endorse, Hydroxycut. IT's pretty good stuff.
W.I.--Getting back, are you going to any help programs?
Rage--yeah, i'm seeing some people and getting into support groups. That's like the only way i could get out of the facility i was staying at so i could get back into wrestling but it's helping a little. I've also had to go to rehab which was required since drugs played a big part into the whole ideal. I'm not addicted or anything it was just what i chose in trying to end everything. After my breakup, i kind of turned to them. IT was very rare that you found me sober unless it was the days that i work. Wrestling's something you don't want to do under the influence.
W.I.--True True. How you holding up now?
Rage--Good. I'm sober and it's hard staying that way, but i'm trying to get through it. It's been a horrible three weeks, mostly cause i've missed work. I'm coming back though, one of the shows being on jan 27 and Feb 2 so i'll be good for that. W.I.--Glad to see you back in action. I hope you take care of yourself. I'm sure you'll go far in your career and soon we'll see you with Vince and company.
Rage--thanks
W.i.--Thanks for talking to me, our time's almost up. ANy final words?
Rage--Yeah. I'd like to say thanks to all the fans and workers that have left me messages of words of encouragement. It really means a lot.
W.I. --Thanks Rage. You're a hell of a worker, keep up the good work and don't let a female bring you down.
Rage--(laughs) Ok. It's good to be back home and it's going to feel good stepping back into the ring.
W.I.--Thanks and God bless
**Scott the wrestling Insider is a free lance internet wrestling columnist writing articles for Prowrestlingdaily, Wrestling Torch, 1wrestling, PWI, and other wrestling publications.
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