Here is the long awaited interview with growing indy star Blind Rage. Find out some of his interests and see what the future has in store for this exceptional talent.
NATE STEIN: For someone who has yet to see you, how would you describe yourself?
BLIND RAGE: Well, in simplest terms, my character is a horror figure, with a punk rock twist. Based on looks alone, I guess I'd be seen as a zombie or something, with a punk t-shirt and some funky pants. Not really like most wrestlers you see. I also consider myself one of the last "good guys" out there. Just seems everyone's a hardass these days.
-----
STEIN: How did you first get into wrestling? What motivates you to stay?
RAGE: I wanted to be a wrestler for as long as I can remember, so [when] I graduated from high school, two weeks later, I began my training...I got myself here, and now the fans keep me here. Without a doubt, the fans are what keeps me here when I get fed up. They're the best.
-----
STEIN: What one piece of advice would you give to anyone just starting out in wrestling?
RAGE: The most important thing I could tell anyone just starting out would be to make sure that they're 110% sure of what they're getting into. There�s a lot of good things that one can take from being a wrestler, but there's bulls*** you have to watch out for. Just don't take any shortcuts, work hard and do your best and you'll be rewarded. And always keep your eyes open for opportunities, as well as for keeping an eye for getting taken advantage of.
-----
STEIN: How did you recent feud with Ran Zanders in Hardway Wrestling come about?
RAGE: I am not really sure. I don't know how it started, but I know how it will end. And that is simply with Ran Zander six feet under.
-----
STEIN: From your site, you've been active with the development of the upcoming Chikara promotion. What actually is your involvement?
RAGE: I train with Quack, Reckless and their students, and I will be involved in their promotion when it opens this May, which I am ecstatic about. Mike and myself became friends over the past 2 years or so, with Mike kinda taking me under his wing so to speak. And I have learned SO much from working with him, it's great. And I honestly believe, after working out and training at other schools, that hands down, Chikara gives you the best training. Both trainers are highly respected throughout the country, and some other parts of the world for their work. I am just glad that I have the chance to learn from guys like that. And their product? I think the students of Chikara will speak for themselves when they hit the scene.
-----
STEIN: You also mention your band. What's their name? Any upcoming dates?
RAGE: We're in our beginning stages, right now it's just myself on bass and vocals, and my buddy Matt on guitar and vocals. We're writing a crapload of stuff, but we're taking it slow. This is the first time I've gone into something involving music that I don't foresee blowing up in my face. I think we'll do quite well, because I think everyone is dying to see something new, and not the same old pissing and moaning that infects the music scene today. Our music will be about entertaining people, not urging them to go shoot someone, or themselves for that matter. And we're leaving the political crap to the government, who needs that in music? We're all about horror, energy, and fun: not guns, knives and flag burning. Or singing bout some chick not liking us, lol.
-----
STEIN: What are some your immediate plans? Any long-range goals?
RAGE: To take over the world. Seriously though, my immediate plans would be to travel and take Blind Rage to those who haven't seen me yet. Right now, I am concentrating on meeting more of the fans and becoming better in the ring. And hopefully that'll lead me to my long term goals: to compete regularly in Japan and Mexico. My last long range goal is to go out on top. I know, being as young as I am, that there are some guys sticking around way past their prime and milking the business for all they can, and that is not me. I don't wanna walk out there at 50 and give the crowd some half@#%&@performance and try telling myself they still think I'm great. Believe me, when I am at the point where I see I can no longer keep up with the rest, I'll bow out gracefully. But I plan on that time to be a long way off.
-----
STEIN: What do you think of wrestling in the NJ/PA area?
RAGE: I think that there is a lot of good and a lot of bad. I would definitely say that the east coast is a hot spot, as it always has been, and that I believe that a lot of small indy feds in this area will start to become more and more known to the rest of the country. When you look at some of the talent from around here, it's definitely something promising.
-----
STEIN: Who do you think are some of the best talent in the area?
RAGE: God, there is a list a mile long. And if I were to elaborate and leave someone out, I wouldn't wanna make them feel bad. So let's just say, there's a lot of killer workers in this area. A few of my favorites to watch? Adam Flash, Mike Quackenbush, Nick Berk, The Doc, Twiggy Ramirez, Reckless Youth, Beauty and the Beast, Jon Balsamo. There are so many others.
-----
STEIN: If there was one thing you could change about wrestling in general, what would it be?
RAGE: Without stepping on anyone's toes? What the hell, cover your toes! I would change some of the ego's, without a doubt. Also, I would change the whole storyline thing back to the way it used to be. Before, it was very much about wrestling. And now everything has to have some stupid twist to it. I mean, angles are a must, which is obvious. But I think it's gotten out of hand. I guess that was more than one thing I would change, but oh well.
-----
STEIN: If you could ask anyone in wrestling one question, who and what would it be?
RAGE: I would ask Bobby Heenan to call me a ham-n-egger...
-----
STEIN: Anything else you would add?
RAGE: I am not doing this all for myself...I am not doing this for the fat smart marks and critics who sit behind computers and think they know it all...I could care less what any of them have to say, it is YOU the fans who I wrestle for, and that is that...And in turn, I thank you for all you guys have done for me in the past year or so...you've been great.
Well, as I do in every interview, I wanna tell anyone with a dream to get out there and go for it. Don't wait until you're too old and regret it. I also want to say that the right choice ain't always the most popular in life, but don't let that pressure you into something you don't want to do. The best things in life don't come without some sort of conflict or struggle, so stay strong and don't give up. Lastly, as I said before, I wanna plug the website and direct all your fan mail to [email protected]. STAY GHOUL and LONG LIVE THE HORROR!
