Post by Tombstone on May 29, 2008 16:43:22 GMT -5
Los Angeles Times
Sports Section
Interview with Chris Stone
by Sarah Ford
Today, I had the pleasure of interviewing Chaotic Pro Wrestling's Chris Stone from his Los Angeles home. CPW is something I have been following for quite some time and ever since Stone has entered the federation, he has fast become one of my favorites. You can call me a sucker for home town athletes, but what else can I do? This interview went surprisingly smooth, with Stone acting like a professional the whole way through. We would go on to discuss life in L.A., his match this Sunday, and I even try to delve a little bit into his personal life. Read on to see how far he lets me get!
Sarah Ford: Good morning, Chris, how are you today?
Chris Stone: Still waking up a bit. Do you guys have to do these interviews so early? (smiling)
SF: We would have done this last night if you had answered your phone!
CS: And miss waking up to your pretty face? I think not.
SF: Hitting on me already, are you? You better stop, you're going to make me blush.
CS: You don't seem like the blushing type.
SF: (smiling) How perceptive of you! And you happen to be dead wrong. My face will light up like a batch of red Christmas lights if you keep talking to me that way.
CS: This I have to see.
SF: Later... Now, how long have you lived in Los Angeles?
CS: Most of my life. I came back last year after about... I'd say 7 years overseas.
SF: Where overseas?
CS: You don't watch TV? I've said where I've been quite a few times.
SF: I know where you've been. I'm thinking for the readers.
CS: Point taken. I wouldn't exactly call it overseas, but I started out in Mexico at the age of 15 and went on to Japan, Germany, France, then back here.
SF: And you were in wrestling promotions in all of those countries?
CS: Yup.
SF: How was your success over there?
CS: (laughing) It was good, but nothing that matters anymore.
SF: Why do you say that?
CS: Well, for one, when I signed my contract with CPW, they told me I could talk about what I've done in the past all I want, but none of it would matter. So even if I thought I was a World Title contender, I would have to prove it here in CPW.
SF: So it's like you're restarting your career here?
CS: Pretty much.
SF: So what got you into wrestling?
CS: Wrestling is something I've been into since I was a little kid. Watching people like Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, Chris Benoit, etc. made me want to be a wrestler and when I was a teenager, I acted on my instinct and here I am today.
SF: Chris Benoit? Wow, you still consider yourself a fan of his?
CS: Of course. I respect everything he did in the ring. The man was talented, very talented and, in my opinion, a very underrated wrestler. It's a shame his story ended the way it did, but there's nothing you and me can do about that.
SF: Interesting. I've seen you channel Benoit a few times during some of your matches. That headbutt off that cage back in February is still etched in my mind.
CS: That was like my tribute to him in a way. I saw Ninja laying down on the mat and couldn't help myself. I had only done that move a few times before CPW, but I had never done it off a cage.
SF: What did it feel like off the top of a cage?
CS: A lot more painful off a cage than off the top rope, I can tell you that. (laughing)
SF: (smiling) I bet. By the way, this is a beautiful house you have here.
CS: Thanks. It belonged to my parents and I inherited it after their death 7 years ago.
SF: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that!
CS: It's quite alright. I don't think I would be where I am today if that hadn't happened. I know that sounds sort of cold in a way, but it's 100% truth.
SF: May I ask how they died?
CS: (pauses) Um... they died in a big car accident, right over on I-5. I was actually in the car when it happened.
SF: Oh my God! Were you hurt?
CS: Surprisingly, no. I had a few cuts and scratches, my head was cracked open a little bit, but nothing major. I was in the backseat when it happened. A car hit us from behind going too fast and spun us out. The front end of the car hit another car, spinning us the other way and crashed us into a wall. The engine actually through the dashboard from the impact and crushed both of my parents. My mom held on for about a week, but my father didn't make it to the hospital.
SF: Oh my God, that is so sad! I am so sorry.
CS: It's alright, really. Like I said, I wouldn't be here today if that didn't happen.
SF: So do you dedicate your career to your parents?
CS: Actually, no. I've only thought about my parents every now and then, more recently than usual. I guess it's something I should consider, but then again, I've got more important things on my mind right now.
SF: Wow... I've never heard anyone talk that way before.
CS: Welcome to my world.
SF: Indeed. Let's move past that and onto something else...
CS: Please.
SF: You left The Crusaders a while ago and later joined up with The Suicide Club. How is that working out for you?
CS: Quite well. Jake Anderson didn't like it too much when it happened, but I wasn't there to cater to his needs. I felt The Crusaders had reached a dead end, it was becoming inflated with useless people and I didn't want that rubbing off on me in anyway. Ty Evans is in The Saints now, so Bo Slade should be having the same problem The Crusaders had a little while ago.
SF: You think Tyler Evans was the cause of The Crusaders' downfall?
CS: The start of it. Then there was The Wreckers, who have seemingly disappeared without a trace. Shame, too, they looked like they were going places. Evans and The Wreckers did nothing but bring down the credibility of The Crusaders. I helped start that group with Anderson and Chris Stevens. We kicked Stevens out because he was part of the problem we were fighting and he also turned out to be a precursor to Evans and The Wreckers' failures.
SF: Do you really think that you were the life line of The Crusaders?
CS: To a very high extent, yes. You have to remember, Jake was the leader after all, but his decisions as leader were very, very poor.
SF: Would things have been any different if you were the leader by any chance?
CS: Oh, hell yeah! I wouldn't have picked up anybody that showed interest in joining. I would've picked people that I knew could get the job done. Evans and The Wreckers couldn't do that. Jake and I were doing fine on our own for that little while when it was just us. Anderson always thought there was room for more members, though. I couldn't care less, I pretty much was doing my own thing towards the end anyways.
SF: You seem like you're doing your own thing right now in The Suicide Club.
CS: I guess you could say that. But I'm allowed to do my own thing. As long as I bring in wins and recognition to The Club, I'll be fine. Right now, I'd say we're the most powerful entity in CPW.
SF: Even above The Saints and all of Pure Mayhem's stables?
CS: Totally. This Sunday, The Suicide Club is going to walk out of Summer Blast-Off with the Elimination Championship, the Brutal Havok Championship and number one contenders to the Dual Pandemonium Championships. I'd say that pretty much will seal us as the real deal.
SF: Speaking of the Brutal Havok Championship, you've made your thoughts very clear all month that said title is still yours. You've actually put up some good points and personally, I can't wait to see that belt back around your gorgeous waist.
CS: Now who's hitting on who?
SF: (winks) I'm allowed. But I do know that you have quite the challenge in regaining your title. You have to face both Bo Slade and Prozac. Slade is a big guy around CPW and people have been talking about Prozac a lot lately. Knowing that, do you still think that you'll be walking out with your title this Sunday?
CS: Without a doubt. Bo Slade isn't the name he used to be and the people talking about Prozac... well, those people probably just followed him over here from FcW and are just hanging off his nuts out of favoritism. I could care less. I'm not here to win fans. I'm here to win matches and championships.
SF: Well, if it helps, you have a fan in me.
CS: There's a fan in you? Have you seen a doctor?
SF: (laughing) That was amazingly... cheesy.
CS: I know, I know. But thanks for your support. I'll be sure to give you some of my own later.
SF: Ooooo, I might have to hold you up on that, Mr. Stone.
CS: I swear I'll go buy a copy of the LA Times as soon as they hit the stands.
SF: Is that all?
CS: Well, no. You'll get the rest when the interview's done.
SF: I better. So back to the questions... What's your game plan this Sunday?
CS: No remorse.
SF: That's it?
CS: That's all I need. These are two men that I will have no problem doing very bad things to. Even though I am not wearing the Brutal Havok Championship, they are still stepping into my realm. I was the king of the hardcore division for four months. I know how to handle myself in this type of match.
SF: You won't hear me deny that.
CS: Well, if you want what's coming to you, I'd suggest not to. (laughing)
SF: Woo, is it getting hotter in here?
CS: I have the tendency to do that to people of the female persuasion.
SF: (smiling) We'll see. So can we expect to see you bust out any new moves this Sunday?
CS: I've thought about it, but I think I'm going to stick with everything I know. I don't want to take a risk that ends up badly for me.
SF: So no surprises out of you this Sunday?
CS: Well, unless you count me taking back what's mine as a surprise, but you never know. I might have something very special hidden up my sleeve.
SF: Well, that about concludes all of my questions. Thank you for taking the time to answer them, Chris.
CS: The pleasure's all mine.
SF: I think it's time I get in on some of that pleasure, Mr. Stone.
CS: Sounds good to me. I think you better turn that tape recorder off first.
SF: Good idea. (giggles)
<CLICK>
Sports Section
Interview with Chris Stone
by Sarah Ford
Today, I had the pleasure of interviewing Chaotic Pro Wrestling's Chris Stone from his Los Angeles home. CPW is something I have been following for quite some time and ever since Stone has entered the federation, he has fast become one of my favorites. You can call me a sucker for home town athletes, but what else can I do? This interview went surprisingly smooth, with Stone acting like a professional the whole way through. We would go on to discuss life in L.A., his match this Sunday, and I even try to delve a little bit into his personal life. Read on to see how far he lets me get!
Sarah Ford: Good morning, Chris, how are you today?
Chris Stone: Still waking up a bit. Do you guys have to do these interviews so early? (smiling)
SF: We would have done this last night if you had answered your phone!
CS: And miss waking up to your pretty face? I think not.
SF: Hitting on me already, are you? You better stop, you're going to make me blush.
CS: You don't seem like the blushing type.
SF: (smiling) How perceptive of you! And you happen to be dead wrong. My face will light up like a batch of red Christmas lights if you keep talking to me that way.
CS: This I have to see.
SF: Later... Now, how long have you lived in Los Angeles?
CS: Most of my life. I came back last year after about... I'd say 7 years overseas.
SF: Where overseas?
CS: You don't watch TV? I've said where I've been quite a few times.
SF: I know where you've been. I'm thinking for the readers.
CS: Point taken. I wouldn't exactly call it overseas, but I started out in Mexico at the age of 15 and went on to Japan, Germany, France, then back here.
SF: And you were in wrestling promotions in all of those countries?
CS: Yup.
SF: How was your success over there?
CS: (laughing) It was good, but nothing that matters anymore.
SF: Why do you say that?
CS: Well, for one, when I signed my contract with CPW, they told me I could talk about what I've done in the past all I want, but none of it would matter. So even if I thought I was a World Title contender, I would have to prove it here in CPW.
SF: So it's like you're restarting your career here?
CS: Pretty much.
SF: So what got you into wrestling?
CS: Wrestling is something I've been into since I was a little kid. Watching people like Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, Chris Benoit, etc. made me want to be a wrestler and when I was a teenager, I acted on my instinct and here I am today.
SF: Chris Benoit? Wow, you still consider yourself a fan of his?
CS: Of course. I respect everything he did in the ring. The man was talented, very talented and, in my opinion, a very underrated wrestler. It's a shame his story ended the way it did, but there's nothing you and me can do about that.
SF: Interesting. I've seen you channel Benoit a few times during some of your matches. That headbutt off that cage back in February is still etched in my mind.
CS: That was like my tribute to him in a way. I saw Ninja laying down on the mat and couldn't help myself. I had only done that move a few times before CPW, but I had never done it off a cage.
SF: What did it feel like off the top of a cage?
CS: A lot more painful off a cage than off the top rope, I can tell you that. (laughing)
SF: (smiling) I bet. By the way, this is a beautiful house you have here.
CS: Thanks. It belonged to my parents and I inherited it after their death 7 years ago.
SF: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that!
CS: It's quite alright. I don't think I would be where I am today if that hadn't happened. I know that sounds sort of cold in a way, but it's 100% truth.
SF: May I ask how they died?
CS: (pauses) Um... they died in a big car accident, right over on I-5. I was actually in the car when it happened.
SF: Oh my God! Were you hurt?
CS: Surprisingly, no. I had a few cuts and scratches, my head was cracked open a little bit, but nothing major. I was in the backseat when it happened. A car hit us from behind going too fast and spun us out. The front end of the car hit another car, spinning us the other way and crashed us into a wall. The engine actually through the dashboard from the impact and crushed both of my parents. My mom held on for about a week, but my father didn't make it to the hospital.
SF: Oh my God, that is so sad! I am so sorry.
CS: It's alright, really. Like I said, I wouldn't be here today if that didn't happen.
SF: So do you dedicate your career to your parents?
CS: Actually, no. I've only thought about my parents every now and then, more recently than usual. I guess it's something I should consider, but then again, I've got more important things on my mind right now.
SF: Wow... I've never heard anyone talk that way before.
CS: Welcome to my world.
SF: Indeed. Let's move past that and onto something else...
CS: Please.
SF: You left The Crusaders a while ago and later joined up with The Suicide Club. How is that working out for you?
CS: Quite well. Jake Anderson didn't like it too much when it happened, but I wasn't there to cater to his needs. I felt The Crusaders had reached a dead end, it was becoming inflated with useless people and I didn't want that rubbing off on me in anyway. Ty Evans is in The Saints now, so Bo Slade should be having the same problem The Crusaders had a little while ago.
SF: You think Tyler Evans was the cause of The Crusaders' downfall?
CS: The start of it. Then there was The Wreckers, who have seemingly disappeared without a trace. Shame, too, they looked like they were going places. Evans and The Wreckers did nothing but bring down the credibility of The Crusaders. I helped start that group with Anderson and Chris Stevens. We kicked Stevens out because he was part of the problem we were fighting and he also turned out to be a precursor to Evans and The Wreckers' failures.
SF: Do you really think that you were the life line of The Crusaders?
CS: To a very high extent, yes. You have to remember, Jake was the leader after all, but his decisions as leader were very, very poor.
SF: Would things have been any different if you were the leader by any chance?
CS: Oh, hell yeah! I wouldn't have picked up anybody that showed interest in joining. I would've picked people that I knew could get the job done. Evans and The Wreckers couldn't do that. Jake and I were doing fine on our own for that little while when it was just us. Anderson always thought there was room for more members, though. I couldn't care less, I pretty much was doing my own thing towards the end anyways.
SF: You seem like you're doing your own thing right now in The Suicide Club.
CS: I guess you could say that. But I'm allowed to do my own thing. As long as I bring in wins and recognition to The Club, I'll be fine. Right now, I'd say we're the most powerful entity in CPW.
SF: Even above The Saints and all of Pure Mayhem's stables?
CS: Totally. This Sunday, The Suicide Club is going to walk out of Summer Blast-Off with the Elimination Championship, the Brutal Havok Championship and number one contenders to the Dual Pandemonium Championships. I'd say that pretty much will seal us as the real deal.
SF: Speaking of the Brutal Havok Championship, you've made your thoughts very clear all month that said title is still yours. You've actually put up some good points and personally, I can't wait to see that belt back around your gorgeous waist.
CS: Now who's hitting on who?
SF: (winks) I'm allowed. But I do know that you have quite the challenge in regaining your title. You have to face both Bo Slade and Prozac. Slade is a big guy around CPW and people have been talking about Prozac a lot lately. Knowing that, do you still think that you'll be walking out with your title this Sunday?
CS: Without a doubt. Bo Slade isn't the name he used to be and the people talking about Prozac... well, those people probably just followed him over here from FcW and are just hanging off his nuts out of favoritism. I could care less. I'm not here to win fans. I'm here to win matches and championships.
SF: Well, if it helps, you have a fan in me.
CS: There's a fan in you? Have you seen a doctor?
SF: (laughing) That was amazingly... cheesy.
CS: I know, I know. But thanks for your support. I'll be sure to give you some of my own later.
SF: Ooooo, I might have to hold you up on that, Mr. Stone.
CS: I swear I'll go buy a copy of the LA Times as soon as they hit the stands.
SF: Is that all?
CS: Well, no. You'll get the rest when the interview's done.
SF: I better. So back to the questions... What's your game plan this Sunday?
CS: No remorse.
SF: That's it?
CS: That's all I need. These are two men that I will have no problem doing very bad things to. Even though I am not wearing the Brutal Havok Championship, they are still stepping into my realm. I was the king of the hardcore division for four months. I know how to handle myself in this type of match.
SF: You won't hear me deny that.
CS: Well, if you want what's coming to you, I'd suggest not to. (laughing)
SF: Woo, is it getting hotter in here?
CS: I have the tendency to do that to people of the female persuasion.
SF: (smiling) We'll see. So can we expect to see you bust out any new moves this Sunday?
CS: I've thought about it, but I think I'm going to stick with everything I know. I don't want to take a risk that ends up badly for me.
SF: So no surprises out of you this Sunday?
CS: Well, unless you count me taking back what's mine as a surprise, but you never know. I might have something very special hidden up my sleeve.
SF: Well, that about concludes all of my questions. Thank you for taking the time to answer them, Chris.
CS: The pleasure's all mine.
SF: I think it's time I get in on some of that pleasure, Mr. Stone.
CS: Sounds good to me. I think you better turn that tape recorder off first.
SF: Good idea. (giggles)
<CLICK>
