Where did you grow up?- “Did your childhood have any impact on your creativity and careers?- I grew up quickly in a number of foreign lands west of Russia. Foreign to Americans and foreign to myself in my youth.”

How did you find yourself into the wrestling world and why do you like it?- “Wrestling was one of the first things I was exposed to as a child when I came to America. I was 9 I believe when I saw my first match.”

What are some of your favorite moves or styles that you use?- “I don’t have a set style. Every opponent is different. I must not only contend with their offense, but ensure that the crowd is entertained by what transpires in the ring. I have found a great deal of success in winning most of my matches however with a Full Nelson.”

What is your favorite match to date and why?- “I have found enjoyment in so many matches, for so many reasons. Titles that I have won, too numerous to name them all. The championship title that jumps to mind though, is the NWA Mid South Legends and Lions Championship. I was the last wrestler to hold that prestigious belt.

“Another match that comes to mind, was against Hollywood Chris Booker. We were both established powerhouses. The crowd was treated to a hard hitting, in your face testament of true testosterone. In the final moments of our competition, the crowd erupted into an impromptu singing of the American National Anthem. Truly amazing moment. Like witnessing magic.”

Walk us through a day of training, in and out of the gym.- “Three to five days a week I go into the gym for an hour or two. Each day I work on a part of my body. Every day listening and staying in tune with what my body is saying. I do not concern myself with how much weight I am pushing or pulling. My only concern is that my body is being conditioned for the lifestyle I have chosen.”

How do you stay safe in the ring?- “Remembering my training. Constantly conditioning my body for the abuse it must inevitably endure. It is more of a mental work of gymnastics really.”

What was your first match like?- “Short. Well it felt short. I never had a match go by so quickly. Perhaps it was nerves. I think back of how little I knew. My poor opponent. Do not misunderstand he beat me and has no need for sympathy. I merely am referring to how much he carried the crowd and ensured their enjoyment as well as obtaining a victory over me. Kudos to you, Tommy Drama.”

We also know you’re an artist. How did that come into your life? – “I spent many years in poverty and isolation. Most times all I had to occupy my time was parchment and quill.”

What was the first drawing you ever remember doing in your life?- “I’m certain it was a person, compromised of a circular head, rectangular body, and simple lines for arms and legs. Modest smiley faces served as their only features.

“I later learned to define the gender of my illustrations with two smaller circles fixed on the uppermost portion of the rectangle body. This manner of depiction was not viewed by the nuns of the orphanage as a avant-garde. They were not amused.”

Do any movies/shows/comics/etc inspire any of your art?- “Of course. Working on the convention circuit you have to be up with pop culture characters.”

What tools do you use to make your masterpieces?- “I currently have two pyrography tools to create my wood burning. I also use a propane torch for large area shading.

“I use the Procreate app for my digital art.

“Of course I have a toolbox of acrylic paints. I have a drawer full of various sized paint brushes. Naturally I only use four of them.”

What are your favorite conventions to go to? Why should other people attend them? Why do you like attending as a guest? – “I like going to any and all conventions. It really is just a good time for everyone. On the rare occasion I am able to attend a con as a guest and not as a vendor, I really enjoy the enthusiasm of a young artist. The conversations are always strange and engaging.

“As far as what con is my favorite, I would rather just make a shameless plug for SEMOCON in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. That is where you and I met actually. There isn’t a lot going on in that city, but SEMOCON is always a good time.”

What do you do to relax?– “Sit on my front porch and enjoy one of my favorite cigars.”

If you could tell your 14-year-old self one thing, what would it be?– “Listen to your art teacher. She is far more talented than you know. She sees your potential and knows you are capable of being someone of note.

“After I finished high school she became a wonderful friend to me. She passed away a little over 10 years ago. I miss her wisdom, guidance, and companionship. She was a good woman and a wonderful mentor.”

What advice would you have for this upcoming generation in general and if they want to become an artist or wrestler? – “If you want to be an artist, create art. See the creative genius in others and seek their council. Learn from those who are accomplished and inspire you. Understand that your art is not the be all of the art world. For everything you do, everything you create, all that you learn, you will always have more ahead of you.

“If you want to be a wrestler, you have to understand, wrestling is NOT for everyone. The first thing you must do is humble yourself before a real wrestling trainer. Know that despite the years you watched it on television, and number of live shows you attended, and countless hours you “studied “ the sport, you know NOTHING.

“Until you have had things thrown at you during your match, after your match, or even before your match, you know nothing about wrestling. Until you have had a stranger from the audience spit on you as you passed by, you know nothing about wrestling. Until those same strangers who spat on you, cussed you, threw garbage at you, and told you that you sucked last week, have now converted themselves over to your plights and aligned themselves to your cause and chant your name to a deafening contradiction of human nature, you know nothing about wrestling.

“Also….if you can’t handle the harsh truths of how the world perceives you being shouted at you, it is probably best you stay away from the ring. You step through those ropes and you will be told that you are; fat, too small, ugly, hairy, and you suck.

“Professional wrestling is NOT for everyone. It is NOT an all inclusive sport. Some people need to remain as spectators. Not many people are tough enough for the business. Not mentally. Not physically.”

How do you handle rejection?- “Rejection is a part of life. When I am rejected by the gatekeepers of those who would block my progressions, I adapt. I become not what they want, but what they need.”

Do you have any wrestlers or artists you are fond of who you would love to work with? – “I look forward to “working” with any trained and reputable wrestler who challenges me. I am always thrilled by the emotional response of a crowd, especially when my opponent understands the psychology of that crowd and the unique nature of having me as an adversary.

“As far as me working with other artists goes. I like enthusiastic positive creators. Try me. I love being spontaneous.”

Any type of music that gets your creative juices flowing?- “Sometimes. I generally gravitate towards 80s European synthetic rock. I can be eclectic at times however. One day I’m dark and moody with; the Cure, Depeche Mode, She Wants Revenge, or Type O Negative. The next day I’m feeling the sultry fervor of ; Ottis Redding, Boys To Men, or Ella Fitzgerald. I never know day to day.”

If you could pick three people who are your heroes or role models, who would they be and why?- “The character He-Man continues to play a huge role in my life. I understand that he is a fictional character and it is a parasocial bond that I have with the entire Masters of the Universe world. It isn’t real, but I think about it every day.

“Billy Corgan. Lead singer of the Smashing Pumpkins and the owner of the National Wrestling Alliance. He is a unique figure in my life. It is a truly peculiar admiration and disdain. It’s complicated.

“Lastly and most importantly, there was Patsy Haynes. She was my high school art teacher. I mentioned her earlier.”

Dog or cat person?- “I prefer animals to people as a rule of thumb. Their nature is that of true sincerity, for better or worse.

“In regards to the question at hand, I will go with cats. I have 3. Lexington. Leon. Louie.”

What do you want to eat right now?- “I have an insatiable appetite some days. I want for one thing, but there is always the other choices lingering about. Today is such a day. Tiresome and tedious. I imagine this is what women feel like every day. That may be offensive. But I was in the moment, and that was my thoughts.”

If you could be in any movie or show that has already been made, which one would it be?- “Willow. I would have loved to have been a monster who terrified the heroes on their way to Tir Asleen.”

What is your favorite holiday or time of year?- “Halloween. Costumes. Candy. Jack O’ Lanterns. Cool dark nights. Love it.”

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“I appreciate it. I look forward to seeing you once more down the road. Until next, this will be the last time.“

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