Impact Pro Wrestling: Superstar Interviews: Brian Ash

I had my first match on Christmas day, 1999.

I've always loved wrestling. I can remember watching Georgia Championship Wrestling on TBS as a kid, and wishing I could be like the guys on TV.

When I was in college I started dicking around on high jump mats and had a blast doing it. I contacted Dory Funk Jr. about his camp and then went to Harley's school.

Brent Filmore and I tagged against Gabriel Gage Octane and Paul Phoenix. A lot of places say we won but I'm pretty sure we lost. Poor Filmore. I Beefcaked most of that match. I had broken ribs so Filmore got beat up for most of the match and I just came in, did a couple moves, and left. Ash wearing a belt

It's hard to say. I always like working Octane. Probably the big match he and I had in East Dubuque.

It depends on what you mean. If you mean who hits the hardest and lets me hit them hard it's Derek Stone. If you mean who required the most work to have a decent match, I can't say.

I can't remember who I was wrestling, but there was a night in Delta when I was wrestling a baby that had decent crown supported, but wasn't super over. We had a pretty good match and when he pinned me the crowd went off the hook. I just felt like I had really done my job well that night.

Brian Ash 8 Do you have any regrets in the wrestling business?

I'll probably regret not being more aggressive in sending tapes and hounding the national promotions.

9 What is the worst injury you have suffered in the ring?

My pride has been injured more times than I can count, but the worst injury I've had would have to be blowing out my ACL. I've got a nice new one now.

10 What do think of the current state of indy wrestling in the state of Iowa?

I think it's great that so many promotions are starting up. I just hope that everyone will be around at this time next year.

I think Iowa offers something for everyone. There's a traditional kind of old school thing and some more spotty guys. I think there's something for all kinds of fans in Iowa Brian Ash

I think fans hate me because I'm mean, I cheat, and I make really demeaning comments to them, my opponent, the ref, the promoter, the ring announcer, the hot dog vendor, the guy taking tickets, the little kid who happens to be walking past the arena...

12 How much longer do you see yourself in the squared circle on a regular basis and how would you like to be remembered?

I think I've got a few more years in me. I'll probably hang it up if I get hurt badly enough that I have to spend any significant time away from the ring or if it stops being fun.

I'd just like to be remembered. I hope the boys will remember me as someone who worked hard and was fun to be around. I'd like them to think I was a decent hand. I hope the fans remember wanting to throw something every time I walked through the curtain.

15 What would your advice be to anybody wanting to become a professional wrestler?

Find a trainer who is knowledgeable and respects the business. Go to training with an open mind and forget what you think you know about the business. Remember it's about learning how to wrestle. It's not just about learning moves.

TS Aggressor- The godfather of wrestling in Iowa. I don't think we'd have anything without TS. He's a great guy and ALWAYS takes care of his boys.

Havyk- Improves every time out. Super intense in the ring. Great Guy. Brian Ash

Mitch Paradise- People love him. Plays the big man babyface very well.

Steve Shettler- Good guy. Remembers where the ring announcer falls in the hierarchy of toughness.

Juan Fourneau- I haven't know Juan for long, but this guy has a lot to offer. I think he does his thing very well.

Troy Peterson- AHHHHH you know. Troy's a great guy. I give him a hard time about his booking, but he's kept Iowa fans entertained for much longer than a lot of the Iowa promotions.

Gage Octane- The worker's worker. Can have a good match with a mop.

Derek Stone- Has taught me more about wrestling than any other guy. He's a great worker, a great teacher, and a great friend.

Griz- Griz can get more mileage out of looking at the crowd than any guy I've ever seen. Heel or face he pulls the crowd into everyone of his matches.

2nd Coming- good stuff. They're both really talented and awesome guys to hang with.

"The Delta Dome"- Revitalized IPW. The crowd's are awesome. They just want to be entertained. They're not interested in proving how much they know about the business. They just want to drink beer and have fun.