Interviews
Exclusive: Interview with Luke Gallows
Published October 23, 2011 at 11:51 am by Marek Indyka
Interview conducted by Adam Jarvis.
WH: How did you get into this business and who were your influences?
GALLOWS: Bruiser Brody, Hulk Hogan, Jake “the Snake” Roberts and Terry Funk were major influences. I’ve been a fan since I was 8 yrs old, and I always knew that I had to grow up and wrestle.
WH: How did you find training for Pro Wrestling and was it something you picked up quickly?
GALLOWS: I was in College playing American football and I found a local independent (promotion) and began training and working with them. I took to pro wrestling naturally.
WH: What are your thoughts on CM Punks recent push and rise in popularity?
GALLOWS: I’m very happy for CM Punk and all of his success. He is a hard worker and the best stick man in the business. We still talk almost every day.
WH: How did the Festus character come about and how did you feel about teaming with Ray Gordy?
GALLOWS: I loved teaming with Ray "Jesse" Gordy. Vince McMahon called me into his office and told me that he knew a guy like this back in the day and started making the Festus face. It was quite
funny; he wanted something different so that is what we delivered.
WH: Can you talk about your departure from the WWE and why you were released? Do you have plans to return to the WWE in the future?
GALLOWS: The door, I believe, is still open at WWE for me. The Straight Edge Society fell apart quickly after Summer Slam 2010 due to a firing and an injury. I think after that the writing was on
the wall (between the WWE and me). We both needed something different. I am enjoying what I am doing now, but never rule out a return.
WH: A few months back you wrestled a dark match for TNA, Do you think they are interested in signing you to an Impact Wrestling contract?
GALLOWS: Never say never. I think that the TNA landscape may be changing a bit … time will tell.
WH: In November you're coming to Australia to wrestle exclusively for World Wrestling X-Treme (WWX). Are you looking forward to the tour and what made you decide to work with WWX rather than other promotions in Australia?
GALLOWS: I will be working exclusively with WWX, I am extremely impressed with their operation and expansion and look forward to leading the charge in what I am calling The WWX Australia takeover.
WWX is the future of wrestling down under and I only align myself with the best and I believe that fans will be very impressed with what lies ahead.
WH: Have you been to Australia before and if so what do you think of our country?
GALLOWS: I’ve been to Australia before with WWE and I can honestly say that it is one of the best countries I’ve had the pleasure of performing in. The country is beautiful and fun and the fans are awesome!
WH: World Wrestling X-Treme is embarking on it's first semi national tour in November whilst you're in the country. How do you feel about headlining this tour and have you heard any news on who you will be working with on the tour?
GALLOWS: I’m very excited about leading the charge and headlining the tour. You are going to see Australia's most talented wrestlers alongside The Big LG, Luke Gallows! It’s going to be a great time and I promise fans some great wrestling action.
I know that I will be in a 4 man tournament to crown the first ever WWX Undisputed Champion. There are some great wrestlers in Australia, but I am training hard and will accept nothing less than becoming champion.
WH: Do you know how long you will be in the country or where you will be appearing for autograph signings or is that information still being kept quiet?
GALLOWS: The office at WWX is preparing a goodwill autograph/meet and greet tour for me. I’m very excited about meeting the Australian fans. I’ll be in the country for 2 and a half weeks.
WH: Tell us about your recent trip to Nigeria, We've heard that you and a few other wrestlers were stranded in the country? How that that come about?
GALLOWS: Yes the UN building was bombed while we were in Nigeria, things fell apart after that. We were left to fend for ourselves in a foreign country and find our own way home.
