Interviews
Exclusive: Pitbull Craig Cole Interview
Published January 31, 2012 at 2:49 am by Marek Indyka
A veteran of the Melbourne wrestling scene, Pitbull Craig Coles stops by Wrestlehustle.com for an exclusive interview.
Marek: How did you first get started in Australian wrestling?
Pitbull: I was working security at the time and Matt Muir (Jungle Cat) was working with me at the same place, we got talking about wrestling one night after work he told me he was a wrestler here. I had no idea there was even wresting on a local scale, this was in 2002 . So I asked to take me down where he trained and on I went from there to where I am today. I have always been a wrestling fan from a young age and always loved wresting. So I thought I'd love to give it a try.
Marek: Who were you first trained by and who were some names going around the Melbourne scene at the time?
Pitbull: First trained by George Julio, names at the time going around were The Ox and Con Yakavidies.( Mr Damage )..these two guys were great showmen who really knew how to entertain a crowd with showmanship and in ring psychology .A quality not too many wresters posses or understand how to try and posses.
Marek: Describe the difference between the Melbourne scene in 2002 and the current product in 2012?
Pitbull: Tough question. These days I think there is a lot more guys that actually look like wrestlers that are in good shape that work on their bodies, there was a lot of young guys wrestling back in 2002 mixed with a few old vets ....nowadays these young guys are ten year wrestlers and are much better in many areas so I think the overall quality of matches are better. Also, training schools are better and run more professionally, alot better quality than back then...training schools like Jag has in Adelaide with NWApro..and Doug in Sydney with PWA are exceptional training facilities also PCW in Melbourne has a training facility that is starting to come along nicely, still has a way to go to reach the level of the other two I mentioned.
Marek: For people who have not seen Craig Cole wrestle live how would you describe you're wrestling style, and have you changed anything since you started wrestling?
Pitbull: To me its all about the people, the crowd, you MUST entertain them..interact with them..make them want to cheer or boo you. Lots of crowd interaction if you come along to see me wrestle, make the people leave at the end of the night with the memory of something of you.You have to be different, unique, don't do the same as the other guys on the card..stand out whichever way you can, be a showman thats the key, that mixed with a few power moves and a high level of aggression. I like to think I give the people value for money whatever match I am in. I have changed many things since I started. I work a lot harder these days on my cardio so I am a lot fitter now. I see out matches better, I have totally changed my appearance also..(looking back on old dvds), from bleach blonde hair and a one piece wresting outfit , to a clipper hair style , handle bar mustache and wresting shorts..much better these days I think.
Marek: Take us through the promotions you've worked for in you're wrestling career?
Pitbull: I used to limit myself to only Melbourne promotions when I first stared, PCW and NAW, also TWE when they were around, worked these promotions for the first five years then I decided to branch out more to these days wrestling for Warzone Wrestling, PCW and Wrestelrock in Melbourne, PWA in Sydney and NWA pro in Adelaide.
Marek: Who are some names currently in Australian wrestling or in the Melbourne scene that you think have some potential to go on to bigger things?
Pitbull: There are many guys that are doing very well overseas.....Jag, Damien Slater, Robby Heart all fantastic workers who are and have done well in Japan. WWE is tough a good friend of mine Chris Knight has had a couple of trys outs with no success, which I find staggering he cant at least get on the developmental squad, considering the standard of the guys on NXT at the moment. Here locally there is a whole bunch of talent, I would put myself also that you can expect to see bigger and better things from as I am the most motivated I have ever been in my career.
Here's one from nowhere for you, as I will not mention the obvious guys, I will give you a young guy who I think has got unlimited potential and thats Adam Brooks... He trains with me and has one of the best attitudes I have seen in the business a great work ethic , and he listens , he has come along fantastically in the last 12 months, so stay tuned.
Marek: How did you get the nickname Pitbull?
Pitbull: When I started I struggled coming up with a name, I came up with some pretty lame ones actually. I like the breed of dog, they are beautiful misunderstood dogs, unfairly judged, a lot like myself in my younger years ..so it was something personal to me.
Marek: Do you have memorable matches or moments that stand out in your career?
Pitbull: Memorable moments for me are when you see people at the end of a show if I'm sent out to do signings etc...say that was a great show and that they will be back again as it is all about the people. Memorable matches to me would be wrestling guys that I've really enjoyed wresting with in terms of enjoyment of the match and learning from it. Wrestling Chris Knight would be at the top of that list, also wrestling for NWA pro at the Thebarton Hall show 2010 in front of 900 people was a huge buzz.
Marek: For me Australian wrestling has huge potential to grow but is lacking the media coverage it deserves. What are your general thoughts on Australian pro-wrestling and what has to happen for it to be elevated to the next level and be noticed more by the general public?
Pitbull: It has huge unlimited potential, we have the guys here and I am including myself that can put on a great show to a national audience..if you take the best of the talent from around the country, someone with some capital behind them that is prepared to take a calcuted risk, we can no doubt have a worthy product for national television whether that be free to air or foxtel. The professionalism has improved amongst the wresters, but it still has a way to go with many also....it is your obligation to act, as professional as you can at all times at and around a wresting show where fans are concerned, I just feel many guys need to improve in that area, but we do doubt have the assets here to be on a national level.
Marek: When can we see you back up in PWA Sydney?
Pitbull: I will be appearing on PWA again this year, still dates to be conformed. I really enjoy the shows there as it a very professionally run promotion Doug and Alex do a great job.
Marek: Do you have any interest in wrestling overseas?
Pitbull: Always interested in wrestling overseas, discussing options with people at the moment actually for possibly this year either Japan or the States.
Marek: What advice would you give anyone wanting to break into Australian pro-wrestling?
Pitbull: Advice is simple, train, train and train again. Work hard, never ever stop learning, don't get to a certain level and think you have done enough, keep improving and look to get continuously better...listen to the people who are the good operators in the business, train and keep working hard.
Marek: Do you have any upcoming events that your booked on?
Pitbull: Upcoming shows are PCW 4th Feb, Warzone Wrestling 10th March, I would advise all wresting fans to get there as "Scrap Iron" Adam Pearce will be wrestling along with Orlando Jordan, then NWA Adelaide on the 31st March.
Marek: Where can fans go to find out more about Pitbull Craig Cole?
Pitbull: People can find out all about me and what I am up to on Facebook.....www.facebook.com/pitbullcraigcole
