Interview:
Greg "TNT" Bownds, Promoter & Wrestler,
AWF Pro Wrestling -
15th January 2004


What
makes a great wrestling promoter?
Someone
who is smart to the business, understands their audience,
knows how to organise talent, and knows how to really
go out and promote events.
What
are the main differences in running a promotion in
Australia, as opposed to the US?
Firstly,
currently Australia has no TV vehicle to showcase
it's performers, so on a national scale it is hard
for anyone to become a huge draw. In the US there
are a lot of regional promotions that have TV, where
in Australia we don't have the amount of TV stations
to facilitate this. To a large extent they are quite
similar. A minor difference seems to be that especially
in NSW & QLD a lot of the shows are run out of
RSL clubs as they have suitably sized auditoriums,
whereas in the US they range from school halls to
major entertainment venues.
What
makes AWF the best Australia promotion?
AWF
has been successful because it has run quality shows,
consisting of well rounded wrestlers, combined with
entertaining booking, as well as strong promotion
leading up to events. Our wrestling school has produced
more quality workers for Australia than anywhere else,
and our shows are successful.
Who
are some of the overseas workers you have brought
to Australia in the past, and how did the deal come
about?
World
traveled wrestling stars such as Sabu, Psicosis, Scorpio,
Chris Candido, Marty Jannetty & Super Dragon are
some of the internationals AWF has brought to Australia
over the last few years. Most of the deals came about
through many phone calls, constant contact and negotiations
with international talent and agents, plus a keen
eye watching over the international wrestling circuit.
Who
are your top workers?
Currently
AWF Wrestling's top performers are TNT, Dean Draven,
Steve Ravenous, PC Virus, Krackerjack, "High
Flyin" Mark Hilton, "Attitude" Adam
Bedford, "Mad" Tony Kebab, The Webmistress
and Billy Flyswat just to name a handful.
How
often do you run shows? On average once per fortnight.
The second half of 2004 however will likely be way
up due to a lot of interest in our product currently.
What
have been the highlights of your career?
Highlights
of my promoting career have been being able to make
a living doing what I love, putting on some of the
best shows Australian wrestling audiences have ever
witnessed, selling out our Championship Crowning Tournament,
and bringing international talent to wrestle in Australia.
As a performer, putting on quality matches against
international wrestlers such as Marty Jannetty &
Super Dragon.
Wrestling
workers who I enjoyed watching via the wonders of
video tape for years such as Sabu and Scorpio.
Working
3 matches on the way to becoming the First AWF Australasian
Heavyweight Champion.
Being
lucky enough to meet a variety of great people who
have become friends.
My
work with the AWF School of Pro-Wrestling. To teach
and see someone's talent grow is very rewarding.
Any
mentors?
Shane
Fenton originally taught me the basics of wrestling.
Businessman Rob Jones taught me a lot in the way of
experience with the other side of wrestling and responsibility.
My
father has been in business for a long time and showed
me that hard work can be rewarding.
Rey
Misterio Sr gave me an introduction to Lucha Libre.
Describe
your style?
My
wrestling style is technical, well paced, well rounded.
I like to do a little of everything; mat, technical,
flying, bumping, psychology, comedy, serious.
What
is your training regime, and how do you set training
programs for others?
I
currently train weights 4 times a week, undertake
cardio exercise 5 days per week, and run wrestling
classes 2 times per week.
I
individualise the training to the individual's needs
for the most part.
What
are some of the worst injuries you have suffered over
the years?
I
have incurred a broken finger, ankle, and tailbone.
I have had a sprained wrist, torn shoulder and displaced
sacraillium.
What's
the key to your success?
Persistance,
dedication, action, study, hard work and creativity.
What's
your motto?
Believe
in yourself and do it to it the best that you can.
Where
can we see you and the team perform next?
The
next AWF event will be 7:30 pm, 7 February, 2004 at
the AWF Dojo located 7/32 Swettenham Rd, Minto. All
wrestlers appearing are members and graduates of the
AWF School of Pro-Wrestling. The "New Years Revolution"
will feature 6 matches, plus the presentation of the
2003 AWF Year Awards. Come down and check out all
the action. It will be a blast.
For
info on future shows visit www.awfwrestling.com.au
for more details.
...end.
Editors
note:
Links:
AWF
Pro Wrestling
AWF
School Of Pro Wrestling
AWF
Pro Wrestling Sponsorship Proposal 2004 outline, via
Mediaman
Interview:
Lobo
Interview:
Steve Rackman
Article:
Wrestling Promoter Down Under, by Greg Tingle
AWF
Pro Wrestling
TNT:
PROFILE
NAME:
TNT
HEIGHT: 6"
WEIGHT: 100kg
HAILS FROM: Sydney, NSW
DEBUT: 5 April, 1994
SIGNATURE MOVES: The Detonator, Top Rope Twisting
Elbow Drop, Twisting Neckbreaker, Top Rope Neckbreaker
FIGHTING STYLES: A mixture of everything. Power, Technical,
High Flying etc, TNT can do it all!
QUOTE: 3
2
1
Its Detonation
Time!
ENTRANCE MUSIC: "Velvet Kevorkian" - Strapping
Young Lad
DETAILS:
Made pro debut in 1994 and was named Australian Rookie
of the Year
One of the first wrestlers to use
a modern high flying style in Australian rings, TNT
was innovative in introducing high risk moves such
as moonsaults and plancha dives in Australia
Has held versions of the Australian Tag Team Championship
and Heavyweight Championships, and has also held the
AWF Australasian Heavyweight Championship on two occasions,
defeating Lobo and Il Cognito respectively
Has
faced the whos who of Australian wrestling,
as well as international stars such as Sabu, Super
Dragon, Marty Jannetty, 2 Cold Scorpio and many others
Is the head trainer of the AWF School of Pro-Wrestling
and has had a part in training over 30 active professional
wrestlers
One of the most well rounded wrestlers
to ever come out of Australia, TNT is a world class
wrestler and a dangerous, explosive and controversial
force in AWF rings.


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