Scott Future is one of the shining lights in the UK professional wrestling scene. Scott has trained all over the world with the top trainers and wrestlers that the business has to offer and has performed at many big events in various countries across the world. Scott has also played a big part in training and inspiring many young aspiring wrestlers. So if you have been watching the likes of John Cena on WWE and have always wanted to do what they do, you need to read this interview.
How did you first get interested in professional wrestling?
I was introduced to WWE wrestling in the late 80's. It used to be on ITV at about 3am. I'd get people to record it for me as I was only about 9 years old when I started watching it. I thought the glitz and glamour was amazing... the wrestlers were like real life cartoon characters. I wasn't really a fan of wrestling before that because Id been lead to believe that it was a bit of a joke, but these guys from America were so big and powerful, and so athletic. I was hooked and I have been ever since.
When did you realise that professional wrestling was something you wanted to do as a career?
Obviously when I was 9 and 10 years old I hoped to one day be a wrestler. Then when I approached my early teens I thought it was just a pipe dream. I kept watching wrestling and in 1997 a friend and I saved up enough money to go to WrestleMania 13 in Chicago. We had front row seats for WrestleMania and the RAW TV show the next night. We stayed in the same hotel as the wrestlers and we had a blast. I was 17 I think, and we'd laugh and joke with guys like Tony Atlas and Ray Rougeux who I respected as great wrestlers. It gave me the bug to want to wrestle. We had such a good time with those guys that a WWE announcer, Kevin Kelly, actually said on a wrestling news segment that he enjoyed meeting us and hoped we had a safe trip home. That wasn't part of a competition, and it wasn't planned, we had no idea, it was great.
I've always been tall, and whilst in Chicago a wrestler by the name of Justin Credible looked up at me and said "Man, if you were a wrestler you'd be kicking my ass". A few months later I went to wrestling school in Kent.
Had you tried your hand at any other sports before deciding upon professional wrestling?
Not at any great level. I play all sports from time to time, but nothing gives me a rush like wrestling can.
Now most people in the UK who want to be a professional wrestler just train in the UK but you had bigger dreams than that didn't you?
Yes, I started training in the UK in 1997; I had my first match in Margate, Kent in the summer of 1998. By 2000 I was networking and sending tapes all over, and that's what took me to the Dungeon, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I survived a training session in the Dungeon. I wasn't the greatest and I still didn't have much experience, but Bruce Hart told me I had guts. Ted Hart told me I had a good look. I discussed many aspects of wrestling with Stu Hart who was known to everyone in wrestling as an authority. I appreciate the time I had there, its something money can't buy, and new wrestlers of today will never experience. That's where many legends such as Bret Hart, the British Bulldog, Jim "The Anvil", Dynamite Kid, Brian Pillman, and so may others came from.
I think I learned more about the wrestling business in Canada than I did about the art of wrestling, and that's what helped me get into may great adventures such as the attempted launch of a wrestling promotion called WrestleXpress. Through that I wrestled in the USA and I even had a theme tune written for me by the Great WWE Hall of Fame member, Jimmy Hart. I've been blessed on my wrestling journey that's for sure and my sites are always set high.
I caught Jimmy Hart in 2005 at the first TNA taping for Spike TV and he does great work. People like him inspire me to be professional and energetic because of what they have accomplished. Your dreams should always be big or you won't be excited if you get to fulfil them!
How hard has it been to get where you are today in professional wrestling?
On the one had I could say it's been easy because I don't stop all that much to think about where I'm heading. I'm very driven and focused in that way. When something good happens I need to work harder next time to top it. On another level it's been very hard. I've been in the gym for years trying to get the right look, and it's a battle I'll fight every day but slowly and surely it's paying off. I was featured on a DVD in May's Muscle and Fitness magazine. Back in the late 90's I had to spend so much money to train to wrestle, and the petrol and the travel was very hard. On one tour we wrestled with an American star who came over and did great business for the wrestling promotion, but we as British wrestlers didn't get paid, and on top of that a friend and I had to drive him around at our expense. Sometimes, when budgets are tight, you can wrestle for 5 nights in a row, sleeping on someone's wooden living room floor. It can be tough. But nothing good in life should come easy, I really believe that you have to "pay your dues".
Also, it can be a pretty cut throat business at times. I only really want to wrestle to fulfil an ambition, and entertain a live audience. I've done that in every match I've ever had, but there are always critics, maybe jealous wrestlers, maybe people with an axe to grind or a gap to fill, that can be pretty harsh. So those things are hard at times I guess, but I love wrestling and the rush of performing, hearing the crowd cheer your name and pushing yourself makes it all worth while! Its good to have critics, they make you try harder that's for sure, but it is hard to make it in wrestling... there are a lot of people who aren't dedicated, and anyone will tell you that to be in the wrestling business for any length of time, you'll need to be dedicated.
How old do you have to be to learn how to wrestle?
I think you can start to learn the basics at around 14 or 15, I've seen younger people try and it's worked well for them, technical wrestling and mat wrestling is a very good discipline for young people to learn. The other kind of "stunt" wrestling I would say 15 or 16 would be a good age to start.
If a young person is interested in learning how to wrestle what is the first thing they should do?
They should forget the cartoon image and realise its very tough and very hard, and that it's unlikely they will make any money out of it, so they should do it because they love wrestling and for no other reason.
How fit do you need to be to be a professional wrestler?
Depending on your style some people get away with not being that fit, but they will be wrestling the short matches! To main event, and go for 25 to 30 minutes, you need to be fit. I work an average of 4 nights a week on cardio and muscle building. I watch what I eat and I listen to the experts at LA Muscle, who are my sponsors because getting the right diet it important.
Are there any other martial arts or combat sports which they could or should try their hand at first?
I really think MMA should be mixed in with Pro Wrestling training. That's how I was trained, and it develops a more rounded character. Mixed Martial Arts training is a good addition to any training school teaching pro wrestling.
How can young people find out about their nearest wrestling training school?
Google! Ha. Seriously there are too many to count all over the UK. I would say go along and watch a session if your not sure its right for you. The DropKixx wrestling school, which is run by John Ritchie, is a great one I understand.
What are key attributes or skills someone needs to be a great professional wrestler? And finally what advice would you give to any aspiring young wrestler?
"Keep your ears open and your mouth shut" It's harsh but true. Many people get into wrestling thinking that they will be the next "Rock" with little effort - if you master the skill of listening you are 99% there. If you can get coordinated, agile and practice the basics over and over, you will put yourself straight into the top 25% of wrestlers in this country. If you are going to get into wrestling, take the time to be dedicated and professional and it will pay off whether you are the greatest technical wrestling mastermind - or not! Lastly, I say just go for it, if it's what you want to do, just go for it. I did, and a little over a year ago I had a very positive tryout with the WWE, a company Id watched on TV at 9 years of age. Don't let anyone shoot you down and don't let anyone's negativity affect you! You get one life, so motivate yourself and live it!
To find out more about Scott Future log on to http://www.scottfuture.com
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