_________________________________________________________________ Q U E S T I O N S F O R T H E P R O S: With Rotten Randy _________________________________________________________________ [Interview conducted by Tony D. on January 28, 2001] TD: What's your real name, and what gimmicks have/do you use? RR: My real name is Randy Crosswell. Some of my past gimmicks include The Lightning Kid (I was hardpressed for a name/gimmick, so I kinda borrowed that off Sean Waltman), Mad Raptor, and Rotten Randy. Last year I decided to go with "Rotten" Randy Crosswell, and it looks as that's what it's going to stay as. TD: What height/weight are you? RR: 5'8'' 215 TD: What circuits do you currently wrestle in? RR: Mostly Florida, but anywhere is negotiable. TD: What circuits have you wrestled in? RR: Eastern US, Canada, Europe, Carribean TD: What titles have you held? RR: EAW tag champ, Central European heavyweight champ TD: When did you decide to become a wrestler? RR: It's pretty much something I've wanted to do since the very first time I ever seen a wrestling match. I beleive it was 1983, I was only about 4 years old at the time. TD: And how did you get started? RR: I grew up in South Florida and knew of a pro wrestler/promoter (Rusty Brooks) that lived in the area and ran a pro wrestling school. I moved away, and years later came back to my old neighborhood to see if he was still around. Sure enough, he was still wrestling, and still running his school. He agreed to train me, and he also had contacts and was able to get me some bookings, and that was pretty much how I got started. TD: Who has been the biggest influence on your career? RR: Different people on different levels. Rusty Brooks has played a huge part obviously, being the one who helped get me started. 'Ram Man' Johnny Evans was the first promoter to give me a shot in the ring, and through him I was able to gain international television exposure. Gator B. Long has helped me out tremendously also, by having me train at his school in Naples, FL. As well as all the guys I've worked with, so far everyone has been very good to me. Now as for other wrestlers who I've watched on TV and have tried to pattern myself after, the names are almost too numerous to list but a few are Ted DiBiase, Rick Martel, Shawn Michaels, and Randy Savage, to name a few. I try to learn something from watching each of them. Like me, neither of them were the biggest in size, but more than made up for it in other ways. TD: What has been the greatest moment of your career? RR: It actually had to be the very first time I ever had a pinfall win. After losing consistantly for what seemed like an eternity, getting that first win felt EXCELLENT. TD: Who are/were you trained by? What kind of athletic background do you have before you became a wrestler? RR: I was trained by former WWF star and FL wrestling legend Rusty Brooks. Before starting my wrestling training I was involved in amateur wrestling, judo, aikido, as well as other martial arts. TD: Who is your favorite wrestler to work with in the ring? RR: There are many. Off the top of my head Erik Storme, Jeff Roth, and Gary Thunder seem to always bring out the best in me. TD: Any major enemies? If so, who, and why? RR: Not to my knowledge... TD: In which promotion are you the most over? RR: As a heel I have no trouble getting over anywhere. As a babyface on the other hand I find it a little tougher, crowds vary. One place you can be over like gold, and other places people practically sit on their hands. A silent crowd... a wrestlers worst nightmare. TD: Do you ever consider working in the WWF, WCW or ECW if they are interested in your talent? RR: HELL YEAH! TD: If you had to pick WWF, WCW or ECW, where would you go and why? RR: If I had an offer from any of the above I would go without hesitation. If I had a choice though, I'd have to pick the WWF. It's been a life long dream of mine to work for the WWF. TD: Do you have a computer? If so, what do you think of the reporters and sheet writers on the internet? RR: I've owned a computer and have been online since 1995. Reporters and sheet writers I find have been helpful to the up-and-coming independent wrestlers, as well as fans who wish to get more dirt on behind the scenes stuff. Has it hurt the business at all? I don't think so. From the looks of things, it looks as if it's done far more help than harm. TD: Do you have a college degree or any other higher education? RR: This May I'll be graduating college with a degree in Criminal Justice as well as an EMT certification. TD: Any advice you'd give a wannabe wrestler? RR: Find a good wrestling school with a reputable instructor. Look around, shop around. Don't go to the first school you come across, find one that seems to have it's act together and produces quality talent. Also it helps greatly when the school runs shows or is part of a promotion, that was you can have your ring experience. Look around and find the best place that suits you. I also suggest that you stay in school (high school, college, etc.). Wrestling is a long shot, plus you never know when the abuse will catch up to you. Stay in school, go to college if you can. Leave yourself plenty of open doors. Always have a backup plan. TD: Any final comments for the readers? RR: Thank you all, and visit www.rottenrandy.com and show your support. Many thanks.