SmashWrestling Interview

Interview with Dory Funk Jr by Niall Walsh of SmashWrestling.com 10/00 Niall recently interviewed Dory Funk Jr, one of the worlds best known wrestler trainers, many of the worlds biggest stars have been in the hands of Dory at some point in their live, Kurt Angle, Matt & Jeff, Lita, Test, Rock, HHH are just a few of them!

Niall: Hi Dory, thanks for taking the time to do this interview with smashwrestling.com. Let me start with, how do you feel seeing talent that you helped train become the very best at what they do?

Dory: I am thrilled to see them have such success in the wrestling business. I have been privileged to have the opportunity to work with such great athletes. Kurt Angle, Christian, Adam Windsor, Edge, Mat Hardy, Jeff Hardy, Lita, Josh Wilcox, Test and the list goes on.

Dory with Edge and Albert

Niall: What are your thoughts about the way wrestling has changed in the past few years, and do you feel that it has been a positive thing, especially for the
workers themselves?

Dory: Fewer jobs and more money for the few that make it in the business. Other than that the principles haven't changed.

The fans dictate the product with their endorsement of our performance. Ratings, marketing purchases and attendance. Give the fans a performance above and beyond what they would have expected and they will likely come back. I also have always believed in "In Ring Performance" I believe that is the difference WWF has accomplished in becoming number one at the present time. Many of their current great performers have come through my training program.

Niall: Wrestling seems to have moved into including more high flyers such as the Hardy Boyz and Edge and Christian, have your training techniques changed in the past few years to accommodate these styles?

Dory: Yes they have. We train for two environments, the house show and the television production. Television matches must be shorter and with more action. In the competitive environment if they are not entertained, they have the option of very easily changing the channel. All matches must have storyline of as they used to call it timing. Just as in a book, movie or play, there must be something at the start to create interest, storyline and as we were taught in school a climax. (Finish)

Niall: As the demand for high flying stunts seems to escalate the demand and risks on the wrestlers bodies has increased dramatically, do you think the industry and the fans are starting to demand too much of the wrestlers?

Dory: Only the best will survive. We are here for the fans. We are here to please the fans. WWF has implemented a program limiting some of the more dangerous moves and it has not hurt their business. I don't think we have to kill ourselves but I believe the fans deserve maximum effort out of the wrestlers. There are no easy ways to satisfy the fans. It may take high risk but we can keep it under control. Hard work never hurt anybody within reason.

Niall: When looking for new talent can you tell at an early stage whether someone has what it takes to be a star?

Dory: In most cases when I meet them. Some times I am very surprised. Adam Windsor came to us weighing 130 pounds and because he wanted it bad he is now a drawing card in the pro ranks. (People are paying to see him) This is the most important criteria.

Niall: Have you ever thought someone wouldn't make it, but they then surprised all the critics and turned out to be a success?

Dory: I guess the biggest surprise was John "Earthquake" Tenta. At one time in Japan, I told John, "You have a college education from LSU. That is a great university and you can do anything you want. Why pro-wrestling. I left Japan and came home. (John had never wrestled in America) Three months later, he was on the main event in Madison Square Garden facing Hulk Hogan.

Niall: We're currently redesigning the official amydumas.net website, what do you think of this remarkable young lady and her rise to fame in such a short span in the WWF? As of now the WWF has said she is the most popular female wrestler ever.

Dory: We felt Amy had exceptional talent when she was here in the Funking Conservatory. We trained her in the fundamentals that she needed. We presented her to the WWF at her best. It got her the recognition she needed. She was here with an exceptional crew many of whom unselfishly helped her to gain the attention she needed. Through photos and videos we presented her as the star she is.

Niall: What are the most memorable moments of your career as a wrestler and then as a trainer?

Dory: As a trainer, working with such talented people. As a wrestler, having the privilege to work the business. I love being in the ring.

Dory with KURT ANGLE

Niall: Kurt Angle claims you need the three I's, intensity, integrity, intelligence to be a success, do you believe that to be true? If not, what ideals do you live by and what do you teach your workers?

Dory: Persistence can be the most valuable asset. Anything Kurt says I will agree whole heatedly.

Niall: You were a successful heavyweight champion for a number of years so how does it make you feel when people like Vince Russo say the world title is just a prop and means nothing?

Dory: In truth until wrestling can come up with something else, the world title is the key to building a great territory. It is also nice to have Andre The Giant or Georgeous George, but we can't have everything.

Niall: One of the UK's very own, Adam Windsor is currently being trained by you and big things are expected of him. How did he find his way from our shores to your training camp?

Dory: He is the Royal Stud, born and bred of Royal Blood. He is the only European worker trained entirely in America and working fully American style. He is currently the youngest wrestler in the world drawing money. It was only natural we would find each other. Persistence, Persistence. In answer to your question, He contacted the WWF on many occasions while I was there. He was only 16 at the time and they do not work with men that young. He was referred to me and that is where the relationship began.

Niall: Is there any new and upcoming wrestlers you would like everyone to keep a look out for? (feel free to mention and promote anyone you want here)

Dory: Adam Windsor, Fred Curry, Brent Dail, Summer Rain, Chris Hero, Josh Wilcox, Billy Riel, Dave DeJohn.

Niall: Everyone at www.Smashwrestling.com would like to thank you for taking the time to do this interview and wishes yourself, Marti and your wrestling school continued success. Thanks for your time Dory.

Dory: Thank you very much for the opportunity to talk to my fans in the UK & US Niall.

If using ANY portion of this interview you must give full credit to Niall and www.SmashWrestling.com.

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