Twisted Youth
Posted by Douglas Nunnally
on 07/23/2004
Interviewer's Note:
Welcome to another edition of "Wasting The Time Of..." and in this edition, I have another bright star of NWA Tri-State, Twisted Youth!
Twisted Youth is a two year veteran as of July 23rd, and he has definitely earned that honor. From participating in the 24-7 rule of a TV title to being in of one of the best Tri-States matches of all time, Twisted Youth has definitely already made his mark in the business he loves so much. Combining the ring psychology and patterns of many greats like Roddy Piper before him, Twisted Youth is one of the best in ring competitors to date in any promotion he works for. You may not have heard of him yet, but trust me when I say you will.
Despite his horrid win-loss record that will come into play a lot in this interview, Twisted Youth is not one to be mistaken as a jobber or sub-par wrestler. He states 2004 will be his year, and I would stake my life behind that statement.
Douglas Nunnally: Thanks for joining me here today, Twisted Youth.
Twisted Youth: Thanks for having me here today.
Douglas Nunnally: How exactly did you come about the name "Twisted Youth?" Does it have any personal meaning or story behind it?
Twisted Youth: Well, I've always been into the weird, strange, and "twisted" stuff. Things that are morbid in people's minds and things that most find strange. And I'm 21, so I'm still young, so that kind of fit. Just as long as people know I'm not ripping off Reckless Youth.
Douglas Nunnally: What kind of "weird, strange, and 'twisted' stuff" do you mean?
Twisted Youth: Well, I'm a big fan of gory horror movies. Death has always fascinated me, as well as like crucifixion and things like that. It's really hard to explain, only my close friends really know that side of me. I try not to scare people with it, if you know what I mean.
Douglas Nunnally: What would you say is your favorite horror movie of all time?
Twisted Youth:
Dawn of the Dead, the original version, even though the new one is very good as well, and
Halloween is right up there. It started the whole slasher flick craze, so it has some definite history in the world of movies. By the way, I'm a movie buff in my spare time.
Douglas Nunnally: So if I asked you the director of the original and new
Dawn Of The Dead, you would be able to answer in say under a minute?
Twisted Youth: Well, George Romero directed the original, but Zack Snyder directed the new one. Romero just worked as a writer.
Interviewer's Note: Took him 3 minutes and 14 seconds.
Douglas Nunnally: How drunk were you when you came up with the gimmick, The Anarchy Factory?
Twisted Youth: Well, actually I had just watched
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and my webmaster at the time (I'm in the process of getting a new website) asked me for something to put on the front page, and it just kind of came to me. To answer your question more fairly though, I had maybe five Heinekens in me.
Douglas Nunnally: Why do you utilize 2 monikers, "The Anarchy Factory" and "The Strong Style Anarchist?"
Twisted Youth: Well, "The Anarchy Factory" isn't a moniker, really. It's more of something I said in a promo once. It's used more in the, "You're stepping into my 'Anarchy Factory' when you step inside the ring." Looking back, maybe I had about twelve Heinekens in me, not five.
Douglas Nunnally: But why "The Strong Style Anarchist?"
Twisted Youth: Well, I like to use the "American Strong Style" in my matches. The stiff forearms and lariats, lots of suplexes, and a lot of head drops. And I've always been into the whole concept of anarchy.
Douglas Nunnally: Did you choose this style due to your size, or was there always just a knack for it?
Twisted Youth: Well, I've never been a "flippy" wrestler, because of my size, but at the same time, I really enjoy the physicality of the strong style, and I love submission based wrestling as well. So, I guess I like the sports part better than the entertainment part.
Douglas Nunnally: You say you use a lot of head drops, suplexes, forearms, and lairats, so why did you choose to go an opposite direction for your finishing move with the Final Prayer, a.k.a. Texas Cloverleaf?
Twisted Youth: Because I also like the submission style, and it really depends on who I am wrestling. If I'm up against a guy my size or bigger, I have to rely on the strong style because it's going to be a very hard hitting match. However, if I'm wrestling a smaller guy, who likes to do a lot of high flying, I'm definitely going to take out his legs because if he can't stand, he can't flip. So when I came up with my finisher, I was wrestling against smaller guys mainly.
Douglas Nunnally: What would be your finisher when wrestling a guy your size or bigger?
Twisted Youth: I normally rely on the straight-jacket piledriver, or a choke-out. If I've wore down his neck, he's going to have trouble breathing, so it shouldn't take much to choke him out.
Douglas Nunnally: I understand you use a lot of straightjacket moves, not just the one you mentioned above. Is there any reason for this?
Twisted Youth: It adds a lot more impact to the move, and it lessens the chance of my opponent using his hands to try and catch himself and take some of the impact off. So it's more painful and wears the person down quicker.
Douglas Nunnally: You're treading an awful lot on ring psychology in the way you describe things. Do you prefer that to the normal "spot fest" that some wrestlers put out nowadays?
Twisted Youth: Definitely. I enjoy a spot-fest, but only if it's something new and innovative. I find that in the Ring of Honor scramble matches a lot. I rely very heavily on ring psychology, though, because if you can read your opponent and know how to hurt him, you definitely have an advantage going in.
Douglas Nunnally: Ok, I have to ask. Why the mask?
Twisted Youth: My brother burnt me in a fire he started when we were little kids. Wait, that's someone else. I guess it just kind of adds some effect, maybe intimidates a little. Plus, it's hard for someone to see my facial expressions. They don't know if I'm worried, confident, scared, or whatever.
Douglas Nunnally: Speaking of Kane, he is the only masked man to hold the WWF/E Title. Do you wish to be the second man to?
Twisted Youth: WWE isn't really my big goal. The money would be excellent, I won't deny that, as well as the experience, but at the same time, I'd probably be just another Sunday Night Heater, or whatever show they put the underrated talent on these days.
Douglas Nunnally: Interesting. So where or what is your big goal?
Twisted Youth: I'd actually like to own my own promotion one day, but as long as I can make a living out of this, without worrying about life's other problems, I'd be happy. I guess just being successful and being known as a guy who always busts his ass, no matter what.
Douglas Nunnally: What would you like to name your promotion?
Twisted Youth: I have a couple ideas, but I'm not going to throw them out there, because I figure it'd only be a matter of time till I heard about a show with that name.
Douglas Nunnally: Any reason you don't wrestle with a mask in WSWF?
Twisted Youth: I plan on wrestling with the mask if I wrestle there again. I was just trying something different, since no one there knew me.
Douglas Nunnally: Did you like it better without, or did you miss the sweaty interior of your mask?
Twisted Youth: I actually hate the sweaty interior of my mask. I'm in the process of getting a new one, actually. I wouldn't mind wrestling without the mask, and I'm sure that change will take place when I feel the time is right.
Douglas Nunnally: As a masked wrestler, do you think that people who wear masks are held back in the wrestling business in any aspect?
Twisted Youth: We get pulled over all the damn time, if that's what you mean. The cops won't leave us alone. In the business, I don't really think so. Super Dragon seems to be doing well for himself.
Douglas Nunnally: So...you get in trouble with the law, huh?
Twisted Youth: Only when I drive around in my mask.
Douglas Nunnally: What's it like explaining to the cops what's going on?
Twisted Youth: Usually I just say things like, "Que?" and "Si," in hopes they think I'm Mexican and will leave me alone.
Douglas Nunnally: What happens if that doesn't work?
Twisted Youth: I offer them free tickets to a show, and if that doesn't work, I just apologize for being retarded, unless it's a hot lady cop, then I try sweet talking her, which normally leads to the same outcome.
Douglas Nunnally: You have competed in Mad Mar, WSWF, NWA Tri-State, and others in the Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia area. Is there any desire for you to branch off from this area?
Twisted Youth: I would really like to go out to California and work for Pro Wrestling Guerilla, and I'd love to wrestle for IWA Mid-South. I talk to Chris Hero and Arik Cannon from time to time and would love to actually meet those guys, train with them, and possibly work with them in IWA MS.
Douglas Nunnally: Any reasons you have to go out to work in California?
Twisted Youth: Well, for one, Colt Cabana once said in an interview that he'd love to have all of the SoCal fan's babies. Now, if Cabana is willing to have someone's babies, they must be great fans. Also, I'd love to visit the west coast, and I might as well wrestle while I'm out there.
Douglas Nunnally: Is Colt Cabana one guy you would love to work with, besides Chris Hero and Arik Cannon?
Twisted Youth: Colt Cabana is just funny. Anytime I see the guy work, or read an interview of his, it cracks me up. I'd definitely love to hang out with him, and I wouldn't mind working him.
Douglas Nunnally: Do you think humor is something that you need in this business?
Twisted Youth: Well, I believe there are a lot of politics in this business, and you have to keep things enjoyable, or you'll get caught up in the politics, and from there, the business isn't fun anymore, and you're wishing you weren't involved in it. I also see a lot more comedy these days in wrestling. I think it's kind of important, because it adds more depth to a wrestler's personality, which will in turn help fans receive him better, which could help him make it farther in this business.
Douglas Nunnally: How much of politics have you been victimized by or witnessed in your career?
Twisted Youth: Well, I've been fired from Tri-State a few times, and I've been witness to a ton of politics, but I'm not going into details because that would be fueling that fire I was talking about.
Douglas Nunnally: Speaking of Tri-State, why did you choose NWA Tri-State as your home promotion?
Twisted Youth: Well, in 1999, I was trying to find a promotion to get trained in. I had thought about the WCW Power Plant, but I also believe in reality, and knew I couldn't afford it. Also, when you've just turned 17, it's hard to drive to an out of state promotion a few times a week, so Tri-State (then called NWA WV/OH) was convenient. Time has passed, and I've just kind of grown as a person and a wrestler there, and I take a certain pride in the company and would do just about anything to see it become successful.
Douglas Nunnally: How did your firing affect your loyalty to Tri-State?
Twisted Youth: Well, the times I was fired, it all added to my growth really. I learned something each time, and each time I came back a little smarter and a little more ambitious. I hold no ill feelings toward anyone involved in those situations. It has taken me a lot to earn my spot, to earn respect, but I have earned it, and it was worth everything I went through.
Douglas Nunnally: How did it feel to win and lose the Tri-State TV Title on the same show in the same day, especially since it was your first? Did it take away from the glory?
Twisted Youth: Definitely. At the same time, where is that title now, ya know? So looking back, it wasn't too hard of a blow, but now, I'm only looking forward to the Heavyweight Title, and winning the tag titles with Desmond.
Douglas Nunnally: You asked where the belt is now, but are you saddened by the retirement of the belt in any way?
Twisted Youth: Not really. We don't have a TV show, so it would actually make no sense, and I'd feel really dumb to be the guy holding the TV Title when there was no show to defend it on. It'd be the dunce cap of wrestling, I suppose.
Douglas Nunnally: What is your opinion on its 24-7 rule as it was not the hardcore belt?
Twisted Youth: I guess it was a fun little idea. It added entertainment to the belt, but at the same time, it's me, and I'm the one who prefers the sports aspect of professional wrestling. So I'd much rather be involved in a match with a time limit, where I knew only the people involved in the match could win, not someone running in with a referee.
Douglas Nunnally: Did you think that the TV belt was just becoming an extension of the retired Tri-State belt at that point?
Twisted Youth: Yes, definitely. I don't think it had much meaning. I find the Heavyweight Title to have much more meaning today; it has a great deal of importance put on it. Not only by the wrestlers, but the fans we've been drawing lately have been emotionally attached to what goes on.
Douglas Nunnally: You mentioned your tag partner earlier. What is it like to be in Faith No More with Vance Desmond?
Twisted Youth: Well, he lets me carry his bags, pay for his meals, drive to shows; it's a really great experience. I'm hoping I can learn something from a grizzled old veteran like Vance. Just kidding. It's awesome. We work off each other very well, and we both think a lot alike. We came up together in this business, and I hope we can one day be two extremely successful wrestlers who can look back and know they've earned everything they've gotten. As he likes to say, "We ride together, eat together, sleep together, errr, eat together." He's kind of effeminate actually, which has made me wonder if he's in cahoots with G.A.Y., and that adding to the reason we can't seem to beat them. [Laughs]
Douglas Nunnally: By the look at your match history, it looks like you do a lot more tag matches than singles. Is there any reason for this?
Twisted Youth: I guess that's the way the booking cookie crumbles. Now that I'm in a tag team that has an ambition and the talent to achieve a goal, I don't mind it; I actually enjoy it. However, I love wrestling in singles action too, because it's a bit more competitive. In tag matches though, I'm definitely glad I have Desmond in my corner; I couldn't ask for a better partner, and I can definitely see tag titles around our waists soon.
Douglas Nunnally: Do you have preference of one or the other?
Twisted Youth: If I had to choose, I'd have to take the singles path, but it'd be nice to have Desmond watching my back still. As long as he doesn't stare. [Laughs]
Douglas Nunnally: We seem to be having a lot of fun at Vance Desmond's expense, yet he boasts a singles win over you. Care to shed any light on this?
Twisted Youth: Oh, yeah, that. What can I say, he's a sly boots. And I had a fever, bad back, torn meniscus, broken arm, and one really hot blond ring rat at ringside. I was distracted and not a hundred percent. Yea, that's it.
Douglas Nunnally: Speaking of injuries, what would you say is the worst you have been hurt?
Twisted Youth: Well, I tore my MCL, and stretched another ligament in my knee a while back. It wasn't even a wrestling related injury, but yeah, I was told I wouldn't be able to wrestle for a year or so, and two months later I was back in the ring. I'm like Wolverine when it comes to healing; it's uncanny really. Too bad I don't have his claws.
Douglas Nunnally: We touched down on one of your many losses earlier. You state your win-loss record is 14-25. Since you have lost a majority of your 39 matches over the past 2 years, does this taint your career in any way, shape, or form in your opinion?
Twisted Youth: Not at all. And wow, when you look at it that way, I really suck. I'm just now coming into my own though, as they say. I've found my niche, and I've developed my style a lot more. So in the future, I see that being more like, 1 zillion - 25
Douglas Nunnally: Since you yourself have competed in a bullrope match, how do you feel Eddie Guerrero and John Bradshaw Layfield did at The Great American Bash last month?
Twisted Youth: Actually, I don't watch the WWE. Haven't for quite some time.
Douglas Nunnally: Any reason?
Twisted Youth: Too much nonsense for my tastes. I prefer to watch IWA MS, CZW, and ROH. Indy wrestling is my choice because it's guys like me, busting their ass for their spot.
Douglas Nunnally: What do you mean by "too much nonsense for your taste?"
Twisted Youth: Well, the last time I looked, Lita, Matt Hardy, and Kane were involved in a love triangle with a baby involved, there was a mentally challenged guy in control of a game of musical chairs, and the last time I saw Smackdown, Big Show threw Kurt Angle from a balcony, and it was just so soap opera-ish.
Douglas Nunnally: So I take it unlike the rest of the wrestling world, you are not a fan of the Eugene character played by Nick Dinsmore?
Twisted Youth: Not really. He's worth a laugh here and there, but he's not even a very convincing retard.
Douglas Nunnally: You seem to have lot of matches with DJ Skittles as an opponent and tag team partner. Care to shed light on this?
Twisted Youth: Well, during our little stint as a tag team, all he did was dance while I carried the team. I'm not a dancer, Doug; I'm a wrestler. He was out there to entertain the fans, and that hurt us every time. As an opponent, he seemed to have a fire lit under his ass, which I guess was a good thing. I lit that fire as his opponent; it's just too bad it wasn't burning when we were teaming.
Douglas Nunnally: You have been in eleven matches with DJ Skittles, more than any other superstar. Is this a good thing in your view?
Twisted Youth: I think he should consider himself lucky I allowed him to share a ring with me at all, ya know? His place is out at a rave club, not in my ring.
Douglas Nunnally: Even though you view him as a dancer, it seems at this point he has one up on you as your record with him is two losses and one win. Would you like to say anything to clarify this?
Twisted Youth: I underestimated him, I suppose. I didn't see him as a threat, and apparently, he was. Plus he has multi-colored hair... I mean come on, that's hard to keep your focus off of.
Douglas Nunnally: Well, you have a mask.
Twisted Youth: Touche interviewer, touche.
Douglas Nunnally: On your website it states that in the past three months you have "stepped up your game." What exactly does that mean?
Twisted Youth: Well, basically it just means that I'm more focused now. Before, I was just drifting around, without any real goals. Now though, I want that Heavyweight Title, I want the total respect of the fans, and I want success. Now, for someone to beat me, they have to earn that victory, you know. I'm not going to make it easy for them.
Douglas Nunnally: You say 2004 will be "your year." How is it fairing so far for you?
Twisted Youth: Well, I'm sure the trusty win/loss record won't show much favoritism. However, on July 4th, I had what many are calling one of the best NWA Tri-State matches ever, and I've been turning more and more heads each show.
Douglas Nunnally: What is it like to be a part of one of the greatest matches of a promotion?
Twisted Youth: Oh, it's mind shattering. Fans were chanting, "Holy shit" and "ECW;" it was just off the charts for the match.
Douglas Nunnally: What was it like to get an "ECW" chant despite you and your opponent not being in ECW?
Twisted Youth: It's just the idea behind the "ECW" chant. For many people, ECW was the first thing that introduced a new style of wrestling. It's almost an honor thing, ya know.
Douglas Nunnally: Yet again, you lost this match. Does that take away any prestige from the fact that it was so well received?
Twisted Youth: Not really. I had beaten Johnny Hard at his own game many times, and I again, underestimated him. I made one mistake, and it cost me the match. The reception the match got was very bittersweet, but overwhelming also.
Douglas Nunnally: We have been rambling for about 7 pages now. Tired yet?
Twisted Youth: Nope, I don't sleep very often, so this isn't tiring or anything.
Douglas Nunnally: What is your take on the website, TheWrestlingVoice.com?
Twisted Youth: I was checking it out earlier today actually, and I like how it gives many different opinions, and your interview segment gives people a chance to learn about new names and such. I really hope the site continues to have success.
Douglas Nunnally: Finally, due to your win-loss record, which was one of the main points of this interview by way of chance, do you feel any closeness with the Brooklyn Brawler, a man of your similar fate?
Twisted Youth: Wow, harsh man. No, I don't really feel any closeness with him, because I'm not from Brooklyn, and I don't do much brawling really. Plus, I hate baseball, so I wouldn't wear a Yankees shirt. Bottom line is, he was always a joke. Me, I'm done joking around, and I'm ready to take the wrestling world for my own.
Douglas Nunnally: All right. Well thanks for your time, Twisted Youth. Any last words or final thoughts you'd like to leave the reader with?
Twisted Youth: Yeah, if you aren't successful, stay away from Doug, he's ruthless. But seriously, just look out for me, and look out for Faith No More, the tag team, not the band, they suck.
Douglas Nunnally: Thank you again, Twisted Youth.
Twisted Youth: Anytime, interviewer man.
Click here to let us know what you thought about this interview on TWV's official discussion forums!
Copyright © 2005; TheWrestlingVoice.com & Douglas Nunnally.
All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer & Privacy Statement
