Exclusive Interview: Slyck Wagner Brown

Slyck Wagner Brown was trained by Killer Kowalski and has been tearing it up on the independent scene since 1997. Slyck has made several appearances for ROH, TNA and WWE during his career, but hasn’t been given the opportunity to show his talents on the biggest stage of them all. He continues to put on memorable matches on the independent scene with guys like Eddie Edwards, Davey Richards, Jay Lethal and countless others. The Underground King was kind enough to take a moment out of his time to answer some questions about his career and will surely be back to answer more as time goes by.

Ladies and gentleman, meet Slyck Wagner Brown.

Question #1: A lot of people may not realize, but you appeared briefly for Impact Wrestling back in 2002 when they were on pay per view. However, you only appeared once and never returned. Were there any plans for you to be part of the promotion or was it always just a one shot deal?
There were no talks about contracts or anything like that, but when they put their cameras on us (April and I) and had me interfere in a PPV match I thought man we are finally going to get that break to do what we love to do on the next level. Finally, they did ask us if we would consider moving down to Nashville so they could avoid flight costs. And we thought about it, but suggested that we would not mind driving to CT or NY where flights were cheaper instead since we were both happy with our living arrangements in Boston at the time. I am still on the bench so I am guessing they were not too happy with our ideas to drive 4 hours to catch a weekly flight instead of moving like they asked (ha-ha).

Question #2: In 2003 and 2004 you competed several times for Ring of Honor. What was ROH like at the time? Would you be interested in joining the promotion today?
At the time ROH was the place to be man because whether you were a fan or talent you knew that when the bell rang you were going to see things you had never seen before and these individuals truly were the future of sports and entertainment. CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, and AJ Styles were all doing their thing in ROH the same time I was doing mine. While the company has changed it is still the place where hungry and talented individuals go to get noticed by the bigger companies like WWE and TNA. Both Seth Rollins and Antonio Cesaro are primary examples of that because they are currently signed and on the road with WWE.

Question #3: You worked for Pro-Pain Pro Wrestling based in Philadelphia, which was ran by Blue Meanie and Jasmine St. Claire. How were Meanie and Claire as bosses?
They were great to work for man both were organized, always took care of us financially, always made sure we had a good fan base to perform in front of and learn. I had some of my best matches there facing some tough challengers like Christopher Daniels, AJ Styles, and Joey Mercury. The environment was both fun and productive which I believe is equally important in any successful company.

Question #4: Near the end of 3PW you beat Christopher Daniels for the 3PW Heavyweight Championship. Do you believe your reign got the short end of the stick as 3PW was having serious trouble at the time?
No, because the fact remains that 3PW was definitely one of the best companies around at the time with one of the most talented locker rooms. Therefore, whether it was one day or two days as champion it means that I was one of the best in that locker room at that time. Unfortunately, they were having financial difficulties towards the end; but that did not change what was happening inside the ring and the arena. The Philadelphia fans supported us and we loved every single minute of it. I am a firm believer that if you can make it in New York or Philadelphia then you can make it anywhere in the world.

Question #5 (sent in by Charlie from Richmond, VA): Did it ever bother you when April Hunter would seemingly get a bigger reaction than you?
No, because she had more national exposure than I did from being on WCW Nitro as a freak for Scott Steiner. That is why we made such a good team because people knew who she was and once the bell rang they got to know who I was. Furthermore, we complemented each other in a lot of positive ways.

Question #6: What are your memories of NWA Cyberspace? Did you ever think that working for that company would get you into TNA?
I loved working for NWA Cyberspace because they appreciated and respected the way talent busted their ass for the company. They started from humble beginnings as I remember performing in front of 15 to 20 people at first then the fan base grew to an average of 500 people per show. I was wrestling and beating guys who had TNA contracts at the time so I thought being a part of TNA was only a matter of time. Jeff Jarrett was in charge of the company then and he was pretty much backstage at every show. Moreover, he knew what I could do in between those ropes because we fought in a title vs. title match. It is my belief that a lot of things would be different now if Billy Firehawk did not cross over so soon, but they say everything happens for a reason; maybe someday I will find out what that reason is.

Question #7: Starting in 2006 you started to work for Squared Circle Wrestling (2CW) based out of Syracuse, New York. What was your initial impression of the company?
I was very impressed by 2CW from day one, because the show took place in a packed arena with the New Age Outlaws on top as well as my opponent that night 2 Cold Scorpio. Another thing that impresses me too is the fact that they gave me a second chance since I was going through a difficult time in my personal life. Furthermore, the company was created by individuals who were unhappy with the state of pro wrestling and decided to not only say something; but do something about it.

Question #8: You’ve had three matches with Too Cold Scorpio in 2CW, what was it like working with Scorpio? What are your thoughts on those matches?
It was a blast to wrestle 2 Cold Scorpio because I was a big fan of his work in WCW and ECW. Those were some of my favorite matches not only in 2CW, but my career in general. Both talent and fans still come up to me and say how much they enjoyed watching those matches, especially the first two from Syracuse and Utica, NY. It was an honor and a pleasure to step into the ring with 2 Cold and to earn his respect afterwards; that was a bonus.

Question #9: (sent in by Dave from Oswego, NY): You had a tryout with Impact Wrestling within the past year, if I remember correctly. How did that go and what feedback were you given?
Yes, the tryout went well and they loved the way I handled my business in between the ropes. However, they did not know what to do with me creatively so I suggested a Jamaican bad-guy persona. They liked it, but for whatever reason never pulled the trigger. I was born in Jamaica and know many Jamaicans (kids especially) who love wrestling so I think it would be good for us to have some representation in the major companies like WWE, TNA, and ROH.

Question #10: (sent in by Matt from Boston, MA): Who are some guys on the independent scene you would like to work with?
There are so many talented individuals out there right now, but if I had to choose three out of many it would be: John Morrison, El Generico, and Kenta. The opportunity to battle all or any of those guys in a one on one setting would be unbelievable experience.

Question #11: Back to 2CW, you were involved in the first major 2CW Heavyweight Championship program with Dizzie. Your thoughts on your ladder match with him and the build up of that feud?
I will remember that night forever because my body was cursing me for weeks afterwards as that was my first ladder match ever. Moreover, even though Dizzie was the better man that night there was so much energy in the building it was ridiculous. We had a special guest referee in Earl Hebner, packed house, and the company showing us that they believed in our ability to close such a big live event. Also, it was symbolic for the first champion to climb the ladder of success grabbing the biggest prize to make history.

Question #12: Do you prefer to work as a heel or baby face?
I enjoy both being cheered and booed, but there is something special about being the guy everyone loves to hate. You cannot be a good baby-face without being a good bad-guy first which proves that there is a strong connection between the two. Of course, there are some exceptions to the rule; but the majority of individuals who have main-evented and sold out Wrestle-manias have traveled down that particular path.

Question #13: 2CW has announced they will be having a internet pay per view on April 20th. Do you see 2CW becoming a major independent company similar to ROH?
Absolutely, each and every time I step into a 2CW ring it feels like you’re a part of something special. There are so many talented individuals out there right now with nowhere to go it is truly sad, but if 2CW is successful then it can potentially fill that void. While there are many talented individuals currently on television, there are equally as many if not more on the underground scene and 2CW will prove that on 4.20.13.

Question #14: What was the worst bump you ever took?
I have been blessed man because I do not remember doing anything crazy to the point where I was badly injured or in pain for a long period of time besides my only ladder match versus Dizzie and a tables match from the early days of my career in Maine. In the ladder match I attempted a leg lariat from the top rope onto Dizzie who was climbing the ladder and that was a long way down to the mat so it hurt A LOT (ha-ha). And in the tables match I was push off the top rope and crashed through a ringside table which both hurt and left marks all over my body. I started off my career small in weight, but quickly decided to get my weight up in order to avoid taking crazy bumps on a regular basis.

Question #15: (sent in by Justin from Philadelphia, PA) What’s your opinion on hardcore wrestling?
It has its place in our business and I give props to anyone who is willing to sacrifice their body in such a brutal environment. Plus it offers something different to the fans, but I cannot help thinking; there is a difference between art and reality. Ricky Steamboat, HBK, and Macho Man Randy Savage were all great artists man because they made you believe without causing irreparable damage to both themselves and their opponent night in and night out for so many years. Obviously, what we do takes a physical toll on your body regardless, but if you can play with your kids and get around on your own when it is all said and done; then you did something right.

Question #16: (sent in by George from Trenton, NJ) What are some memories of working for Jersey All Pro Wrestling?
JAPW was the first company outside of Boston to give me an opportunity to do what I love to do in front of a new audience. My manager at the time and I took full advantage of the opportunities presented to us as we made history by capturing the tag team titles becoming the first inter-gender team in history to do it. I also battled four time champ Homicide to win the biggest prize in the company thus leaving my mark forever.

Question #17: If the WWE offered you a developmental contract tomorrow, what would you do?
I would gladly accept the opportunity to earn my spot on the road with the main roster. It would be a new beginning for my current journey of turning a childhood dream into a reality. It would also be a reminder not only to me, but a majority of my critics that while I have made mistakes in my life they do not define me and dreams do come true for those who work hard, never give up, and have the will to win.

Question #18: (sent in by Jason from Poughkeepsie, NY): Have you ever had a WWE tryout? If so, what was their feedback and when did this happen?
Good question, Jason. I have had quite a few tryouts with the WWE in the past and the feedback has always been positive. But I have learned that in order to reach the top level in this business timing is important and having someone on the inside willing to reach down and pull you up is equally if not more important as well. My first WWE tryout was in 2002 where I battled Danny Inferno in a dark match. There were others in between that as well along with my latest WWE tryout in 2010 where I worked out with current Smackdown superstar Sheamus whom I met in Ireland years before working for Irish Whip Wrestling.

Question #19: What is your favorite feud to be apart of?
I had a short feud with 2 Cold Scorpio in 2CW where he beat me twice and my goal was to get one win which I did in our third encounter in Syracuse NY furthering the respect we both had for one another as pro athletes. And then there was my feud with Rodney Mack from NWA Cyberspace which led to a brutal street-fight where I was rundown by a car driven by Jazz. Both were memorable and continue to stick out in my mind to this day.

Question #20: Is reaching the WWE your ultimate goal?
Absolutely, I grew up watching the WWE and it’s the only company left where underground talent have the opportunity to make a living doing what they love to do. Furthermore, if you’re not in this to main event Wrestle-mania and become the number one talent in the world then why bother destroying your body?

To find out where Slyck Wagner Brown will be competing during 2013 and beyond, head on over to his website located HERE.

Slyck is also on Twitter at this LINK!

Be on the lookout for a column where I review some matches of SWB that are on YouTube! Thanks to SWB for taking the time to answer some questions. More exclusive interviews will be popping up soon on Wrestling Recaps.

Thanks for reading.