MC Snax Interview

The excellent 2015 release from MC Snax titled When Robots Talk and Ninjas Rap

Bandcamp: https://mcsnax.bandcamp.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aninjanamedsnax

Newest Release:
Healing Sounds of the Benevolent Realm Vol. 2

Hailing from the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, MC Snax has released several classic albums of nerdcore rap. Let’s learn a bit about what drives him to write and record music!


Particle Don: What’s up MC Snax? Thanks for sitting down to do an interview with ParticleDon.net. My brother and I are big fans of your many albums and are excited to get a chance to ask you some questions!

MC Snax: Thank you, homie! You and your brother are long-time supporters of the Ninja Funk, and I’m looking forward to the interview!

Particle Don: How were you exposed to music as a child? Around what age did you decide to start making your own songs?

MC Snax: I was mostly exposed to music at a young age through video games. And that’s exactly how I fell in love with it. I wrote a song about that, actually!

Rainbow Road off of my album Tales from Rainbow Road tells the story of how I first recognized the incredible power of music while playing Mario Kart 64.

As I grew older, I fell in love with more and more music. But it wasn’t until I was 14 or 15 that I actually tried to write anything!

Particle Don: What made you choose to create rap music over a different style? Who are some of your musical influences?

MC Snax: At 11 years old, I discovered ICP. My life was changed forever. It was them – in addition to MC Lars, who I discovered a few years later – that really showed me how music can be as unique as the person writing it.

Those guys and the music from my favorite video games are by far my biggest influences. When I finally got the courage to try and write something myself, rap was 90% of what I was listening to, so I think making that kind of music was a natural decision.

Particle Don: When you first started recording, what type of equipment did you use? (Boom box, tape deck, karaoke machine, mic hooked up to a speaker, etc.) How does that recording setup compare to the one you use now?

MC Snax: So, my very first song, that has never seen the light of day, was recorded much different than how I do it now. I used a $150 keyboard, a microphone, and a four-track recorder. Luckily, not long after making it, I discovered DAWs.

FL Studio was the first program I decided to try, and it’s what I use to this day. Different synthesizers and keyboards have come and gone in my collection and in my music, but FL Studio is always where my stuff is recorded, sequenced, arranged, mixed, and mastered!

Particle Don: Did you have any bands or participate in any collaborations before creating the first MC Snax album in 2012? Was this album your first true musical endeavor?

MC Snax: The first time I really did anything with music, casually or seriously, was as MC Snax. Since then, however, I have collaborated with my friends’ bands. For example, a few of my closest homies have a band called Joe Grizzly, and they had me scratch on their last album. You should check them out!

Particle Don: How does writing music help you erase negative emotions?

MC Snax: Similar to when listening to music, writing it also has this power to make life seem all the more cool. To me, both writing and listening to music is an over-the-top awesome experience. It makes anything not awesome in life seem so small and insignificant by comparison.

Music is therapeutic for sure, but there’s more to it than that. It’s also, like, spiritual to me. Music is proof that there’s a lot more going with this existence than we understand, and I find that both exciting and comforting in a way that I don’t think I can fully describe with words.

Particle Don: We all know that you love to snack, hence the name MC Snax. What are some more details on the origins of your rap name? What made you choose to focus on snacks as an overall theme for your music?

MC Snax: I can’t remember the exact thought process behind it. I just remember that a lot of the Nerdcore pioneers that influenced me (MC Lars, MC Frontalot, etc.) had the MC in front of their names. Plus, I thought it was a good way to pay homage to the old school hip-hop I also love.

Also, I’m a fat kid, so the Snax part just came to my mind. They say you should rap about what you know, and I definitely know snacks!

MC Snax snacking
MC Snax snacking

Particle Don: What are a few of your favorite snacks to have at home? What’s your preferred snack while on the go?

MC Snax: Some of my favorites are Oreos, Crispy M&M’s, Kit Kat, or just about anything else that has chocolate involved, haha. I also love Miss Vickie’s potato chips.

I can enjoy these treats at home and while on the go, because a professional such as myself can eat any snack in any scenario.

Particle Don: What did you think of those Zapp’s Voodoo Chips I sent you?

MC Snax: They were great! They were similar in flavor to the All-Dressed Ruffles we have here that I love so much. But a little sweeter! Very interesting taste!

Particle Don: You recently released an excellent collaboration song with ABK entitled Scrub ‘Till You Shine. How did this track come about?

MC Snax: ABK is one of my all time favorite artists. When I discovered ICP, Psychopathic Records had put out his Hatchet Warrior album a couple of months prior. I love that album so much, as well as everything he’s put out since.

MC Snax and ABK
MC Snax and ABK

I’ve dreamed about collaborating with him for a while, so I got in contact with his company Native World, Inc. to see if they were interested. He was down!

He nailed the concept, and it was a surreal experience to hear him rap over one of my beats.

Particle Don: Is Scrub ‘Till You Shine going to be a part of an album or is it a single only?

MC Snax: Yes! It is going to be on Healing Sounds of the Benevolent Realm Vol. 2, which is coming out sooner that you think!

Particle Don: You have three songs with the legendary DIY artist MC Lars. Two of them are on Lars’ Patreon and one is on your 2017 album Incredibly Human. How did you get to know Lars? Do you think you might collab with him again in the future?

MC Snax: That was another case of simply reaching out! It was pretty interesting timing, however.

Even though I’ve been following him since he put out The Graduate and I knew he liked ICP and Psychopathic Records, he had started to do more things in the Juggalo world around the time I hit him up. So this led to us just talking about that and bonding over our love for the hatchet.

They say you should never meet your heroes, because it can let you down when you find out what they’re really like. This definitely wasn’t the case getting to know Lars.

He’s genuinely one of the most humble, nicest, and talented people I know. I definitely think we’ll do more stuff in the future, and I can’t wait to do so!

Particle Don: Have you ever heard of the band Koo Koo Kanga Roo?

MC Snax: Yes! Their unapologetically upbeat music is awesome!

Particle Don: You often reference pro wrestling in your lyrics and song concepts. How long have you been a wrestling fan? Do you have any particular nostalgic wrestling memories?

MC Snax: I’ve loved wrestling since I was like 6 or 7 years old. My Brother and I initially got into WCW. 

I remember the first time we flipped on WWF Raw. Stone Cold threw The Rock’s belt over a bridge the very moment we tuned in, haha! Those are definitely great memories.

When I was a little older and had a better understand of what was going on, Eric Bischoff became GM of Raw.

I remember him shaking things up every week, and I couldn’t wait to go to school the next day and talk about it all with my friends. Such good times, brother.

Particle Don: Who is your favorite classic-era wrestler? Who do you enjoy to watch from the current generation of superstars?

MC Snax: If The Attitude era counts as classic era, then Mick Foley – hands down. He’s still a personal hero of mine.

I feel like he was always living proof that a fat kid scrub like me could school it in life. He turns hardcore wrestling into poetry, and whether he’s on the mic or in the ring he’s a 100% artist.

If by classic era you mean 70’s and 80’s, then I’d probably say Abdullah the Butcher. He’s a pioneer of the hardcore style, and he’s also Canadian!

As far as current wrestlers, I’m a big AJ Styles fan. I think he’s one of the most all-around talented dudes to get in the ring. Such a great move set, and he usually executes it perfectly.

Particle Don: Do you follow any independent wrestling promotions? 

MC Snax: I used to follow ROH and PWG a little bit, but to be honest, I don’t watch as much wrestling as I once did. Of course, when JCW stuff happens, I always keep up on that!

Particle Don: Have you heard about the new promotion AEW? If so, what are your expectations for this potentially revolutionary brand?

MC Snax: I’ve never heard of that, dude! I’ll have to check it out!

Particle Don: What’s your favorite wrestling video game and why?

MC Snax: That might be that hardest question yet, man.

So, WCW/nWo Revenge for nostalgia purposes. That was the first wrestling game I think I ever played. Me and my brother rented it from Blockbuster over and over.

But I feel like WWE Smackdown VS. Raw is also a masterpiece. PS2 was killing it with the wrestling games, just like N64 was.

The Backyard Wrestling series is super fun, too. The fact that they’ve got JCW, ECW, and backyard wrestling legends in it is so sick.

If I had to spend my life on a desert island with only one wrestling game, it would be WWF No Mercy. It has THQ’s awesome N64-era control scheme and an incredible branching storyline system. I still haven’t seen every little cut scene or scenario in the career mode of that game. It’s just so dope.

Particle Don: Back in the Attitude era, did you buy any wrestling action figures?

MC Snax: 100%! Money isn’t easy to come by, especially as a kid, haha. But whenever I got my hands on some, I would beg my mom to take me to buy a new figure. I still have them all. When I have kids, I plan on passing them on to them!

Particle Don: When was the last live wrestling show that you saw? What was the promotion and who had your favorite match?

MC Snax: The last live show I saw was 2014’s WWE Money in the Bank.

It’s so weird when it comes to live wrestling. I’ve seen several shows, but never seem to be able to remember much about them afterwords.

Maybe it’s the adrenaline or something like that. I just know that Goldust wrestled and won. He’s also one of my favorites, so that’s awesome.

Particle Don: It’s always great when Goldust wins! If you were to sit down right now, grab a bowl of popcorn, and watch some wrestling, which match would you choose?

MC Snax: Probably Daniel Bryan’s match with AJ Styles from this past TLC. I haven’t seen it yet, and I’m assuming they put of an amazing match.

When it comes to one that I’ve seen before, probably the Hell in a Cell between Cactus Jack and Triple H from No Way Out 2000. It’s been a while since I’ve seen it, and it’s a classic!

Particle Don: Yeah! I’ve seen that match several times. In 2018 you released a mostly instrumental 3-track EP titled The Healing Sounds of the Benevolent Realm Vol.1. What drove you to create this inspiring work of art, and when can we expect Vol. 2?

MC Snax: Originally, it was going to be entirely instrumental.

I wanted to write some super potent and uplifting Ninja Funk that gives people the happy feeling a lot of my favorite video game soundtracks give me. I wanted it to be pure sonic benevolence, if that makes any sense, haha.

But then I realized forcing myself to write only instrumentals felt as limiting as it does to force myself only to make rap beats. So that’s why one of them has rapping on it.

Whatever comes out, comes out. And that’s going to be the same for Vol. 2 and 3!

Particle Don: In 2017 you made a full-out concept album called The Esoteric Journey of a Cemetery Groundskeeper. Do you plan on releasing any more records that tell a story throughout their duration?

MC Snax: I definitely do. I love using music as a story-telling medium, and a lot of my favorite albums are concept albums.

I have a few ideas when it comes to stories I’d like to tell, including a sequel to Esoteric Journey. I’m not sure what one I’ll record first, but I am sure I’ll be doing more some day!

Particle Don: What do you think of the Violent J Wizard of the Hood album?

MC Snax: It’s one of my favorites. It’s another one that came out around the time I discovered Psychopathic, and that era just has such a special place in my heart.

I feel like the rappers were all on fire. Everyone was all over one another’s albums at the time, and this is a perfect example of that. J’s rhymes and delivery are so good on it. And the song Shiny Diamonds is a guaranteed boost of posi-vibes if you ever need them.

Particle Don: One of my favorite MC Snax songs is Me and Kurt. In this track you describe battling eyeball-harvesting aliens with Kurt Angle as your trusty sidekick.

Later on in the song you make it to the alien mothership and battle the ETs in a game of WWF No Mercy. What inspired you to create such in incredible track? How did you even begin to dream up this concept?

MC Snax: Writing is a weird thing, you know? I’m not quite sure where it comes from.

To me, it’s like, “Why don’t more people write about themselves fighting off an alien invasion with their favorite wrestlers?” It just comes to mind when I think of a interesting story I could tell.

I love wrestling, and I’ve always been fascinated with aliens, haha. So why not combine the two in a strange story?!

Particle Don: Can you reveal any song concepts you have planned for your next album?

MC Snax: It’s funny that you asked these two questions in this order. I actually just recorded vocals for a track yesterday.

I don’t want to reveal too much, but no joke, it’s another song about an alien encounter. However, this time it’s a very positive experience.

It’s going to be on Healing Sounds of the Benevolent Realm Vol. 2. That’s all I’ll say for now!

Particle Don: How often do you come to the United States? What was it like during your trip to Denver for the Dark Carnival Games convention? 

MC Snax: I used to visit the U.S. pretty regularly, until I eventually moved there for two years. I even have permanent residency status!

I haven’t visited that many times since I’ve moved back, but I hope to change that. I love the States.

DCGcon and Denver were super cool. There was so much freshness crammed into one weekend.

Even though the convention was “shut down” after day one, the Juggalos kept it going and it ended up being an amazing time.

Plus, ICP performed at the Roxy, and it was the only Faygo-less show I’ve seen them do. It was cool to witness such a concert rarity!

Particle Don: About how many warm months are there in Canada per year? Do you enjoy living there?

MC Snax: Where I live, which is the province of Newfoundland, it isn’t super cold compared to some parts of Canada. But our winter is long.

It’s not unusual to experience winter weather any time from October to April. Last year we actually got snow in June, which is less common, but can indeed happen.

I love Newfoundland, though. There’s a unique culture here that I wouldn’t trade for the world. It’s my home, and as they say, there’s no place like home!

Particle Don: If you could play a show anywhere in the world, where would it be?

MC Snax: Hmm…I would say anywhere that has a lot of fellow ninjas who enjoy rap songs about aliens, snacks, and posi-vibes!

Particle Don: If you could collab on a song with anyone in the world, who would it be? I’m sure there are many people you’d like to record with, but who comes to mind first?

MC Snax: Insane Clown Posse. No doubt.

Particle Don: What are a few of your all-time favorite video games?

MC Snax: Super Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, Earthbound, Shenumue I & II, The Animal Crossing series, The Sims series, SimCity 4, WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$, WWF No Mercy, Wave Race 64, Pilot Wings 64, WWE Smackdown VS. Raw, and the Backyard Wrestling games – just to name a few! 

Particle Don: Name a video game that you’d like to write a song about.

MC Snax: Earthbound or Animal Crossing.

Particle Don: Name a movie or TV show that you’d like to write a song about.

MC Snax: Maybe The Simpsons or Shaun of the Dead…there’s a lot that might be fun to do!

Particle Don: Name a person that you’d like to write a song about.

MC Snax: Tommy Dreamer from ECW. I think he’s the definition of someone who does what they do because of their passion for it. And that’s dope.

Particle Don: Have you ever seen the early 90’s Nickelodeon TV show My Brother and Me? What are a few of your favorite childhood TV shows or movies?

My Brother And Me
My Brother And Me

MC Snax: I’ve never seen My Brother and Me! I don’t think we got all the Nickelodeon shows that the States did, unfortunately.

Some of my favorite shows growing up were of course The Simpsons, Boy Meets World, Recess, and The Weekenders.

My favorite movies growing up were definitely Good Burger (which is Nickelodeon!) and Ready to Rumble.

Particle Don: Thanks for the interview, Snax. Is there anything you’d like to say in closing?

MC Snax: Well, I’d like to thank you for thinking I’m interesting enough to warrant an interview. And thank you as well for continuing to support The Ninja Funk!

Everyone stay tuned to mcsnax.bandcamp.com, because Healing Sounds of the Benevolent Realm Vol. 2 is coming very soon! Much love, y’all! Whoop whoop!

Brian Carson Interview

Brian Carson in AIW

Brian Carson has made a great deal of progress since beginning his training with Johnny Gargano in mid-2014. He is now a regular in AIW and numerous other promotions. Header photo by John Janezic.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.grimm.5
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@BTheExcellence
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebriancarson/
Cagematch.net profile: https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=18450&name=Brian+Carson


Particle Don: What got you into wrestling? Did you watch growing up?

Brian: As a kid, my parents and grandparents bought me a bunch of old school WWF action figures, wrestling buddies, and Coliseum Home Videos. The first match I saw was Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect for the Intercontinental title at SummerSlam ’91. Ever since, I’ve been in love with wrestling and would never miss an episode or RAW, Smackdown or Nitro, or any of the pay-per-views.

Particle Don: Who was your favorite wrestler growing up?

Brian: Bret Hart.

Particle Don: How did you first hear about AIW? Did you attend their shows as a fan?

Brian: My initial show was Gauntlet for The Gold 8. I got there late because of work. Johnny Gargano was in the first AIW match I saw, and I had an idea of who he was. My buddy called me during JLIT 2014 and told me about AIW opening their own school. I figured no better time than now to give it a shot!

Absolute Intense Wrestling operates in Cleveland, Ohio
Absolute Intense Wrestling operates in Cleveland, Ohio

Particle Don: What made you decide to train to be a pro wrestler? When did this happen?

Brian: I went to 4 different colleges out of high school, and realized it wasn’t for me. I always wanted to be a wrestler, so I made the decision to stop wasting time and money on school, and pursue my life’s dream. I last attended college in 2009. Ever since then, I’ve been focused on wrestling.

Particle Don: What’s it like training with WWE superstars Johnny Gargano and Candice LaRae? Is there any funny or entertaining stories that stick out in your mind?

Candice LeRae in 2014
Candice LeRae in 2014. Photo by Tabercil

Brian: Johnny and Candice are human encyclopedias when it comes to wrestling. They don’t only push us physically in the ring, but they make sure we stay sharp mentally outside of it. They’re always available for questions or anything.

If anyone’s birthday falls on a training day, they get to book a show of matches of their choosing between all of us trainees. We’ve had hardcore matches, lumberjack matches, I quit matches, falls count anywhere matches, even a ladder match. I wouldn’t have wanted to be trained by anyone else.

Particle Don: Do you know if anyone will take Johnny’s place as head trainer when he goes to WWE full-time?

Brian: I don’t know who, or if, anyone will replace Johnny.

Particle Don: If there was one match you’d show to someone who has never seen you wrestle before, what would it be?

Brian: My match against Johnny Gargano at AIW Fresh Meat. I don’t think I can have that much fun in the ring again!

Particle Don: What is your theme song, and why did you choose it?

Brian: “Bad” by Downstait. I’ve always been a fan, and that’s my favorite song by them. They even wrote music for the first AEW event, All In.

Particle Don: Other than AIW, what are a few other promotions you’ve worked for?

Brian: Mega, UXWA, NWA Midwest, and Full Throttle.

Mega Championship Wrestling has been running shows since 1999
Mega Championship Wrestling has been running shows since 1999

Particle Don: What’s the farthest you’ve traveled for a wrestling show?

Brian: Before debuting in AIW, I went to Chicago with Johnny, Candice, and Alex Daniels.

Particle Don: What was it like competing in this year’s Back to the Future Cup? You had an impressive showing and made it to the finals.

Brian: The tournament was a lot of fun. I’ve always wanted to wrestle Space Monkey, and we had a hell of a match. It’s great to get in the ring with someone that has a totally different style than yours. It helps you become a better wrestler.

I’d like to do over the finals because I hurt my knee in the beginning, and couldn’t give 100% during the match. All in all, though, I enjoyed it.

Brian Carson vs. Space Monkey took place at the Back to the Future Cup in May 2016
Brian Carson vs. Space Monkey took place at the Back to the Future Cup in May 2016

Particle Don: Did you know Kaplan before training with him at the AIW school? You’re both from Mayfield Heights.

Brian: We went to high school together. I’ve known Kaplan since I was 16.

Kaplan was featured in a segment on Cleveland's Fox 8 News
Kaplan was featured in a segment on Cleveland’s Fox 8 News. Check out his AIW podcast interview.
Brian Carson during his high school years!
Brian Carson during his high school years!

Particle Don: What are your goals in professional wrestling?

Brian: Short term: travel more, work in Canada, improve my physique. Long term: wrestle in Japan, NXT, and WWE.

Particle Don: Who are a few people you’d like to wrestle that you haven’t already?

Brian: Chris Sabin, Ethan Page, Raymond Rowe, Josh Prohibition, Ricochet, The Young Bucks, Joey Ryan, Tracy Williams, Tyson Dux, EC3, DJ Z, Pentagon Jr…I could go on and on. There’s so much talent on the independent circuit right now.

Raymond Rowe is a Cleveland wrestler who has made it to the WWE
Raymond Rowe is a Cleveland wrestler who has made it to the WWE

Particle Don: I’d definitely like to see Brian Carson vs. Raymond Rowe. What’s your finishing move? Why did you select it?

Brian: It’s called The Reaper. It’s a back suplex that plants my opponent on their face. I hit it one day in training, and liked how it looked and felt. Plus, you need to try to be as original as possible with your finisher.

Particle Don: Do you have any non-wrestling hobbies? If so, what are they?

Brian: I enjoy cooking, personal training, doing mock radio shows with my friends, and performing stand up comedy.

People tell me all the time to either be a chef, trainer, radio personality, or comedian. I wouldn’t enjoy these things if they weren’t just hobbies to blow off steam. I do them to relax.

Particle Don: What are a few of your favorite bands?

Brian: Eminem, Dr. Dre, Linkin Park, Blink 182, Lil’ Wayne, Downstait, AC/DC, Journey, KISS, Van Halen, and Guns N’ Roses.

Particle Don: Had you ever heard of Particle Don before this interview?

Brian: I remember when you rapped Ethan Page’s intro at AIW Battle of the Sexes 2.

Particle Don: Do you have a favorite classic WWF entrance theme?

Brian: Man, that’s a good question. I have so many. Stone Cold is my favorite, but I also like the themes of Hogan, The Rock, Shawn Michaels, Million Dollar Man, Bret Hart, DX, nWo, Mr. Perfect, Triple H, Kane, Big Boss Man, Undertaker, Vince McMahon, and Goldberg.

Particle Don: Do you watch current WWE? If so, who are your favorite wrestlers?

Brian: Yes, I watch WWE. My favorite wrestlers, including NXT, are AJ Styles, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Dolph Ziggler, Johnny Gargano, Shinskue Nakamura, Finn Balor, Sasha Banks, Bayley, American Alpha, and Dean Ambrose. I like a lot of them.

Particle Don: Do you have a favorite 90’s cartoon?

Brian: Man, again, I could list so many. But my favorite as a kid was Looney Tunes.

Particle Don: What’s your favorite food?

Brian: Either a grilled medium rare porterhouse steak, or my homemade cavatelli.

Photo from SeriousEats.com
Photo from SeriousEats.com

Particle Don: Do you have a favorite candy?

Brian: Cookie Dough Bites.

Cookie Dough Bites
Cookie Dough Bites taste great when frozen

Particle Don: What’s your favorite TV show?

Brian: Again, I can list a ton of them. I’m big into House of Cards. I loved Sons of Anarchy, The Newsroom, Friends, Chappelle’s Show, All In The Family, and The Sopranos. But because of how I love almost every episode, I’ll say South Park is my favorite.

Particle Don: Do you watch the show Ancient Aliens? What is your opinion on the Ancient Astronaut theory?

Brian: I don’t, but my dad does. And I’ll say here what I tell him: stop watching that stuff, it’s bad for you.

Particle Don: Do you have a favorite movie?

Brian: This is one that can really go on forever, haha. I’ll give you my top 10: The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, The Big Lebowski, Man on Fire, Jaws, The Empire Strikes Back, The Godfather, Christmas Vacation, Caddyshack, and The Breakfast Club.

Particle Don: Is there anywhere can fans buy your merchandise online?

Brian: Not yet. It’s coming soon, though.

Particle Don: Is there anything you’d like to shout out or plug?

Brian: Follow me on Twitter! I’m @BTheExcellence. On Instagram I’m thebriancarson, and add me on Facebook.

Keep coming to AIW if you live in the Cleveland area. The shows are always improving, and independent wrestling needs all the support it can get!

Brian Carson with Ronda Rousey at AIW
Brian Carson with Ronda Rousey at AIW

“Lowlife” Louie Ramos Interview

“Lowlife” Louie Ramos has been a staple in the New York/New Jersey independent wrestling scene for decades. The above image shows Louie with his son after his OPW Survival of the Sickest tournament win. Photo by Chris Grasso.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lowlife.ramos


Particle Don: Do you remember what initially got you interested in wrestling? Did you watch as a kid?

Louie: My brother, I have been watching and living wrestling since I was about a year old. My mom tells me the story I that I would cry when my parents changed the channel during wrestling. They watched WWWF and wrestling from the Olympic auditorium in L.A. You can say I’m a life long fan.

Particle Don: Early on, who were a few of your favorite wrestlers?

Louie: I have been a Hulkamaniac since I first saw him. Hogan was more than just a hero on TV for me. He was an inspiration. My father abandoned my brother and I at a young age. Hogan, with his commandments and good guy ways, won my heart. He inspired me to do the right thing.

Years later I would watch WWC wrestling from Puerto Rico. One man in particular caught my eye: Abdullah the Butcher. I looked more like a mini Abby than I did the Hulk, so I identified with Abby and became obsessed with blood in wrestling. Later on I would read about Cactus Jack and all the madness going on at FMW in Japan. That was it!

Cactus Jack going through a Caribbean spider web in FMW
Cactus Jack going through a Caribbean spider web in FMW

Particle Don: At what point did you decide to become a wrestler?

Louie: When I first watched ECW, specifically the barbed wire bat match between Ian and Axl Rotten. I was totally captivated by the madness and vowed to one day do the same.

Particle Don: When and where did you begin training? What was it like training with Homicide? Did you train with anybody else?

Louie: After I graduated high school I had a one track mind. I needed to find a place where I could learn how to wrestle. I gave up various college scholarships and other opportunities to follow the wrestling dream.

I ran into two guys at a Savio Vega autograph signing. They said they were training to be pro wrestlers, so I hooked up with them. Eventually, I saw they weren’t too serious, but I was. Thanks to those guys I found Arena Puerto Rico, owned by former wrestler Pedro Martinez. I would then bring my friends (who would go on to become Mace and Buff-E, the Christopher St. Connection, Steve “Monsta” Mack and Low Ki) to the Arena Puerto Rico.

There we would meet Homicide, Laython the Tower of Torture, Bobby Lombardi, J. Lover, Shao Lin, J. Train, Manslaughter and others who would help us along in our early years. However, Homicide and Laython are the ones who saw something in us and pushed us. It was intense but awesome to learn wrestling the right way.

Particle Don: Everybody says that your wrestling nickname, “Lowlife”, is the absolute opposite of the person that you are in real life. Is there an origin story behind this nickname?

Louie: It’s funny. The name came from a TV news broadcast. The newscaster was interviewing someone in my old Sunset Park, Brooklyn neighborhood. The guy on the news said “This low life out here is ruining the neighborhood”. Since the name started with L, and my real name is Louie, I said “Why not?”, lol.

Particle Don: What’s your finishing move? Why did you choose it?

Louie: I have used a few finishers in my career. The leg drop is an obvious nod to Hulk Hogan. I’ve used the Death Valley Driver. Before Cena did it, I was the first guy to stack two people on my shoulders and hit the move. I use the Oklahoma Stampede as an ode to one of my favorites, “Dr. Death” Steve Williams, who does not get nearly enough credit for how great he was.

Particle Don: Did you know right off the bat that you wanted to get into hardcore wrestling, or was this something you decided a little bit later on?

Louie: I always loved hardcore wrestling. It’s what made me decide I wanted to bleed when I wrestle. However, upon beginning my training, I learned that I needed to be properly taught and have some experience under my belt before I did any hardcore. I didn’t do a real full blown deathmatch (a no rope barbed wire match) for almost 3 years after I started.

Particle Don: Who did you wrestle in your first deathmatch? In what promotion did this take place?

Louie: My first hardcore match was against Homicide under the old IWW “Insane World Wrestling” banner. It was an all weapons legal street fight. I did a triple barbed wire dog collar match against J. Lover and Homicide. I wrestled a steel cage match against New Jack and Jason Knight.

All of those matches took place under the Jersey All-Pro wrestling banner. I’d like to take a second to thank “Fat” Frank Iadevaia for all he did for me. Rest in peace, Frank.

Jersey All Pro Wrestling
Jersey All Pro Wrestling

Particle Don: Do you have a favorite deathmatch weapon?

Louie: I think I have become one with the dildo. I used it back in ’03 for the first time and have used it ever since. I love the barbed wire bat and thumb tack bat. Lately, I have grown fond of gusset plates.

Gusset Plates are used in the construction of bridges, buildings and other structures
Gusset Plates are used in the construction of bridges, buildings and other structures

Particle Don: What’s your least favorite deathmatch weapon?

Louie: As a deathmatch guy, glass and light tubes are like pencils and crayons in school. A necessity. However, I’m not a fan of the dust that comes from light tubes. And glass itself is unpredictable, but I’m down to use it.

The one thing I won’t do at this point is anything that involves heights. Anyone that knows my personal story knows my brother passed away from a fall at a great height, so I’m very against it.

Particle Don: You competed in the inaugural Nick Gage Invitational tournament against Nate Hatred in a brutal contest. Looking back at this match, what are your thoughts?

Louie: I was supposed to be a special guest referee in the match between Kyle the Beast and Jeff Cannonball. These were two guys making their first forays into a deathmatch tournament. GCW added me to their match.

The day of the event I find out that due to some issues, Nick Gage was not going to make it to the show. At that time I threw my name in the hat to replace him, and got my ass kicked for it.

Nate Hatred is a deathmatch legend and I’m honored to have worked with him. That match made me decide to make a comeback after I had been retired for most of the year. For this reason, that show will always be special to me.

Nate Hatred
Nate Hatred

Particle Don: You were victorious in this year’s OPW Survival of the Sickest tournament. How did it feel to finally win your first deathmatch tournament? Do you have any particular memories of this event?

Louie: Winning that tournament was dream come true. It was a culmination of 19 years of blood, sweat and tears. 19 years of never playing politics; always doing what is right for the business and the fans. It was an honor. And the fact that my son was there to witness it live meant even more. Eternal thanks to On Point Wrestling, Jeff Kane, Matt Tremont and the On Point fans.

Particle Don: You have an upcoming match against MASADA in On Point Wrestling. It’s your first time wrestling him. What are your thoughts going into this match?

Louie: Masada is a deathmatch icon and legend. He’s the greatest hybrid wrestler alive; a man who has done it all in the game. It will be an immense honor and privilege to be given this opportunity. I will do my best to deliver a performance worthy of the opponent and the moment.

Click the image to view the official event page for OPW’s A Beautiful Day 2 Die
Click the image to view the official event page for OPW’s A Beautiful Day 2 Die

Particle Don: What was it like wrestling the legend Terry Funk? How did this match come about? Are there any interesting stories involved with this contest?

Louie: Haha, Terry Funk was a class act. The word “legend” does not begin to encompass how great he is. He’s probably the most famous and well-known wrestler I have ever battled.

After the match, he apologized for knocking half of my front tooth out with a steel chair. Because of this, I decided to rib him and chase him around the locker room with a dildo when he was going into the shower, hahaha.

Click the image to watch Lowlife Louie vs. Terry Funk
Click the image to watch Lowlife Louie vs. Terry Funk

Particle Don: You teamed up with Dusty Rhodes in an ROH 5-on-5 match in 2003. What was it like meeting and teaming up with Dusty? Did he give you any advice that stuck with you for the rest of your career?

Louie: Dusty gave me a great complement. He said I reminded him of himself in his younger days. Dusty was great to be around and another legend that was awesome to work with.

Particle Don: You made it three rounds into King of the Deathmatches 2004, only one match shy of the finals. This tournament included names such as Tank, JC Bailey, Toby Klein and Necro Butcher. You defeated Homicide on night one and Ryan Boz on night two. Is there anything that stands out in your mind about this tournament? Was this the only time you competed in IWA Mid-South?

Louie: I wish I would have been invited back for more. You’d have to ask Ian Rotten why I wasn’t asked back. That show was a great memory. I loved every second of it. It was an amazing honor working with the man who trained me, Boz (who was a beast) and battling Corp. I’ll never forget that opportunity.

Particle Don: You’ve wrestled countless legends throughout your career. However, is there anyone you have yet to wrestle that you’d like to square off against?

Louie: Well, I’m getting my dream match against Masada on September 24th. I don’t know if I’ll ever get to work with Jun Kasai, but him and Kobayashi would be two guys I’d like to fight. I’d also like to work with Danny Havoc and Devon Moore. And maybe a rematch with Jeff Cannonball. Another one is Danny Demanto, I haven’t forgotten we need to hook it up one more time.

Jun Kasai’s back is disgusting, bearing the scars from hundreds of deathmatches
Jun Kasai’s back is disgusting, bearing the scars from hundreds of deathmatches

Particle Don: Back in early 2015, you announced that you were retiring from in-ring competition due to contusions and scar tissue found in your brain during a CT scan. What compelled you to step back into the ring and continue doing hardcore matches?

Louie: That match with Nate Hatred encouraged me to return, as I had no I’ll effects afterwords. Will I suffer one day? Maybe. But thanks to that match, I got to wrestle Archadia, Brian Myers and do the Survival of the Sickest tourney where I battled Matt Tremont. I’d love the heck out of another match with him.

Particle Don: You are very respected for being a family-oriented type of guy. Do you ever see your son getting into pro wrestling, or would you rather him stay away from it and pursue a different path in life?

Louie: He loves wrestling, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Do I want him to do death matches? I don’t know. But I’d love to see him on the big stage one day if he works towards it.

Particle Don: Do you watch current WWE? If so, who are a few of your favorite modern-day superstars?

Louie: I’ll be a fan forever. Right now I cheer on guys with a similar upbringing like me, like Dean Ambrose, Sammy Zayn and Kevin Owens. They battled on the indies and did it the right way.

Particle Don: Do you have a favorite South Park episode?

Louie: Yes sir, The Butters Show. The one where Butters follows his dad, sees him getting banged and put in a gay bath house and movie theater. I laughed so hard I tattooed Butters onto my arm.

Click the image to hear the Butters theme song
Click the image to hear the Butters theme song

Particle Don: Who’s your favorite South Park character?

Louie: Butters. He’s so adorable, always picked on and made to do stupid shit by his friends. Reminds me of somebody…lol.

Particle Don: What are a few of your favorite movies?

Louie: I’m a horror movie guy, with Jason Vorhees and Friday the 13th being my favorite. I also enjoy Nightmare on Elm Street, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Halloween, Saw and Child’s Play.

I also enjoy old 80’s action flicks, such as Rambo, Predator, Commando, Cobra, Die Hard and Rocky. However, my two all-time favorites are the 1986 animated Transformers movie and Training Day.

Particle Don: What’s your favorite beverage?

Louie: If it’s not ice cold water then I prefer something ice cold with alcohol in it. Once daily I drink hot water blended with lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, ginger and garlic for health.

Particle Don: Do you have any hobbies outside of wrestling?

Louie: Nope. I was into video games as a kid into my teenage years, but it’s been 13 years since I’ve been hard into video games. I like to sit at home and enjoy family time when I’m not working or wrestling.

Particle Don: What type of music do you like? Who are a few of your favorite bands?

Louie: I stopped listening to music years ago. I grew up on early ’90s hip-hop. I’m a Big Wu-Tang fan. I’m also a Nelly fan. I use his music as my theme song. My music app is filled mostly with wrestling theme songs guys use in the indies, lol.

Particle Don: Have you ever been to Cleveland for any reason?

Louie: No, but I’d like to to see where Bone Thugs-n-Harmony came from, lol.

Particle Don: Had you ever heard of Particle Don before this interview? If so, where?

Louie: I saw the interview of fellow deathmatch brother and close friend Jeff Cannonball. Before that, I can’t say that I did to be honest.

Particle Don: Do you have a favorite Particle Don song?

Louie: No, but if you put me on to some I’d love to listen.

Particle Don: Do you have any merchandise fans can buy online?

Louie: I never got into the merch end of things. Support my people Jeff Cannonball, Matt Tremont, Nation of Intoxication, Homicide and Masada…buy their merch.

Particle Don: If there’s anything else you’d like to say or plug, please do so!

Louie: On Point Wrestling has an upcoming show, A Beautiful Day 2 Die, on September 24th in Williamstown, New Jersey. There’s a great lineup capped off with my dream match as I go one on one in a deathmatch with the Ultraviolent Beast and the best hybrid wrestler alive, Masada.

OPW
Click the image to purchase OPW’s A Beautiful Day 2 Die

Particle Don: Thanks again for the interview, Louie! It was an honor.

Louie: It was a real pleasure, man. I’m very appreciative that you took time out to bring up these great questions. I had a great time answering them!

Deadly Dale Interview

Deadly Dale chugging Faygo
Deadly Dale with Death Match Russell
Deadly Dale poses with David Russell at King of the Deathmatches 2016. Photo by Drew Chaos.

Twitter: @DeadlyDale

Facebook: RealDeadlyDale

Instagram: @DeadlyDale187

YouTube: DeadlyDale


Particle Don: What got you into wrestling? Did you watch growing up?

Deadly Dale: Oh yeah. I’ve watched for as far back as I can remember. I got into it by watching as a small child.

Particle Don: As a kid, who was your favorite wrestler?

Deadly Dale: The Hulkster, brother!!! In that era he was every kid’s favorite. Kinda like how John Cena is to the real young kids these days. When I became a teenager, my favorites were Razor Ramon and Shawn Michaels. I guess you could say the whole Kliq was my favorite before I even knew there was a Kliq. Scott Hall is my favorite wrestler of all time.

Scott Hall
Scott Hall

Particle Don: When did you decide to become a professional wrestler?

Deadly Dale: Right after high school. I really didn’t think it was something that was even an option. It just kinda happened to me. A buddy of mine from school told me he was training at a local town. I used to talk wrestling with him, and he showed me my first dirt sheet.I got the sheets through a school email address on a DOS computer.

Once he told me he was training, I instantly knew I wanted in. I started going to the shows and helping clean up. I’d also set up the ring and do other various tasks. Eventually, I was able to train. That buddy ended up being a long time tag partner and friend now known as Idolbane.

Idolbane
Idolbane

Particle Don: Where did you train for wrestling?

Deadly Dale: In the North East Arkansas region were I am from. I initially trained under a guy named Grizzly Gipson. A year or so after that I trained with “The Ebony Idol” Reggie Montgomery and Max Mayhem. They’re all some real old school dudes.

Particle Don: Did you always know you wanted to get into deathmatches, or was this something you decided later on?

Deadly Dale: I always liked doing hardcore matches and street fights. I was a local yokel for a lot of years and there wasn’t a death match scene anywhere close to my area. I started deathmatches when I finally began to travel.

Particle Don: What was your first deathmatch?

Deadly Dale: I was part of a group called known as Social Deviants for years, which consisted of me, Idolbane, Cody Only and Uncle Filthy. We would do these 6 man matches we called LSD Deathmatches. They were more like really extreme hardcore matches rather than actual deathmatches. There were never any special stipulations or anything, but for our area, it was the craziest shit anyone ever saw.

A couple of years ago, I got the opportunity to work for JCW on the road for The Gathering tour at Pop’s in Sauget, Illinois. I thought I was going to be in a battle royale, but things changed and battle royale was removed from the card. I ended up getting to main event with The Necro Butcher in a deathmatch. The experience blew my mind. It’s one of the highlights of my career.


JCW
JCW

Particle Don: What’s your favorite deathmatch weapon?

Deadly Dale: I like the bizarre shit that fans bring, things like blow-up dolls crucified on light tube crosses.

Particle Don: Do you have a least favorite deathmatch weapon?

Deadly Dale: Hot sauce sucks when it gets in your eyes.

Particle Don: Is there a story behind the name “Deadly Dale”?

Deadly Dale: Yeah, I was struggling to find a cool name that I liked. I went through a few. My very first name was Black Sunshine. Then I became Deadly D. I got the idea from Violent J’s name. It somehow just evolved into Deadly Dale.

Particle Don: What deathmatch tournaments have you been in?

Deadly Dale: My first one was for a promotion called Evolution Pro. The show was called Hardcore Harvest. That was in 2013. My next tournament was Prince of the Deathmatches, and then King of the Deathmatches.

Particle Don: How did you get into this year’s King of the Deathmatches?

Deadly Dale: I was invited to do Prince of the Deathmatches and made in to the finals, where I lost to Joseph Schwartz. After the match, the fans chanted “Put them both in!” They were referring to King, because the winner of Prince gets to go on to King. Ian Rotten came out and announced I would also be going to King of the Deathmatches. Earning the respect of the IWA Mid-South fans and crew was one of the best feelings in my life.

Prince of the Deathmatches 2016
Click the image to purchase Prince of the Deathmatches 2016 in MP4 format.

Particle Don: You had an excellent showing this year at KOTDM. What are your thoughts on the match?

Deadly Dale: Thank you. I loved it, I just wish I would’ve advanced. At least the new king, John Wayne Murdoch, was the one who eliminated me. Hopefully I’ll be invited back next year so I can take home the crown!

Particle Don: I brought the Cotton Candy Faygo that you found in the ring at King of the Deathmatches. Unfortunately, it didn’t make the DVD footage, but you cracked open the Faygo and took a huge sip. This seemed to rejuvenate you and give you a second wind during the match. What went through your head when you saw the Faygo in the ring? Were you surprised the flavor was Cotton Candy?

Deadly Dale: Haha, yeah man, I looked down through all the blood in my eyes, and laying amongst all the plunder and shards of broken glass I could see the neon glow of the blue Faygo. I didn’t hesitate to pick it up and crack it open. I did sniff it first just in case some sick fuck poured gasoline in it or something, lol. As soon as I sniffed it I got that unmistakable whiff of cotton candy, so I preceded to chug. If it was any other soda I probably would not have picked it up, but I had to show my Faygo love!

Deadly Dale chugging Faygo
Deadly Dale takes a slug of Cotton Candy Faygo at King of the Deathmatches 2016. Photo by Drew Chaos.

Particle Don: What’s your favorite flavor of Faygo?

Deadly Dale: Red Pop.

RARE Faygo Redpop Slurpee

Have you ever had a Redpop Slurpee?

Particle Don: Who are a few people you’d like to wrestle that you haven’t already?

Deadly Dale: Off the top of my head I’d say Sabu and X-Pac. I’m drawing a blank trying to think of matches that could realistically happen someday. There is a ton of talent out there that aren’t “big names”. I want to wrestle everybody.

Particle Don: What’s your finishing move? Why did you choose it?

Deadly Dale: I really don’t have one specific finisher. It all depends on my opponent and the situation we’re in. The power bomb is my favorite move. I use it a lot.

Particle Don: Do you have any non-wrestling hobbies? If so, what are they?

Deadly Dale: I like to relax with a good video game. I enjoy reading comics. I consider myself an artist, too. I also study a lot of conspiracy and paranormal type shit. I collect oddities. I’m very diverse and weird.

Jeff Galewood Art

Check out Jeff Galewood’s artwork at TheCementHead.com.

Particle Don: What are a few of your favorite bands?

Deadly Dale: There’s so many. I love music and have a very broad spectrum. I’ll name a few, but there are probably hundreds that I could list. I listen to Wu-Tang Clan, Rancid, Sublime, Rage Against the Machine, ICP, Nirvana, NWA, and Hank 3. The list goes on and on.

Particle Don: What’s your favorite ICP CD?

Deadly Dale: That’s a tough one. I’ll go with The Great Milenko, because that was the first one I ever heard. I had it on a purple cassette tape.

Great Milenko Cassette Tape

The Great Milenko was released in 1997.

Particle Don: What Juggalo Gatherings have you been to?

Deadly Dale: Just one so far. Gathering 2016. I wrestled at the Odd Ball Brawl in the bloody royale match.

Particle Don: Do you have any funny Gathering stories you’d like to share?

Deadly Dale: Not one in particular that stands out, but the whole weekend was a blast.

Particle Don: Have you ever heard of Particle Don before this interview?

Deadly Dale: No, but I briefly got to look at your site. I read the meaning of your name and I love it.

Particle Don: Do you have a favorite classic WWF entrance theme?

Deadly Dale: This might not count as classic WWF, but my favorite wrestling theme is the nWo song.

Particle Don: Do you watch WWE? If so, who are your favorite current wrestlers?

Deadly Dale: Yes I do. My favorites are The Wyatt Family.

The Wyatt Family


The Wyatt Family

Particle Don: Do you have a favorite 90’s cartoon?

Deadly Dale: There are so many good ones to choose from. I’ll go with Ren and Stimpy.

Ren and Stimpy

Particle Don: What’s your favorite TV show?

Deadly Dale: I don’t watch much TV but I’d say The Walking Dead. I’m a big fan of the comic.

Particle Don: Do you have a favorite movie?

Deadly Dale: Not one in particular, but I really enjoy The Devil’s Rejects.

Particle Don: Where can fans buy your merch online?

Deadly Dale: You can find my merchandise at ProWrestlingTees.com/DeadlyDale. As soon as I sell a few more, I can release some new designs.

Particle Don: Is there anything you’d like to shout out or plug?

Deadly Dale: Thank you to anyone who is a Deadly Dale fan! Check out my social media pages.

Twitter: @DeadlyDale

Facebook: RealDeadlyDale

Instagram: @DeadlyDale187

YouTube: DeadlyDale