Chris Hero: Dave Taylor's influence, Aspiring to be like Tracy Smothers, Someone Will Want To Be In This Business Because Of Omega vs. Ospreay at Forbidden Door.

Fightful's Wrestling Perspective Podcast is back! This week Ace Steel and Dennis Farrell's guest is former PWG and Evolve Heavyweight Champion Chris Hero. The former NXT Superstar would join the show for nearly two hours!

Chris and Ace would discuss their 20+ years of friendship. Chris recalled when they first met and said Ace and Danny Dominion worked a tag match in Pittsburgh, and he remembered them working with Rick Michaels and David Young. Chris would recall their encounters in the IWA Mid-South. Chris believes the first Mid-South show they worked together could have been the show with a flaming table spot with Richard X. Ace remembered Ian Rotten got on the microphone that night and said, "If you ain't hardcore, you ain't shit." Ace and Chris said they were chanting, "we ain't shit."

Chris and Ace would talk about Dave Taylor's influence. The two would also discuss the wrestling styles of Fit Finlay and William Regal. Chris also mentions the difficulty of finding British-style wrestling instruction and working in Europe. He said he was obsessed with British wrestling and tracked down a Johnny Saint tape from a premium tape trader in Pittsburgh named Jeff Lynch.

Chris talked about his experience being around people like Dory Funk, Tracy Smothers, Les Thatcher, and Dave Taylor. Chris spoke about his experience attending wrestling camps. He would recount how going to the Funk Dojo led to opportunities in the wrestling industry.

He mentioned there was a time when wrestling seminars and wrestling camps had a different reputation.

Chris shared a story about how he got booked for Ian Rotten's IWA Mid-South. Rotten found out that Chris attended Dory's camp. Rotten was a big fan of Dory and Terry Funk. Chris said Rotten would end up booking him the following week.

Chris shared a story about the kind of person Tracy Smothers was. He said they did a one-off show in Wisconsin, and the check they received from the promoter bounced. Chris said the next time he saw Tracy, Tracy asked him "if the check bounced for me too." Chris said that was the first time he had seen Smothers in two years, and he did not know how he remembered him. Chris said that meant a lot to him and made him feel good. Chris said he aspires to make people feel the way Smothers made him feel.

Chris commented on coaches he's learned from and said, "You don't know, or at least I didn't know what a bad coach or a bad teacher was until you have a good one."

Chris would also talk about how he would take notes and give advice. He said he looks back at what he has said and did and cringes. Chris said he is glad he had those moments because he has clarity.

Chris expressed gratitude for the connections and relationships he formed through his career. Chris and Ace agreed that being a positive coach and having a genuine interest in helping others is essential.

He said that people are so thirsty for knowledge. He said he would hold seminars, and there are around 35 to 40 people. He added that within five years, someone would break into the business and say Omega vs. Ospreay at Forbidden Door got them to want to be a wrestler.

Chris and Ace discussed the changes in the Independent wrestling scene and the need for veterans to provide guidance and create a better work environment for younger talent. They emphasize the importance of learning from experienced wrestlers and inspiring future wrestlers through specific matches or moments.

Chris spoke on the business's challenges and the importance of learning from experienced people. Chris also mentioned the responsibility to impact the industry positively and not overwhelm newcomers.

The show would end with Chris Hero promoting West Coast Pro's upcoming shows and social media accounts.

This episode of The Wrestling Perspective will be available on Monday, July 10th, at 09:00 AM.