Post by rileyowens on Jan 28, 2014 21:41:23 GMT
Early this week we had a chance to sit down with Riley Owens. Owens is a gaijin wrestler from the United States. In America, he primarily wrestled for Frontier Grappling Arts. Recently, he debuted for Sh!taki here in Japan.
Sh!taki held its first show on January 8th; the show received a great deal of praise from fans and spectators. On that show, Owens faced The Game Boy and came away with the win. At the upcoming Sh!taki show, he will be taking on Damien Kingston.
Owens himself received a lot of praise after his first match here in Japan. Owens’ speed and hard strikes have instantly made him a fan favorite.
Our interviewer, Mai Fuji, was able to sit down with Owens for an interview.
Fuji: Hello Mr. Owens, it’s an honor to have you here today.
Owens: The honor is all mine. And please, call me Riley.
Fuji: Sure. Well Riley, how long have you been wrestling? I heard a rumor that it has only been a few years?
Owens: Well, I suppose that is true. I’ve been wrestling professionally for about four years now.
Fuji: How did you break in the business?
Owens: Well, in addition to wrestling, I train in and teach Muay Thai at my gym in Miami. One day a wrestler came in and wanted to train with us. He was assigned to my class. Normally, the other martial arts frown upon wrestlers coming in, because they don’t always take the art seriously. But this guy was different. He jumped right into the beginner’s course with a passion and willingness to learn; so I taught him. He finished our month longer introduction class before joining a different gym; but, he and I hit it off. Before he left, he gave me his business card and told me to give a call if I ever wanted to try wrestling. And well...here we are.
Fuji: Now, you say you studied Muay Thai?
Owens: Yes ma’am.
Fuji: Well that explains those hard strike of yours haha.
Owens: Ha, I suppose so. I’ve trained in Muay Thai for years and years now. Like I said, I study and train at my gym.
Fuji: I’ve also been told that you are well versed in other arts as well?
Owens: Yes ma’am. Growing up, my uncle Brad Owens taught me Catch-as-Can wrestling. As I grew older, I dabbled in Greco-Roman wrestling as well. Out of all the martial arts, Muay Thai was my main focus; but I break out the others from time to time.
Fuji: Now, did you compete competitively in those arts?
Owens: Umm, I did a little bit. I had a few Greco-Roman matches here and there; and I had maybe 10 Muay Thai matches or so. Honestly, I didn’t feel study them for fighting purposes per se. Or, I should say I didn’t study them so that I could become so great martial arts star. I practiced them fitness, and just to gain a general knowledge of them you know.
Fuji: Would you say there is a huge difference between competing in martial arts and competing in professional wrestling?
Owens: There is, and that difference is in the “ring” so to speak. I’ll use Muay Thai as an example. Each Muay Thai fighter, no matter where he is trained in the world, is going basically use the same type of moves. Now, more experienced fighters will incorporate more difficult strikes; but the generally, most people will approach a fight the same way.
But this isn’t the case with wrestling.
A Japanese wrestler has a much different style than an American or European wrestler. A wrestler from the UK will have a hybrid style that incorporates Japanese, American, and European. And a wrestler from Mexico will have different style and all the others.
Wrestling is a lot more dynamic, due to all the styles. If you only know one, then it will be difficult to compete; so you have to keep working and try to learn them all; or at least take bits and pieces from them all.
Also, your creative side will flow more when you are in wrestling match. A Muay Thai fighter will use the ropes to corner an opponent; but as a wrestler, you use the ropes for all types of things.
Fuji: I see. Now, you been in Japan; you’ve had your first match and everything. People seem to really enjoy your style here.
Owens: Yes ma’am. This is really my first tour of another country. Now, I’ve watched a lot of Japanese film, but I’ve never had a true chance to train under someone versed in the Japanese style.
But, I think the fans were drawn to my style because of overall package. Yeah, I may not be this big, muscle man. But, I’m a good technical wrestler who loves to step into the ring and trade blows. And, I believe the Japanese fans appreciate that.
Fuji: It’s interesting that you say that. I’ve seen maybe eight or nine matches of yours. You may not be classically trained in the Japanese style of wrestling. But, I could differently tell that you watched tape.
Owens: Haha, well thank you.
Fuji: Now, how did you adjust to your first match here? I know it can be quite a shock sometimes.
Owens: I’m fortunate to be friends with Flex Johnson. Before I came over here, we sat and talked about wrestling. And he told me some stuff. So as a whole, I wasn’t too shocked when I got over here...except for the crowd and how they respond.
Fuji: I know the differences, but for our readers, could you elaborate a bit?
Owens: Sure. Well, there’s a pretty big difference in regards to how both audiences react. In America, and in most parts of the world, the crowd is very vocal. If they love you, then they are going to make it known; if they hate you, they are going to make that fact known as well. And, if you are working a smaller crowd, the fans might directly interact with you.
In the West, a “good” crowd is one that is loud and vocal.
But that’s not the standard you all use over here.
Here in Japan, the crowd is very reserved. Now, best believe, the crowd isn’t silent because they are bored; they fans are silent out of respect. Rarely does a Japanese crowd get loud during the match, unless there is a super high impact move, or a fantastic sequence.
But overall, Japanese fans are so way more respectful. Not only that, the Japanese fans seem to appreciate what you do in the ring more than other audiences. Over in America, there is still a stigma attached to being a “wrestler.”
Fuji: Switching gears a bit, tell me about your travels in America. I know you’ve mostly worked in small indie feds, at least up until a few months ago.
Owens: That’s correct. I’ve spent a lot of time on the indies. But, umm, maybe about six months ago I was contacting by a large promotion called Insurgency. They offered me a pretty large contract; the company told me to finish up indie obligations, and then I’d appear on TV.
The entire contract was contingent upon their doctors giving me a clean bill of health.
So, I went in and took some tests. Then, the Insurgency doctors told me I my enzyme levels were greatly elevated. Right then and there, Insurgency tore up my contract.
Fuji: And that’s when you went over to Frontier?
Owens: That’s right. Right after the Insurgency incident, I was a bit depressed. But, I bucked up and went back on the indies. At the same time, my sister sent a promo package over to Frontier. Frontier offered to sign me right away.
So, that’s where I signed.
Fuji: And what about those enzymes?
Owens: Well, I went to a different doctor; the doctor told me my enzymes were normal. So, I don’t know; maybe it all was for the best you know.
Fuji: I’d say so; it seems you have picked up quite a following over there.
Owens: Yeah, I’d say so. I’m not a HUGE name over there, not yet anyway; but I’m putting on a bunch of quality matches. I had series with a guy named Jack Reynolds; he is an unsavory character, but they were some high caliber matches.
Just recently I had a match with long time promoter Dan Herrera. I’m not sure most people were expecting much out of the match, but we put on one hell of a show.
But yeah, Frontier is a great place. I’m looking forward to facing new people and proving myself out there in the ring.
Fuji: You also have a big match coming up there correct?
Owens: That’s right; on the next Battlegrounds I’ll be taking on the current Pride champion Jimmy Page. I don’t know how Jimmy feels, but it’s a big match for me; it will be my first main event match under Frontier.
Fuji: And before we move on to Sh!taki, can you tell our readers a bit about Survive and Conquer?
Owens: Survive and Conquer is a huge event that is held annually by APW. APW is actually closing down, so this was their second to last event. Essentially I took on 79 other wrestlers to try and become the top dog. I didn’t win the match, but I had one hell of a showing. So, hopefully I can build off of that successful match.
Fuji: Now, let’ jump into Sh!taki. At the next card you are going to face Damien Kingston.
Owens: That’s correct.
Fuji: Have you had any interaction with him?
Owens: I haven’t met him; actually, I haven’t really met anyone on the Sh!taki roster. But yeah, Kingston is a great wrestler; I think we all saw that on the last show. But, I’m not going to lie, Kingston does rub me the wrong way.
Fuji: Care to elaborate?
Owens: Like I said, I’ve never met the guy. In person he could be a really cool dude. But, I’ve listened to his promo from last week. You know, the guy comes off as being very arrogant. And listen, when you are a great wrestler, I understand if you are confident; you should be confident in your skills. But when you start going to there and placing yourself above the other talent, when you start taking shots at the company that was gracious enough to sign you, then you are doing something wrong.
Fuji: Now, Kingston has said that he is trying to bring honor back to wrestling.
Owens: Well, how are you bringing honor back to the business by trashing people?
Fuji: Fair enough. So, how do you think you will fair in this match?
Owens: I think I’m going to do just fine. Kingston has been in this business for a while; I’ve been told that he has wrestled just a little bit longer than me. I mean, we all can anticipate what Kingston is going to say. He’s going to say I’m “green,” I that there is no way in Hell that we should be sharing the same ring. He is going to say that it’s a travesty that he has step into the ring with a baby-faced kid. He’s going to say that I’m a disgrace.
Well, Kingston can go ahead and talk.
The fact of the matter is, I’ve been in this business for four years. I traveled the path of the typical “indie wrestler.” I started small, working tiny little shows. I didn’t vent, I didn’t complain; I just worked and continued to learn. And soon enough, I progressed. I was able to move on to larger shows and events; I was able to wrestle better talent.
Kingston needs to realize that I’m not some little wimp that he can push around in the ring out there.
I’m established now!
Every two weeks I’m on television, showcasing my skills. Frontier has given me the chance to wrestle some of the best talent in America. I just went out there and killed Survive and Conquer!
Over the past few months I’ve proven myself; I deserve to be in this match!
Fuji: Kingston is a bit bigger than you, and not just in muscle mass. He is about 20 pounds heavier, and he is a bit taller. Do you have a strategy to counter-balance these attributes?
Owens: You know, I really don’t have much of a strategy. I’m a smaller guy, so I face larger guys just about every time I get into the ring. Kingston is bigger, but that in no way makes him the better wrestler.
Fuji: There is also a style clash in this matchup; Kingston is a brawler and also loves to take to the air. You yourself aren’t much of a flier are you?
Owens: Not particularly. I like to handle most of my business on the mat.
Fuji: Well, this match is supposed to be a submission match. Do you think that will give you an advantage?
Owens: I’d like to say yes, but honestly, I don’t really think so. Like I said before, Kingston’s attitude may be a bit bad, but his skills are good. It would foolish of me to just assume that I would have an advantage over him because it’s a submission match.
Fuji: Now I have to ask this. You’ve told us about all the work you have been doing. You’re in Frontier, tearing it up. And you were in Survive and Conquer. How is your body holding hold? Regular matches put a huge strain on the body; a submission match will put even more strain on it.
Owens: I mean, you are right; matches put a lot of pressure and strain on the body. And, it doesn’t help that I’ve been in a few wars over the past couple of months. And, everyone knows I still practice Muay Thai.
But to answer your question, my body is doing just fine. You know, I’m feeling strong and healthy. Fortunately, I’ve never really had any injuries or anything like that. So, I’m walking into this match at 100 percent.
Fuji: What’s next for you if you lose this match?
Owens: Well, I don’t plan on loosing, you can believe that. I’m a competitive dude, and I hate to lose. But hey, this is wrestling; it’s a dynamic and unpredictable sport. The fact of the matter is you win some and you lose some. I’m going to go out there and give my all; that’s what I do every match.
So if I go out there and give it my all, and still lose, then I’ll be able to hold my head up high.
Fuji: Is there anything else that you would like to say about Kingston?
Owens: Not really. I’m going to come out to that ring and bring the fight; I expect Kingston to do the same thing.
Fuji: Before we wrap this whole thing up, can you tell us a little bit about your interaction with Flex Johnson.
Owens: I met Flex through Twitter actually; we talked and Tweeted back and forth. A few months ago he came down to Miami to visit his sister. I invited him to my place and we sat and talked for a while. Later, we did some Muay Thai; then my sister and I went out to dinner with him and his sister.
Flex is cool guy. He is very knowledgeable about the business, and about the world. Before I came over here to Japan he gave me a few tips and pointers. He is one of the few veterans that I’ve that actually cares about helping younger talent...so I’m grateful that I can call him a friend.
Fuji: Lastly, what do you hope to accomplish? Not just in Sh!taki, but in wrestling as a whole?
Owens: Well, first off I just want to become better. That’s first and foremost for me. Someday I’d love to earn the right to call myself the “Best in the World.” You know, that’s why I spend some much training, watching tapes, and just getting out there and wrestling.
I don’t think I’m too much different than anyone else. I’d love to hold a world title somewhere, some day. But I’ve realized that I have to build up to that; it’s not something that just happens overnight.
And, what do I want to accomplish in Sh!taki? I just want to go out there and have the best matches that I can. You know, I never thought I’d have an opportunity to go to Japan; and, I surely didn’t know that opportunity would come from wrestling.
So, I’m grateful that Sh!taki has allowed me to come over and work for them for a little bit. I don’t know how long I’ll be here; I’m going to make it worth everyone’s time.
Fuji: Very last question, is there anyone one else on the roster that you are dying to work with?
Owens: Sylar Drake has a big buzz; I’d love to mix it up with him one good time.
Fuji: Riley, talk you for your time.
Owens: No, thank you. It was an honor and a pleasure.
END