SG> How did you break into the wrestling business?
AT> I broke into the wrestling business by starting off with Killer Kowalski’s school and then continuing under Kevin Landry here in Springfield, Mass.
SG> Who was your favorite wrestler growing up?
AT> Growing up, it would be hard to pick just one. As a kid, I lived and died with every Hulk Hogan match, but as I grew older the two guys that inspired and motivated me to become a professional wrestler were Shawn Michaels and Ricky Steamboat. Growing up and watching them made me say “I have to do this-this is what I want to do with my life.”
SG> Tell me about your training with Kevin Landry.
AT> My training under Kevin was great. He taught me at my own pace and gave me a foundation of the simple basics and fundamentals that were taught to him by Paul Roma. I also must give much credit to Steve Bradley. Once I started training and working for Steve, he really accelerated my progress. What he taught me from his time in Puerto Rico, Memphis and WWE was invaluable.
SG> At this point in your career, what is your biggest strength? What is your biggest weakness?
AT> At this point in my career I would have to say my biggest strength is my work ethic and a hunger and desire to constantly learn and improve in any way. I would say my biggest weakness would be a lack of experience.
SG> How did your developmental deal with WWE come about?
AT> My developmental deal with WWE came about through a dark match I had in Manchester, NH. I kept in touch with Dr. Tom Pritchard and regularly did any camps he had here in the New England area. He told me to stay in touch and when the WWE was in the area, he would see what he could do for me. About a week or so before my first dark match, Tom called me and said that he booked me for tv in Manchester and Providence. I was ecstatic because this was the first time I was ever booked as a worker for a WWE event. During the day, myself and a few other local worker worked out in the ring for Arn Anderson and after, he told me that id be in a dark match that night. I ended up working John Walters, who I had faced several times before and had always had a good chemistry with. When we got back to the dressing room, John Laurinaitis said he wanted to speak with me and that’s when I was offered a WWE developmental contract. It was crazy, because at the time Dr. Tom called me, I was unemployed, yet I walked into the arena that day an unknown and walked out with my dream job, the only job ive ever wanted. The WWE gave me the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream and easily made that day one of the greatest of my life.
SG> What was it like training in OVW?
AT> Training in OVW was one of the greatest times of my life. Learning and training under Lance Storm, Jim Cornette, Bill Demott, Danny Davis, Al Snow, Paul Heyman and the countless others that I was able to work with and learn under is something that no worker could ever put a price tag on and I will always be grateful for them for helping me grow both in and out of the ring.
SG> Do you feel you were prepared for WWE when you were called up to the main roster?
AT> In ring wise, I think Romeo and myself could have benefited by spending a little more time in OVW. We had always worked as singles and had been only been teaming for a few months at the time of our call up. It’s hard to be fully prepared for anything in life, but we’re professionals and we knew that anyone could get a call up at anytime.
SG> What was the highlight of you brief WWE stint?
AT> Its hard to pick just one highlight, but getting the opportunity to make our debut in Madison Square Garden, live, has to rank at or near the top.
SG> Why do you believe you and Romeo were released?
AT> I absolutely believe that WWE gave us a fair chance. Our first 3 weeks we debuted on Raw at MSG, went to England and then wrestled at Backlash for the World Tag Team Championships as well as being put on a full house show schedule upon our call up.
SG> How did you learn of your release from the company?
AT> Romeo and myself learned about our release via conference call.
SG> Did WWE give you encouragement towards a possible WWE return?
AT> Yes, there was encouragement towards a possible return.
SG> Why do you believe WWE doesn’t push many tag teams?
AT> I don’t think it’s a matter of not pushing tag teams, just look at the success that MNM and the Spirit Squad have and will continue to enjoy. There just aren’t as many tag teams, at any level today, like there were in the 80’s and even early 90’s. I remember as a kid watching Survivor Series, there would be 5 teams on each side of the tag match-10 teams in all. I remember watching the NWA and seeing the Midnights, Rock’n’ Roll Express, The Road Warriors, Tully and Arn, The Freebirds, The Fantastics, Sting and Luger, Dusty and Nikita-all the teams they would have in the Crockett Cups. Theres some great tag teams out there today as well, just not as many.
SG> Since your release, have you received a lot of booking opportunities? Perhaps international bookings?
AT> Since my release the booking opportunities have been great. As of now, I have a full schedule of 2-3 booking every week through the summer and hope to see them continue to grow. Since getting back in the ring in April I have had the privilege to work up here in the New England so far for WFA, NECW, Big Time Wrestling, EWA, UCW in New Jersey and a series of shows for TNT wresting and Ward family promotions down throughout the south. I will continue to work a full schedule these promotions as well as starting back up within the month for Chaotic Wrestling, Northeast Wrestling, MXW and CCW in Connecticut, URW in Fall River, Mass, NWA Upstate and USAPRO in New York as well as the Toms River Benefit show on June 3rd. I have had a lot of contact outside the U.S and definitely look forward to going overseas in the very near future.
SG> Have you had any contact with TNA?
AT> Yes, there has been contact with TNA.
SG> Who is a better wrestler, you or Romeo?
AT> I think Romeo and Myself each have our own strengths and weaknesses, but well be working a series of matches against each other coming up soon, so I guess I’ll leave that up to the fans to decide.
SG> Where do you see yourself in five years?
AT> In five years, I see myself hopefully happy and healthy continuing to make a living in this sport I love. There hasn’t been anything else I’ve ever wanted to do. Iwant to continue to grow, learn and experience as much as I can. Im still young and there’s a LOT that I want and intend, to accomplish both in and out of the ring. This is only the beginning for Antonio Thomas and that…is a Promise!
Antonio Thomas can be contacted for independent bookings at tjm2333@aol.com as well as at myspace.com/promiseantoniothomas
