SG> How did you break into the wrestling business?
JR> I was always a big fan growing up, and as my passion grew, as well as my interest in fitness, I decided I wanted to be and make it as a wrestler. While attending college in Fairfield, Connecticut, I met a wrestler in the gym who brought me to a local wrestling school in Springfield, Massachusetts, and I quickly began attending classes.
SG> Who was your favorite wrestler growing up?
JR> When I was real young I was it was in the middle of Hulk Hogan’s big era in the 80’s, so he was my favorite at the time. As I grew older I liked Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels.
SG> Tell me about your training with Kevin Landry.
JR> It was a real good experience. Kevin was trained by Paul Roma, and was probably his top student. The good thing about Kevin was that he always emphasized the basics, and always had a good mind for psychology. The training was very simple, yet still very effective. It was a perfect start for me.
SG> At this point in your career, what is your biggest strength? What is your biggest weakness?
JR> I would say my biggest strength would be my drive and determination. I am still very young at only 24 years old and am very motivated to one day look back at a very successful career. My biggest weakness would probably be my limited experience, because due to several injuries earlier on, I have not been wrestling very long. Furthermore, I often times wear my heart on my sleeve, so mentally and emotionally I still have some growing up to do.
SG> Your best match thus far?
JR> I have had lots of good matches the last several years, but there isn’t one in particular that really stands out above the rest. I am still waiting for that one.
SG> How did your developmental deal with WWE come about?
JR> I moved down to OVW on my own and began in the beginner’s class. I got a job waiting tables to supplement my income. From there I just worked my butt off and got promoted to the intermediate class, then the contract class, which was a big highlight for me because back then very few individuals without a contract were allowed to train in that class. Tommy Dreamer was a tremendous help to me, and a supporter of me, and eventually I was offered a deal.
SG> What was it like training in OVW?
JR> It was a great experience working and learning from guys like Lance Storm, Bill DeMott, Al Snow, Jim Cornette, Paul Heyman, and Danny Davis. And it was like a big family, where practices were fun yet still very productive. I was very comfortable there and it was one of the nicest experiences that I have had.
SG> Do you feel you were prepared for WWE when you were called up to the main roster?
JR> I would have preferred to stay in the developmental program longer, just from an ability and experience level. As far as OVW preparing me, they prepared me the best they possibly could with the time they had with me.
SG> What was the highlight of you brief WWE stint?
JR> Being able to debut in my hometown, at the most famous arena in the world, Madison Square Garden, live on RAW, is something not many people can say and it was certainly memorable.
SG> Why do you believe you and Antonio were released?
JR> There were several factors involved, but I think it really steams from the fact that we could have used more time before our debut to tighten up our work and the gimmick they envisoned, and we were trying to play catch up the whole time.
SG> How did you learn of your release from the company?
JR> Myself and Antonio received a phone call.
SG> Did WWE give you encouragement towards a possible WWE return?
JR> Yes.
SG> Why do you believe WWE doesn’t push many tag teams?
JR> I don’t think it’s a matter of not pushing tag teams, it may be more of the fact that there hasn’t been many really good, legitimate tag teams to push recently. There haven’t been many legitimate tag teams like there were in the 80’s and even 90’s. However, for example, just look at a solid team like MNM who have come along, and definitely made a mark.
SG> Since your release, have you received a lot of booking opportunities? Perhaps international bookings?
JR> Yea, there have definitely been a lot of opportunities thus far and I have been keeping very busy. As far as international bookings go, I just came back from a very successful Puerto Rico tour with WWC, and am looking to be doing some more international work in the months to come.
SG> Have you had any contact with TNA?
JR> Yes, there has been some contact.
SG> What is the biggest rib you have had played on you?
JR> I do not want to give this individual the credit he would desperately crave if I told the story.
SG> What is the biggest rib you played on someone?
JR> I cannot reveal this in lieu of the fact that it hasn’t been the last time I will play it.
SG> Who is a better wrestler, you or Antonio?
JR> We both have our own strengths and weaknesses, we can leave that up to everyone else to decide.
SG> Where do you see yourself in five years?
JR> This is professional wrestling and sports entertainment, sometimes I can’t even tell you where I see myself tomorrow. The business has changed so much, I cant even guess where the business will be in another 5 years, so I cant really say where I will be. All I can say is hopefully I will be healthy enough to still be performing in the business, having made and saved enough money to live on, and most importantly still having fun. And from a “normal life” standpoint, in five years I will only be 29 so my life will just be getting started.
Roselli is currently accepting independent bookings at JohnnyHeartb1047@aol.com
