SG> What were you doing before Tough Enough?
RR> Before Tough Enough I was attending college full time at UNLV and also working at the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino part time. My goal was to always get into wrestling, but I first wanted to get my degree. Unfortunately that never happened, but I would not change a thing.
SG> How did the Tough Enough opportunity come about?
RR> I pretty much just sent in a one minute video tape and the rest was history. Before I knew it I was standing in a WWE ring on Venice Beach with 49 other guys. That was an incredible 2 days and I was fortunate enough to make it to the final 8 that went on for the tv show.
SG> What was the highlight of your Tough Enough experience?
RR> Getting to finally step foot in a WWE ring and get a small taste of what it is all about. Getting to form a relationship with Bill DeMott and Al Snow is something that I am very thankful for. I had a lot of bad luck though going into the show as I came down with bronchitis and suffered cracked ribs week one on the show out of nowhere. The whole experience was something I will remember forever and I had a blast.
SG> Do you think WWE should do another Tough Enough competition?
RR> I don't know. I mean that was how I got my big break so I really can't say no. I am sure in time though they will do another one, but if not than I would fully understand.
SG> What was your reaction to Al Snow being released as a performer?
RR> We were joking with him about that last week actually. As long as Al is training the up and comers down at OVW I think he is completely happy with that. He taught me so much and I will forever be thankful for that. Al knows how to teach and WWE will have a lot of stars that come from him.
SG> How did your developmental deal come about?
RR> Well after I got cut on Tough Enough I was told that I would be offered a deal to go to DSW. They gave me some time to heal my ribs and go back home, but come March of 2005 I was down in Atlanta ready to go.
SG> You worked in both OVW and Deep South. Your opinion of the WWE developmental system?
RR> I enjoyed my time at both DSW and OVW. They are a little different in the day to day things, but both were extremely beneficial to me. It is the place to be though and I just wish I could have been in it longer. There are a lot of future stars in both though and they are being taught the right way, that is for sure.
SG> What was your best match in the developmental system?
RR> My first match at DSW where everything just seemed to go right would be the one I had with Mike Knox. Knox is someone I respect greatly and he took care of me in there. Down in OVW I would have to say working with Mike Kruel and Eddie Craven. Those two guys are very talented and we had some really fun matches in our 3 month angle that we did. I also got to work with Duece and Domino a little and everytime was great. If there was ever a team that was meant for success it is them.Not only are they great guys, they are great in the ring and watching them do what they do on Smackdown makes me proud to know them.
SG> Who came up with the Silverback nickname?
RR> Growing up I was always in shape and just always seemed to be a little different from the rest. One day one of my friends just started calling me Silverback saying that I looked just like a gorilla. Well it just kinda grew on me and now it is who I am.
SG> If you can comment, why were you suspended by WWE for 30 days?
RR> Well as you know we have the Wellness program and basically I was taking several legal over the counter supplements. One of them made me test positive and before I knew it I was suspended. I did not agree with it, but there was nothing I could do. I take pride in the way I eat and train and that is something I wish I could take back. People can say what they want on that issue, but that is the truth and the supplements I was taking are no longer available for that very reason. I just wish I could have known that before I made the decision to take them.
SG> What reason were you given for your release?
RR> I truly do not know why I was released. It came to a shock to me and many others down here at OVW to say the least. All I know is that I was under contract for 2 years and actually training in the ring for a little over a year and a half. I am taking this as a positive though and I know with my work ethic and ability I will be back, it is just a matter of time. I am not angry at all over it as this is part of the business, the timing of it though just caught me off gaurd as I have improved a lot and felt I was going in the right direction.
SG> Did you have any idea it was coming?
RR> No not at all. It just sorta blindsided me. I mean I came from having no wrestling experience and had gotten to where I am now in a year and a half of in ring training. For whatever reasons though they released me and I am ok with that because I know I have a lot to offer and will one day be a major player for the WWE. It is not a good feeling though and I am going to do whatever it takes to get back.
SG> Do you believe the door is open for a potential return to WWE?
RR> Yes I feel the door is open. I am a young guy just turning 25 in November and when I get to where I want to be I know I will be back. I am going to be as busy as possible getting more experience here on the Independents and when the time is right I will be back.
SG> Whom is your dream opponent?
RR> Again when the time is right I would have to say a Silverback vs. Lashley program would be incredible. We both have similar builds and styles and I think that is something that will happen in the future.
SG> Where do you go from here?
RR> I am currently taking bookings at silverback247@hotmail.com I am taking a couple of weeks here to just relax and get everything in order, but than I am just going to wrestle wherever I can and show the world that Silverback is worth keeping around. Thank you for the time to say what I needed to say!
