Hey what up boys and girls, and welcome to another McInterview. Today’s guest is none other than “Hurricane” John Walters. John comes from the Chaotic Wrestling promotion, based in MA. John is making waves in the indy scene and recently debuted on Smackdown in a match with Aaron Stevens, against Team Angle. Walters is also now a member of the ECWA roster and wrestled a hell of a match with Mike Kruel over there. I’d like to thank John for this interview, and I hope you enjoy it, as much as I did.

Sean “The MiC” McCaffrey: How did you get your start in wrestling? Was your training anything like what fans see on Tough Enough?

“Hurricane” John Walters: My training began in the winter of 1997. I started off at Killer Kowalski's school in Malden, MA. The moves came pretty quick to me. I picked up the athletic part of training rather quickly. The mental aspect was by far the most challenging. Having a 6 or 7 move spot to do was almost impossible. Also, where to place these moves was always something that baffled me. The particular training regimen we had at Kowalski’s was geared towards blowing us up and seeing how well and crisp you could perform the moves after you were completely gassed. The first few months were tough, but after that, things started to come together and mentally I was more capable of being in the ring. Overall, my training was hard hitting, very drill-oriented, and focused on the basics and how to protect yourself and your opponent. It is not too far off from what you see on Tough Enough. However, TE certainly sugarcoats what we all should have gone through. In no way was I ready to be in a ring after 12 weeks. As a matter of fact, it took years before I was completely comfortable in a ring. I think TE does a good job in showing how basic training is done, but a horrible job at what it means to pay your dues and eating dirt in earning a WWE contract.

The MiC: Who were some of your favorite wrestlers growing up? Least favorite?

Walters: When I first started watching wrestling. My favorites were Bret Hart, Randy Savage, Roddy Piper and Ted Dibiase. Once I began training and fell in love with the business, I watched a lot of tapes featuring: Owen Hart, Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit, Dynamite Kid, The Great Muta, and Ultimo Dragon just to name a few. As for my least favorites, I hated the guys who wanted me to hate them, the heels who were extraordinarily evil.

The MiC: You worked a few WWE dark matches recently. How was that like?

Walters: I recently worked a dark match at the Fleet Center in Boston. I wrestled Aaron Stevens and it was a lot of fun. They announced me from NY, which made my heel persona a little more believable. We put on a respectable 6-minute match and I truly believe that the fans enjoyed themselves. Wrestling in front of that many people can never be dull.

The MiC: What was going through your mind when you wrestled Team Angle on a recent Smackdown?

Walters: When I found out that I was going to be working on Smackdown, I thought they made a mistake. Finally I realized that it was for real. Aaron Stevens and I teamed up the night after our dark match to take on Team Angle on Smackdown. Being in the ring and hearing their music hit was an amazing feeling. The "You Suck" chant, synchronized with their music was so loud it almost knocked me over. The match itself went by very quickly, but for what it was, I feel as though we did our job. It was definitely a tremendous experience.

The MiC: You also just made your ECWA debut against Mike Kruel. How is it working in ECWA, the indy promotion, which many fans call the best indy today?

Walters: Well, there is a very good reason that Jim Kettner has been in business for as many years as he has. From the time I walked into the venue to the time I left, I was treated with respect, and Jim Kettner went out of his way to make sure that I was comfortable and had all I needed. The show was very organized and everybody knew what he or she was doing and when they had to do it. It is a nice change from a lot of the, "you are working with him" kind of shows. When you know hours before the show what you have to do, it makes your job easier and makes the promotion look that much better. Mike Kruel is also a very professional person and he made my first experience in the ECWA a very enjoyable one. Overall, that promotion is on the ball!

The MiC: What are your favorite promotions to work for? Least?

Walters: My favorite promotions are the ones who do what they say and are honest and up front. Chaotic Wrestling in MA is a very professional promotion with a friendly locker room and the booking sheets are sent out 4-5 days before the show. They have been and will always be my home promotion. ECWA, like I said is on top of their game. Overall, my favorite promotions are any ones, which will give me the opportunity to show, case my stuff and give me solid, constructive criticism on what I did wrong. My least favorite promotions are the ones that tell you your duties for the night right before you go out. To me, when someone can show up 10 minutes before the show and get on, then something is wrong. What ever happened to building a show and having some sort of organization?? Also, don't blatantly lie!

The MiC: Do you have any superstitions before a match?

Walters: I always tape my left wrist first and I always say a prayer before I go out. That is pretty much it. Otherwise, I try to concentrate on what have to do

The MiC: What's a typical day in the life of Hurricane John Walters?

Walters: My day is very typical. Go to work, work out, eat, train in the ring, watch court TV and TV land, and watch some old wrestling tapes. That's about all. Weekends are usually spent getting ready for shows, etc.

The MiC: Who would be your dream match? (Living or dead)

Walters: I've been asked this question before and don't know how to answer it. I really can't think of anything, sorry!

The MiC: Who are your favorite wrestlers to watch today? (WWE or indy wrestlers)

Walters: My favorite workers to watch today are, Kurt Angle, Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, and most of the cruiserweights.

The MiC: What is your career goal?

Walters: I have yet to determine what my career goal is. Basically, I want a career in professional wrestling. I just want the opportunity to show what I have to offer to a wide range of fans. Right now, I am having fun doing what I am doing. I hope to be able to wrestle in different countries, specifically Japan. No matter what, I’m having fun as long as I am in the ring.

The MiC: What do you have to say to anyone reading this?

Walters: I just hope everybody out there continues to support the independent scene. All of us guys are trying our hardest to give the fans what they want to see. Your support makes it a lot easier for us. As for promoters who are looking for an enthusiastic, loyal, and professional person to add to your locker room, contact me at hurricanejw@hotmail.com.
Thanks -"Hurricane" John Walters
The MiC: Thank you for doing this interview with me.