What’s up DOI fans and welcome to another interview here on the Declaration of Independents website. This time The MiC interviews former WCW superstar, The Stro aka The Maestro. The Maestro or The Stro, as he’s known by today, is currently blazing in the indy scene, and currently holds 3 World Titles in 3 separate promotions on the indy scene. The Stro is a great technical wrestler and is beneficial to any promotion he’s part of. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.

Sean “The MiC” McCaffrey: How did you get into pro wrestling? Was your training anything like we see on Tough Enough?

The Stro: I was wrestling collegiately when I got wind of a professional wrestling school. I was trained by Gene Anderson, Nelson Royal, and Ivan Koloff. The training was very tough. There were no tv cameras and jacuizzi's around then.

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

The Stro: Harley Race, Ric Flair, Lou Thesz, Andersons, Briscos, Funks, Garvins, Tiger Mask, Bob Backlund, among many others. Didn't really have a least favorite... other than the blessed commercial breaks between matches..lol.

The MiC: Everyone knows that you worked as "The Maestro" in WCW. How do you feel about your time there?

The Stro: I will always be grateful to have wrestled with one of the best wrestling companies in the world and also to have worked with the best wrestling talent in the world. Despite the politics, it was a pleasure to be there.

The MiC: Speaking of WCW, they obviously mis-used alot of talent there. What do you feel they could've done, or what would've you liked to have done, to advance up the ladder?

The Stro: A more organized and kosher working relationship between talent and management would have been nice. It something was working with the company, push it instead of erasing it. There were plenty of money making possibilities that I could have done. But regardless, made the best of what I had like the rest.

The MiC: You obviously have a love of the game, to work in the indies. What is it that the indies offer, that WWE can't offer?

The Stro: The independents hit the smaller venues that you get to see a whole new group of fans. It has been a very positive experience and enjoy meeting the fans in my travels.

The MiC: You currently are the Triple Crown heavyweight champion holding the ACCW world, WCEW World, and C.R.E.W. heavywight titles simultaneously. How does it feel when a promoter has faith in you, and puts the #1 title on you and in main event programs?

The Stro: It is the highest honor that any promotion can bestow on you. A championship of any kind is a big honor and is our prizes for all our hard work. I take pride in being a champion very much and take priority in putting prestige and honor in defending it.

The MiC: What indy and WWE wrestlers do you enjoy watching today?

The Stro: Kurt Angle, Chris Benoit, Steve Austin, Low Ki, The Rock, Jerry Lynn, Rey Mysterio, Christian, Chris Jericho, Ric Flair, Terry Funk, Eddie Guerrero, Rob Van Dam, among many others.

The MiC: What goes into your mind before every match? Do you have any superstitions?

The Stro: To put on the best wrestling match I possible can with whomever I am wrestling. I say a prayer to GOD before every match. Then I switch "on" and go to work.

The MiC: Who would be your dream match living or dead?

The Stro: To wrestle with Chris Benoit, Terry Funk, Bret Hart, or Kurt Angle.

The MiC: What are your career goals?

The Stro: To be the very best I can be in this business. I have already accomplished a lot. But I am a perfectionist..lol.

The MiC: Have you talked with TNA or WWE about a fulltime wrestling job?

The Stro: Both are aware of me, but there have not been any talks of fulltime at this time.

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

The Stro: Thank you to all the fans for your support thru the years. I appreciate every last one of you and hope you guys stay in touch and stick with me. My website is http://www.thestro.com. "Nobody can go toe to toe with the Stro!"

The Stro with James Brown in the old WCW days.

Picture Credit from http://www.thestro.com