Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Tyler, the last time we did an interview was back in August of 2003, on the heels of you winning the NYWC Heavyweight Championship from Dickie Rodz in a tournament final. At that point, I really didn't feel you were championship material, but then you had a very strong run, for 5 months, losing the championship at the Psycho Circus. How was it making me eat my (and other critics) words, by building up the NYWC as a strong champion?

Tyler Payne: Well, Sean, maybe I should be thanking you. At first I didn't like the label you attached to me, but then I realized how bad can it be to be compared to Triple H?? I guess I turned that anger into motivation. It was tough accepting the role of champion at that time coming off a really bad neck injury that still bothers me every-damn-day. In the end, all the whole thing did was bring attention to myself and the NYWC.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: The NYWC has gone from a local show that featured Critical Mass students, to a respected promotion. Can you talk about what the NYWC has done in its year existence to become one of the fastest rising promotions today?

Tyler Payne: We got our act together and decided that we didn't just want to be an alternative to USAPro... we want to be #1. Besides Mikey Whipwreck, we did not bring in any other "names" in our first year. Instead, we held that off and built our "homegrown" talent into characters and storylines that would draw the fans into the shows. Nothing too confusing, we used the old bad guy vs. good guy formula. Not too over-the-top believable heels vs. lovable faces, building up over 6 months and all culminating in the NYWC's Wrestlemania- The Psycho Circus.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: NYWC used to feature main events of Dickie Rodz vs Ru Starr and most of the emphasis of the shows were on the Critical Mass Students/Graduates. At the last NYWC show, Mikey Whipwreck (Who is a NYWC regular), Marty Jannetty, Al Snow, Chris Chetti, and Danny Doring were all featured in prominent roles. Do you feel that this takes a little bit away from the Critical Mass feel? Obviously these names are needed to draw more attention, but at the same time do you feel the fans would go to the shows anyway without these names?

Tyler Payne: Maybe in a small way it takes away from the Critical Mass feel, but then again, this isn't a school exhibition show anymore. I always hated that label because it wasn't true once we stopped the free school exhibitions years ago. Now that Critical Mass is closed now, no such label can be used anymore. It's time to move on and elevate the talent we have painstakingly tried to build up over this past year. It all started when we brought in Mikey Whipwreck.

I personally think the Mikey/Tyler feud, that started in August '03 and ended in April, is what brought this promotion attention. Why? Cause there was an ECW Triple Crown Legend feuding with the NYWC's "homegrown" top heel. It elevated myself as a worker and a heel, but more importantly- it elevated the NYWC Championship. I think it's fun to see our "homegrown" wrestlers face-off against established stars.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: You won the SSCW Tradition Cup. What was that like and what were your feelings winning it from one of the better technical wrestlers today, John Walters?

Tyler Payne: My match with John Walters is what I think the Tradition Cup stands for- pure mat wrestling. I will do everything on my part to make this new title stand for something instead of it just being a prop and getting lost in the shuffle. If there's no time in the match to tell a story and build up to the finish, then the matches will just be a rush job and the title will be meaningless.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: You recently made your CSWF debut. What was it like working there and what do you see your future there as?

Tyler Payne: I had a great time in my debut teaming with Romeo Valentino. I'm looking forward to be apart of the YoungBludz along with Romeo, Rob Eckos, Matt Striker, and Miss Michelle. CSWF is another great locker room to be apart of.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What pisses you off the most about NYWC?

Tyler Payne: These guys don't know how good they have it. That's everyone from Administration to the boys in the back. They could easily go and sell tix for Frank Goodman and get squashed/bitched out on USAPro shows or they can push their show (because they want to see the NYWC succeed) and shine like how I know they can shine on NYWC shows.

In the last year the NYWC has proven that we can hang with the big leagues, we're still a young fed with a lot of bugs in the system, but they have been slowly fixed and it shows in the quality of the shows. With all the recognition that the NYWC has been getting, we have also been getting tons of workers expressing their interest in working for us. If many of the guys don't straighten up, I won't feel obligated to let the Critical Mass guys keep their spots. Don't get me wrong, out of all the locker rooms I've been in, I love the NYWC's the most. It's my home. They are a great group of guys who are passionate about making this fed lift off, but there is always some drama that pisses me off.

Now that Critical Mass is closed these guys really won't know how good they had it. Training 3 days a week to stay in ring shape was crucial for the quality of the show. Now, these guys are really gonna have to step it up and show what they got. When their ringwork goes down the shitter and they're no longer on the show, they will only have themselves to blame.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Do you feel that some of the NYWC students have been taking NYWC for granted?

Tyler Payne: The newer Critical Mass students know what they have and treat it with respect by showing up and paying their tuition on time. Many of the older students who have spots in the NYWC currently, showed up to practice and didn't pay tuition backed up for years. For many on our roster the NYWC is all they have, not because they can't make it anywhere else, but because many guys have gotten comfortable with the way it's run. Many feds don't give workers creative freedom to develop their character and we do here (to an extent). Many places I have worked just plain out tell me what has to be done or what they want and I shut up and do it. It's called being a professional.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What are your feelings on the internet/press coverage of NYWC? What are your feelings about the internets role in wrestling and indy wrestling in general? When you see a bad review of something what is your first reaction? Likewise, when you see a good review or hype, what's your reaction?

Tyler Payne: I'm glad that the NYWC is getting coverage on indie wrestling sites such as DOI and Wrestling Clothesline. All the guys on the roster are very eager to read these reports as they feel they are the say-all-be-all of the show. I always tell them not to take them seriously but it hurts reading bad reviews, I guess.

It pisses me off when I read crap on the boards like "Why should Dickie Rodz train wrestlers/What has he accomplished?" Well I say, "What has any indie wrestling critic accomplished that makes their opinion count on who sucks and who doesn't?" What has Brett Schwan and Jim Brambilla accomplished in indie wrestling that they can take dumps on matches, workers, and shows? Nothing at all, exactly...they just put themselves over in every review they write.

Brett Schwan will be quick to say that wrestlers don't know how to sell, but if you guys are such great bookers and wrestlers then why aren't you in that ring busting your ass or backstage stressing out over a show?? I'm just a fan, he proclaims...well then be a fan (or a real critic) and not be so quick to insult the boys' hard work. It's called Constructive Criticism.

What about Sean The Mic?? Besides getting match endings wrong because he's too drunk to remember the real ones, miscalculating attendance numbers, and excessive dropping of the F-Bomb he does a decent job of relaying a gist, not the gist, of how the show went down. I've seen nothing but improvement in Sean's reviews since August. Sean has been in control of a show and I'm sure will be given the ball again elsewhere, he knows to an extent what goes into the matches and how to push angles.

I realize that everybody has different tastes for wrestling and everyone won't be happy when they leave the building but I don't believe a critic's job is to insult workers....I'm sure from now on I won't get nice write-ups because I'm not kissing WC's asses like many other indie workers do....
I'd love to do a wrestler's review of the critic's write-up!
Note: Tyler has agreed to a review of my next upcoming NYWC review. (May 8th, www.nywcwrestling.com
Hopefully Tyler drinks while doing it!

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: In many fans opinions, including mine, you are one of the better old school wrestlers today. Do you think that hurts you get bookings or helps it?

Tyler Payne: It hurts and helps. I think many promoters have lost sight of what real old school professional wrestling is about and have sold out to this new spotfest/strongstyle that is going on. It helps being that I bring back all the old stuff making it fresh again. It's nice to know there are promoters/bookers who still believe in the old formula.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: How many people is Dickie Rodz holding down right now?

Tyler Payne: Dickie Rodz is in no position to hold anybody down, nor does he have the power to. He was a key guy to go at Critical Mass for advice.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: At the last NYWC show, you forged an alliance with Marty Jannetty, while showing signs of dissent with your former tag team champion partner, Ru Starr. What the hell is going on over there?

Tyler Payne: Stay tuned....all I have to say is that by the end of the year, fans will finally realize what old school wrestling is all about.....

Word Association

John Curse
- The Sherriff....make sure you bring him Listerine Strips or his dragon breath will kill you!

Dickie Rodz
- Doesn't deserve to get ripped apart on the message boards.

Mikey Whipwreck
- A good friend who has totally made me reevaluate my attitude on this business; a pivotal part in bringing the NYWC to the next level.

Dan Barry
- Tyler Payne's Favorite Wrestler...BMW4Life...u as cool as shit!

Grim Reefer
- Dying to work a program with him.

Ru Starr
- I value his opinion greatly...even though some may have heat with him for having strong views and brutally honest constructive criticism, I still see him as a locker room leader.

Mega
- 16+13=30.

Marty Jannetty
- The F'n Man! A great mentor and friend....hasn't lost a step, should be in the WWE wiping the floor with HBK! Bro, you have most certainly CHANGED!

Al Snow
- A gentleman...don't know how he dealt with Marty's rib ability?!?

Triple H
- Every heel should want to be like him.

Carmine Sabia
- Yooouurrr fffiiirrreeeddd!!

Ricky O
- Looking forward to the J-Cup.

Jim Kettner
- Set a standard for me that I bring into the NYWC locker room.

Dave Levy
- Cool guy, very easy to work with.

Firehawk
- Very boisterous fellow, I like the Cyber Space atmosphere.

Low Life Louie
- Great job on the hotline!

Solution
- Are they the #1 tag team on the scene?

Wayne
- My tailbone still hurts from the Psycho Circus.

Simon Diamond
- A respectable booker..brutally honest.

Ric Flair
- Deserves 1 more championship run...at his age, he is still better then 3/4 of the WWE roster...his promos keep me glued to the TV...the most imitated wrestler alive.

Tully Blanchard
- My favorite Horseman.

Arn Anderson
- Along with Tully, are the greatest tag team that ever existed!

The British Bulldogs
- Awesome tag team psychology.

Tag Team Wrestling
- A lost art.

The Psycho Circus
- Put the NYWC on the map.

John Walters
- One of the best on the scene today.

Christopher Daniels
- Brings prestige, pride, and respect to any promotion he works.

Mike Tobin
- Has me bawling with his Macho Man impersonations.

Afa The Wild Samoan
- I hear great things about WXW and am looking forward to working there soon.

Old School Wrestling
- The ONLY kind of wrestling.

Strongstyle
- Ruined this business...there is no longevity working strongstyle.

Road Trips
- I hate paying tolls..why is Jersey gas so much cheaper?

George Steinbrenners of Indy Wrestling
- If there was a "George Steinbrenner" of Indie wrestling it would be Jim Kettner...anybody else who thinks they are is just blowing smoke up their ass.

Illmatic
- No you can't have a job, leave my dog Lucy alone!

Brett Matthews
- ARNOLD! ARNOLD! ARNOLD!

Tony Burma
- I'm a Rocker, too! ZIP!!

(for old times sake) Sledgehammers
- Fun to bash Curse's car in with.

Internet fans
- Think they know it all.

Ticket sellers in wrestling
- An unfortunate must in this business...FOR THE RECORD- the NYWC is NOT a ticketselling fed, nobody is required to sell tix to be on the show*...*unless you're Josh Deely! (sorry, couldn't help myself)

Mason Raige
- When he learns how to harness the raige, he will be unstoppable!!

Crusher Doogan
- Mad at me because I don't return his tapes.

Nuke
- Will be a force to be reckoned with in the NYWC!

LiveWyre/Mike Mondo
- I'm really proud of him, it was so surreal seeing him on Heat and he did a great job!! It's only a matter of time before he's on RAW or Smackdown.

Mayhem
- Taught me all the ringwork I know...would still be a great teacher if his heart was in it.

Plazma
- When this kid turns 18 he will be a star in the NYWC.

Jimmy James
- Sings the best rendition of Happy Birthday.

Josh Deely
- Who wouldn't want to see Deely vs. Honky Tonk Man?

Lamar Braxton Porter
- A good guy, can talk your ear off- haha.

Joey Braggiol
- BIG.

Spyder
- Watches too much Rey Mysterio and not enough Ricky Steamboat.

Ken Scampi
- Nobody likes you!

Veronica Payne
- Would've been one of the top woman wrestlers on the scene today if she stuck with it.

Fecal Threats
- I mark to Fecal.

Urine Threats
- I mark to Urine.

Declaration of Independents
- The ONLY source for indie wrestling news!.....There I wrote it, now give me my $20!

Tyler Payne
- Quiet... yet outspoken.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: You were recently in and seemingly now, out of ECWA. What is your status in that promotion?

Tyler Payne: Jim had to make cuts due to financial situations and unfortunately for me, I was apart of it. I hope to be back there soon, the learning experience was priceless. At least I went out with a bang, Mega spearing me through the cage was one of my most memorable wrestling moments. ECWA is the most professional promotion out there, I only hope the NYWC will reach that status.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Do you think there any stronger heels in NYWC than you? Can you see any other heel in NYWC challenging for the Heavyweight championship and being taken seriously?

Tyler Payne: I don't think I'm necessarily the strongest heel in the NYWC, I just don't have to work as hard to get the reaction I want. People will hate who they want to hate. Many of the heels in the NYWC need to be tweaked.

Mason Raige is a guy who I see totally dominating this federation in the months to come, he's HUGE but importantly- intelligent. When Mason puts all the pieces of the puzzle together and things click, he will make a name for himself in and outside of the NYWC. Southern Vinny Stylin' has heat written all over him the minute he steps out of the curtain. Does he have a shot at the NYWC Championship? Maybe not, but that's not his style anyway...The Interstate Title is perfect for him.

Nuke is slimming up and getting in great shape. Does that mean he's not a monster anymore? Hell no! Nuke is the New Wave of the NYWC!

How about newly turned heel Dickie Rodz? His character has been limbo as of late but now he's ready to be built up back to Championship heel material. Dickie Rodz is a dark horse in the NYWC, the only thing stopping him is: confidence. You don't need a championship title to make you the top heel in any federation. Only those who know how to use the right tools to get under people's skin and the right psychology in the ring will rise above the rest.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What is going on with Johnny Ova in NYWC? Will he be back soon? What are your opinions on him?

Tyler Payne: We gave our dates out in December for the entire year of '04, Johnny Ova only gave his home fed 3 dates for the entire year. Personally, I think it's a load of crap. It's called shitting where you sleep. I understand he is on a mission from God, but he is being brainwashed by a certain somebody not worth mentioning (he'll sue me for slander). I use to be friends with Ova before this person came into the picture. Since then, he has pretty much alienated himself from NYWC, Critical Mass, and almost everybody else he trained with. I think it's a shame, really. Johnny Ova was an NYWC top priority but as far as I'm concerned, his NYWC future is up in the air....

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: You've shown that you can carry a promotion and elevate a company and a heavyweight championship in NYWC. You are showing signs of it in SSCW as the Tradition Cup Champ, alas for one show. How do you get people to take notice and give you the damn ball?

Tyler Payne: That's very flattering....I just show up and be me. The rest is up to the fans, bookers, and promoters to use me in the best way for whatever fed I'm working for.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What are your opinions of SSCW?

Tyler Payne: I respect Simon Diamond and what he has accomplished in this business and want to learn as much as possible from him. Carmine is a good guy, Italians stick together (haha). I think this is a great fed with a ton of talent in the locker room and even more potential to do great things in the overcrowded NJ scene. SSCW will standout with Simon and Carmine piloting the ship.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Would you ever consider working for WXW where your style seems to be a natural fit?

Tyler Payne: Actually, No Highspots Needed was supposed to be in the WXW Samoan Cup but due to schedule conflicts, we weren't able to make it. I've been really looking forward to working for Afa, he's from the old school and will appreciate our style.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Besides wielding sledgehammers, drinking YJ Stinger and spitting water, what's a normal day in the life of Tyler Payne?

Tyler Payne: Getting up early everyday which I hate doing!! I'm pushing hard to get my Associate's Degree and hopefully transfer, so school takes up a lot of my time. This business will always be apart of my life, but I also try to focus on school and doing something with my life outside of wrestling. Other than that I hit the gym, watch the Chappelle Show, and (my fav) spend quality time with the wifey.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Where do you see Tyler Payne at the beginning of 2005?

Tyler Payne: After my injury in August, I didn't know if I wanted to do this anymore. I was given the ball and felt like it was my last "run," and tried to make it a memorable one hopefully propelling the NYWC Championship. I have my good days but I have more bad days. I take it one month at a time now. If all goes well, I may be in the police academy for the NYPD in July. Whatever I'm doing, whether it's booking and/or wrestling, I hope I'm happy and healthy.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What do you want to say to anyone reading this?

Tyler Payne: Many at the NYWC won't like what I've written...but in the end I'm just being real and not sugarcoating anything. I'm also sure that Johnny Ova will take what I wrote wrong and make claims that I'm jealous of his success, when in reality I wish him the best. I wouldn't be suprised if Brett Schwan blasts me for voicing MY opinion when he has so freely chosen to take it upon himself to do the same to, not only NYWC workers, but workers all over the scene. If my matches don't get written up anymore, I'll know (and so will everybody else know) this interview is why. I don't need some "I'm just a fan" telling me how to wrestle and what I'm doing wrong- thanks anyway, any mark with a website can do that. I'm a straight-shooter and I take what I do seriously. I don't know it all and I never claimed to, but sometimes I'm sick of being quiet and reserved.
Opinions are like assholes, everybody has one and we all think each other's stinks!

NYWC is the New Wave of professional wrestling, for only $10 you can't get a better deal watching any other fed....plus, you never know who's gonna show up!

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Thanks for this interview Trip... Tyler Payne.