Five Questions With... Matt Striker

In the second part of this week's Double Header of Interviews it's time to speak to former WWE wrestler and commentator Matt Striker!

Ring Name(s): Matt Striker
Hometown: Queens, New York, USA.
Height: 5' 10''
Weight: 220 lbs

Promotions Competed For:

Pro-Pain Pro Wrestling
World of Unpredictable Wrestling
Premier Wrestling Federation
Assault Championship Wrestling
Conneticut Championship Wrestling
Major League Wrestling
Total Pro Wrestling
Pro Wrestling WORLD- 1
USA Pro Wrestling
Jersey Championship Wrestling
New York Wrestling Connection
World Wrestling Entertainment
East Coast Pro Wrestling
Cyberspace Wrestling Federation
East Coast Wrestling Association
National Wrestling Alliance: Cyberspace
Independent Championship Wrestling
Ring of Honor Wrestling
Ballpark Brawl Wrestling
Deep South Wrestling

Championships and Accomplishments:

ECWA Tag Team Champion (with Ace Darling)
WUW Continental Champion
Eight Time PWF Tag Team Champion (with Josh Daniels)
ACW Tag Team Champion (with Scotty Charisma)
Two Time USA Pro Wrestling Tag Team Champion ( with Simon Diamond)
USA Pro Wrestling New York State Champion
CCW Heavyweight Champion
NYWC Heavyweight Champion
NYWC Interstate Champion
Five Time NYWC Tag Team Champion (with Rob Eckos)
TPW Light Heavyweight Champion
TPW Tag Team Champion (with Red Flair)

#166 on the PWI 500 in 2006
WWE Slammy Award Winner (with Todd Grisham for Best Announce Team 2008)
Wrestling Observer Newsletter Best Television Announcer 2008

1. When did you first get into wrestling and what drew you to the sport?

I was drawn to the sport as a child. My father and I bonded over many aspects that proper pro wrestling can instill. My father would point out the moral lessons within the competition. I, of course, promptly rooted for the rulebreakers!

2. Could you explain a little of the circumstances that led to you leaving WWE and is the door still open for a future return?

If I had a mind reading device I would tell you about it. I can only imagine it being a business decision. It hurts for me to explore that maybe they thought it was better business without me. Either way, I too, want whats best for WWE - and wrestling as a whole. If the company saw me as a liability and not an assets - then so be it. Respect.

3. What are your fondest memories of working for WWE, and which are you not so fond of? 

Fond memories went from competition and performance to stories or laughs that I shared with brothers.
 In ring memories range from competiting against The Undertaker, Kurt Angle, John Cena and Triple H. Wrestlemania will always be a highlight. I even enjoyed Heat matches with local talent and some of my WWE.Com shows and early app work. I loved NXT and I always cherished doing commentary. Anywhere that I'm allowed to ad lib, improv and be organic are always going to resonate more than anything with me. If that makes sense. Moments of friendships will always be mine to hold onto.

Regrets? I don't know... maybe that I didn't get into the ring more often towards the end to remind management that I can contribute in any way they would ever need.

4. What are your Top Three matches of all time?

Ugh. How can you ask me for three? Haha, How about the three things I'm "digging on" now?

I'm very into pinning variations - The whole point of a wrestling match is to pin or make your opponent submit. Som, I'm "digging on" guys like Dos Cares, Mr. Gannosuke and the like.

I've been watching a ton of Kurt Angle - as well as World of Sport footage and some Nick Bockwinkel, Karl Gotch - type stuff.

I'm very attracted to the "Catch as Catch can" psychology and kinesiology - and how it's applied to pro wrestling.

I also am enjoyed the Junkyard Dog lately.... and Jay Briscoe.

5. What's next for Matt Striker and is there any possibility you'll be making your way across the pond anytime soon?

Anytime! The sooner the better! I've always felt at home in Britain, I enjoy the culture, the history and of course - the splendid wonder that is British Wrestling. Let the world know! I'd love to come over!

Whilst home I am wrestling on the U.S. Inpdependent scene as well as going to wrestling schools and talking to the students and passing on what's been gifted to me.

I live near New York Cirt, so I am exploring some stunt work and other acting related ventures, voice-overs, commercials, hosting work, etc.

Thankfully, I have my degree so I can seek a return to the classroom as well.

Thanks for the interview. Hello to all the great U.K. fans. I hope to see you all again very soon.

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We'd like to Matt Striker for giving us this fantastic interview.

Next week: Dean Mitchell from British Wrestling Radio