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FIW.com Blog: Featuring You, The Fans; Part 1?
Topic Started: Nov 30 2007, 10:11 AM (44 Views)
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Friday, November 30th, 2007
Featuring You, The Fans [Part 1?]

My Email Inbox has been flooded by emails from you, the fans, recently. Seems a lot of you have some questions, and you want answers. Thus... I thought I might give you some. I had a friend run through all the emails and collect some of the questions and I'll try and give you some answers. So, welcome to my blog... featuring you, the fans!

Quote:
 

What was your home life like as a child?
It was a struggle. Even though both of my parents worked, there was often times when there was no money left over after paying the electric, water and gas bills for there to be a decent supper. I think that was a main factor in me turning to the streets at such a young age. Me running 'errands' for the older cats on the block, hustling any way I could to get that little extra green to try and make sure the family had a decent meal each night.


Do you have any siblings?
Simple answer, yes. I do have a younger sibling, but that's all your getting. Sorry.


What's your real name?
Did this come from some phishing scam email or something?, it's not like I have hidden my real name behind a curtain of secrecy. Grant Rice... Grantland Rice.

Any friends from your younger days you still keep in touch with?
There are indeed a few. Though, as you know, people tend to lose touch over a long period of time. Given our travel schedules, keeping up friendships with people back home can be a tall task. Some nights we pack up from a show, get in the car, and make a non-stop trip to the next arena... catching what shut-eye we can in the passenger seat while someone else drives. I do however have a pool of great friends, ones that understand my love for this business and my need to be on the road for such long times, often missing birthdays, weddings, things I should be there for as a friend.


I have always wondered who train you. I've noticed some similarities in your style and former FIW Superstar, Kain's, did he have a hand in your training?
No, Kain didn't train me, though he did play a big part in my development. You see, it was he who first caused the spark in my head that I should pursue Professional Wrestling. I tuned into FIW's Slam! and hearing he was from my hometown made me realize that people could make it out. Following that, I watched a lot of his career, he was one of my earliest influences. Hell, I learned a lot of the basics watching old tapes of him, at a time when no wrestling school would even let me in the front door because of where I came from.

As for who trained me, I honestly would rather not say, I have seen too many cases of people running their mouth, "Oh, I was trained by Shawn Michaels, I was trained by Rocky Johnson, Harley Race, King Kong, Godzilla, Bruce Lee...," that's not me. I'm not going to boast about who trained me, people who do that typically are trying to raise their stock by the mere use of a 'legends name' being attached to theirs.

One of these days, maybe I'll let you in on something like that, maybe when I'm near retirement and decide to write a book. Until them, I thank those that helped me in my early stages, from the first school that gave me to chance, to the ones that taught me some of the moves that I still use to this day, and thank the one person's name that I will reveal, Kain. While he played no real part in my actual training, the couple times I did meet him, he was one cool cat. Gave me some advise, just a real nice guy. It's a real shame his career was cut short due to his knee injuries.


How has it felt to have your tolling on the Indies such as NGIW pay off in getting a job in FIW?
It felt great to have to climb the ranks. Start at the bottom, almost beg to get my first contract. I see to many in todays time walk into a big company such as FIW or WWE and think they're owed something when they've done nothing. NGIW gave me my first contract, they gave me my chance, the chance to come in off of the streets and put in work.

If NGIW never took the chance on me, gave me that contract, I'm not certain I would be sitting here today. I'm not only talking about sitting here answering you fans questions, sitting here as an FIW Superstar, sitting here as a wrestler... but sitting her period. If I was never given that chance to prove myself in the Indies, then I would probably have returned to the streets, did some stupid shit, and ended up dead or in prison. I know alot of people say that about being dead or in prison, but I honestly believe it.


Would you say that part of your attitude problem in the Indies was being "snubbed" for so long by FIW?
It did hurt to be turned away at so many doors. When you come knocking and are consistently turned away because your 'not good enough,' knowing that's not the reason at all, it does make you bitter. It angers you, it makes you look at other people in the business, not with envy because they made it, but with hatred. Hatred for the fact they were able to walk into the building and not be escorted out of the building by security before even speaking a word to someone.


Would you say your success else where has translated over into FIW?
I would think so on some level, now anyway. When I was originally given my chance in FIW, I'd say not so much. Even though at the time of my first contract with FIW, I had already previously held NGIW's Red Crown of Rage, the management at the time still only saw me as 'some thug off the street.' I was never really accepted during that time. Management wanted nothing to do with me, they would just toss me into whatever match they might have an open slot in, it got old fast never being good enough for them.

I then left, they didn't want 'some thug off the street' there so I just said 'fuckem' and left. I would return to the Indy circuit, I would go on to capture several more NGIW Championships including the Midway Championship. That was around the time I was informed NGIW would need to cease operation. With NGIW, a place I often called home, was no longer putting on shows... I had to go somewhere. I had heard about some management changes in FIW and thought things might have been different.

I believe I was right with that thought. I showed up at FIW Headquarters and walked through the door, and instead of being greeted by security, I was greeted by welcoming arms. I don't know if it was the change in some management faces, or maybe it was further success in the Indies, but I was finally accepted in 'the Big Leagues' without prejudice.


How did it feel to hold the FIW world tag titles and FIW FSC during your reigns with each?
Running around with the Tag Titles was a great time. While Nightmare and I had had some issues in the spirit of competition in the past, he was never one to turn his head when I walked by in the lockeroom... which was a reaction I was often meet with in my early days. He's a great guy, he's one thats always willing to give the new cats a chance, not one to judge them and turn his back to them just because their different.

As for the Fighting Spirit, I'm not going to lie. That was hell. While it was amazing I was able to win it in my hometown, dropping it so soon hurt me. I wish I was able to walk out that night with my reign intact, but it's great that Extreme Ninja has some time to shine.


We know you've had your problems with a number of people on the FIW roster (Red Cell, Hardcore Sex, Zaibatsu, Ethan, Drake, ect). Any of them you still hold a grudge with that you'd like to settle or do you feel it's in the past/settled?
I have had some clashes in the past. I wouldn't exactly say I have a grudge toward anyone for any particular reason, no. Some of the names you mentioned are just some guys that are great competition in the ring, not like I ever wanted to actually kill them for any reason though.

You also mention Red Cell, you know, I'm not even positive I know what that whole thing was about. I just think Toan got some wires crossed, shit happens.

You know, I do actually think I left something unfinished. You see, back in my NGIW days, there toward the end, I was able to pull off a victory against Ghost for the Midway title. I'm not going to lie, that victory was a close one. It was only a matter of weeks after the Pay-Per-View that NGIW closed shop. I wish it had stayed open longer, Ghost stuck around, so we could face off again in the ring, I could defend that title against her in a rematch.

Though, I don't mean I left things unfinished with Ghost because I hated her and wanted to inflict more pain, I just enjoyed the competition she brought to the ring, would have been nice to have another go with her to see how things turned out, you know?


What kind of music do you like?
It might actually surprise you, the answer. People look at me, listen to the entrance music I have used in the past, they instantly jump to the conclusion that, "Oh, Grant Rice is just another Hip-Hop Head." Here comes the surprise, it's more then that. While yes, my main taste in music is indeed Rap, you find other things on my iPod. From Rock, such as Linkin Park, Critical Bill, Daughtry or Saliva, to R&B with the likes of Usher or Alicia Keys.

I don't try to constrict myself to one form of music, I try and listen to whatever I can, keep my collection diverse. Kind of similar in the way I like to keep things diverse in the ring. I don't like to constrict myself only to submissions in a match, I want to be able to pull out a powerbomb at any point, maybe a flying elbow once in a while, if you constrict yourself to only a small selection of the overall selection, then your bound to miss out on something great.


What kind of movies are you into?
Old wrestling tapes? Ha. I mean seriously, I don't often get enough free time to sit down and watch the newest 'blockbuster.' It's a lot different then music, music they've got gadgets like the iPod that fit your entire collection in the palm of your hand and it sounds just the same if you were playing the physical CD. Meanwhile, with movies, you either have to go to the theater and put up with everything that comes with that from the sticky floors to the kid behind you that insists on kicking the back of your seat for three fourths of the movie. There is always DVD, but unlike MP3s, hand held video players mean tiny screens and that's just no way to watch a movie.

Now, when I DO get a chance to sit down for a movie, it's generally a comedy or an action movie. Though much like with my music, I like to keep things diverse and thus I won't hesitate to sit down for a drama or horror. It's really just whatever may sound good at that given point in time.


What is your favorite town to wrestle in because of the crowd?
Kansas City? Ha. I'm serious though, for me there is nowhere better to be. I know I'm biased, but the reactions I receive there are simply amazing. Though if I need to pick somewhere other then my hometown, I guess I would have to say New York... Madison Square Garden. It's just a great place to be, all the great fans come out there, even if their not even from there and actually flew in from L.A., it just seems like it's a great place for wrestling.


What is your favorite town to wrestle in because of the town (the culture, the food, the night life, ect)?
Again, Kansas City? :P If I don't love my hometown then I think I'd have a problem. If you want a night life though, theres only a few places that really put it down. Places like Miami, L.A. or Las Vegas. Though, I don't think I need to explain that to you, all three get pretty good coverage on TV shows. Whether it's a show like CSI: Miami which is set there, or if it's TMZ reporting on the latest Celebrity Gossip, the night life in these places are well documented.

However, for food and culture, I simply love it when we can pack our bags and leave the U.S. It doesn't matter where, it can be Japan, Italy, Africa, or even Mexico, it's just always amazing to be able to go out there and perform for fans that have never seen you in the ring live, then after words be able to go somewhere and have their traditional food and hear their music (even though it seems the U.S. has taken over their markets as well...) it's just amazing to be able to sit there and soak it all up.


What are your thoughts on the Rejects?
I can understand where they're coming from to some extent. Hell, at one point or another, I've been a reject as well. I know what it can feel like when feel like you have no friends, to be turned away every chance someone gets, it's not the best of things.

I think it's great though they were able to band together. Though, I may not agree with everything about them.

Though I will say that it's cool to see Onikage back around an FIW ring. I just wish he'd step back in with his boots laced up, he's been one to really bring out the best of me in the ring in the past, would be a treat to face off with him once again somewhere in the future.


Does the challenge of facing Crackerjack excite you or make you nervous?
It does indeed excite me. You would think I would feel nervous, or hell, even scared... but I don't. Like I've stated, he's ran around here for a while now, building up this reputation as someone you don't want to cross paths with, well, I want to cross paths. Its been a while since I've been in the ring with a man that I felt could push me to my limits.

No, don't take that the wrong way. I don't mean push me to my limits as in push me to my best, actually, I mean to my worsts. During my time in NGIW, I developed a taste for the Hardcore style, a love for it. It's not often that I've been pushed to do horrible things here in the FIW, and it frustrates me. The fans that have followed me since my NGIW days I think have started to feel I've gone soft. Crackerjack is a man that doesn't seem afraid to push things over the line, into a place where pain becomes pleasure...


Liam Mortell is a veteran of the sport, have you seen any thing of him pre-FIW?
Liam and I's paths never crossed before I made my way into the FIW, thus I don't have first hand experience with him in the ring prior to both of us finding our way into FIW at the same time. However, I have watched some various footage, as I try to do when I can in regards to any opponent.

Liam does seem to be a nice guy though. I can see why he's been able to accomplish what he has. When you've got in-ring talent, mixed with being a nice guy... you go places. Him being such a nice guy actually makes me feel bad at times for possibly playing some small role in putting him on the sideline with injury some months back.

Glad to see him back though, I'd be he and I could put on some great matches. Hell, why don't we just left Elrick and Crackerjack run off and have a Taipei Deathmatch on Sunday and Liam and I will stay to put on a great wrestling match for the crowd.

Management... you listening? :P Me and Crackerjack could always wait, if there is much left of him after he and Elrick get through.


What have your thoughts been on Liam Mortell taking part in the first ever "FIW Trial Series"?
I think the FIW Trial Series is one hell of a concept. It's a great way for someone to climb the ladder when they are seemingly stuck. It's a nice way for a young cat to get some big matches under his belt, or in the case of Liam, a way for someone who feel may be not too far from the end of his career... to prove he's still got some juice.

Thus, I think it's great that Liam has had this opportunity. He's done well with it, while not a complete sweep, he's proven he can still get the job done, even in big situations. It's not like he went off and lost every round or anything.

I can't wait to see who might get their name called if or when Management thinks it's time to run another one.


Since Elrick & you are buddies, do you think that may skew your judgment in this match (let him take care of his business with Jack)?
Don't get me wrong, Elrick and I are cool and all, but I do not expect to not lay a hand on him in this match. We're going to end up fighting at some point, if he's done with Crackerjack before he turns to me then that's great, but I'm not going to sit back and watch him work over Crackerjack and applaud like a friend. I will bring the fight to him just as I would Crackerjack or Liam.

We're both competitors, you could stick Nightmare in his place and it would be no different. In that ring, if it's not a Tag match and your not on my side, then your the enemy just the same as if there is a real enemy in the ring with you. Make sense?


In recent years you've toned down on the party gangsta life style, however if you win the UIC, can we expect a "riot maker" in Mexico City?
I doubt it. It would be great to be able to party all night in Mexico celebrating a victory... or two, but I don't think many of us will be out partying after the Main Event. I suspect I'll be in the back, or in the hotel room... licking wounds. Even if your the victory, you don't walk out of a Condemned Fetish match without a scratch.


With as insane as the Condemned Fetish Match is, how do you prepare for such mayhem?
I think a lot of my preparation comes from my days in NGIW, honestly. Can you go through a Cage of Death and not consider it preparation for a match such as this? Hell, in NGIW, matches like this was almost the daily routine. Thus, I would think that I as well as some of the other NGIW Alum, will have some slight edge in the fact that we've been through tremendous pain, all that is left to do is suck it up and last.


What are your thoughts on FIW being so international friendly?
I think it's a great thing, fans can come from all around the world, and by traveling to another country to put on a show, you might just inspire the next Ultimo Dragon or the next Rey Mysterio, maybe the next Hitman Hart. Plus, you know, being able to take trips to places I've never been is a great plus as well!


Are you looking forward to the annual FIW Japan Tour after Violence Fetish '07 to lead into Nensai Senjou '08?
Hell no! Ha, I'm only kidding. You know, I do look forward to it. I wish we could have more of these tours, head up to Canada for a few months, then over to Europe, maybe touch in South America... only downside to that is, we would be leaving the U.S. out. :\


During the month of December FIW holds the yearly FIW Grand Prix Tournament, excited about that?
The Grand Prix is an excellent opportunity for everyone involved, so I don't know how anyone could NOT be excited.


Whippet, Vinj, Kailey Lane and Maj Tahal are the former champions of the tournament, think we could see Grantland Rice added to that list this year?
I would love to be able to make it to the end, have my name in the list of past winners, though to come out and say yes... would be foolish. There are way too many variables to say with any certainty.


Finally, in the GP Tournament who would you like to face most in one of the rounds that you haven't faced in a while?
Onikage... call him up, let him know. Honestly though, I welcome all challenges. If that comes in the form of Crackerjack, then so be it. Maybe Elrick, sounds like fun. Hell, even Nightmare...


Any funny road stories when alongside a cast of characters like Tier, Elrick, Xanthius, Extreme Ninja #2 and Nightmare that you've traveled with in your time so far with FIW?
Yes, I might have a few. Maybe the time someone I was traveling with was hitting on a female in a bar... or, that's what he thought at the time. Though, out of respect I'm not giving details. Maybe in that book I previously mentioned. :P


There you have it, I think you guys had some wonderful questions, I tried to answer them all the best I can, hope you get some satisfaction from my answers. BTW -- Seems that friend, didn't feel the need to compile the questions askers name and city like most of these usually have, so you'll have to point out to your friends which questions are yours and such, haha.

I was told that there was still several great questions left in the Inbox, so maybe I'll get some time to sit down and once again give answers to the questions ask by, you, the fans. Though, for now...

I'm Out.

- Grant Rice

Posted by: Grant Rice at 12:33PM
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