Interview with The Stro, formerly The Maestro of WCW.
By Kevin Malton of http://www.wrestlerevolt.com

Kevin Malton: How old were you when you decided you wanted to become a wrestler and what/who influenced you to do so?

The Stro: I wanted to be a professional wrestler all my life. Many wrestlers influenced me like The Funks, Briscos, Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, Gorgeous George, Lou Thesz, Harley Race, Bruno Sammartino, Jimmy Snuka, Les Thorton, Bob Orton, Greg and Johnny Valentine, Wahoo McDaniel, Ricky Steamboat and Jay Youngblood among many others.

Kevin Malton: Where did you go to train and what was the training like?

The Stro: I broke into wrestling in Charlotte, North Carolina and was trained by Gene Anderson, Nelson Royal, and Ivan Koloff. Training was very old school and very tough! Especially along with wrestling in college.

Kevin Malton: Where and when did you make your pro debut ?

The Stro: In 1989...against L.A. Stevens in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

Kevin Malton: You've worked in many companies including SMW and USWA. Who did you work with down there and do you have any special memories from that time?

The Stro: Several of the best in this industry: Rock n Roll Express, Tim Horner, Tom Pritchard, Jimmy Del Rey, Brian Lee, Ron Garvin, Paul Orndorff, Kevin Sullivan, Bryan Clark, Bobby Blaze, Tazz, Chris Candido, Robert Fuller, Jimmy Golden, Balls Mahoney among others. In the USWA, I had some classic battles with Jerry Lawler and Brian Christopher. Had a classic feud along with Tommy Rich and Doug Dilbert against PG13. Among the great wrestlers there I wrestled was Chris Kanyon, Billy Kidman, Buddy Landell, Billy Jack Haynes, Steve Dunn, Sid Vicious, etc. Was a tag team with The Gambler and even tagged with some WWF stars like Mabel and Scott Hall. This is what brought me to my tryout with the WWF back in 95 when I tried out for them along with Chris Benoit.

Kevin Malton: How did you get started in WCW?

The Stro: I was overseas in Puerto Rico and AAA in Mexico at the time when I got the call from WCW. Originally, I came into WCW as Gorgeous George III, but due to a political swerve with my name at the time, worked things out with Eric Bischoff and thus the Maestro was born.

Kevin Malton: Looking back, what do you think were the good and bad points of WCW at the time?

The Stro: The good definitely was the talent. We had the best talent in the world at one time. Just lack of direction and vision by the office as well as the political turmoil.

Kevin Malton: Alicia Webb (Symphony) was your valet. How was she and are you still in contact?

The Stro: Alicia and I had a great working relationship. I really enjoyed working with her during my tenure in WCW. Even though I haven't heard from her since WCW, I wish her all the best.

Kevin Malton If it's ok I would like to do a little word association.

The Stro: Sure.

Kevin Malton: Eric Bischoff?

The Stro: Shrewd salesman.

Kevin Malton: Jim Cornette?

The Stro: Uniquely creative.

Kevin Malton: Vince McMahon?

The Stro: Marketing genius.

Kevin Malton: Backyard wrestling?

The Stro: Disgusting.

Kevin Malton: Where can readers find out more about The Stro and contact you for any upcoming appearances?

The Stro: At my official website at http://www.thestro.com and for you Yahoo users http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/stroworld

Kevin Malton: Thank you once again, it's really appreciated.

The Stro: Thank you and GOD bless.

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