Ian Knoxx Talks Cage of Death V, Hardcore Wrestling, Zandig Stories & PWU

Ian Knoxx Talks Cage of Death V, Hardcore Wrestling, Zandig Stories & PWU

Episode 154 of Best For Business features Ian Knoxx. Ian Knoxx begins by discussing why he got into professional wrestling and how his background in rugby helped shape his physical style and mindset inside the ring. He reflects on life after college, the transition into wrestling training, and the early CZW school days under John Zandig, including stories that highlight both the intensity and unpredictability of that environment. A major part of the conversation centers around his time in the early days of CZW, including the formation of Pro Wrestling Unplugged and the relationships and tensions that came with working closely in that scene.  Ian also reflects on the evolution of his in-ring identity, his inspirations, and the friendships formed through wrestling, including The Irish Drinking Team with Chris Stylz. He breaks down what those connections meant during a chaotic and physically demanding era of independent wrestling. The episode highlights several major career moments, including Cage of Death V, Tournament of Death appearances, and a First Blood match with Adam Flash. Ian also discusses adapting to different styles and environments, including wrestling in Italy and working alongside names like Jimmy Rave, as well as teaming with Test in a unique chapter of his career. Beyond the violence and spectacle, Ian talks about the importance of relationships in wrestling, how the business shaped his personal life, the bonds formed on the road, and the respect earned through shared experience in difficult matches and demanding schedules. As the conversation turns toward the later stages of his career, Ian reflects on slowly stepping away from active competition, what he’s been up to since, and whether another match is still possible.  The episode closes with Ian Knoxx reflecting on legacy, what he took from the hardcore wrestling era, the lessons learned through pain and persistence, and how he wants to be remembered in a scene built on toughness, loyalty, and survival. - 0:00 Ian Knoxx Trailer 0:48 Best For Business Introduction 1:41 Introduction 2:09 Why Pro Wrestling? 6:25 Did Rugby help with Pro Wrestling 7:31 Post College Goals 9:21 The Early CZW School Days 11:11 John Zandig Stories 14:00 The Birth of Pro Wrestling UnPlugged 16:43 Having Heat with John Zandig 18:00 Being Reckless with his body 19:12 Ian Knoxx Inspiration 23:54 The Irish Drinking Team with Chris Stylz 25:45 The Friendships Made in Wrestling 26:22 First Big Opportunities 27:40 Adapting to The Hardcore Style 28:49 Cage of Death V 34:38 Adam Flash Stories 35:20 Wrestling In Italy 38:40 Jimmy Rave 40:00 Teaming with Test 41:34 Tournament of Death 43:44 First Blood Match with Adam Flash 47:44 Slowly Winding Down in Wrestling 50:36 What is Ian Knoxx up too? 50:48 Going to a PWU Event 51:45 The relationships made through wrestling 54:34 Favorite Venues 55:57 Will there be another Ian Knoxx Match? 57:05 Ian Knoxx’s Legacy 59:37 Conclusion - Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@CoachC310?si=oM-LME5EYYAddqDN - Check out Best for Business: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1-tiM0N3zjvBiaRIETb02bR14wlpDJeR&si=TjNK2HbpoLjsugFf - Make sure you give me a follow and SUBSCRIBE: Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ChrisDust310/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/officialchrissanders/ Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@officialchrissanders X- https://x.com/chrissandersoff

Brian Morris on The Super 8, Wrestling Open, Monster Factory, & The Stetson Ranch

Episode 153 of Best For Business features a dive into the career of “Wonderboy” Brian Morris. Brian Morris discusses his unconventional start in professional wrestling, describing how he essentially got into the business “backwards”. That journey leads into his time training at the legendary Monster Factory, where he learned lessons that shaped both his in-ring style and overall approach to the business. He reflects on the biggest lessons from that environment and how it helped define his early identity. A major focus of the episode is the evolution of his character “Wonderboy” and how confidence became a defining trait in his presentation. Brian breaks down how he developed that persona, how it evolved over time, and how it helped him stand out during key opportunities on the independent scene. He also discusses his early tag team success, including his run as part of the Wonder Bodies alongside Big Body Lopez. From there, he dives into major championship success, including a lengthy reign as AXW Badstreet Tag Team Championships holders for 280 days. Brian reflects on major appearances and milestones across the Northeast, including wrestling at iconic venues like the Hammerstein Ballroom, and competing in some of the most recognizable independent wrestling environments in the region. A key highlight of the conversation is his involvement in the historic ECWA Super 8 Tournament, one of the most respected tournaments in independent wrestling history. He also discusses his early exposure through promotions like 1CW and the broader New England and Mid-Atlantic indie ecosystem that helped shape his career. Brian also reflects on his work in modern independent wrestling, including standout moments in Wrestling Open events, as well as interacting with major names across the current roster and asking the question of who he still wants to face moving forward. Another unique part of the episode is his experience expanding beyond just wrestling, including doing commentary, further developing his presence as a performer, and even having his own action figure released.  The conversation closes with Brian reflecting on legacy, longevity, and what still motivates him today. He discusses who has brought the best out of him throughout his career, what he hopes to accomplish next, and how he wants to be remembered within the New England wrestling scene and beyond. - 0:00 Brian Morris Trailer 0:49 Best For Business Introduction Video 1:41 Introduction 1:55 Why Pro Wrestling? 2:05 Getting into Wrestling…Backwards 2:20 Athletic Background 2:41 Getting Involved in Wrestling 3:26 Biggest Lessons Learned at The Monster Factory 4:40 Who is Brian Morris? 5:23 “Wonderboy” 5:41 The Confidence 6:19 Gaining Confidence 6:56 First Big Opportunity 7:44 1CW 8:36 The Wonder Bodies with Big Body Lopez 9:02 The Golden Era 9:39 AXW Badstreet Tag Team Champions for 280 Days 10:37 Wrestling in Hammerstein Ballroom 12:12 Favorite Venues 12:27 Favorites Growing Up 13:08 The 29th Annual ECWA Super 8 14:13 The Discovery Gauntlet 15:36 The Stetson Ranch 16:36 The Stetson Ranch Matches 17:42 Having his own action figure 19:38 Doing Commentary 21:38 Who brings the best out of Brian Morris? 22:57 Who hasn’t Brian Morris faced on the Wrestling Open Roster? 23:55 What does the future hold for Brian Morris? 25:07 Brian Morris’ Legacy 25:36 Conclusion - Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@CoachC310?si=oM-LME5EYYAddqDN - Check out Best for Business: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1-tiM0N3zjvBiaRIETb02bR14wlpDJeR&si=TjNK2HbpoLjsugFf - Make sure you give me a follow and SUBSCRIBE: Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ChrisDust310/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/officialchrissanders/ Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@officialchrissanders X- https://x.com/chrissandersoff

Cheetah Master on ECWA, Jim Kettner, The First Ever Super 8, Captain Lou Albano & Wrestling Legends

Episode 152 of Best For Business features a deep dive into the career of one of the most recognizable names from the early East Coast independent scene, Cheetah Master. Cheetah Master opens up about his unexpected path into professional wrestling, starting with his original interest in becoming a promoter before ever stepping into the ring. That journey leads into a pivotal moment calling Jim Kettner for tickets to an East Coast Wrestling Association show, an interaction that would change his life forever when he was asked directly, “How would you like to be a pro wrestler?” From there, he breaks down his early development in ECWA, his first match, and how what began as a one-time experience quickly turned into a full-time pursuit. He reflects on discovering his identity as “Cheetah Master,” the mindset behind the character, and the early lessons that shaped his career both in and out of the ring. A major theme of the episode is growth and mentorship. Cheetah Master discusses the biggest lessons learned under Jim Kettner, along with influential figures like Lance Diamond, and how those relationships helped him view professional wrestling as an art form rather than just performance. The conversation continues with his work across multiple territories, including Pennsylvania Championship Wrestling, and appearances working for Afa Anoa'i, further expanding his experience across the independent scene. Cheetah Master shares standout moments from his career, including a memorable three-way match with Lance Diamond and Reckless Youth, and high-profile bouts against legends such as The Honky Tonk Man and Jimmy Snuka.  Another major focus is his involvement in the historic 1st ever ECWA Super 8 Tournament, one of the most influential independent wrestling tournaments of all time, where he shares the ring with ECWA founder Jim Kettner himself. The episode closes with Cheetah Master reflecting on legacy, what he contributed to the ECWA system, how the character evolved over time, and how he wants to be remembered as both a performer and a foundational figure in the independent wrestling scene. - 0:00 Cheetah Master Episode 0:46 Best For Business Introduction 1:39 Introduction 2:02 Why Pro Wrestling? 3:26 Getting Involved in Pro Wrestling 4:33 Wanting to be a promoter 5:28 Calling Jim Kettner for tickets 5:43 Going to The ECWA 6:38 “How would you like to be a pro wrestler?” 7:00 Making his pro wrestling debut 7:46 This wasn’t a one time thing 8:04 Coming across ECWA 8:43 Cheetah Master’s First Match 9:44 “Cheetah Master” 11:23 What is Cheetah Master’s Secret? 14:07 Wanting to do pro wrestling 16:01 Getting on local television 16:55 Biggest Lessons Learned from Jim Kettner 17:59 Lance Diamond 18:55 Biggest Mentors 20:21 Viewing Pro Wrestling as an art 21:30 Being the ECWA Heavyweight Champion 23:00 Getting Managed by Captain Lou Albano 23:54 Who brought the best out of Cheetah Master? 27:24 Pennsylvania Championship Wrestling 28:26 Working for Afa  31:22 First Threeway with Lance Diamond & Reckless Youth 33:53 Wrestling Honky Tonk Man 34:57 Jimmy Snuka Story 38:11 The First Ever Super 8 Tournament 40:38 Sharing the ring with Jim Kettner 41:30 Cheetah Worked with Bam Bam Bigelow? 42:15 Road Warrior Hawk 43:23 Fitness 44:55 Winding Down in Wrestling 46:06 What’s Cheetah Master up too? 47:21 Will there be one more Cheetah Master match? 48:35 The ECWA Reunion 49:22 The Chick Magnets 49:56 Cheetah Master’s Legacy 51:44 Conclusion - Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@CoachC310?si=oM-LME5EYYAddqDN - Check out Best for Business: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1-tiM0N3zjvBiaRIETb02bR14wlpDJeR&si=TjNK2HbpoLjsugFf - Make sure you give me a follow and SUBSCRIBE: Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ChrisDust310/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/officialchrissanders/ Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@officialchrissanders X- https://x.com/chrissandersoff

Mike Graca on “The Mind Eraser”, RWA, Paul London, Katey Prescott, Fight Life, & The New Gore Order

Episode 151 of Best For Business features one of the most unpredictable, intense, and emotionally layered performers in independent wrestling of Mike Graca, also known as “The Mind Eraser.” Mike opens up about his early athletic background in soccer and football, and how those sports helped shape his mindset before transitioning into professional wrestling. He breaks down how he first got involved in the business, the training process that molded him, and the key lessons that stuck with him as he began building his identity in the ring. A major focus of the episode is the evolution of his character, including the creation of “The Mind Eraser” persona and the different masks that helped define his look and presentation. Mike discusses how reinvention became a constant part of his journey, allowing him to stand out in a crowded independent wrestling scene. He reflects on standout tag team and faction work, including Fit To Be Tied with Smiley, and his time in The New Gore Order in XWA and then with Devin Blaze, which became a defining chapter in his career. Mike also breaks down memorable matches and experiences in Limitless Wrestling, including the signature scrambles that helped build his reputation as a chaotic, must-see performer. One of the most unique moments of his career comes from making an entrance in an ambulance and unpredictability he became known for. Mike also discusses stepping away from wrestling in 2018, what led to that decision, and what changed when he returned in 2021 with a renewed mindset. The conversation covers his return run in promotions like FIGHT LIFE Pro Wrestling, key moments in RWA, and other regional promotions. He reflects on the physical and mental toll of his hardcore style and how it shaped his approach to wrestling moving forward. Mike also discusses his work in Focus Pro Wrestling, his involvement in The Trauma Factory, and how different environments pushed him to evolve further as a performer. He opens up about key matches, personal growth after injury, and how adversity changed his perspective on the business. Throughout the episode, Mike emphasizes mindset, how his approach to wrestling, pain, and storytelling has changed over time, and what still drives him today. He also shares the matches he still wants to have, who brings out the best in him, and how he defines his own legacy. - 0:00 Mike Graca Trailer 0:55 Best For Business Introduction Video 1:48 Introduction 2:09 Why Pro Wrestling? 2:50 Playing Soccer & Football 3:56 Getting Involved in Pro Wrestling 5:17 Getting Trained 6:15 Biggest Lessons Learned 6:34 Becoming The Mind Eraser 8:50 The Masks 12:11 Fit To Be Tied with Smiley 13:20 The New Gore Order 15:22 New Gore Order with Devin Blaze 16:16 Wrestling Paul London 17:17 The Signature Scrambles in Limitless Wrestling 18:20 Making an entrance in an ambulance 19:32 Stepping Away from Pro Wrestling in 2018 20:24 Coming Back in 2021 21:40 FIGHT LIFE 24:11 Feuding with BMT at RWA and Main Eventing Legacy 25:53 Favorite Mike Graca Matches 26:41 The Mindset after getting injured 29:05 The Biggest Difference with Mike Graca 30:04 FOCUS PRO 30:54 The Hardcore Style 31:10 The Trauma Factory 32:13 Katey Prescott 35:06 Who brings the best out of Mike Graca? 36:30 What does the future hold? 37:11 Matches that Mike Graca wants to have 36:15 Mike Graca’s Legacy 38:53 Conclusion - Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@CoachC310?si=oM-LME5EYYAddqDN - Check out Best for Business: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1-tiM0N3zjvBiaRIETb02bR14wlpDJeR&si=TjNK2HbpoLjsugFf - Make sure you give me a follow and SUBSCRIBE: Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ChrisDust310/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/officialchrissanders/ Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@officialchrissanders X- https://x.com/chrissandersoff

Kekoa Talks Big Opportunities, ECWA Super 8, Coaching, & The Loco Beach Coconuts

Episode 150 of Best For Business is a massive milestone episode featuring one of the most respected veterans in independent wrestling of Kekoa. Known to many as “The Flyin’ Hawaiian,” Kekoa joins the show to reflect on a career that spans multiple generations of independent wrestling, from the early grind of balancing everyday life with chasing the wrestling dream to becoming one of the most recognizable names throughout the East Coast wrestling scene. Kekoa discusses why professional wrestling captured his attention in the first place and how he first got involved in the business while trying to balance wrestling with everything else happening in life. He talks about the inspiration behind the “Kekoa” persona, the origins of “The Flyin’ Hawaiian,” and how standing out became essential during an era packed with talent. One of the major themes throughout the episode is challenge and growth. Kekoa opens up about being tested throughout his career, both personally and professionally, and how many companies viewed him as a natural babyface despite his versatility as a performer. He explains how learning to adapt while staying authentic helped shape the longevity of his career. The conversation moves into some of his first major opportunities, including doing extra work for WWE and eventually competing on WWE Superstars.  Kekoa also dives into his memorable run with the East Coast Wrestling Association, including his experiences competing in the legendary ECWA Super 8 Tournament. He shares stories from those tournaments, what made the atmosphere special, and why the Super 8 became such an important proving ground for wrestlers trying to elevate themselves. Beyond matches and championships, Kekoa speaks about the importance of giving back. A major focus of the episode centers around training and coaching the next generation of wrestlers. He discusses the most rewarding parts of teaching, helping younger talent grow, and why passing knowledge down has become one of the most fulfilling aspects of his career. Outside of wrestling, Kekoa talks about getting involved in Banana Ball with the Loco Beach Coconuts, adding another unique chapter to his story. He also discusses writing a book, becoming a proud girl dad, and how his priorities and perspective have evolved over time. The episode closes with Kekoa reflecting on the legacy he hopes to leave behind, not just as a wrestler, but as a mentor, father, coach, and someone who dedicated his life to helping others grow both inside and outside the ring. - 0:00 Kekoa Trailer 0:41 Best For Business Introduction Video 1:34 Introduction 2:01 Why Pro Wrestling? 3:09 Getting Involved in Wrestling 4:23 Balancing Wrestling with Everything 6:38 The inspiration behind Kekoa 8:10 “The Flyin’ Hawaiian” 8:49 Being Challenged 12:03 Companies wanted him babyface 14:44 First Big Opportunity 14:56 Extra Work for WWE 16:25 Advice from Mike Bennett 8:14 Wrestling on WWE Superstars 20:19 Going to ECWA 21:51 Kekoa’s Experiences in The Super 8 29:24 Having Aden Chambers’ Retirement Match 31:26 The MCW Shane Shamrock Memorial Cup Stories 34:10 Wrestling Kenny King 38:37 Favorite Venues 41:53 Who brought the best out of Kekoa? 43:40 Giving Back & Training 48:19 The Most Rewarding Part of Coaching 53:18 Getting Involved in Banana Ball 55:00 The Loco Beach Coconuts 56:14 Writing a book 1:00:53 Being a Girl Dad 1:02:42 Kekoa’s Legacy 1:03:41 Conclusion - Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@CoachC310?si=oM-LME5EYYAddqDN - Check out Best for Business: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1-tiM0N3zjvBiaRIETb02bR14wlpDJeR&si=TjNK2HbpoLjsugFf - Make sure you give me a follow and SUBSCRIBE: Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ChrisDust310/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/officialchrissanders/ Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@officialchrissanders X- https://x.com/chrissandersoff