A monthly in depth look at the ECWA performers by Josh Martin
SUPERSTAR SPOTLIGHT
on
Mike
"The Shooter"
Kruel
by Josh Martin |
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There are superstars in wrestling and then there are SUPERSTARS in wrestling.
The word SUPERSTAR is fitting when talking about Mike "The Shooter" Kruel. This young ECWA performer has that word written all over him and it's only a matter of time until he becomes a member of one of the two top wrestling groups in the world.
He and his family are dedicated to ECWA and the world of pro wrestling. Mike is following in the footsteps of his father "Body Guard for Hire", who wrestled for years as a top performer in the New York area. His younger brother, Steven, even had a hand in trying managing at a young age. His family travels around supporting Mike in all his wrestling endeavors.
This second generation grappler is probably the "toughest" person ever to step foot in an ECWA ring in the promotions 38 year history. He is not only tough, but he has tremendous strength. The unique thing about Kruel is that aside from his power and brawling tactics, he is a tremendous ring technician, thus lending to his nickname of "The Shooter". He can do it all in the squared circle.
He has been with the ECWA for a number of years and has even been the ECWA Heavyweight Champion and performed in the promotions famous Super 8 Tournament in 2004. He has wrestled such greats as: Charlie Haas (in a fantastic Iron Man Match), Christopher Daniels, Low Ki, Cheetah Master, Freak Nastty and countless others. I think anyone would be hard pressed to remember the last time Kruel ever had a bad match. Every time this young performer steps in the ring, you can be assured of seeing a great match and he truly gives 100% every time he laces up his boots.
I had an opportunity to pose several questions to Mike Kruel so that fans can find out a little more about this talented SUPERSTAR! I hope you enjoy.
Ring Name? Mike "The Shooter" Kruel
Height? 6'
Weight? 225
Character hails from? Brooklyn, New York
Birthdate? (month & day) October 22
Years Pro? 5
Trained by? Jim Kettner, Gino Caruso, Mike Mayo Sr.
Where did you train? ECWA, ECPW
Style of wrestling? Technical, mat
Favorite moves? Three Northern Lights, Top Rope Missile Drop Kick
Finishing moves? Kruel Intentions (combination Power Bomb/Neckbreaker), Cross Chest Arm Bar
Notable ECWA feuds? Charlie Haas, Christopher Daniels, Lo Ki, Cheetah Master
Favorite ECWA opponents? Charlie Haas, Christopher Daniels
How long have you been in wrestling? Almost all my life.
What made you want to get into wrestling? My dad was a wrestler.
When did you join the ECWA? 2000
How did you joining the ECWA come about? I came down to wrestle with Jeff Peterson and ended up having an awesome match with Jeff with Jim Cornette as referee.
What do you like about the ECWA? ECWA has story lines. It has a very well run locker room, and all the wrestlers get along like one big family.
What do you think about the ECWA fans? They are among the most loyal fans anywhere, and they appreciate good wrestling.
What have been your favorite ECWA moments? Winning the ECWA HeavyWeight Championship Belt and participating in the Super 8 Tournament.
How did the Mike Kruel character come about? When my father was wrestling, my brother was his manager, Kid Fresh. One night my father was going to wrestle Bam Bam Bigelow and I was going to be his manager. Bam Bam came up with the name Kid Kruel. Now that I am older, I changed it to Mike Kruel.
What is the Mike Kruel character all about? The character is a no nonsense wrestler who is always very competative. He is always ready for a good fight.
Your thoughts on the current state of the wrestling business? I enjoy old school wrestling, more 80's style. However, times changed and wrestling adapted to those changes to keep the fans interested.
Favorite Food? Chicken
Favorite music? Oldies
Favorite band/artist? No Doubt
Favorite color? Blue
Favorite sports team? New York Yankees
Favorite athlete? Randy Couture, UFC
Favorite wrestlers? Kurt Angle, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Chris Benoit, Finlay, Ric Flair, Dean Malenko, Hiro Matsuda
Favorite TV shows? Sopranos
Favorite movies? Good Fellas, A Bronx Tale, Casino, Austin Powers
Favorite actor? Nicholas Cage, Mike Myers
Favorite actress? Selma Hayek
What sports do you like to watch? Wrestling
What sports do you like to play? Wrestling
What hobbies do you have? Wrestling
What do you do in your spare time? Wrestling and bodybuilding
What kind of work outside wrestling to you do? I am an electrician in Local 3.
Who have been your biggest inspirations? My dad.
What are your aspirations (professional & personal)? To be the best that I can be in everything that I do.
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