I was introduced to Sarge O'Riley, in June of this year, by Jay Moore. I was a fan in the crowd,( prior to me covering the area for WNC) but Jay knew me and took me to the back to meet all of the guys. I can say it was Sarge, that made me feel at home. He was not concerned with anything but making me feel comfortable and introducing me to the guys working the show. It may be the "mark" in me, but Sarge made an impression on me, that I have not forgotten. He had no reason to show me the honor of introduction, but he did. I wish I would have took that as a sign to start covering the UCW events sooner than I did, but I was committed to other things at the time and did not follow my gut intuition. So I waited.
On October 19th I covered my First UCW show as more than just a fan in the audience. The welcome I got when I came to the show that day was amazing. I was treated like part of a family, and that has continued over the last few weeks. UCW is an amazing place from what I have experienced. It is an organization built around a talented group of guys, and ladies. The group as a whole actually put their hearts in to their work. They are not there with the "Pin Me Pay Me, I am out of here" attitude. They want their event to succeed and they do what it takes to make it succeed and leave the fans with a great experience.
Back to Sarge, sorry I had to write about UCW to explain Sarge's part in the company. Sarge is the "Quarterback" of the locker room. He is a leader, a mentor, a person people look up to and ask advice from. He has a tremendous knowledge of the wrestling world and is not afraid to give something back to the guys that are just beginning. I learn something from Sarge every time I arrive at an event. I sit back and listen and just watch his interactions with the "boys". I will end with this before the 10 Questions begin. Thank you Sarge for what you have shown me in this short time, and thank you for the respect, not just for me, but for the business that you are involved in and the lives you are helping to shape with the guys that are just beginning in this tradition.
Please enjoy the 10 Questions with Sarge ORiley .
Height: 5'11
weight: 169
Years wrestling: 1983 b.c.
Current Promotions: U.C.W.
weight: 169
Years wrestling: 1983 b.c.
Current Promotions: U.C.W.
1. Why did you want to become a pro wrestler? I grew up watching it every sat morning 11:00. It was when I growing up in Texas I saw it, but really didn't understand it.Every summer I came to stay with my grandmother, here is Tennessee and she was really into it. My grandmother took me to my first show at the Mid-South Coliseum and I was hooked....
2.Who is your Favorite Wrestler and why? I have to say Bill Dundee he is a true, real down to earth guy. Even though he was a true Superstar at the time I met him, he always treated me like I was on his level. Saturday mornings at tv5 he always would sit with me and tell me stories. He would explain the stories and angles even though I was just a "jobber" lol. He took his time to introduced me to all my childhood stars and for that I have always had respect for him...
3. What is the best experience in or out of the ring you have had in pro wrestling and why? Well, first off, I would like to thank all the promoters for the love and respect they have shown me. It's an honor for them to call me and book me against the wrestling stars I have faced. If it wasn't for them, I couldn't have finished my " bucket list". I would like to acknowledge Arron Poston, Kenny Valiant, Bill Russ, and Becky and David Biro and all the other promoters that have came and went. You have all given me a chance in this business.
4. What was the Coolest venue/location you have wrestled in and why? Well, the coolest venue so far is U.C.W., when I wrestled WWE mega star Rikishi in front of 500 plus. I would then say when, I wrestled Jake" the Snake" in Mississippi in front of 1200. Then It would be the shows in Arkansas.
5. Who is the most experienced or well known person you have wrestled? Austin Idol, "Handsome" Jimmy Valiant and Jerry Lawler. I really have been blessed over my years to work theses guys. Last but not least in Tupelo Mississippi, my long time partner Mickey Ray and I, wrestled "Big Sexy" Kevin Nash and John Saxton...
6. Is there a story behind your wrestling name?
7. Who over the years has been your Biggest Rival and why? My biggest rival? Hmmm... I would have to say Bill "Superstar" Dundee. Over the years, past and present, tagging or working each other, we always have had some damn good matches
8. What is your entrance Theme Music? "Porn star dancing"..
9. What makes you stand out in the wrestling business? Well let's see, in the fans eyes, if I am a bad guy or good guy in the end, people always "love to hate me". I love to entertain the fans. I love to make them laugh and cry. It is great to see them always come back the next week or month to see what's going to happen next.
10. What has been your Proudest Moment in the sport of wrestling.? The proudest moment.........? I have really been blessed to have met or worked with some of the greatest guys and women in the bizz. We might not be on WWE, but I can honestly say they have heart and I can say I knew them!!!
Thank you Sarge for your time and all of your answers. May your career continue to grow and prosper.
Derrick O'Dell
Wrestling News Center.
