Mana Interview

By P.Staniforth 2005

He's a close friend of yours truly. He's one of the most talented wrestlers in the USA right now, and it's surely only a matter of time before he's signed up by WWE or TNA. He's also in the process of completing negotiations for future dates in Europe and in particular England, and hopefully he will be coming over in early-mid 2006. He is Mana, The Polynesian Warrior.

PETER) : Thanks for the time taken for this interview. I'd like to start by asking a little about your childhood.

MANA) : We were a poor family from a small town in Matamata, New Zealand with four brothers and four sisters. But boy, did our parents make sure we did not miss out; and I'm so proud of their love for us all and my upbringing. Especially my mother, who had to take care of me from six years old alone because of my father passing away. I was your normal Maori kid growing up with thoughts of destroying England Rugby as part of the All Blacks (just kidding!). I was pretty good at rugby, playing all undergrades for Waikato and trialing for the New Zealand under 19s and under 21s. I played with and against the likes of Carlos Spencer, Jonah Lomu, Bruce Reihana, Anton Oliver, Christian Cullen, Andrew Blowers, Ron Cribb, Marty Holah, Jason Spice, to name a few in Rugby that England may be familiar with.

PETER) : That's quite a list of stars! When did you first view wrestling, and did you know you wanted to become a wrestler from that moment?

MANA) : That would have been Wrestlemania IV. I loved everything about it - the entertainment, the physicality... I was mainly a mark for tag teams though, like British Bulldogs, Hart Foundation, Demolition, The Islanders and then I found The Samoan Swat Team which is where I decided to become a wrestler. My teacher at twelve years old told me, I had no chance of being a SST member, and to pretty much stop dreaming. I would like to see that teacher, now that I have tagged with Samu, Fatu and Afa.

PETER) : I can imagine that they'd have to swallow their pride somewhat and admit they were wrong. How did you get your break in the business, and who trained you?

MANA) : Afa The Wild Samoan, Headshrinker Samu, Moondog Molsonn took care of my training aspects, and I thank them with all my heart. The learning process there was unbelievable, and family like. And, besides, how cool is it to learn from one of your heroes (Samu) who now i consider to be like my brother? From there though it was my brother Joe Adkins (Malachi), and together we trained to become the best we could be because although i was eager and hungry; Malachi I believe had a lot more potential than I ever had, and I miss him not being here now. Also close friends, Smooth Tommy Suede (who I dont know how come he is not in a developmental promotion right now) and Supreme Lee Great (who I dont know how he isn't in the WWE Smackdown midgets league, just kidding there SLG - keep your kids size pants on bro!); helped to develop us further.

PETER) : What was your first match like?

MANA) : I pretty much blitzed the kid named "Guy in a Mask". Behind the curtain I was not nervous, but to have Afa come out to watch me was a real honour because at that time he never came out to watch. To this day I still try to show Afa that I'm good enough and to prove myself to him, that I can do this. As soon as I hit the ring, I felt like I belonged, that's all I can say.

PETER) : How would you describe yourself as a wrestler for those who don't know you?

MANA) : An upgraded version of the Wild Samoans / Headshrinkers, with an even more vicious streak and a thuggish like attitude.

PETER) : How do you feel the business has changed since you first became part of it? Do you feel your attitude has changed also?

MANA) : It has a lot. The more I am in the buisness, the less I wish I had not learned about the politics etc. I just want to be part of a good show, with a good match, and not worry about anything else. I take my bags, I wrestle; I go home. My best friend gave me that advice and I am thankful that she did so.

PETER) : That is very good advice. Imaginary scenario - you're a promoter, with your own promotion. What kind of show would you run?

MANA) : One that gives variety and accounts for all the different types of fan be it wrestling, women's matches, minor hardcore and tag team matches. But I really at this time do not have enough experience for that, and I am just happy to be a wrestler; because everyday is a learning experience.

PETER) : What would be your dream show, booking current Indy talent?

MANA) 1) Jody Fleisch / Teddy Hart / Jack Evans vs Low Ki / Homicide/ B Boy , 2) Doug Williams / Nigel McGuinness vs Samoa Joe / AJ Styles, 3) Mercedes Martinez vs Cindy Rogers vs Ivory, 4) Samoan Island Tribe vs The New Age Outlaws, 5) Abyss vs Steve Corino vs Rhino. I know its a lot of tag matches mainly, but again; I loved tag matches when i was younger.

PETER) : What do you like to do in your spare time?

MANA) : Mainly to heal from the previous show! I study a lot of tapes from wrestling and train as well. But I can watch tapes of wrestling all day long if able too.

PETER) : I can certainly relate to that! Who have been your favourite opponents?

MANA) : Abyss is definitely my best. Matches with Homicide, Balls Mahoney, and 'Goldust' Dustin Rhodes have been awesome as well. My favourites are against my school mate Malachi, who again I cannot put this guy over enough; and also when facing Samu, as it was the only one i was overly nervous about.

PETER) : Name five wrestlers who you're hoping to work with in 2006 ?

MANA) : 1) Samoa Joe, 2) Sabu (who I have in January for Pro Wrestling Elite), 3) Rematches with Homicide and Steve Corino (I loved working with them but I think with more experienceIi may be able to learn more), 4) Rhino
5) Malachi (One day I hope you're back my bro, and I will be there).

PETER) : Who are your friends in the business, and who do you like to watch and learn from?

MANA) : Besides the ones I've already mentioned, my best friend is one of the best wrestlers out there and she has always been my source of strength and inspiration; I forever will thank her for that no matter what becomes of the future (Thanks Anahera). As for the rest, you know who you are. Learning wise I believe that there are so many people to learn from, you just have to watch the matches; and pick from what you think can help you and disregard the rest.

PETER) : What are your thoughts on WWE, TNA, and the indy's?

MANA) : I am just privileged to be a part of this industry. I am from a small obscure country, and I am the first of my people to be doing this. I am humbled and respectful of that. I enjoy meeting seeing and learning from everyone in wrestling, it is a family that I am so happy to be a part of. To give my thoughts on this, at just under four years experience in the wrestling business; is too premature for me to do so. I cannot say something about this because I feel that I have not had the experiences that I always hear about from a lot of the veterans in the locker rooms I have been in. I just hope, like all indy workers, to get that one chance - that one shot - to shine on an international platform. And me being me, I would be the first of my kind to do so there, being the ultimate honor.

PETER) : Where do you see the direction of wrestling going over the next couple of years or so?

MANA) : I'm part of the business and I am proud to be. No matter what, come hell or high water, I am going to put in 150% into my matches, because I believe if every wrestler works their hardest to improve themselves then the overall business will improve for the better. Wrestling is wrestling, and you either truly love it or you don't, but it will always be a part of our lives. I choose to be a part of it, therefore I am among thousands who are responsible in improving it and making things happen.

PETER) : What are your plans for the future?

MANA) : To get healthy and hopefully stay healthy. I plan no matter what to be proud of my accomplishments, and to make the sacrifices I have made worthwhile. To enjoy the friends I have and to make my family proud. That has pretty much been my plan since I began, and nothing has changed. I also want to say to my nephew Heath - "Brother, I will always love you, you are right now my greatest regret. Not being home, and to miss the chance to just say goodbye to you will always be the downfall to my time here. Heath I love you and will always have you in my heart. I will never forget you or forgive myself for not being there. Paimarie, my nephew now and forever; Nikora".

PETER) : Thank you once again for this interview, and I wish you all the best for 2006.

'The Internet Icon'
Peter Staniforth
www.peterstaniforth.tk

Peter is a manager, currently taking indy bookings - please contact at this email address for more details.

Peter is a UK based sports and music journalist, currently writing for www.pwbts.com, www.wrestlingclothesline.com, www.prowrestlingdaily.com, www.jimmyvan.com, www.twnpnews.com, www.mikels.cjb.net, is the exclusive WWE writer for www.ukevents.net, and also writes for UK newsletter Piledriver, which can be ordered from www.piledriver.vze.com.

Peter is available for talent relations work and more, any enquiries are welcome via email.

Peter is a very proud member of The Wrestling Clothesline.com's Independent Wrestling Hall Of Fame Selection Committee, which can be found at www.wrestlingclothesline.com

Peter has written for Bill Apter's "Total Wrestling" magazine, the well respected US based newsletter "Wrestling Then And Now", and has also written press releases for the UK's WWE Euro Shop merchandise company. He was also mentioned on the credits of the cult wrestling simulation game by Adam Ryland - EWR 4.2

When using any of this information give proper credit to Cactusb and the Wrestling Clothesline at http://www.wrestlingclothesline.com

Questions? Comments? Results? Wrestling Related items? Send them to us here. If we use them on the page you will be given full credit for supplying us with it!