How was the past year in wrestling been for you?
This past year has been great. I had some big matches on TV and PPV for the now defunct AWE where I feuded with Kishi Fatu (Rikishi) and Brian Christopher. Finished one of the big shows with a dark spot with Lex Luger and Buff Bagwell that I find very memorable. Wrestled the Honkytonk Man and Jeff Jarrett as well for different promotions. Just got back from a tremendous trip to BC which was like returning to the beginning for me. MPW has been fantastic as well, with alot of that footage available from Idiom Films.

Where you contacted to come out here this summer at all?
There has been desire on both my part and WWR for me to make a return to the Maritimes. I might not make it this year but I promise that it is only a matter of time before Frank Parker is putting on his refferee shirt to call a Cheech match somewhere out East.

Who are you currently working for in western Canada?
Monster Pro Wrestling, Canadian Championship Wrestling, ECCW (changing it's name to Top Ranked Wrestling soon), Power Zone Wrestling, Independant Wrestling Manitoba, Tony Condello Wrestling and Rough House Rasslin'.

Any plans to go to Japan or Mexico?
I would like to return to Japan. No desire to go to Mexico.

Your thoughts on the gym being an intergral part of a wrestler?
The gym is our church, as wrestlers we must attend our church to gain the strength we need to become better wrestlers. I don't believe we have to all look like bodybuilders but for the love of wrestling, please make an effort to look like you can handle yourself. No one wants to pay hard earned money to see someone that looks like their neighbors kid in the ring. Any serious wrestler will tell you how important it is to look the part as well as be tough enough to handle the rigors of regular matches.

Your thoughts on how important being properly trained is in pro wrestling.
Integral to advancing. I could go on for pages about why this is important but quite simply, you cannot excel at this sport without the proper tools to start with.

Have you had any contact with WWE or TNA latley?
I have talked with Jeff Jarrett and Scott D'Amore about geting a shot with TNA.

As of July 27th 2006 how many matches do you have?
If I count nights I've worked more than once and Battle Royals as well, I would say that 4 to 5 thousand matches is a reasonable guess.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned about wrestling?
It's all a work

What wrestlers do you enjoying watching the most?
Finlay, Angle, Flair, HHH

Respect from the fans or respect from the boys. what is more important to you?
The respect of your peers is very important to any one in any business. I think I could handle the fans not respecting me alot easier than the boys not respecting me. I don't feel that the fans need to respect the wrestlers, they need to be entertained by the wrestlers. I must say that when fans show respect to me though, I really love that.

Your thoughts the passing of Eddie Guerrero last fall
Tragic, after all the hardships and all he did to straighten out his life and struggle to the top, it is a crying shame that one of the greatest entertainers this sport ever had is not with us anymore.

Your thoughts on the Wrestling With Reality concept?
I think it's fantastic and I really would love to be involved.

Your thoughts on Peter Smith and Gary Williams opening up their own wrestling school together?
Brilliant idea.

Who is the top pro wrestler in the world. John Cena because he makes the most money or Chris Benoit because he is the best in ring talent?
Neither is the best. Though if you slap Cena's charisma on Benoit's ring talent, you would most likely have one of the greatest ever.

Someone that works 7 days a week but makes $20-$30 a night or someone that makes decent money but works 6 times a year, Which do you consider to be the professional wrestler?
That all depends on the variables, a guy could work bullshit indies plenty and never learn enough to really progress or he could work plenty good indies and become fantastic, all the while making no money.
A guy could also work 6 times a year making money, but does he pick up enough knowledge along the way? It depends on the talent you work with and the application of that knowledge. Whether it's 6 times or 600 times a year. I consider guys as pro wrestlers when they are dedicated to the business and willing to get out there and learn, take the good and the bad, and go right back out and do it again in an effort to excel.

Your thoughs on the success Bobby Roode is having in TNA.
I think Bobby is fantastic!!! He has worked his ass off to get where he is and he deserves it. Bobby will be a world champion one day, I have absolutely no doubt

What does the future hold for Chi Chi Cruz?
That is always up in the air isn't it? I will be brutally honest here, I always thought I would get hired by WWE. I think because I was so certain of that in my mind, that I didn't make the efforts I needed to be constantly knocking on their door. Anytime I have tried to get a try-out with them, I have gotten it. I just never tried very often. When I did get my chances, the timing was bad or I wasn't in the right shape. My own stupid fault.
When I look ahead right now, I am focusing on putting together a great package for TNA. I have friends there as well and that always helps, but I know I need to bust my ass to make it happen, and that is where my head is at right now in regards to my direction.

When can we expect to see the best of Chi Chi Cruz DVD coming out?
I have all my tapes back and it will come out probably in 2007. Right now I am putting together a Summer 2006 Chi Chi Cruz - That's How We Roll Tour DVD produced by Kenneth Barr from Idiom Films, featuring myself in singles and tag matches versus The Honkytonk Man, NWA World Champion Jeff Jarrett, Outlaw Adam Knight, Seth Knight, Evan Inferno and NWA Top Ranked Champion Rocket Randy Tyler. (and Lee Starr which will be taped tommorow, Aug 1 in Lethbridge). I want to master my first Best of Chi Chi Cruz Volume 1 tape onto DVD before I start on Volume 2. That tape was made in 2003 and sold out very quickly as I had only made a limited quantity on video tape. It is a very entertaining tape and I want to make that available again by the fall with a few extras on the DVD.
These DVD's will be available online

Any closing comments?
You don't quit playing because you get old, you get old because you quit playing.
Life is too short to not make the absolute most of the time we are here. Do what makes you happy!!!

Name Association

Sarah Stock - The time I spent with Sarah was when I was at my most depressed, if it wasn't for her I don't know what would have become of me.
Thank you Sarah

Massive Damage - Also helped me in my time of need, a true friend, more like a brother to me.

Peter Smith - One of the most fun guys to hang with, most people probably don't realize just how funny he can be.

Gary Williams - Twin brother from a different mother

New Scott - Needs to help me return to the Maritimes!!!

Johnny Wise Guy - Master of the impromtu promo!!!

Joe E. Legend - Mat master

Mike Hughes - How does he manage to look so stoned in his promo pics all the time? LOL

Jeff Dupre - I haven't been around Jeff much but we got along

Sinn - Don't f#ck with the duck