Ty Awesome Has Gone Evil

I spoke with former ECWA and Valour Heavyweight Champion Ty Awesome before April, checking in to see how he handled the COVID-19 outbreak and how excited he was to be returning to the ring.

The 24 year old from Salisbury, MD was his usual optimistic self, happy to be back doing what he loved and especially thrilled to entertain the fans again. Little did I know that he had something else on his mind – attacking his longtime partner Funky White Boy.

On April 17, after The Roughnecks defeated Funkin’ Awesome, the youngster cleared the ring with a chair, seemingly to save his partner from further damage. Unfortunately, it was to inflict even more damage upon the veteran. Since then, Awesome and Funky White Boy have battled at two 1CW Pro Wrestling shows: in a double count out in May and in a lumberjack match in June. Funky White Boy got revenge, and Awesome is irate.

A follow-up interview with Ty Awesome is definitely needed, but for now, enjoy this rare peek behind the curtain before the man snapped.

Would you say that 2019 was your breakout year?

Ty Awesome: “Maybe not my breakout Year, but it was definitely a pivotal moment in my career where it put me at a point of more interest and legitimacy. I had the ECWA Super 8 in mid-2018, won the ECWA Heavyweight Championship in December of that year, made PWI Magazine’s Ones To Watch, cracked the PWI 500 in 2019 and then had extra spots on TV. So, 2019 definitely was a huge push forward into moving into that next level in my career.”

You were on 205 Live and Raw, what’s the backstage atmosphere like?

Ty Awesome: “The atmosphere was amazing. I really think that in 2019 the atmosphere was super fun. A lot of the superstars were focused, optimistic and having fun. I remember things like Bayley joking around a lot and being visibly very happy. Erick Rowan was very humorous when I had the opportunity to speak with him. I could see where it could be tense for some people then and especially now during the pandemic.”

Do the decisions made by WWE affect how you approach signing with them or other companies regarding third-party deals?

Ty Awesome: “Um, not entirely. I’m for sure more favorable to WWE. The opportunity and chance they gave me sits in a very special place in my heart. However, I am open to opportunities! I love shows like NWA, ROH and various others. Anything that can really improve my ability and move me forward in my career I’m always open. Working with many promotions, especially with a reputable name, increases the chances of wrestling very experienced competitors and learning from them truly enhances your ability.”

As an independent wrestler that just had so much exposure, how difficult was having to sit back and watch in 2020?

Ty Awesome: “Oh yeah, absolutely! I had only a handful of matches in 2020. It was a huge change.”

How does 2021 look for you as more independent shows will be taking place?

Ty Awesome: “So far, it looks well. I plan on returning to full time in-ring action.”

What is your take on Undertaker’s comments about “men being men?”

Ty Awesome: “I mean, during Undertaker’s start, times were super different. You always had to watch your back and fight for yourself. WWE and other promotions are all based upon working together now. All about giving content to the viewer and displaying a positive image for your company and sponsors. So, I get where he’s coming from to a point. That’s what he was brought up on.”

What is your favorite match you’ve ever had?

Ty Awesome: “My match with Bullet Club member and NJPW star Chase Owens in the semi-finals of the 2018 ECWA Super 8 Tournament.”

If you had a time machine, what era of wrestling would you choose to go wrestle in?

Ty Awesome: “I would probably say the current era or around the early to mid-90s. The current area has so many vast styles and techniques. The current style I wrestle really fits in with today’s popular wrestling – highflying, hard hitting and fast paced at times. I’d say the ‘90s, too, because seeing the high-flying wrestling then was a true luxury. Lots of good high-flying wrestling and really good technical wrestling in general.”

Dream match scenario: who you facing and where at?

Ty Awesome: “Oof, that’s so tough. There are tons of amazing in ring workers, so it’s truly hard to select just one. If I had the chance, I’ve always wanted to wrestle Lio Rush. Guy is super skilled in the ring and has an intensity that I just really connect with. It would be really fun to wrestle him at either the MCW Arena or somewhere on a grand stage. But like I said, there are plenty of wrestlers I would love to have the pleasure to step in the ring with.”

In five years, where do you want to be?

Ty Awesome: “I would love to still be competing and wrestling. Still making a good name for myself and staying positive. One day, I want to have my very own wrestling organization. I’ve always wanted to put on and promote a show in my hometown of Salisbury and give wrestling a life here.”

You can follow Ty Awesome on Facebook, his fan page, Twitter and Instagram.