Gregory Iron is like any number of talented young stars on the indie wrestling scene. In the5 almost 6 short years wrestling Iron has made a name for himself in promotions like Pro Wrestling Ohio and CHIKARA. He’s had the current WWE champion CM Punk personally tell him (and millions of youtube viewers) how talented he is, and he’s been featured on ESPN and Sports Illustrated.
Oh…and he also does all this with cerebral palsy.
The Handicapped Hero recently talked to FAN about wrestling, superheros, and why Miller Lite is bad.
Who were some of your favorite wrestlers growing up?
There were so many dudes I looked up to as a kid. Being a huge WWF fan of the early 90’s, obviously, I loved Hulk Hogan. He was my favorite. Of course, I also found Macho Man, Bret Hart, Jake Roberts, The Undertaker, among others, to be awesome. As I became a teen, I loved guys like Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle, and Chris Benoit. I wanted to be like those guys.
What was your first match, and how did you feel about it?
My debut took place on July 9th, 2006. Technically, my first match was one with a name that was entirely too long… “The 34 Man Over The Top Rope Russian Roulette Battle Royal For The CAPW TV Championship.” I remember being overly nervous. Back then, as a student, I had to sell tickets. I sold like 17 tickets to my friends and family. I had just got my first pair of gear the month previous… a pair of biker shorts with “IRON” on the front, and a large handicapped symbol on the front. I felt like that first match was going to be the start on a long road to… well, something! I was hoping for the best.
Outside of wrestling, what are some your favorite films and/or television shows?
Man, honestly, I am really weird. I am a big fan of terrible movies. One of my all time favorites is “Samurai Cop.” If you have not seen it, I suggest you look into it. I also love your classic standard mid 90’s movies… “Billy Madison,” “Wayne’s World,” “Tommy Boy.” I love cartoons, and the TV Sitcom “Perfect Strangers.” That’s me, in a nutshell.
Samurai Cop is indeed a classic. Miller Lite…tastes great or less filling?
I wouldn’t know! I don’t drink. I am no fun! haha.
Which comic book character do you think would make a good wrestler and why?
Radioactive Man. Lots of dudes would be going down for a three count…. permanently. And I don’t care if Radioactive Man is a Simpsons comic book character!
A lot of people have seen the video of CM Punk and Colt Cabana giving you props. What was going through your mind while this was going on? It’s obvious the accolades of these wrestlers and the fans moved you.
It felt like a dream. On paper, the scenario doesn’t make sense: Colt Cabana and Gregory Iron team for the first time, for no reason, for tag team belts. Immediately following the match, on an indy show, the WWE Champ CM Punk comes out, puts me over, and then both Colt and Punk walk around with me on their shoulders. Very Odd! It was so overwhelming to be endorsed by two guys I have admired for a long time.
You’ve done a lot of work for CHIKARA. Give us your thoughts on the company and the wrestlers in it.
CHIKARA is probably the most unique wrestling organization around. Its like a real life cartoon. So many intriguing, compelling, larger than life characters, with amazing wrestling ability to back it up. The CHIKARA locker room is really like a family, and I am very fortunate to get the opportunities with them that I have over the last two years. I always look at my debut there at Young Lions Cup VIII as one of the best moments of my career.
How badly did Icarus’ terrible back tattoo distract you during your High Noon match?
Geezus. That thing looks like it was created in a basement during a bad tattoo party, probably with a lot of Miller Lite involved… which is another good reason not to drink.
Know when to say when.
Favorite Conquistador: 1 or 2?
Christian.
Right now, who would be your dream opponent?
I think it would be Chris Jericho. I think he could help bring the best out of me. I think because of my disability, sometimes people forget what I am capable of in a wrestling ring. I think Jericho and myself could have a match people would never forget.
Best Johnny Gargano road story that won’t end up with you getting a wedgie?
I am going to have to go with our most recent ordeal…. We were told by Chuck Taylor, while staying with him over a weekend in Philly, that it was okay to park my car anywhere on his street. We woke up the next day, and there was a parking ticket on my window, with a note that said, “SOMEONE LIVES HERE U JACKASS. HAVE A NICE DAY.” I felt, hmmm, that was odd and rude. About a block down the road, we realized that we had 2 flat tires. We had to hitch a ride to Boston for another show that day, while my car stayed in Philly to get new tires. It could only happen to us.
You’re known as the Handicapped Hero. How does it feel being an inspiration to others?
It boggles my mind sometimes. It is one of the reasons why I wanted to be a wrestler, but it’s weird because, at the end of the day, I am just me. I am just a dude who went out there and persued his dream. I went through some hardships to get there, and it made me a stronger and better person. If people are inspired by my story, than it’s all worth it.
Any final words or advice for the FANnatics at home?
I just can’t thank the fans enough for their support. Without them, I probably would have gave up along time ago. My whole life, I felt like I didn’t fit in with anyone, anywhere in society. I still feel like I am weird, but I most surely feel like I was born to fit in to this crazy wrestling world. I hope everyone will continue to support me, especially in my journey for a WWE contract.
I’d like to thank Greg for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk to us. You can help Greg get to the Royal Rumble at http://act.ly/4og . You can also follow Greg on twitter @gregoryiron and also on Facebook at facebook.com/