If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times.. I’ve ALWAYS wanted to get a great referee’s point of view of the wrestling world.

Well.. Mr Jimmy Sick wants it, Mr. Jimmy Sick gets it!

As most of my readers know, I’m a big fan of Ohio Valley Wrestling.

I honestly feel it’s home to not only wrestlings rising stars, but also it’s amazing and underrated veterans.

OVW also just happens to be the home organization for referee extraordinaire – Mr. Chris Sharpe as well.

over the weekend, I had the true pleasure to pick Mr. Sharpe’s brain about OVW and just wrestling in general.

And man.. when I say pleasure, I truly mean it.

Enough of the appetizer.. here’s the meal!

Jimmy Sick: Let me start by saying thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview, Mr. Sharpe.

Chris Sharpe: “No problem at all and thank you for helping spread the word.”

JS: No problem, it’s truly MY pleasure. Trust me! I guess I’ll dive right in, were you a wrestling fan as a kid?

CS: “Oh my gosh yes! In short my family couldn’t afford so much when I was really young. Luckily for me my Grandmother went to high school with Dave and Earl Hebner, two legendary and very influential figures not only in my life but in pro wrestling in general. They introduced me to wrestling right from the get go, I had toys, VHS tapes, magazines the whole nine. It was all I knew and I was perfectly fine with that. I watched everything! I was just so memorized by these awesome looking characters. I knew from an extremely young age that this is the only thing I want to do. Somehow, someway I’ve got to be involved in the main show.”

JS: Sweet! The Hebners were a HUGE part of a lot of us fans childhoods, but your story about them is much cooler. HA! Who were some of your favorites at that time?

CS: “Man I liked everyone. From Hogan, to Warrior, Big Boss Man, Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Shawl Michaels, Razor, Steve Austin, Angle, Benoit, Undertaker and so on. Where I grew up everyone knew of NWA. I watched WWF mostly and some ECW when it was on in my area.”

JS: Some amazing favorites. A who’s who of awesome! When did YOU decide to get into the wrestling business?

CS: “I started training some when I was sixteen. My buddies Jeff Early and Ace Montana, who still wrestle now on independents in Virginia met a dude from a group called Richmond Lucha Libre. They were looking to add new people to their events and we started training in a ring that was in our buddy Dave’s mom’s backyard. Ha. I tried as much as I could to help out with whatever and absorb everything. Needless to say I didn’t have a clue. El Sucio and Kamikazie Kid (now OVW TV Champ Chris Silvio and Paredyse) broke us in. Once I started being able to be used on their events I worked as a referee. Richmond Lucha was so awesome. Most independent wrestling groups are lucky to have 150-200 fans in attendance; we would average 700-1,000 a show. It was unreal. We did 18 and up shows at indoor and outdoor bars and they were usually from like 10pm to 2am. The crowds were rowdy and we had great production value. Paredyse would make these awesome video packages, much like the ones you’re seeing recently in OVW that made the matches feel larger than life. It set the stage for the matches and we had no choice but to deliever. We had bands open up for our shows too like GWAR who are Richmond, VA natives.”

JS: That’s an amazing route into the business honestly. Did you consider being a wrestler or did you think becoming a ref was the better route for yourself?

CS: “I actually wrestled, managed, refereed, etc. Whatever an event called for just to get my name out there as much as I could for about 3-4 years before moving here. Once I realized that in order to take this more seriously and make my goals and dreams a reality I moved to Louisville for OVW with about $700 in my pocket. Most went to joining the classes and the rest went to first months rent. I fell in love with this place and never moved since. I knew that I wasn’t a big guy and thought that my dreams would be more obtainable if I stuck with being a ref. I still took Rip Rogers wrestling classes for a few years as both a wrestler and a ref. I thought that if I knew more about what it takes to be a wrestler then I could end up being a better ref.”  

JS: Holy cow, you were a jack of all trades! Good to see that chance is working out pretty well now. Who were some guys who helped you out a lot in the beginning?

CS: “Here, it was pretty much everyone. It’s a very tight knit group here and being a ref I have the privilege to work with everyone on the roster. Outside of the locker room itself, I’ve learned so much from Rip, Jim Cornette, Danny Davis and now Al Snow.”  

JS: You couldn’t ask for better help honestly. I’ve seen some ref training myself and know it’s not easy – how did you feel about the training aspect?

CS: “I think it’s awesome. It should be hard. That’s the only way I’m going to get better and when I’m asked to help newer refs out here it treat it the same way. This place doesn’t produce the best in the world by being lazy; but hey, if it was easy then everyone would do it and it wouldn’t be as worth it.”  

JS: I couldn’t agree more and well said! Thoughts on reffing your first match? How did it go?

CS: “Other than Richmond Lucha my first match was a singles match between two guys that still wrestle in Virginia now. Brandon Day and Chris Escobar. It was an outside show at the Richmond International Raceway during the Chili Cook-off. It had all of the top radio stations there and a lot of awesome bands played. In between their sets we had matches. In the middle of that match it started pouring down raining out of nowhere and the mat made us slip up quite a bit, haha. Good times.”

JS: HA! That’s hilarious! So a pretty memorable start. How did it feel to ref your first tv match?

CS: “To be honest I don’t remember what the match was at all. I did a few things here for a few weeks before reffing too. Such as selling merch and just coming to help clean up after.”  

JS: Nice! I’ve always heard and agreed with people when they say, you learn so much more by doing all the jobs. So you have that over most. OVW.. What are your real thoughts?

CS: “Let me just say that I would have never gotten the opportunities I have if I didn’t come here. In my opinion the absolute best place to train if you’re serious about this.”

JS: Once again, I agree. Thoughts on Danny Davis?

CS: “He’s kind of like a father figure here. I love him to death and will always be loyal to him.”

JS: That’s a unanimous feeling apparently. Everyone has basically the samething almost word for word. Thoughts on the AWE Night of the Legends ppv last October? A show I attended and enjoyed very much by the way!

CS: “Thanks for attending! It was back in Virginia so my friends and family got to come as well. Being in the ring on live pay per view, not just internet pay per view with guys like Finlay, Silva, Jamin Olivencia, Sonjay Dutt, DDP, Kevin Nash and the Rock N Roll Express was awesome! So happy to have been apart of that.”

JS: I’m sure it was an experience not soon forgotten. I loved it myself. Did you feel that show would lead to more from AWE?

CS: “I mean who’s to say it wont lead to something more down the line. It was a great time and would love to see those people again.”

JS: I really hope so.. because I went to a few of their events and honestly they were always very entertaining. Besides OVW – Favorite places you’ve been able to take your talents?

CS: “I’ve done a bit with ROH. I’ve probably been on about 20 of their events and getting to do extra work for WWE lets me know that I made the right choice by moving here and I hope that that list continues to grow for the rest of my life. I’ve also refereed in England on two tours. Absolutely awesome!”  

JS: Excellent! You really are living the dream then. Wow! I guess sticking with the “dream” aspect.. if you could ref one “Dream match” between anyone, who would it be?

CS: “No one in particular. I guess just who ever is on top in a major company would be the guys I wanna work with now.”  

JS: Great answer! What does the future hold for Chris Sharpe?

CS: “I’m very excited about OVW teaming up with Impact Wrestling. I can’t predict the future and right now I’m having so much fun with my role here. No matter where I go I plan to make my company proud and do whatever is needed.”  

JS: I could not have asked for a better response there. Do you have a message for your fellow referees, people in the business or anyone thinking of getting into the sport?

CS: “Just go to a place that has a reputation of producing top stars and work as hard as you can in every match. That’s what I believe will make you successful.”

JS: Any message for wrestling fans out there?

CS: “Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please share this interview and keep supporting not only me but Ohio Valley Wrestling. Feel free to add me on Twitter @RefChrisSharpe!”

JS: I once again want to thank you Mr. Sharpe.. this was just great!

CS: “Thanks again!”

Refreshing. That is the only word I can think to describe Mr.Sharpe.

You can honestly see how much he enjoys not only wrestling, but his role in the sport.

It so obvious that he is still a HUGE fan of professional wrestling.

when I, as a fan myself, see that in someone who is actually IN the sport.. it’s truly like seeing someone who is living their dream..

And ours.

That’s just to cool for words.

You guys can and SHOULD follow Mr. Sharpe and all the stars of OVW on OVW TV on ovwrestling.com.

You can watch great action, amazing talent and even better.. IT’S FREE!

Couldn’t ask for more!

This was one of those experiences that left me totally speechless..

I guess this was an instance when I went into something expecting one thing and got just completely blasted with a sense of reality!

I must admit,  I’m a huge fan of OVW star Mohamad Ali Vaez, but apparently his character made an even bigger impression on me than I had originally thought.

When he agreed to do an interview with the Sickster, I was pumped as I was going to not only be talking with one of wrestling’s rising stars..

But also one of it’s premiere heels!

After this interview was all said and done though, I realized Mr. Vaez was something else entirely..

A man who is EXTREMELY intelligent and VERY professional as well.

His path into the world of professional wrestling was filled with many twists and turns, and if you’re like me..

You will truly enjoy reading his take on all of them.

Without further ado, let’s get started..

Jimmy Sick: First I’d like to thank you for agreeing to take time out of your busy schedule to do this interview, Mr. Vaez. I really appreciate it!

Mohamad Ali Vaez: “No problem at all. Thank you!”

JS: I guess I’ll start by asking – Did you grow up a wrestling fan?

MAV: “I did in the sense that I used to watch the Saturday morning shows as an 8 or 9 year old…you know, the ones where Hogan or the Ultimate Warrior would kill someone you have never heard of in 2 minutes.  I was never exposed to the NWA or USWA or any other “southern” territories until I actually entered the business, despite growing up in Kentucky.  I lost interest in the business around the time I discovered girls…haha.  It wasn’t until I was 20 years old that I really got hooked again.”

JS: It’s pretty rare to hear that once you take time away from watching it, you get hooked again! Who were some of your favorites? Or just guys that really “inspired” you?

MAV: “Triple H, hands down was the first guy that made me say “wow”.  The guy was/is the literal total package.  He could work with anyone, he looked like a star, and he could talk… THEN, I discovered Ric Flair, and it was over from there.  Flair in his prime literally did work with everybody who was anybody in the 80′s and 90′s, and could make ANYBODY look like a star.  When I entered the business, I wanted to be like that.  The guy who could work with anybody…no matter who they were, how experienced they are,or what they did as far as in ring is concerned.  It is still what I aspire to do. It seems as though a lot of guys these days…(especially on the indies) are only concerned with “getting their shit in”.  Then they wonder why they can’t fill the building and why people don’t come back in droves to a second show.  Getting your shit in doesn’t sell tickets.  “Getting my shit in” is making you look good…so I guess in a way I am always getting my shit in!  What Flair was able to do is unfortunately becoming a lost art form.  There are only so many people left in the business…or on earth, who can teach someone how to do that. OVW can and does.”

JS: For you to say Ric Flair inspired you that much, really warms my heart. I’m a HUGE/obsessed Flair fan. How & when did you decide to get into professional wrestling?

MAV: “I went to West Point for college…which is a military academy from age 18-22.  Our recreation consisted of shining shoes and other mundane military activites. We had no freedom.  When I was a junior, we finally got the privilege of going to the local NCO club and drinking keg beer (if we were 21) on Thursday nights.  There was a big screen TV, and they always showed Smackdown.  That’s when I got hooked again…and Triple H was on top at the time, hence the previous answer.  I always said, “If I get a chance to try wrestling, I will”…but I had no idea how to go about it.  At age 24, after I got out of the military, I had a chance encounter with an indy wrestler by the name of Austin Meddler, who I believe still works in the Cincinnati area.  He invited me to a show, and I started training (if you could call it that) at that location. This was around 2004.”

JS: Wow, did you find it hard at first? 

MAV: “Absolutely! Physically it wasn’t. Well, besides being really sore.  Hitting the ropes hurt!  More so it was hard to get direction, especially on the small time indy circuit.  I had two matches, and then decided to focus on finishing my master’s degree, which I had been working on at the same time.  A year later, after being finished with school for good, I started working indy’s in the Kentucky and Indiana area.  Once I started at this period.. somebody had the idea of putting a head scarf on my head…I mean, I am middle eastern.  The reaction was UNBELIEVABLE.  Suddenly, all of the indy shows in the area wanted me to be apart of their product.  I did a lot of traveling, and met some really good people, some of whom I wish I was still in touch with…but life moves on I suppose.  Then WWE debuted the Muhammad Hassan gimmick, and I quickly realized if I had been in the right place, that could have been me.”

JS: Man! that is a pretty hard path to where you are now. I agree about the Hassan character. You would have been just as amazing in THAT position. Who were some of the guys that helped you out the most at the beginning of your career?

MAV: “Jack Black, Vito Andretti and Ben Woods, were the three guys on the Kentucky indy scene that really gave me good advice and looked out for me.  All 3 had been members of OVW’s roster when WWE first affiliated developmental there. All three, along with the Ky athletic commissioner Tim Gontherman, urged me to go to OVW and to get a real education.  I suppose they saw my potential before anyone else did. Also, when I got to OVW, Joey Mercury really took good care of me, and taught me a lot about tag team wrestling.. and life in general.”

JS: That’s terrific for not only you, but the rest of us that they saw the potential. What was some of the advice you received during this period?

MAV: “Shut the fuck up and listen.  Get a real education (besides bumping and “cool” moves) to fulfill my potential.”

JS: So basically.. INCREDIBLE advice. HA! Thoughts on your first match ever?

MAV: “I wrestled a guy named Big Gunn in Lawrenceberg, Ky. In front of about 50 people.. 25 of which were my inebriated fraternity brothers. It was God awful looking back. Nothing made sense and we were just doing shit that we had seen on tv.  It was my first match, and I called it! That should tell you something as far as my aspirations to become a general.  Terrible.  I still have it on tape.”

JS: Ouch! I’d love to see that tape sometime though. LOL You’ve come a long way and evolved into what is considered a very controversial “character”. Have you received a lot of negative feedback from people?

MAV: “Yes.  During the WWE developmental period at OVW, my character and ethnicity opened enormous doors for me. Right place right time.  This was at the height of the Afghan and Iraq wars, so it was very controversial, but as Eric Bischoff said… controversy creates cash.  I had a thick beard that stretched halfway down my chest.  I literally looked like I walked out of a cave in Afghanistan. Try walking into Wal-Mart looking like that and see how many people stare at you. Personally, it was difficult for me because I was a) perpetrating a stereotype my family and I had suffered discrimination from, and b) because I went to a military academy, and had good friends that were killed and/or maimed in the line of service. I felt guilty making light of that by portraying an Islamic Fanatic. Which was the first incarnation of our Insurgency gimmick.

  When Michael Hayes and I began working together, I had classmates from West Point contact me furious.. and that was difficult to deal with personally and emotionally.  It was the only time I have really had to deal with the emotion of the juxtaposition of my background, and what I portray as ENTERTAINMENT.  Of course those people didn’t watch the product. Mike and I told a story of a bully picking on someone.  Yes there were implications of the war, and all that, but we never mentioned war, or ethnicity, or religion.  On the surface, people see the traditional Arab garb I wore, and that I was holding a guy’s prosthetic leg.. and they jumped to unfair conclusions.

To this day, despite the fact that I don’t wear the Arab garb, I still have fans yell racist stuff to me.  I have dealt with it my whole life.. so it really doesn’t bother me much.. except when it is small children.  That is the hard part. Am I re-enforcing this in our society or is this merely a reflection of our society??  I still struggle with it.”

JS: I’m honestly at a loss here.. People not being able to differentiate between YOU and your character blows my mind. Have you ever provoked a crowd so much during one of your promos or angles that you felt unsafe leaving the ring or building?

MAV: “Yes, in 2005 a guy tried to stab me from behind with a screw driver while I was walking to the ring.  I never saw him coming. The boys were watching from a second story window and saw it unfold and told me about it after the fact.  Thankfully the Louisville Metro Police Department stepped in.  I was oblivious to the whole thing!  In 2008 The Insurgency caused a riot in Campbellsville, Ky during a live event tag match against the Locos.. Anarquia and Raul Lamatta.  Despite losing the match, we needed a police escort to leave.  There have been a few other times where my safety was called into question.. but those are the two instances that jump out at me.”

JS: Holy hell! That’s INSANE! Thank God you weren’t hurt either time. Aside from those two obvious favorites (LOL!) what are some other OVW memories that you enjoy?

MAV: “My debut. July 28th 2007.. my partner Khalil Gaspard and I beat up Al Snow. Luckily he didn’t have Head with him!  Working Rob Conway and his partner at the time at Six Flags in front of 3000 people in 2008. AND of course my 10 month feud with Michael Hayes. Michael Hayes and I are the only two people to EVER sell out the Davis Arena on a one match show.  NOBODY, including all of the WWE developmental talent were able to accomplish that.  The only event that has ever sold more tickets at the Davis Arena than our cage match in January 2012 was the first time ROH did National Television tapings at the Davis Arena.  That is something I will ALWAYS be proud of.”

JS: I have to second that all of those are GREAT memories and moments. That feud was just AMAZING. Sticking with this subject what have been your overall favorite opponents and/or feuds?

MAV: “Rob Conway, Michael Hayes, Jamin Olivencia AND “Hoooooooooooo!” Hacksaw Jim Duggan!”

JS: Outstanding choices! Besides OVW, where else have you enjoyed working so far?

MAV: “I have appeared on a few AWE shows, including their PPV back in October.  I have also worked several dark matches for ROH.  Working as an extra for WWE is always a learning experience as well.  Other than that, I don’t regularly work indies. I try to take care of my body as much as possible.  I don’t want my career to end due to injury before it really takes off.”

JS: I completely understand and agree with that. Speaking of the AWE Night of the Legends pay per view, an event I attended by the way, you had a GREAT match with “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. Thoughts on that match and Hacksaw?

MAV: “Hacksaw is THE MAN!  How can you not have a good match with Hacksaw.  A NIGHT OFF!!! I am working with him and Sgt Slaughter on April 13th and 14th for 2CW in New York. I can’t wait!”

JS: It’s cool to hear you thought the match was as good as the rest of the crowd did that night. What were your thoughts on the AWE event in general?

MAV: “A lot of potential. A lot of experienced people behind the scenes working as agents and on the card.  Unfortunately, it never went anywhere besides that PPV, but it was an excellent experience.”

JS: I agree with you here. I’m shocked it hasn’t gone anywhere from that event. The publicity and anticipation was amazing. Uh, what are you thoughts on TNA’s association with OVW?

MAV: “Hell yeah!  WWE’s loss is TNA’s gain.  I have every bit of confidence in the world that you will see me on Spike TV soon.”

JS: Once again.. I have to agree on every point. LOL! I’d like to get your thoughts on a few fellow OVW talents if possible..

MAV: “Sure, man.”

JS: Michael Hayes?

MAV: “One of the best human beings I have ever met, and more resilient than most people will ever need to be.  I am glad I was the first guy to get to work with him.”

JS: Jamin Olivencia?

MAV: “Extremely talented, not just in wrestling but in life.  Very good friend of mine for years.. but tonight at the OVW SNS special, I will break his face.  Business is business.”

JS: HA! I’m sure Jamin would expect no less. OVW champ Johnny Spade?

MAV: “A guy who really excels at connecting with the people, and someone who has paid more than his fair share of dues.”

JS: Shiloh Jonze?

MAV: “All the potential in the world. NOBODY with his experience level sells like him.”

JS: That’s very high praise! Rudy Switchblade?

MAV: “An extremely versatile and well rounded performer.  Rudy is very talented and innovative.  His wide array of training, really shows.”

JS: Alex Silva?

MAV: “All the potential in the world.. and a guy who will be making money in this business for a LONG time.”

JS: Al Snow?

MAV: “One of my main mentors. The guy who gave me my first break on OVW TV during the WWE developmental period.  Al taught me, and continues to teach me what doing business means.  He is so damn smart, I feel stupid in his presence.. and I don’t say that very often.”

JS: Danny Davis?

MAV: “He and Rip Rogers are the men who I will attribute any success I achieve in the wrestling business to. OVW is the greatest training school in the world.  Besides the long list of national television performers of yesterday and today that trained at OVW, look at what OVW’s three guys (myself, Jamin Olivencia, and Alex Silva) did on that AWE PPV! Over f’n prepared!”

JS: Tremendous answer! Mike Mondo?

MAV: “A guy who truly lives and breathes the wrestling business.  He is one of my best friends. His wrestling mind is astounding. ALWAYS jacked and tan! I can’t wait to see him take over ROH.”

JS: Rob Terry?

MAV: “Jesus.. have you seen Rob Terry in person?  It is humbling.  All the physical tools in the world AND he is the nicest, most humble guy.  That is RARE in this business.  Without a doubt, a future world champion.”

JS: Terry is a freak in person. It’s insane that one man is that big in that many places. LOL What does the future hold for Mohamad Ali Vaez?

MAV: “Short term.. I want to become the OVW Heavyweight Champion. It is the only accolade in OVW I haven’t achieved yet.  Long term, I want to make a living in the wrestling business.. be it WWE, TNA, ROH, or anywhere.  I love this business and hopefully my passion comes through in my work.”

JS: Without a doubt, it does! Do you have anything to say to your fellow wrestlers or youngsters aspiring to be wrestlers out there?

MAV: “Shut the fuck up, watch every match on the card, be your own worst critic, go somewhere that can teach you the BUSINESS…any idiot can bump and do moves…and most of all…GET IN SHAPE.”

JS: HA! Perhaps one of the best messages ever. Where can your fans or people who hate your character (LOL) keep up with you?

MAV: “They can follow me on Twitter at @Ali_Vaez and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ali.vaez.  I have also recently signed a Sponsorship agreement with Genr8, a supplement company that makes a product called VitargoS2. A revolutionary engineered carbohydrate.  It has drastically changed my body.  I will soon begin competing in Physique contests, as I’m truly aspiring to be “Jacked and Tan”.  Tune in also to the OVW overview podcast that I co host once a month.  Google it.. along with my Youtube channel.  It’s entertainment for free! That’s it from me.. Mohamad Ali Vaez, #princeofpersia.”

JS: Great interview! Thanks Mr. Vaez!

MAV: “Not a problem at all. Thanks for getting the word out!”

To say Mr. Vaez is an impressive guy with an amazing background, would be a massive understatement.

Who knew?!

I think we were all to busy hating on him because of the despicable character he portrays in the sport he so obviously loves, to actually get to know the man.

But in the overall scheme of things, that’s always a good measure of how good a performer actually is.

We believe they ARE that despicable person. HA! The joke is on us.. as per usual.

Mr. Vaez said during the course of this interview that “he has every confidence in the world that we’ll see him on Spike tv..”

and straight from the heart.. I believe him to be correct!

Until then, make sure you check him out in a town near you or on OVW tv on ovwrestling.com.

I’d like to thank Mr. Vaez once again for granting me this interview and wish him the best of luck.