I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.. many many times and as loudly as possible..
It’s pretty darn good to be Mr. Jimmy Sick.
Today’s reason? Being able to interview another personal favorite of mine and one of wrestlings young lions.. “The Loose Cannon” Alex Silva!
Friends of the ol’ Sickster have probably gotten tired of hearing me go on and on about this young man for quite some time now.
Now that I’ve had the chance to speak with him and see what drives him.. I can’t even express how much more of a fan I am now.
Enough set up.. let’s get this thing started!
Jimmy Sick: Let me start by saying thanks for doing this. I’m a HUGE fan of you and your work.
Alex Silva: “No problem and thanks, bro.”
JS: Let’s dive right in.. Did you grow up a wrestling fan?
AS: “Yes! As far back as I can remember.”
JS: Who were some of your favorites as a kid? Or some guys that really “Inspired” you?
AS: “My father was, is and always will be my biggest inspiration. He was a wrestler himself. He wrestled all around the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. Where he spent the majority of his career. I would follow him on trips and one of his matches was the first wrestling match I ever saw. I was also a big of wrestlers like Shawn Micheals, Bret Hart, Steve Austin, Brian Pillman, Eddie Guerrero etc.. “
JS: I honestly had no idea your dad was a professional wrestler as well. The fact he’s at the top of your list, tells me he must have been a great pro. Who were some guys who took you under their wing in the beginning of your wrestling career?
AS: “Once again I’d have to say my father. I wasnt patient. I couldn’t wait to be 16 or 18 to start my career. So I started class at 13 years old from Carl Leduc back home in Montreal. Since then, I’ve gotten a lot of help from Micah Taylor, the OVW staff and Rip Rogers. OVW has taught (and still does on a daily basis.) me so many things. Since the age of 16!”
JS: What did your dad think of his son wanting to follow in his footsteps?
AS: “I’ve been traveling back and forth from America to Canada for years now & my father did everything he could to help me. Now at 21 years old, with 8 years experience.. it’s only the beginning! My father was the biggest and best supporter of me and my career. From gear ideas, to mentally and physically helping me be prepared. He was My best friend, my brother and a father. We would eat breakfast together while watching wrestling. We would go workout together & then come back eat together again. Text each other constantly. He would sleep on a couch just so I could have a room.”
JS: Wow.. Your dad sounds like he was an incredible man. That kind of support for his son is incredible.
AS: “He was probably the best human being ever. I took my time away from OVW earlier this year because of his health issues. He passed away on Febuary 10th of this year at 2:29 am. It’s hard as I wasn’t ready for this at all. This explains my new sleeve tattoo on my left arm. It’s my dedication to him. One day I hope to grow up to be just like him. People that know me, know I don’t have alot of money to brag about. And to be honest I dont need it. (#DreamBIG) All I have is a car, some clothes, love, a life path my father helped create and one BIG Dream.”
JS: I really don’t even know what to say to that.. That was inspiratonal as hell and I’m honestly speechless. Your dad was a good man.
AS: “Yes he was.”
JS: Wow, how do I move on from there? Um.. memories of your first match?
AS: “My first match? I can’t really tell. I had too much adrenaline at a young age (14) and it went super fast. I know I was sore afterwards. It was demanding, but I knew this is Not easy. I really wish I could see that match now.”
JS: After growing up a wrestling fan, what were your thoughts on seeing yourself on tv?
AS: “Which time? Ovw tv? AWE ppv? ROH tv? WWE Superstars? HA!”
JS: LOL! Well any of them honestly, but I’m guessing OVW tv was probably the first time you appeared on tv at all.? How was it?
AS: “It was and well.. it felt Natural.”
JS: I’ve always said you looked like a Natural in the ring, so that’s a fantastic answer. What are some of your personal favorite OVW memories so far?
AS: “Becoming the youngest ovw tv champion in history.. TWICE! Being the first TV Champion since TNA began their association with OVW. I’m very proud of both of these honors.”
JS: Feelings on your recent return to OVW after taking your hiatus for a few months?
AS: “It felt GREAT! With the loss of my father, it was the only thing I could do.. come back.”
JS: I understand that completely. You’ve had some great matches in ROH also. What are your thoughts on your ROH time?
AS: “Great learning experiences. Plus great life experiences. Be it a win or a loss, (most of the time… A loss) makes you stronger and a better person overall. If you deal with it and think of it as a positive life experience.”
JS: That’s an outstanding way to look at it. You recently wrestled a couple of matches in the WWE against Brodus Clay, Tell us about those matches.
AS: “Like ROH, it was a GREAT learning experience for my career.”
JS: You also wrestled Austin Aries recently in what has been described as a GREAT TNA dark match. Thoughts on that match?
AS: “Thanks for the compliment on the match and as a matter of fact, that is one of my goals at this very moment. To get a rematch with Aries, but this time,.. for his TNA X-Division Championship! Maybe on OVW tv or at Impact Wrestling. Either way.. I want it”
JS: I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say – we want that match too! THE BALL IS IN YOUR COURT NOW AUSTIN ARIES! How was Aries to work with? Did he have any advice for you or compliments after the match?
AS: “His only words were something like, “Better luck next time.” Well next time, if your so confident Austin, I want that X-Division title on the line. UH OH!”
JS: That’s outstanding! LOL In October you wrestled Finlay at the AWE Night of the Legends PPV, an event I attended by the way, in a outstanding match. How did you feel about that match?
AS: “It felt like a test honestly. It’s defenitely something I have achieved from all my goals. Finlay was the guy this life chose me to face to achieve and accomplish that experience. If that makes sense to you.”
JS: Of course it does! Your path lead you to that match. That’s a great way to put it honestly. How did you feel about the AWE event overall?
AS: “It Was my first ever live ppv apearence, so the experience Was AMAZING!”
JS: It really was. My buddies and I were blown away by the fact you stole the spotlight from Finlay that entire match. It was beautiful!
AS: “Thanks, bro.”
JS: No problem at all! I guess now if you’re willing.. I’d like to get your thoughts on some of your fellow OVW talent?
AS: “Sure.”
JS: Ok let’s get started with a guy that was also on the AWE pay per view, Jamin Olivencia?
AS: “Jamin was my first roommate. Intense, smart, and constantly helps me in hard situations. Great guy.”
JS: I like hearing that. Rudy Switchblade?
AS: “VERY talented. He was the center of the familly for a while and that should tell you alot.”
JS: It does! I’ve always thought he was a great talent myself. OVW Champion Johnny Spade?
AS: “Talented, but it’s Only a matter of time until I’m the next in line for a title shot. Wait.. sorry.. It’s just a matter of time until I’m the next and LAST OVW champion! UH OH!”
JS: Tremendous! Lookin’ forward to hearing what Spade has to say about that. Thoughts on Mike Mondo?
AS: “Mike Mondo is Mike Mondo.. He lives on a another planet! Guess what, me too!
”
JS: I would agree with that. LOL! Al Snow?
AS: “Al and I are both an 8 in Numerology.”
JS: An 8 stands for Power and Sacrifice, I have to say that fits you both perfectly. OVW owner Danny Davis?
AS: “Danny is like a father to us all. He’s just indescribable.”
JS: I hear that same sentiment from almost everyone I’ve spoken to about Mr. Davis. That’s amazing. Cliff Compton?
AS: “Cliff Compton is a hell of a guy. I’d like to have a match against him sometime soon. If I can beat Finlay, then I can beat Cliff Compton every day of the week.”
JS: I LOVE that response! Since you said that, Who are some “Dream Opponents” that you’d really enjoy working with/against?
AS: “Any era.. It would be Shawn Michaels.”
JS: Excellent answer. The Loose Cannon vs The Showstopper would have been incredible. What does the future hold for The Loose Cannon?
AS: “The main event, brother. Sorry.. main eventS.”
JS: I can see that being a definite. Do you have a message for your fellow wrestlers and your fans out there?
AS: “If you want it and you know that you really do – you just go 150% for it! Focus, send positive energy and toughts towards it.. and NEVER give up. Also.. #DreamBig #UhOh“
JS: OUTSTANDING! Where can everyone keep up with the Loose Cannon these days?
AS: “Fans can follow me on Twitter at @SilvaUhOh And watch OVW tv episodes weekly at ovwrestling.com. Also, make sure you follow @ovwrestling on Twitter.”
JS: Excellent! Make sure you keep up with Mr. Silva and OVW folks! I can promise you won’t be sorry. Alex, once again I’d like to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with me here. This was a great experience.
As: “No problem and thanks to you!”
What can I even say to wrap this one up? The emotion Alex Silva feels for his sport is hard to even put into words.
The drive instilled upon him by his father is almost scary.
I had no doubt in my mind AT ALL, that this kid is going to be a legend in the world of professional wrestling before it’s all said and done.
Why? Because he wants to be and he will NEVER stop moving towards that dream.
I’d like to wish Mr. Silva good luck in his ever growing career. Even though deep down.. I don’t believe he needs “luck” at all.
PLEASE do yourself a favor and watch and enjoy Mr. Silva in OVW!