Myself and Carlos Canales recently sat down and spoke to ROH & New Japan Pro Wrestling Star Kyle O’Reilly. В Below are the highlights of our interview:
1) What originally drew you to pro wrestling? Who would you say is most responsible for getting you into the sport?
Kyle:
Like most of us who begin a life as a pro-wrestler, I was captivated by watching wrestling as a young child. I guess I just never grew out of it. I idolized a lot of different wrestlers during those early ages. I think I knew I wanted to be a wrestler because of Stone Cold Steve Austin.
2) This is your 3rd tenure as Tag Team Champion, how important is your relationship with your reDRagon teammate Bobby Fish in maintaing your dominance?
Kyle
:
Bobby and I constantly support each other and have each other's backs regardless of who we're wrestling in any given situation.
3) With your continued success at every level, people are wondering if you've put the WWE in your sights. Are you planning on taking your style there and furthering your career?
Kyle
:
Like in any occupation, one wants to grow, adapt and advance themselves in any given profession. Wrestling is no different, I want to get better and move on to places where that's possible. That being said, I am perfectly happy and content where I am now.
4) You've worked with professionals from every level, is there someone whose work ethic and dedication truly inspires you?
Kyle
:
Bobby Fish.
5) I know that you used to spend a lot of time on the road traveling with Davey Richards, and Tony Kozina. I saw the three of you wrestling in Kingsport, TN for NWA Smoky Mountain on numerous occassions. I feel that both Davey and Tony were very influential in your career, has there been anyone else that you would credit your success too?
Kyle
:
Yes, that's true. I feel anyone I've encountered during this wacky ride as a wrestler has influenced me in some shape or form for better or for worse. One learns from both positive and negative experiences and this pursuit has shaped me to be who I am now.
6) At 27 years old you've accomplished quite a bit in your career, is there a moment that sticks out more than the others for you?
Kyle
:
As of now, I think my greatest accomplishment is capturing the IWGP Jr. Tag Championship with Bobby.
7) What's next for reDRagon? Where do you and Bobby Fish want your reign to take you?
Kyle
:
To remain on top of the tag-team world for a long time. There's many challenges that lay ahead.
8) You have been spending a lot of time wrestling in Japan recently. I assume that you do not speak Japanese, so has there been a language barrier to break? Does this have any effect on your ability to work with Japanese wrestlers?
Kyle
:
Wrestling is a universal language. It's something that transcends language and region and can be experienced through raw emotion.
9)
Along with being a part of the ROH's Tag Team Champions you are also the reigning PWG World Champion, and most recently you two won the NJPW Super Junior Tag Team Tournament, how do you find the time to kick so much ass?
Kyle
:
It’s a constant struggle to juggle a solid training regimen, travel and ass kicking. But someone’s gotta do it!
