Gary Cassidy is the second guest on The People’s Interview.
Para ver la versión en español de este artículo, haz click aquí.
Today we bring to you a new edition of our section called «The People’s Interview» where we interview different personalities from the world of wrestling, whether they are wrestlers, journalists, announcers, etc. On this occasion, we chat with Gary Cassidy, lead writer and managing editor for Inside The Ropes, a very interesting wrestling-related website.
Gary Cassidy | The People’s Interview #2 (English Version)
1. First of all, when and how did Gary Cassidy become a wrestling fan?
That’s a great question! I honestly don’t remember. As a kid, I had so many wrestling toys – figures and Wrestle Buddies – and I remember being drawn to the larger-than-life characters like Hulk Hogan, Jake The Snake, Papa Shango, Ultimate Warrior – but what truly cemented it was the attitude era. I couldn’t get enough of The Rock and Stone Cold, I loved Sting in WCW and I was a massive fan of Taz in ECW. I’ve loved wrestling for as long as I can remember, but being 9-10 at the height of the Monday Night Wars definitely cemented that love!
2. What made you decide becoming a wrestling journalist?
So, I studied journalism at college and university, and did some work experience at newspapers. I quickly decided I wanted to be anything BUT a journalist as reporting on crime and the ramifications of doing so just wasn’t for me, but I always kept my toes dipped in, doing some music reviews, then one day, I saw that a site was looking for contributors. I wrote an article, they soon asked me to come aboard as a news writer and I did that. Just from covering articles, I ended up getting my first interview with DDP and I ended up hooked!
3. Is there any other sport you like to watch or practice?
I love football, or soccer depending on where you’re from. I’m a massive Liverpool fan as I grew up in Glasgow in a half Rangers-half Celtic household, although I was a ball boy at Ibrox and do still follow Rangers. I just love football though, and it’s always been Liverpool for me! Otherwise, I love watching speedway!
4. What is Gary Cassidy’s current role in Inside The Ropes?
I’m currently the lead writer and managing editor for Inside The Ropes – covering news and features, and managing our team of very talented and dedicated writers. I’ve also been writing for our magazine though! Kenny McIntosh has done such a great job with building his brand and I’m honoured to be part of it.
5. From all the wrestling news you have covered, which is the one that shook you the most?
Without a doubt, Brodie Lee’s passing. That kind of thing will always shock you instantly, and every wrestling fan who has watched Brodie was affected, but the thing that puts this job into perspective is that you need to somehow put your emotions to one side but also still be compassionate.
I read that news at 1am from AEW’s Twitter and had that instant sinking feeling, but knew I had to cover it appropriately and get it out there instantly. The best thing a journalist can do is impartially provide a platform for information – and nothing is more important nor sensitive than a death. I got out of bed and made sure I got the news out there accurately and sensitively. I actually just missed out on an interview with Brodie when he had stolen Moxley’s AEW title, so I’m selfishly annoyed that will never happen as we can all see just what an astounding man he was, and it’s a credit to him how fondly he’s remembered.
One of the hardest articles I’ve had to write was in the wake of his passing, and it was transcribing Amanda Huber’s Unrestricted episode detailing her husband’s death – but I knew it had to be done as other outlets had been called out for inaccuracies regarding it. It’s a tough balance emotionally.
6. What interview to a wrestler or wrestling personality you feel especially proud of?
I’ll always say this one, but my interview with Paige for me – purely because it’s one where I had to be a journalist rather than a fan. Triple H had made a distasteful comment about Paige in a media call when I asked about a Paige return, which he apologised for, but having to ask Paige about that was very difficult, and something I’m proud and privileged to have got the chance to do. Otherwise, a personal highlights for me was Christian – and doing the five-second pose with him.
7. What is your favorite wrestling match of all time? Not necessarily the best match, but the one you enjoy watching the most.
For sure, Shawn Michaels vs Undertaker at WM25 is up there as THE best ever and will be very hard to beat. One match that really made me fall in love with wrestling again in recent years was AJ Styles vs John Cena at the Royal Rumble, and I’ll always remember Taz vs Kurt Angle on the former’s debut!
8. And your favorite wrestling move?
I love the End of Days and the Eclipse!
9. Wrestling has evolved a lot in the last few years, generally distancing itself from kayfabe and out-of-this-world characters, and focusing more in athleticism and fast paced in-ring action. Do you like the direction wrestling is taking these days, or do you prefer past Era’s?
So, I don’t think there’s much we can do about the change sadly, so it’s hard to compare. I interviewed Jon Moxley recently and told him my favourite thing about him is he reminds me of Stone Cold in the ‘90s. We don’t know why, but he turns up once a week to simply kick ass. He doesn’t use social media, so he isn’t overexposed. That said, I love when wrestlers use social media to progress storylines. My least favourite thing about wrestling is actually the wrestling. I love a good match, but nothing beats storytelling for me, so I find it integral.
I’m not sure we’ll ever beat the Attitude Era, but I may also be looking back with nostalgia. For me, there’s so much choice now that I think we’re luckier than we know. If you watch every product and don’t find something to like, wrestling probably isn’t for you.
To end this interview, we are gonna go with three quick questions:
10. A book/film/series you are enjoying a lot recently.
I recently watched Black Mirror from start to finish and loved that, but I’m also really liking Riverdale!
11. Your favorite band/artist.
Either Frank Turner or Ghost, but I go through a wide spectrum of music. On any given day, I can be listening to Little Mix or Taylor Swift, then Fever 333 or The Interrupters.
12. What does Gary Cassidy enjoy more: a great babyface or a great heel?
For me, one can’t exist without the other so it’s impossible to choose. One thing I’ll say, while we all LOVE the happy ending of a babyface beating a heel for a title, I think that’s the hardest thing to follow up on. My favourite thing ever is having a babyface challenger facing a heel champion!
And that’s it – our second edition of The People’s Interview with Gary Cassidy as our guest. See you next Saturday with a new interview!
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