Credible on ECW, Sandman
By JOHN F. MOLINARO -- SLAM! Wrestling
He's not just the coolest, he's not just the best, he's...Justin Credible.
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It's an hour before the start of ECW's November to Remember pay-per-view
event. Backstage at Buffalo's Burt Flickenger Athletic Centre, P.J.
Walker (aka Justin Credible) walks out of a closed door meeting with
booker Paul Heyman.
He heads over to me sporting a pair of a dockers and we walk over to a quiet corner where we sit down directly opposite each other.
No matter how many times I interview a wrestler backstage, cognizant
that I'm intruding on their territory, I can't help but feel a little
leery. This was no exception.
Credible immediately picks up on my apprehension.
"Don't worry," he joked. "I'm not going to kayfabe you." He chuckled
after uttering the statement. His laugh is disarming, and quickly put
me at ease as we proceed with the interview.
His main event match as part of ECW's marquee event of the year is a
mere three hours away. Yet, this young superstar has a quiet confidence
about him that speaks volumes. As a result, he's in a contemplative and
introspective mood, openly answering questions about his career and on
the state of ECW.
"I'm so thrilled," admitted Credible. "I never thought in my wildest
dreams I'd be where I am today."
As one half of the Impact Players with Canadian Lance Storm, Credible has
quickly become one of the company's top and most important wrestlers.
He's also become one of the most over and believable characters in ECW
history.
And while Credible's work ethic and solid in ring skills have had a lot
to do with it, he never loses sight of how he got to the top.
"Paul (Heyman) has given me the opportunity to do a lot. He's done a
lot for me and helped me. He gave me a lot of ideas for the Justin
Credible character. He masterminded the whole thing."
The return of Jim Fullington, better known as The Sandman, has fueled a
lot of rumours of dissension in the ECW locker room. Fullington left
ECW earlier this year on not-so-friendly terms by failing to give his
employer proper notice. Heyman,
wanting to set an example for other wrestlers thinking about leaving the
company for greener pastures, said publicly he would never take Sandman
back because of the unprofessional way he left the company.
WCW recently released Fullington and, despite his prior decree, Heyman
snatched him up. For Credible, the rehiring of Sandman is not an issue.
"There is resentment with some of the guys," admitted Credible. "But I
think a lot of guys see the opportunity (Sandman) brings here. He's one
of the most over characters in the history of this company. Paul would
be foolish if he didn't take him back because he adds to what we do. He
will be a great asset to us."
"I think (Sandman's rehiring) is better for business," continued
Credible. "If it's going to help but food on my table and help us do
better business then I have no problem."
Addressing the sensitive issue of relations between Sandman and Heyman,
Credible said "that's between Jim and Paul to iron out."
Sandman's return has also sparked another controversy over whether or
not Credible will be allowed to use his cane. Part of Sandman's
schtick, aside from his chain smoking and beer guzzling, is his infamous
cane swinging. It's an issue that Credible is keeping an eye to see how
it will develop.
"The cane thing is a very sensitive issue with me," confirmed Credible.
"We're going to have to see over the weeks where it goes. I think
there's only going to be one guy with a cane in ECW. We'll have to see
who gets the stick."
Not wanting the end the interview on a down note, Credible steers the
conversation towards ECW's TV deal with TNN.
"It's been very beneficial to us," stated Credible. "Our numbers have
improved, we're being seen by more people than ever before and we've
jumped five to ten years with this exposure."
Our time up, Credible extends his meaty paw dwarfing mine as we shake
hands. We exchange pleasantries and he heads off in hopes of finding
partner Lance Storm to go over last minute details about their match.
Credible has a show to put on. And he always gives the fans their
money's worth.
