Antonio Thomas Speaks On Internet Media, Signing w/WWE & More

Former WWE superstar Antonio Thomas from the Heart Throbs recently managed to take some time out of his busy scheduled to take part in an interview with Andy Steven and www.PWMania.com. Below is the complete interview:

Andy Steven: Firstly I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview for www.PWMania.com.

How did you break into the wrestling business and what have you been up to recently since your WWE departure?

Antonio Thomas: I started training in 2001 in Springfield, Mass. under Kevin Landry and continued on with Steve Bradley before being signed to WWE. Since my departure from WWE, I have been busy every weekend working the independent scene, mostly in the Northeast-where I started- as well as some dates down south. I also recently had a portfolio put together and look to get into the modelling business. I also recently finished shooting an episode of "Ham On The Street" for the Food Network which will air on November 8, at 10:30 p.m.

Andy Steven: What independent shows have you been working and what indy s will you be working in the future?

Antonio Thomas: I have been working for numerous promotions such as New England Championship Wrestling, Chaotic Wrestling, MXW in Ct., Northeast wrestling, Liberty States Wrestling, and TNT Wrestling down south as well as many more numerous promotions throughout tthe east coast. I look to continue adding to that list, as well as starting to work overseas and outside the U.S. I am always taking indy bookings and looking to always work new places, styles and talent

Andy Steven: You signed with WWE in 2004, and was sent to work with Ohio Valley Wrestling. What was it like working in OVW and wrestling minds such as Jim Cornette?

Antonio Thomas: First off, being signed to a WWE contract was a lifelong dream of mine and a dream come true. Getting to work with the likes of Jim Cornette, Lance Storm, Danny Davis, Paul Heyman, Bill Demott, Tommy Dreamer, Al Snow, and every other talent that I was able to work with while in OVW is something taht can never be taken away and I learned lesson both in and out of the ring, that I carry with me day in and day out for the rest of my life. Being able to work down there and work with so many great talents truly made my OVW tenure one of the best times of my life.

Andy Steven: You have been working with many indy promotions since you left WWE, what has been your best indy show so far?

Antonio Thomas: It would be hard to pinpoint just one promotion, but I would have to say my favorite match since i've been away from WWE was at NECW's Iron 8 in June. It was a 45 minute ironman match between myself, John Walters, Eddie Edwards and Jason Blade and was one of the most fun and intense matches i've ever ben a part of.

Andy Steven: In your independent travels have you every come across a wrestler with a bit of an ego or if someone has had a problem with you for no reason? If so, what happened?

Antonio Thomas: In any line of work you come across many people with an "ego" or "attitude problem" and most people run across people like this in everyday life. So far, I haven't come across anyone who has had a problem with me in or out of the ring-and if they did, they didn't make it known-so I've been very fortunate in terms of that. This is my job, so when im at a show I do what I need to do to prepare for my match and opponent. Being polite, humble, hard-working and courteous to everyone both in and out of the ring can carry an individual a long way.

Andy Steven: When you are not in the ring, what are you doing? What are your hobbies?

Antonio Thomas: When im not in the ring you can probably find me at the gym, as I love working out, and anything related to physical fitness and well-being. I also spend a lot of time watching wrestling tapes and dvds and love to play fantasy football and baseball. Im also a die-hard Red Sox fan, as well as a lifelong 49ers fan-no jokes please, haha.

Andy Steven: What is your opinion on the internet wrestling media?

Antonio Thomas: This is a free country and everyones entitled to their own opinion. It does annoy me sometimes when someone who never stepped foot in a ring or has done anything physical or athletic in their life, tries to critique or even bash any worker that steps into the ring and risks their health and well being for the sport and business they love. However, everyone does have their opinion and when paying for a ticket, you definitely are entitled to express who and what you do or dont like. It's a part of any sport or athletic event and you take the good with the bad, but the internet is also a great way for many workers to communicate and network with promoters as well as be in touch with many of their fans.

Andy Steven: Are you watching WWE programming at the moment?

Antonio Thomas: Absolutely. I always have and always will.

Andy Steven: What do you think of TNA?

Antonio Thomas: I think TNA is exciting and defnitely growing. It's another option for fans and I think the more promotions, at a worldwide, national, and independent level, than the better for fans and workers alike.

Andy Steven: I know you have to eat a lot when you are as big as you are. How much do you have to eat?

Antonio Thomas: Haha. I definitely love to eat, but for me I stay pretty strict with my diet. I don't deprive myself of something if I want it, but usually I try to stay around 4,000 calories, esp with my level of activity. I try to get in about 7-8 meals a day-with 2 of them being protein shakes-at about 500 calories apiece. I usually keep track of everything I eat, but a lot of time go on instinct-if i'm hungry, im gonna eat. For the most part this has worked for me and since my time in WWE, i've stayed lean while adding a healthy and natural 15 pounds and will continue to improve both my diet and training regimen to even further my performance in the ring.

Andy Steven: What are your favorite DVDs?

Antonio Thomas: Hmmm...I'd have to say wrestling related would be Shawn Michaels-From the Vault, the Bret Hart dvd,pretty much any of the WWE dvds that have beenput out the past few years and some of my Classic St. Louis wrestling dvds from the Chase Auditorium, as well as many of the ROH releases. Non-wrestling would have to be Anchorman, Rocky1-4, and Caddyshack.

Andy Steven: I would like to thank you very much once again for taking this time to take part in this interview for www.PWMania.com, I wish you the best of luck in the future and do you have any messages to say to your fans and what is next for Mr. Antonio Thomas?

Antonio Thomas: I just want to say a huge THANK YOU to all the fans that have supported me throughout my career, both in and out of the WWE as well as everyone whom I've had the pleasure to work with during my brief career-i've taken something from every person I've encountered in this business and learn something everey day and continue to grow both in and out of the ring. This is only the beginning forme, "the Promise" Antonio Thomas! It's a new chapter in my life and one that im looking to make the best for me yet. There is SO MUCH that I still have yet and NEED to accomplish and Im more enthusiastic than ever in this newest chapter in my life. I WILL make my mark in this business and this is only the beginning for Antonio Thomas. And that...Is A Promise!!!

To contact antonio Thomas for independent bookings or to get in touch with "the Promise" he can be contacted at his official website at www.Antonio-Thomas.com, by email at tjm2333@aol.com and myspace at www.myspace.com/promiseantoniothomas.