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Former Tough Enough champion Matt Cappotelli
PWInsider.com Presents Turnbuckle Madness
Guest: Matt Cappotelli
Commentary: George Wren
Slogan: Nothing Is Held Back
George: During this segment of Turnbuckle Madness we have none other than former WWE's Developmental talent Matt Cappotelli. Matt thanks for joining us here on PWInsider for Turnbuckle Madness.
Matt: Thanks for having me.
George: When were you born?
Matt: November 12, 1979
George: Where were you born?
Matt: Norwich, NY
George: Where are you currently residing at the present time?
Matt: Louisville, KY
George: Didn't you get your start with Tough Enough III?
Matt: Yes, I wanted to try out for the TE II, but I missed the deadline, so when season III came around I made sure I didn't miss it.
George: How did the day begin during your Tough Enough tryouts?
Matt: We started everyday training day by running a mile, then 100 squats, pushups, situps, jacks, etc, etc. Then we started the ring training which spanned about 6-8 hrs per day.
George: How were you able to adapt being around the TE crew day in and day out, weeks, and even months?
Matt: The crew didn't bother me, I was there for one reason and didn't really mind having cameras/mics on us at all times. I was focused and driven to win.
George: With being around each other that long tension had to abrupt at times did anyone lose their cool behind the cameras?
Matt: There were definitely times that got tough and tested your mental/emotional/ and physical toughness. But that's what it's about, rising above challenges. No one really lost their cool behind the scenes, but it was a competition and things did get intense at times.
George: Many has wondered about reality shows. So is TE scripted as far as do they know who is going to win ahead of time?
Matt: I can only speak for TEIII and say that it was absolutely not scripted and no one knew who was going to win before that final show that was seen live.
George: After winning TE you was sent down to Louisville, Kentucky to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW)... What did you enjoy the most working for OVW?
Matt: OVW was a great place for me to learn and I had the chance to work with alot of guys down there who helped me develop. It was a great look into how a TV show is put together, how to tell stories on camera and in the ring. From Rip Rogers, Jim Cornette, and Danny Davis to Al Snow, Lance Storm, and Paul Heyman - you can't ask for better people to learn under. During my time there, we all got to be pretty tight and it was cool to see people get called up to the main roster.
George: There was a incident involving Bob Holly/Hardcore Holly where he worked stiff with you, and even caused a concussion. Why do you feel like Holly had it out for you, do you think it was because you was just a rookie breaking into the business?
Matt: It was confusing at the time because I was so green. I understand now that I look back at the situation, but I will never agree that it was right or justified. People deal with things in different ways, Bob and I come from two different states of mind I guess. I've never had bad feelings towards Bob, I hope the best for him wherever he is.
George: Didn't that incident happen in OVW or during TE?
Matt: The Bob Holly incident was during TEIII but I wrestled him in OVW and WWE after that.
George: Have you had any other major injuries from the ring besides the concussion?
Matt: Yes, I broke my left Fibula in my leg in 2004. I was coming down from a suplex and got my foot caught underneath me. Half of my lower leg snapped, not a good night!
George: You captured the OVW Heavyweight Championship on November 9, 2005 defeating Johnny Jeter. What were your thoughts on when Jim Cornette put the strap on you?
Matt: Actually, it was Paul Heyman who was writing OVW at the time. I was teaming with Jeter at the time when I broke my leg, so I was out of action for 6-8 weeks. Paul E wrote an awesome story that had Jeter turn his back on me when I was injured. For the next few months, while I was recovering, I was hunting Jeter for revenge. It all culminated with me facing Jeter for the title in a 2 out of 3 falls match. This was the most fun I've ever had working - everything just clicked and I loved the way Paul thinks and writes a story. That was the 2nd most memorable time in OVW, only to be topped by my last night in the ring when I shared with everyone that I was diagnosed with brain cancer. Both of those moments stick in my head daily.
George: You held the strap for 3 months and were about to be called up to the World Wrestling Entertainment when you were diagnosed with astrocytoma. For the readers that are unaware what astrocytoma is can you shed some light on what the disease is?
Matt: An astrocytoma is just a type of brain tumor. A mass of cells that continually divide and grow. Cancer is graded from stage1(least aggressive) to stage4(most aggressive). My tumor was a stage 2 cancer.
George: On February 8, 2006 you gave an emotional speech where you had to give up the OVW Heavyweight Championship due to your illness. What thoughts were running through your mind that night?
Matt: It was the most memorable night of my entire life, not just my wrestling career. I had just found out that I had cancer and told Danny Davis and Paul Heyman that I wanted to share the details with the audience. They gave me free reign to do and say whatever I wanted. I had no plan, no script, no rehearsal... I just went out in the ring and shared my heart with anyone that would listen. I had no idea what was next for me, but I knew I was in for the fight of my life.
George: Did you know then that your career was over?
Matt: I still don't know now if my career is over. The doctors have their opinions and so do I, but one of these days everyone will know for sure.
George: May 1, 2007 you underwent brain surgery to remove the cancer. How long did it actually take to perform such a surgery?
Matt: The actual surgery took about 4 hours to perform. It was a very delicate procedure and there were a lot of things that could go wrong. thankfully God protected me and I have very little side affects from the surgery and my treatments. I'm in the best shape of my life right now.
George: Were the surgeons able to remove all the cancer?
Matt: No, they couldn't get it all, they hoped that what they could not get to would be killed with radiation and chemotherpy. So I started with 30 radiation treatments and went on to endure 2 years of chemotherapy. I have MRI's every six months to make sure nothing is growing back. So far, everything is clean and I feel amazing.
George: Do you have a different out look on life then you did before your surgery?
Matt: There is always a new found appreciation for the little things that you maybe used to take for granted. I just try to use what i've been through to help as many people as I can. God dealt me this hand and I'm goingn to play it to the best of my ability. I hope people can see my story and be inspired to conquer anything. I would love for people to share my video at www.notafan.com with others who might be inspired by my story.
George: What all did the surgery consist of?
Matt: The surgery consisted of them removing a large portion of my skull to extract all the cancerous tissue. I left me a pretty gnarly scar, but I like it and reminds me everyday of what I've overcome.
George: You were under a WWE contract during your surgery but after your surgery you were released from your contract on January 4, 2009. This had to be a devastating blow just going through surgery then being released?
Matt: I was never released from my contract, Vince called me and told me he would stand behind me through this. My contract simply expired in '09 and opted not to re-sign me. I was thankful that Vince kept me employed during my fight. Of course I would have loved to stay with the company, but they took care of me for 3 years. I tried to pitch some ideas to stay involved, but nothing panned out while I was going through my chemo.
George: Why didn't WWE allow you to make a comeback?
Matt: It's not that they didn't allow me to make a comeback, I just hadn't reached a point of going back yet. I've been through a lot and something like this isn't just an injury that heals and you're back, it takes time.
George: Would you ever consider going back to the WWE if the opportunity ever presented itself?
Matt: Yes, I would consider going back only if it was right and fit. I would never want to force anything before I was ready, but I think about it all the time. Only time will tell what the next step is. I'm just focused on feeling good and keeping healthy.
George: Now you have a background in college football?
Matt: I played college football at Western Michigan University. I played line backer and special teams for them. I left college a year early to try out for TEIII. I finished my college degree just last December at the University of Louisville.
George: What made you decide professional wrestling over college football?
Matt: Pro Wrestling was something that I had always been a fan of, but never knew how to get into the business. I had no idea what Indy's were or that they even existed until I met my good friend Colt Cabana in college. We played football together and talked wrestling. When TE started I knew I could compete and thought this was my only way into the business, so I sent in my audition tape.
George: Do you watch today's product?
Matt: Yes, I'm still a fan and watch when I can. It's good to see my buddies like Punk and Morrison do well. Makes me want to be right there with them.
George: If so what do you think about Vince bringing back Tough Enough?
Matt: I thought they should have done it sooner. I think it's great TV and way to get to know a Superstar before they debut.
George: If you had to go out on a limb who do you think will snag the competition?
Matt: Luke is probably going to take it, unless his ego gets in the way then Andy will take it.
George: Now you are a born again Christian and also work in doing ministry work as well?
Matt: I've been a Christian since I was in high school, so it's nothing new. I owe God everything for what he's done in my life and I just want to use what he's given me to inspire others. I've been a speaker at churches, youth groups, different sports events, schools, etc. I take any opportunity to share what I've been through because I've seen it make an impact on other people in a positive way. You can check out my video at www.notafan.com - I know I mentioned that earlier, but please go check it out and share with your family and friends. There are a lot of good stories on there and it means a lot to me to for people to see it.
George: If you could change one thing in your life what would it be and why?
Matt: I would be able to reach more people with the message of hope. No matter how horrible of a situation you are faced with, without hope, there is no chance to make it. Don't lose sight of what is truly important. I wish I could be on TV every week living out that truth.
George: Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
Matt: My parents who have always supported me - no questions asked. They been behind me and have given me everything I've needed to be successful in life. They taught me to stand up and fight for things when it's not the popular thing to do, no matter the cost. They are good people and I'm proud to have them as my family.
George: Are there any closing words?
Matt: I appreciate you asking me for this interview. I want to thank everyone for their continued support and prayers as I continue down the path that God has laid out for me. Keep your eyes open, you never know where I may show up.
George: Matt I want to thank you for your time and wish you all the very best.
Matt: Thank you for giving me a continued voice and platform to inspire others.
Photo Credit: Matt Cappotelli collection
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George Wren is a former pro wrestling photographer/associate editor for New Wave, Toxxic, Wrestling World Publications, and is happy to be part of PWInsider.com. He does interviews on a weekly basis with the superstars of the mat.
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