Interview With Independent Wrestler Francisco Ciatso

WNS: Hello everybody, today I am talking with independent and former WWE Developmental wrestler, Francisco Ciatso. Ciatso is currently based out of Orlando, Florida. Francisco, thanks for talking to me today. Now, let's talk about your journey in professional wrestling. How did you first become involved with WWE?

CIATSO: It was actually Deep South Wrestling and it was WWE's developmental territory south of Atlanta Ga. I trained under Bill Demott. The Shane Twins who were known at The Gymini and Ron Niemi got me introduced to Bill Demott in 2006. He looked at my work and invited me to come there. I was at Deep South from 2006-2008. I learned a lot during my time there and had the pleasure of also working under Tom Prichard and Dave Taylor.

WNS: With all the current outrage surrounding Bill DeMott and his training methods for the superstars of tomorrow, can you give us some insight into what it was like training under him? 

CIATSO: I trained under Bill Demott. I can't speak how things are at NXT but I can about the training I went through. It was TOUGH MAN. Lots of squats, drills ( I hate drills), lots of running, lots of blow up workouts. I read the article and my experience with Bill was nothing like that. Was he tough? ..HELL YES! So was Hiro Matsuda and The Great Malenko. It's old school training. Did I catch shit for messing up? Sure I did. So do NFL Football players. Now I don't know Bill nowadays (He doesn't reply to texts or calls) so I can't speak on the other parts of the article. I wrestle hurt, banged up, sore etc. There is a huge difference between hurt and injured. I will say this.If anyone doesn't want their spot...I'll take it.

WNS: We have spoke about it before, you had a televised match against Tatanka, did you feel the pressure to perform against such a well known name? How we're you received backstage after that particular match?

CIATSO: Absolutely I felt pressure. The night before, I wrestled Matt Striker and got my nose broken but nothing would stop me from getting in that ring. I was so happy to get there. Wrestling a legendary wrestler like Tatanka was like a dream come true, man. Sounds cheesy but it's true. I knew I had to show up and show out. I did just that. I came to the back and Steven Regal came up to me and said " You really look and work like you belong here". One of the best compliments I've ever received. Being backstage is stressful man. You really just try and stay out of the way but at the same time, be respectful and introduce yourself to everyone. All in all, everyone was great. I can't lie, I was scared shitless. I'm changing in this tiny little locker room. Sitting on a mop bucket. Mike and Todd Shane came and got me and said I could change in the main dressing room. Only seat was next to The Undertaker. I don't think I took a deep breath for two hours! All kidding aside backstage while stressful, was really great.

WNS: When you were apart of Deep South, did WWE politics extend down to that area? WWE, at least today, seem intent on drilling into their talent to do things the "WWE way". Did you experience anything of this kind?

CIATSO: No I didnt. There are ALWAYS politics but there was a lot more free reign to develop who you are as a wrestler and style than I think there is now. The "WWE way" started more so when Deep South Closed and FCW opened in Tampa. I don't even know what the WWE way would be. Maybe that's why I'm sitting on my couch typing this and not on a plane flying to 3 forks Montana ( Luke Gallows will get that reference)

WNS: Let's take things more up to the present day. You are apart of personally one of my favourite Tag Teams right now, The Circle of Disrespect with Simon Sez. You have attained success wherever you have wrestled. Do you feel like you deserve the chance to shine on a bigger stage?

CIATSO: HELL YES WE DO AND IF GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY, THERE IS NO DOUBT WE'D EASILY BE ONE THE BEST TAG TEAMS OF ALL TIME. I don't like to blow my own horn ( ok that's a lie) Simon and I compliment each other. He's a genius and I'm jacked, stacked, cocked and locked. He lines 'em up and I dump them on their heads. It's the perfect match. We're best friends out of the ring as well. Two guys have travel together week in and out, look out for each other in and out of the ring. We've had the pleasure of facing and beating some of the best tag teams ever. The Headbangers and Demolition just to name a couple ( I'm still blowing my ..er...our own horn )

WNS: Thank you for your time this evening Franky, any final words you would like to say to our fans?

CIATSO: Thank you to all the fans who spend their hard earned money to see me do what I do. Without you there is no "King of Florida " Francisco Ciatso. #kingofflorida #franciscociatso #allhail #supremefacheem #circleofdisrespect #barbellsandbartabs

Francisco Ciatso will be performing at the following shows near you soon and can be followed on Twitter @FranciscoCiatso

Vintage 3/14- End of the Line Orlando Florida

4/11- Ring Warriors TV Taping Miami Fl

4/25 - GCW Pell City Alabama

6/6- SFCW Monroe Ga