Professional wrestler Dowie James, 26, talks to Alex Ferraro about his rise as an independent wrestler, his involvement in the local wrestling scene and his role as a pub quiz master.
What got you into wrestling?
Growing up, I loved watching World Championship Wrestling, especially when it involved Bill Goldberg. I used to mess around with my brother; we’d do moves on each other in the backyard and in the bedroom, but when I was 14 and got into an actual training school, the trainers told me I should never do wrestling moves on people outside the ring because it’s dangerous. This resonated with me when I was able to actually get into the ring two or three nights a week and play around, just to get it all out of my system.
What brought you to Sunshine?
I grew up in Nunawading and initially trained out at a school in Dandenong, but I did the bulk of my training at George Julio’s Wrestling School here in Sunshine. When I was 18 and finished high school, I jumped into a share house with a couple of other wrestlers to be closer to the school so I could train easily. I’m a real creature of habit and Sunshine was very convenient for me. I landed here and got work straight away in retail, which was right across the road from my training gym. And the gym [World Gym] had a great variety of martial artists, who I learnt a lot from, and that’s really unique because there’s no other World Gym, except for one in Parramatta.
How are the fans treating you?
Really well, actually! Victorian-based company Platinum Wrestling Enterprises specifically pulls a really good turnout … and they have helped me become a big star and a big good guy, which I’m happy about.
Are there any other wrestlers near Brimbank?
There’s definitely a few, but it’s all spread out because there are a lot of different independent wrestling companies … George Julio’s gets really good turn-outs for training in the week.
Are you currently working with any locals?
Yeah, using George Julio’s backyard ring, I’ve started to work a lot with new wrestlers’ character development. Being the heavyweight champion down at Platinum Wrestling Enterprises, I’ve seen a lot of young guys who are really good but can’t emote enough in the ring to set them apart from everyone else.
Describe the wrestling scene in Sunshine.
There are so many people in the area who like wrestling and it’s a perfect set-up for a great wrestling production, but no-one has capitalised on it yet. There’s a lot of untapped potential.
Can wrestling develop more in Sunshine?
There’s a huge opportunity for growth. These local shows grow so quickly because we have an active community keen for this fringe activity, so someone could easily come in and clean up really well. And I would be rapt to get a show down here and have a huge turnout.
Do you have other work?
I’m back at Swinburne finishing off my second year of primary school teaching, just in case wrestling doesn’t pay off. I work part-time as a pub quiz master for Funky Bunch Trivia two or three nights a week. I’m looking to do more quizzes in Werribee.
