Jake Backus has recently had his debut in professional wrestling, and hopes one day to be king of the ring. The 21-year-old wrestling fan spoke to Esther Lauaki
What is your connection to Brimbank?
When I was younger my father lived in West Sunshine and my mother lived, and still does, in Albion. I grew up, went to school and still live in Brimbank.
How long have you been a fan of professional wrestling?
I have been a professional wrestling fan for as long as I can remember. My father would watch episodes of Raw when I was four or five, and I would love to sit with him and watch everything that was going on.
Who do you admire most in the wrestling world?
My all time favourite professional wrestler is Stone Cold Steve Austin. I even have an Austin-inspired tattoo, however, my greatest inspiration in today’s wrestling world is Bryan Danielson. He has immense talent and has gone extremely far for a man of his size, as he is only five-foot-eight [173cm] – the same height as me. I hope one day to main event WrestleMania just as he did.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to go to a wrestling event?
The craziest thing I have done to attend a wrestling event was fly to California to attend WrestleMania 31, which was the greatest experience of my life.
How did you get into wrestling?
I have been attending the local Albion show for a couple of years now, and at these shows they advertise a local training facility. I approached George Julio, who is the head trainer, and he said I could start the following week. Since then, I have been training hard to better myself.
Explain briefly what the wrestling scene is like in Brimbank?
The wrestling scene in Brimbank consists of a monthly show in Albion, a company which goes by the name of New Age Wrestling. Brimbank is also the home of Australia’s greatest and most celebrated professional wrestler, George ‘The Hitman’ Julio.
Tell me about JC Starbright. How did the name come about and what kind of persona is JC Starbright?
As JC Starbright, I am a hippie, happy-to-be-there kind of guy, although there is a point where Starbright clicks into a rage, and that’s when the real fun begins.
Do you have a signature move?
The Solar Beam (running high knee).
What do you love about being from Brimbank?
The main thing I love about being from Brimbank is the fact that it is, and always will be, home. The many memories I have in the area keep me proud of being a Westie. I also love the fact that it is a highly multicultural area.
