I’m super excited to kick this new project off with the 1st installment of “Get To Know” with none other than “The Thickness” Reid Matthews out of Calgary, Alberta. I first discovered Reid Matthews during a Love Pro Wrestling show – our home promotion here at Love Wrestling. I was immediately drawn to his in-ring abilities. From then on I was hooked and said to myself, “I have to get to know more about him.” So I hit him up and we chatted about everything from his start in the business, which match he was most proud of and so much more. Enjoy getting to know The Thickness himself Reid Matthews….
At what moment did you realize you wanted to be in the wrestling business?
I started watching wrestling in 2013, but it wasn’t till 2014 [that] I decided I wanted to wrestle.
How did you get started in wrestling?
For watching wrestling, it was The Rock documentary on Netflix – which led me to other documentaries – and then to watching WWE for the first time: Raw before the Bryan vs Cena SummerSlam. For training, my father learned of Lance’s school through a friend of his.
You mentioned your dad helping you find Lance Storm’s training school. What was his reaction when you said you wanted to become a wrestler?
Once they knew I was determined to pursue it, they supported me completely, from buying tickets to shows to helping me buy my first set of merch.
Training at Lance Storm’s school had to be an awesome experience. What was the best piece of advice you got from Lance?
Take your time. We can easily get caught up in the moment and move too quick. Take your time and really let the moment sit.
Who would you say is your biggest influence in wrestling?
Move-wise, I’d say Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. For starting to wrestle, I’d give it to The Rock, for his documentary started it all.
It’s hard to just have one favorite wrestler. Who is on your Mount Rushmore of Wrestling?
Shawn Michaels, Stone cold, Seth Rollins, and John Cena.
Who is currently your favorite wrestler?
My favorites currently are Sami, Roman, Seth, MJF, and Gunther.
Who would you want to face in your dream match?
This may surprise some people, but Brock Lesnar. When I was first thinking about getting into it, I always envisioned surpassing all the odds to beat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania.
What one match of yours are you most proud of?
I have a couple. My last match with Taryn From Accounting I’m super proud of, and the four-match feud I had with Marz The Specialist I’m also proud of.
Who’s that up and coming wrestler no one is talking about but should be?
If I had to choose one, I’d say Marz The Specialist, but pretty much the whole LPW roster should be talked about.
What advice do you have for anyone thinking about getting into wrestling?
Be willing to learn, because no one knows everything about wrestling. And of course, have fun, because wrestling is an experience all its own.
Obviously I’m a fan of beards. Who’s got the best beard in the wrestling business not named Reid Matthews?
When it comes to beards, I really like Bray Wyatt’s and Roman Reign’s beard.
Favorite venue you have performed in?
This one’s hard. I’ve wrestled in the Saddledome, which is wild to think about, and I really like Nait and the Rec Room for their atmosphere too.
What’s your pre-match routine or superstitions?
Stretches, quick pump, gum, and a couple of leg and chest slaps before the curtain. In the ring before the bell, it’s stretching the shoulders and cracking my back.
I’m sure the car rides are long, so what’s on your playlist?
My playlist varies a lot. I have metal, rap, pop, jazz, Bollywood, musicals, parodies, etc. Mainly whatever I’m feeling in the moment.
What food spot are you hitting up while on the road? What are you ordering?
Subway. I’ve been a Subway where lately and my order is a footlong oven-roasted chicken on Italian herb and cheese, toasted, with Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, cucumber, green peppers, spinach, ranch, and garlic aioli.
What do you say to the people who say wrestling is fake?
My two broken hands and broken nose say otherwise. I’ve also wanted to chop someone to show how “fake” it is.
What is the one thing you would change about the wrestling business?
Other than the obvious, like getting rid of all the moral wrongdoings that happen, I’d say removing the mindset of not changing.
If you weren’t in the wrestling business what would you be in?
Architect Technologist.
What are your goals for 2023?
Wrestle in more companies in Canada and the US.
When it’s time to hang them up, what do you hope people will say about your wrestling career?
That it inspired them to do what they love.
Where can the fans see you perform next?
LPWxCWS, March 30, and LPW March 31
What can the fans expect when they come out and see you live in person?
Expect Thick and to be surprised by what I can do. Also violence, violence, and violence.
Where can fans go to follow you on Social Media?
@thethickness7 on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
A huge thank you to Reid Matthews for all of his time. Make sure you go follow him on all social media and check out his upcoming matches at LPW events! Also, keep it here for your latest “Get To Know” covering all of your favorite up-and-coming independent wrestling talent all over the world.
