Independent Wrestling

We are back baby, and what better way to be back and in full swing than having the opportunity to Get To Know your LPW Scramble Champion Eli Surge? Henry took some time away from his rock outside of Skywalker Ranch to sit down and discuss his start in the business, what his favorite match of his career has been, what to expect when you catch the man in the tinfoil hat live, and much more! So let’s waste no more time and Get To Know the man who believes birds aren’t real – your LPW Scramble Champion Eli Surge: 

At what moment did you realize you wanted to be in the wrestling business? 

Wrestling was something I always loved, whether it was shared outwardly or I watched in secret. I think it was a podcast that made me realize that there were schools I could go to. That information, with a background in acting and having played nearly every sport growing up, made me feel I could take a shot. 

How did you get started in wrestling?

I looked at it for years before jumping in. With the encouragement of my now-wife, I signed up and moved to Calgary… Alberta Canada to train with Lance Storm. 

Who would you say is your biggest influence in wrestling?

You’ll probably notice through this that I have a hard time choosing a definite one in any category. My biggest influence could change day to day and what area I’m looking. 

I would probably have a different answer for character, gear, facials, movement, fan Interaction & social media. 

I also try to draw a lot of my influence from outside of wrestling. I look at people like Bobo from Finding Bigfoot, various political and cult leaders, and how people interact on interesting topics in real life vs. online/in media.

It’s hard to just have one favorite wrestler. Who is on your Mount Rushmore of wrestling? 

If I’m picking a top 4 favorites, it’s CM Punk, Edge/Adam Copeland, Eddie Guerrero & Dolph Ziggler/Nic Nemeth.

If we’re looking at 4 that built/build the business it’s Sammartino, McMahon, HHH and Cody.

Who is currently your favorite wrestler?

Brody King. 

I’ve been a fan for years. I met him at the Harley Race camp in 2017 and saw he had something different then. Since then he’s had some of my favorite matches, including against Adam Copeland in a street fight that I got to see live. 

What one match of yours that you are most proud of? 

I’m my own worst critic, so I’d pick one based on my opponents. Anything with Travis Williams, Judas Icarus or Elliott Tyler I’d say to check out. To give one match, I might say myself & Sasquatch vs “Top Dog” Franklin Myer & a Hotdog at Mystery Wrestling.  

Who would you want to face in your dream match? 

If I’m looking at everyone in wrestling, I’d bring up names such as Soberano Jr., Danhausen, Kyle O’Reilly, El Generico, Brody King, Randy Orton & Adam Copeland as people in the running; however, the one dream would be CM Punk.

Who’s that up-and-coming wrestler no one is talking about but should be?

There are MANY, but if I’m looking west I’d keep my eyes on Maxwell Benson and Casey Ferreira.

Looking east it’s Ahmed & Abu of KPK and Matty Z. 

What advice do you have for anyone thinking about getting into wrestling? 

There’s space for everyone in wrestling. Sometimes that space is the front row. Assess your whys, set your goals and think about what you expect to put in vs. get out of the business. There’s no problem being a weekend warrior, but don’t stand in the way of people trying to go further.

Favorite venue you have performed in?

Washington Hall in Seattle. There’s an electricity there that builds between fans and performs that is unexplainable without being there. 

Notable Runner-Ups:

Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver 

West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton 

White Eagle Polish Hall, Victoria 

Nat Bailey Stadium, Vancouver  

What’s your pre-match routine or superstitions? 

The only thing that I absolutely have to do before every match is make tinfoil hats. Everything else can move around. If it’s a big match I might even do a jumping jack!

I’m sure the car rides are long so what’s on your playlist? 

If I’m on my own I’ve got podcasts playing. Escaping Denver, Sasquatch Chronicles, Flightless Bird & Talk’n Shop are regular choices. I’ve been privileged enough to do a lot of flying in the last couple years and the airport setup always includes my Switch and trusty neck pillow.

What food spot are you hitting up while on the road? What are you ordering? 

Show day, I aim for a late breakfast and a 3 p.m. meal. Ideally it’s high volume and protein. After the show it’s whatever’s open and on the way. 

What do you say to the people who say wrestling is fake? 

Exactly! I put on Spandex and get thrown around by oiled up, half-naked men!”

If the way they introduce their knowledge to the business is that manner, I often know that they don’t share my appreciation. Normally if I take the route of less seriousness they’ll let their walls down and they actually become more interested then. 

What is the one thing you would change about the wrestling business? 

Boy, there’s a list. 

Not having to fight for fair pay or hunt down promoters for pay they agreed upon, paid ring crew, make sure there’s water in every locker room, feed the crew (even if it’s just a veggie tray), less brother-brother attitudes, less weekend enthusiasts trying to hold back those who want to go beyond that. No company should be telling workers they can’t work for other companies unless they’re offering a true livable wage. No more companies trying to pull shady moves and acting surprised when they’re called on it, etc. 

Like I said, there’s a list.

If you weren’t in the wrestling business what would you be doing?

Full-time trophy husband.

When it’s time to hang them up, what do you hope people will say about your wrestling career? 

He made me feel.

What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered as the LPW Scramble Champion? How do you prepare for such a match type? 

A scramble match is like a strategic reality television show. 

You need to look for alliances while preparing to be stabbed in the back with a smile. You can enter with the most well-thought-out game plan that has to be scrapped as soon as the bell rings, because your opponents came with unexpected alliances or strategies. 

I think the best way to think of it is “You can’t change the wind, but you can set your sails.”

What can the fans expect when they come out and see you live in person? 

Expect unfortunate amounts of tinfoil, to chant Birds Aren’t Real, and if you’re lucky: a Bigfoot sighting.

There you have it folks! Another great conversation with one of the best out there today! I can’t thank Eli Surge enough for his time, I know he’s been busy hanging with Bigfoot and reading up on the latest conspiracy theories out there. Make sure you take the time to follow him across all his social media accounts @RealEliSurge. Also, as always, make sure you catch him doing what his does best when Eli comes to a town near you. Last but not least make sure you keep your eyes out for the next Get To Know Spotlight highlighting the very best across the independent wrestling scene