Isaiah Broner has been known as The Midwest’s Best Kept Secret. However with the impact that he has been making in Paradigm Pro and AIW, he will not be a secret for too much longer. He showed his dominance in Paradigm Pro by defeating Hoodfoot for the Heavy Hitters title. He then proceeded to win the Heavy Hitters 3 tournament and defeated Matt Makowski in a UWFI rules match. Broner has also been climbing the ranks in AIW by defeating Big Twan Tucker, destroying Evan Ambrose, then having a very impressive showing in a match against current stars of AIW, Levi Everett, Derek Dillinger and Tom Lawlor.
This week Isaiah looks to keep that momentum going as he defends his Heavy Hitters title against Steve Pena, airing on IWTV on Wednesday at 10. Then on Thursday, he heads to AIW to a live event at The Winchester to battle against Zach Nystrom. Zach is another very athletic heavy hitter, so this match should be amazing.
I was able to ask Isaiah a few questions about his career so far.
Can you tell us a little about your start in wrestling? How you became interested in becoming a wrestler and where you trained?
It was the first thing I wanted to do after seeing tapes of Wrestlemania 6 & 10. I started playing football and got really good at it, having workouts with CFL & AFL teams. Billy Gunn saw a workout video of mines and suggested I try wrestling. I literally stopped prepping for a bodybuilding show and began training for wrestling.
I really started to notice you at Paradigm Pro, and you are currently their Heavy Hitters Champion. Can you tell us what it meant winning that title from Hoodfoot and what Paradigm has meant for your career?
It came full circle. I came to Paradigm on a tryout and Hoodfoot was my 2nd match there. The chemistry and styles meshed so it meant a lot to win the title from him and avenge my 1 loss I have there.
Can you tell us about that Versace vest that you wear to the ring?
I wanted to add to my entrance gear & was literally listening to 50 Cent one day & was like, well I’m gonna start wearing a bulletproof vest. I started buying different colors & came across a Versace one and bought it. It’s unique and everyone seems to like that vest.
You had a few matches at AIW before, but the 4 way at “We Had A Few Hits A Few Years Ago” was your first at The Odeon and was a very hard hitting match with Levi Everett, Derek Dillinger and Tom Lawlor. I would love to see you in a one-on-one match against any of them. How has your experience in AIW been and is there anyone that you would like to have a match with there?
AIW has been so great to me. I began training down there early 2021 & getting to know everyone. I really anticipated debuting there and that was a highlight for me. I loved that 4 way match & would love to have a singles with each one of them, they are all very very talented. I’d love to work with the entire AIW roster. Such amazing talent and great environment.
You were called “Midwest’s Best Kept Secret”, do you feel that you are still a secret, or do you think that you have become a known name on the indies now?
I’m still building but I feel I’m one match away from being well known. And honestly that drives me. I get closer with each opportunity.
You had an amazing match against Justin Kyle in the pit at ICW. Would you like to have another match in the pit or any desire to do deathmatches?
I definitely want to get back in the pit. I have 1 death match in me, I’d really like to have that with Tommy Vendetta. But that’d be a one-shot deal.
What are some things about you outside of the ring that might surprise some people?
I’m artistic., very good at portraits. I’m a movie and music buff.
You can find Isaiah Broner:
On Twitter: @IsaiahBroner
On Instagram: isaiahbroner313