In an exclusive interview with PWPonderings’ Scott Mitchell (@ScottsScoop44), Landon Hale (@HaleYeah3) talks about how he got started in indie wrestling, combining his work as a chiropractor with wrestling, taking part in this year’s Scenic City Invitational, his upcoming matches, and so much more.
When and Why did you get into wrestling growing up as a kid? Any inspirations?
I grew up watching wrestling when I was 5 with my dad. We would watch WCW any chance we could. My dad passed away when I was 7, so I stopped watching it for the time being. I started watching it again around WrestleMania XX, and I fell back in love again. I’m a huge fan of Rey Mysterio, AJ Styles, Ultimo Dragon, Eddie Guerrero, etc. So the high-flying style has always caught my attention. I fell in love with the theatrics, the competition, and the passion that the wrestlers had to perform and entertain everyone. I was certainly entertained.
What made you want to start training? When did you start? Any mentors?
2018, a friend in the local Kentucky scene introduced me to wrestling, and later, sent me to Mike Samson (Iron Cross) in St. Paul, Va. to train. Believe it or not, I had 2 training sessions, then I had my first match on August 11th, 2018 (coming up on my 5-year anniversary). I have one life to live, and I want to live out this dream while making my dad proud. Mike Samson trained me for a couple of months. Then when I moved to Atlanta, Ga for chiropractic school, I sat under the learning tree of 1/2 of the Rock N Roll Express, Robert Gibson, aka my wrestling dad. And I trained under him extensively for 2.5 years. I also had a little bit of training under AR Fox as well. Now, I’m currently living in Massachusetts and training at New England Pro Wrestling Academy.
Aside from being a wrestler, you’re also a chiropractor. How hard is it for you to balance both of these pretty demanding careers?
I work as a chiropractor Monday-Thursday. And I have Friday-Sunday off. It’s a perfect schedule for me to be a chiropractor through the week, and a wrestler on the weekend. My boss is very supportive of my dreams, and I appreciate it so much. I get to live out my childhood dream and reality dream. Life can’t get any better than this.
You took part in this year’s Scenic City Invitational. How important was that to you?
It meant the absolute world to me. I was coming back from the wrist injury that set me out for 7 months. I kept grinding nonstop to make sure I made it to SCI. I was happy to be there, to showcase what I can do. And to say not only was I a finalist, but a runner-up in the most prestigious tournament in the southeast, let alone, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, is just humbling in itself. I felt as if I’d accomplished more than expected, and I’m truly blessed with that weekend. Thank you to Scott Hensley, Matt Griffin, and Dylan Hales for believing in me.
You’re also a former APCW Heavyweight Champion. What was it like winning this belt for the first time, and your rivalry with Damien Bennett that followed?
Winning the belt for the first time in 2019 was an emotional moment, considering it was Robert Gibson’s promotion. I remember him and Teddy Long hugging me after winning it, and I couldn’t be more thankful. Working with Damien Bennett has been a great ride! He’s very underrated in the Southeast, and I wouldn’t mind having another feud with him in the future.
Coming up, you have NorthEast Wrestling on August 12 and 13. What are your feelings heading into the Northeast this weekend?
Northeast Wrestling produces wrestling superstars, and they have high-caliber talent that showcases what Northeast Wrestling is all about. I am wrestling in Bethany, CT on the 12th, and the Six Flags show in Jackson, NJ the following day. I have no idea who my opponents are, but I’m ready for any competition.
You also have a match coming up with Invictus where you will take on Ken Broadway. What are your thoughts heading into this match?
It’s been a little bit since I had the chance to win some gold. I know Ken is a great competitor out of NY, and he holds the Invictus Grand Championship. He’s made of money, but I know the only expense I want is that strap. So you best believe he needs to watch his back.
What’s next for Landon Hale? Do you have any future goals or opponents you’d like to face?
What’s next for me is to continue to make a name for myself on the independents, win gold at top promotions like NEW, Invictus, etc., and get signed while being able to work as a chiropractor as well. I know there are a few wrestlers that travel all over that I would love to step in the ring with (Nick Wayne, Jordan Oliver, TJ Crawford, Alec Price, etc.), then you have your dream match opponents in mind (Will Ospreay, Bandido, Rey Fenix, Penta, Kota Ibushi, etc.), but hey, the sky’s the limit, right?
Do you have any message you’d like to leave for your fans reading this?
Thank you for believing in me. I’ll always make sure that I give it 100% in the ring just like you all give me 100% of the support and love!
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