Justin “Fireball”

Justin “Fireball”
– an interview by the Clown

Professional wrestling has permeated US culture in the past sixty years. There are several high-profile personalities that appear in movies, commercials, and other media during and after their participation in pro wrestling. “The Nature Boy” Rick Flair put Charlotte on the map in the sport and some personalities allowed us inspirational quotes like, Mick Foley’s “If God built me a ladder to heaven, I’d climb to the top and elbow drop the world.” A benefit of this culture permeation is the presence of individuals and independent wrestling organizations that entertain local communities. The Clown caught up with the ever hard-working Justin “Fireball” to get some insight into wrestling local to Charlotte.

Clown: What got you into wrestling?
Fireball: Well, it’s hard to say. My earliest memory was from about 4 years old. I saw a piece of cheese on a mouse trap, and I went to go get it and it smashed my finger. I started crying and my dad came and snatched me up and put me in front of the TV and gave me a bowl of slice pickles to eat and wrestling was on TV. From that moment forward, I fell in love with it.

Clown: How long have you been doing this?
Fireball: I started out wrestling for my High School, then I wrestled in the US Army. After that I got into some MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). Then I met a guy named Zane Riley, who helped me get my first pro wrestling match. So over all I’ve been wrestling since 1998 (27 years).

Clown: Does your current organization have a name?
Fireball: I wrestle for all kinds of companies. I make the joke that I’ll wrestle just about
anywhere: barns, churches, strip clubs, trailer parks, you name it. Although right now I’ve been wrestling for a company called Alternative Wrestling Showcase (AWS) and Underground Carolina Wrestling (UCW) a lot.

Clown: How often are you training and what does that entail?
Fireball: I try to train every single day if I can. I know it might not look like I am in the best shape, but get me in the ring and I will body slam you and put you in a sleeper hold. My training regimen has changed over the years, but I basically do a soft core version of CrossFit mixed with weight lifting and jogging. I try to jog at least 4 miles a day.

Clown: What motivates your participation?
Fireball: It’s like a drug. There is just something about it. Once you get the wrestling itch, it stays with you. You are always chasing it. Besides, who doesn’t want to hit a guy with a chair from time to time?

Clown: What goals do you have for yourself and the organization?
Fireball: I just want to wrestle, win championships, make people happy that are watching it, and hopefully I don’t get beat up or hurt too badly.

Clown: What is your favorite thing about this?
Fireball: The rush. Also, I get out there in my underwear and try to impress the ladies! (Fireball’s thunderous laugh follows).

Clown: Is your family supportive and involved?
Fireball: Kind of supportive kind of but not really involved. It’s not their thing.

Clown: What is your message for the future generations of wrestlers?
Fireball: Study old tapes/film/footage. Learn the history of wrestling and jog, jog, jog, JOG! Get them legs strong and that cardio up!

Clown: When is your next event and do you have events slated into 2026?
Fireball: December 20th I’ll be wrestling in Gastonia at the VFW. I will be wrestling that match as Santa Claus. Yep. You heard that right, as Santa Claus. Then January 31st I’ll be going for the North Carolina Championship in Charlotte at Suffolk Punch Brewing in SouthEnd.

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