‘Work Horse’: An interview with ROH prospect ‘The Lone Star’ Curt Stallion

Every so often, in the sport of professional wrestling, you encounter a young star shining so bright that it does more than catch your attention, it instead, downright dominates your gaze and forces you to not only redirect your focus, but holds it for long-standing periods of time, leaving you completely in awe of what you are watching. That is the easiest way to describe the in-ring work of “The Lone Star” Curt Stallion, the first contestant in the 2017 Ring of Honor “Top Prospect Tournament”.

The Crane, TX native was seemingly born to be in the ring, relocating to St. Louis, MO in the latter half of 2015 and has since set the independent scene on fire with his various feats of strength and stamina that can best be described through comparisons to wrestling superstars like Seth Rollins or AJ Styles. Having impressed both his peers and audiences in dozens of promotions, it was inevitable that one of the hottest wrestling products on the planet, Ring of Honor, would take notice of the 26-year-old star on the rise. Amongst his busy schedule, “The Lone Star” took a minute to sit down with FightBooth and talk about everything from training with Elgin to his list of dream opponents as he continues his long journey forward, with no signs of stopping. You heard it here first, folks…if you don’t know the name Curt Stallion, you had better get familiar, as It doesn’t take a crystal ball to predict this kid’s future as a bright one.

Curt, what does it mean to you to be included in Ring of Honor’s 2017 “Top Prospect Tournament”?

Since the first day I’d ever stepped foot in a ring, my goal was to compete for ROH. I’d even went as far as making my goal for 2016 to be included in the 2017 ROH Top Prospect Tournament. So, naturally, when I was notified of being an entrant, the rush of feelings and emotions felt were beyond words. Needless to say, I was truly happy. All my hard work, the miles, sacrifices [etc] it all paid off.

Can you tell us a bit about training with Michael Elgin and the impact it has had on you as a wrestler?

I did a week long camp with Elgin in July 2014. In that camp [in one week] I’d learned more than I had my entire time training beforehand with a far less reputable school in West Texas. That prompted me to drop everything and move to St Louis to gain even more knowledge on the graps from him. His training methods are some of the best I’ve ever witnessed, firsthand. He’s a mad scientist of professional wrestling. I wouldn’t be where I am now if I hadn’t learned from him.

What are some of your favorite matches or memories you have accumulated thus far?

I just wrestled this kid named Myron Reed this past weekend in Indiana and he’s only been in for 11 months. He is phenomenal. That match gave me hope for the future of this great business we’re in. Anytime I’m on the road with a group of guys is a great time with too many good stories to just single one out.

Who are some of your dream opponents and why?

Silas Young because of all I’ve learned from him at ROH shows. He’s another mentor of mine.

Sami Callihan because I’d learn so much from a guy who’s style I’ve studied over time.

Kyle O’Reilly, because he’s another guy who helped train me and im very fond of his work.

Matt Riddle because he’s amazing for how short of a time he’s been at this.

Jay Briscoe because I know I’d learn a lot from his aggression and relentless matches.

Katsuyori Shibata because I damn near idolize the dude and his work.

Randy Orton because… Randy Orton.

Do you remember the precise moment you fell in love with the sport? Was it a certain match or angle that made you say “this is what I want to do”?

Randy Orton joined Evolution and that was it. I was hooked for life. He was a deity to me when I was younger.

One of my readers actually pointed me in your direction. He said “This guy is going to be the next Seth Rollins or Daniel Bryan” How does it feel to be placed on that pedestal?

Humbling, to say the least. Those guys are men I’ve watched come up exactly how I’m trying to. They are the men who truly paved the path for myself and others like me. I only hope I can do them justice as I travel along said path.

If our readers were to check out a couple of matches on Youtube, what would matches would you suggest?

There’s a playlist with all my matches that are on YouTube which a buddy of mine keeps pretty up to date. My matches with Shane Taylor, Jastin Taylor, Jessica James and Ray Rowe are all real hoots, if I do say so, myself.

Any parting words for the readers?

If you’re a young guy reading this who is trying to get into wrestling, don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t or won’t.

There WILL be restless nights, wasted money, long hours, sore body parts, cuts, bumps, bruises, tears and much more sh**y stuff. Just know that if you really want this, your heart will shine through and your career will persevere. You just have a make it do so.

I can’t stress how important finding a reputable school is in the progression of one’s career. Don’t settle for anything less than what you want for yourself and your career. Lastly, don’t cross the boys, lie or back-stab. Good people are generally the ones who make it. Sh*t heads get tossed out.

Follow me on Twitter: @curtstallion

Follow me on Instagram: @Curt_Stallion

Like my Facebook page and don’t send my personal one friend requests.

Love you all.

The ROH “Top Prospect Tournament” began on February 11th at ROH’s “Steel City Excellence” in Philadelphia, PA. Other entrants in this year’s tournament include Brian Milonas, Sean Carr and Chris Larusso.  For more stories and articles be sure you follow me @NicholasGrooms on Twitter.