Faces of Independent Wrestling w/ Jay Walker
By Dallas Barnes
Today I am joined by Canadian Independent Wrestler Jay Walker, We discuss his Vblog, Trying to get booked for Joey Janela's Spring Break 4 and much more! Be sure to give him a follow after you read this interview at @IamJayWalker!
Dallas: For those you may not have heard of Jay Walker, can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself ?
Jay Walker: I can’t blame em. I wrestle out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. While it has produced some of the best wrestlers in the last couple decades, nobody talks about the scene.
I’ve been wrestling since 2011, and for the past 14 months, I’ve been vlogging my experience to create awareness for myself and my peers.
I’m happy to say it’s worked. I’ve formed a lot of great friendships & connections along the way and am really making a massive shift in the awareness of what’s going on in our little corner.
Dallas: I personally heard of you through twitter right before you started your V-blog and the growth you've had in 14 months is great!
What's been your favorite episode in the past 14 months of vblogging ?
Jay Walker: It’s funny, after the one year anniversary, I had a chance to look back at everything. I’m so proud of what’s out there. Every episode has been different. The first one will always be special to me of course. It really was the start of everything. Of course there’s the casket match episode, the one where I’m main eventing the biggest show of the year and fighting through the pressure, my experience at All Out this past summer. There’s really a lot to be proud of but those stick out the most!
Dallas: That casket match is something I wanted to ask you about, I've seen some clips from that match and holy hell it looked brutal, is a casket match something you'd do again ?
Jay Walker: Absolutely! Despite it being the most physically demanding match I’ve ever been a part of, it’s something I’d always dreamed of being a part of. It may seem morbid to some but I’ve always had a fascination with the darker personas and matches in wrestling. I’m very happy with that match and would be openly accepting to take on the challenge of topping that one.
Dallas: Say maybe, Joey Janela's Spring break 4 ? 😉
Jay Walker: Haha, you never know! I’ve been trying to get onto that show. It’s so hard to make noise from here to get booked elsewhere. Heck, Kenny Omega had to wrestle a hardcore match at his cottage to get booked in Japan. Will I take that same path? Who knows? I’m hitting them every single week with what I’m capable of in hopes of making it.
Dallas: All it takes is right person to see it! Every Spring Break party needs a casket match haha
Is there anybody in the States youd love the opportunity to wrestle?
Jay Walker: A ton! Danhausen & I could have some fun! Jamie Senegal is going to do big things, we’d have a fun dynamic. Obviously contracted wrestlers: Jericho, Kenny Omega, Cody, Darby Allin and Joey Janela.
There’s so much opportunity out there with talent like this to showcase who I am. I’m excited just thinking about the possibilities.
Dallas: I personally would LOVE to see you against DanHausen or Jamie! Big fan of both their work!
We talked a little about dream opponents, what would be some of your favorite matches you've had in your career so far?
Jay Walker: There’s been a few for sure. It’s usually been when a story culminates. All this history bringing a deep rooted connection to the story that’s happening in the ring.
Myself Vs Shao Ming was just that. The underdog against the villain with so many dramatic twists and turns. It was so unpredictable. we had this solid 10 minute match and right when you thought it was over, that’s when we were just getting started. The drama piled on and piled on. I’ve never experienced a crowd that heated before.
Myself Vs James Beaver. We’d traded the championship a couple times and had this dynamic match planned however, there was a problem with the ring so we ad libbed a street fight that turned into such a chaotic thing of beauty. The crowd ate it up and at the end of it all, we knew we made something special.
Kevin ODoyle. He and I had several matches throughout last year and it was our final one that was really magical. I was painted as the underdog, O’Doyle always had found a way to take me down. This time however, despite the beating I took throughout the match, had this great comeback and the crowd exploded with excitement. Something i hadn’t felt in many years, having played such a strong heel for so long.
Dallas: All those matches sound absolutely incredible! I'm going to have to go back and watch them myself! The end of a feud can really heat up a match if done right, can't wait to watch those matches!
With the New year coming up, what's some goals you have for 2020?
Jay Walker: I mean, anything is possible. I haven’t sat down and made any real tangible goals. Of course the one on my mind is hopefully getting on Joey Janela’s Spring Break 4. Ive been on a crusade to get booked on that for nearly a year now. It’s almost here, nothing yet. I guess my vhs promo got lost in the mail. If it doesn’t happen, I won’t be upset. Just shooting my shot. I’ve learnt to go with the flow. I didn’t expect my little vlog to blow up the way it did. The attention on our scene has really blown up and will continue to make noise. So I’ll keep doing my part in that sense and reap whatever rewards come my way.
Dallas: I hope to see you in the ClusterFuck this year during Joey Janela's spring break 4! I hope nothing but the best of luck for you in 2020 and its been a pleasure talking to you!
Do you have any last words for the readers at home?
Jay Walker: Yeah! Stop living your life for others. Be your whole self and stop caring about anyone else’s opinions. It’ll hold you back from so much. Do you, for you and just be nice & grateful for everything that comes your way. Learn from mistakes and just keep moving. Don’t fear failure. It’s your worst enemy. Everyone deserves to live their happiest life and experience their dreams. Nothing is holding you back but yourself. I’m living proof! So go after whatever it is you want out of life. If you ever need help, reach out to me @iamjaywalker and I will be happy to help! Thank you for this time by the way!