I originally reached out to Tom Lawlor to inquire about an interview on Jan. 4, 2023. I had this idea of writing an interview and feature to spotlight the West Coast Indie Scene. Tom reached back out fast and said yes to a Q&A. Quickly after reading his answers I realized that people will want to read more from him. I had some trouble with timeframes on getting answers back from wrestlers so I decided it made sense to just interview wrestlers one at a time and give the spotlight to each professional wrestler individually.
Here is my original conversation with Tom Lawlor:
- How do you feel about being one of the pillars of the west coast indie scene and being a major factor in their success and in your own words does the West Coast Independent scene mean to you?
I appreciate the kind words but I’m far from a pillar of the west coast scene, I feel like I’m just scratching the surface of this side of the USA. The talent is flowing on the west coast and there’s a lot more to come.
Hart: The entire West Coast is currently the hottest it’s ever been. This was evident during WrestleMania Weekend with so many West Coast independents hosting their own shows in LA, or partnering with larger companies to deliver a great show. But it hasn’t always been this way. PWG has long been the center of conversation for the West Coast, but in recent years conversation has shifted with huge matches for multiple different companies like West Coast Pro, Prestige, DEFY, and many more getting a lot of attention.
- How do you feel about your contributions to these companies building a legacy and setting themselves apart in the shadow of a company like PWG?
Over the past 5 or so years it seems the West Coast scene has replenished itself but PWG has such an aura that I don’t think any promotion in any part of the world can match its “mystique”. But take a look at the PWG shows, the wrestlers are up and down the West Coast week after week in promotions like WC Pro, Prestige, DEFY, PCW Ultra, etc. The world’s best wrestlers right now are appearing on the west every week.
Hart: I also wanted to take a look at the past and toward the future.
- Following up on the previous question, how do you feel the pandemic affected the scene?
While the pandemic certainly put a hold on things, it wasn’t all bad as it allowed some new opportunities to take hold as New Japan STRONG made its home on the west coast with a ton of local talent and it gave Prestige time to make a great schedule and really attack the scene but I sure would’ve been a lot happier without feeling like I was operating at 50% for 2 years.
- Looking back to last year, what was your favorite memory from the scene in 2022?
My favorite memory from the west coast wrestling scene in 2022 was anytime Danny Limelight posted a portrait on Twitter.
- What are you hoping to see in 2023? Both personal and the scene in its entirety.
In 2023, I want to fight the best pro wrestlers on the planet and I want to do it on the west coast. There’s nothing better than waking up in your own bed, smelling the fresh air, kicking someone’s ass, and being able to drive home listening to D’Angelo’s “Voodoo”. For everyone else on the west coast? If you’re not in Team Filthy I hope you get your ass kicked by us.
Hart: After this conversation I had been sitting on I reached out to him with the help of some friends to ask more questions that weren’t specific to the West Coast.
- How did your rivalry with Koguma start? Do you hate all bears?
I actually love bears. If I was an animal, I’d probably be some sort of bear. It’s possible I’d also be an ape or orangutan or something but I’d choose a bear if I could. Basically I don’t like any horseplay or playing around in the professional wrestling ring, and that bear pose is too silly for me. Plus they would never dance like that, it’s ridiculous.
Hart: Before making his name on the Independents and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Tom started off in MMA debuting for the UFC on season 8 of The Ultimate Fighter. In mixed martial arts, Tom went on to have a record of 11 wins, 8 losses, and 1 no-contest.
- Was it difficult to transition from MMA into Pro Wrestling? Is it similar training when preparing for a match-up?
Yes extremely difficult. In one sport you try to go as fast as possible so no one can see what you are doing, while in the other your job is to amplify the smallest struggle so that everyone understands it. My training is largely the same as it was for MMA.
Hart: Tom Lawlor debuted for New Japan Pro Wrestling in 2020 participating on both New Japan Strong and in Japan for things like the G1 Climax and Stardom x NJPW Crossover show, teaming with Syuri, in a losing effort to Giulia & Zack Sabre Jr. I asked him about his time working with NJPW.
- What are the man differences in wrestling for NJPW Strong vs a tour in Japan NJPW?
Well in Japan the fans seem to cheer me and in the USA a lot of times I am jeered. It’s tough for me to really compare the two instances because the crowds in Japan were still limited by Covid and the fans couldn’t cheer during the G1 last year. Overall the biggest difference to me is still the fans outward expression of appreciation towards the work of the wrestlers in Japan. There’s nothing like it.
- Following from the last question, with the rebuilding of NJPW Strong, do you have any plans for taking more tours in Japan?
I wish. I’d live there if I could.
- Who else in Stardom would you like to team with?
Obviously, I am a big fan of anyone associated with Syuri or God’s Eye. I also think I’d make a great member of Club Venus.
- For my final question, I was interested in seeing what young wrestlers he’s been keeping an eye on in the indie scene, so who are currently some of your favorite young wrestlers on the independent scene that aren’t Team Filthy?
Josh Bishop, Brutus Dylan, Sandra Moone, Alec Price, Kevin Blackwood, Matt Makowski
Hart: I hope you all enjoyed my brief conversation with Tom Lawlor. Thank you so much to Tom for taking the time to talk with me. I am a huge fan so being able to work with him on something like this was truly an honor and something I was passionate about getting right.
You can follow Tom Lawlor on Twitter: @FilthyTomLawlor
