Wrestlezone’s Dominic DeAngelo recently spoke with JJ Dillon before managing Shawn Blanchard in his NWA Championship match against Nick Aldis. You can read a few transcribed highlights and listen to the interview below:
JJ Dillon on what Pittsburgh means to him:
This is special for me because my career really started here in Pittsburgh. A long, long time ago, back when Channel 11 had the Saturday morning show on the top of the hill. One of my first appearances was a television match with Killer Kowalski. I came in second that day, but it was a learning experience. When I reflect back, I always say that being in the ring with Killer Kowalski was the closest I thought I was coming to dying in the ring. Not that he was dangerous—I had all my teeth, no broken bones—but he just had a way of being relentless. Just about the time I thought I could take a deep breath, he put his big foot on my chest. Pittsburgh was always special. I’ve always enjoyed coming here and especially here [at KSWA Fanfest] for the toy drive. I was here last year and it was a huge success. The place is filling up, they’re going to run out of seats.
Dillon comments on lending his wrestling knowledge to today’s talent:
My days in the ring have dwindled down, so I have all of this wealth of knowledge and experience. People like Shawn [Blanchard] say ‘wow, if I’m a big important match, especially if my opponent’s got somebody in the corner, I’d like to top them and have you in my corner. I figured that way I’m going to have an advantage before the bell even rings.’ I take that as a compliment, and that’s why I’m here.
