The Six-Step Process is a regular interview that we ran on both the Team Venom website and Team Venom Magazine and will run on this website on a regular basis. Basically we ask the same 6 questions in a kind of “quick-fire” interview with a random top independent wrestling talent. Initially, we used this as a way to feature top British talent, but going forward we will also be using this to showcase top international talent also, like this week's guest; the voice of Ring of Honor, Joe Dombrowski.
1. What got you into wrestling?
I'd had a passion for this industry since the age of 5, and the strong desire to be a part of it from shortly thereafter. At age 16, I was lucky enough to co-promote and commentate on my first ever event, at my high school under the IWC (International Wrestling Cartel) banner. Everything built and progressed from there, and I'm so fortunate to have been able to experience all of the things I have since.
2. What’s been your favourite experience so far?
That's such a difficult question with everything I've experienced. I've called almost 4,000 matches. I produced television for six years. I've put out numerous original DVD & Digital releases to much acclaim and success. I've worked nearly everywhere I've ever desired to. I've been able to work with childhood heroes like Jim Cornette or Shane Douglas and call them friends. I've been able to meet people who have had an immeasurably high impact on me as a child, like Bobby Heenan. To me, my favourite experience is just the entire journey altogether. Being able to do what I love and share that love and passion with others through everything I do has never stopped being rewarding, and I doubt it ever will.
3. Where has been your favourite place to work so far?
While it may seem obvious, my time in TNA and ROH were career validating to me. To know two promotions like that, who have had such amazing, legendary, iconic talent pass through their doors on every level - wrestlers, announcers, production, etc - but they trusted ME with a live microphone and no safety net. That means a lot to me, and even if my run in wrestling ended five minutes from now, those are memories that will resonate with me forever. ROH was the first major place to give me a shot and I'll always be indebted to them for that. TNA, while my time there so far has only amounted to one event, was immensely positive, and all of the internet reporters who love to talk about how miserable everyone there is? It was the total opposite. Very welcoming and positive environment. I also have to give a shout-out to Scott D'Amore's Border City Wrestling in Canada, the most professional independent promotion I've ever worked for, my time in PWO/PRIME Wrestling, where I hosted & produced there TV, and of course IWC for starting it all for me. I also really enjoyed working in the U.K. for 1PW. I could write a book about that place (Hell, someone already did!).
4. What would be your dream scenario?
My unrealistic dream scenario would be to work with Bobby Heenan. I met The Brain at a convention in 2013, and regardless of his health issues and complications, he is still the same Bobby Heenan, and was still finding ways to go back-and-forth with me. That two minutes is one of my fondest memories, I could only imagine what 3 hours behind an announce desk with The Brain in his prime could have led to. My realistic dream scenario is just to have a steady job in a top promotion where I can contribute and help the business I love grow and prosper. I'm not doing bad in my current role(s) at all, but when the time comes, I'd love to keep progressing and take on the next challenge.
5. Who have been your favourite people to work with?
I love working with announcers who will either test me/teach me, and also entertain the hell out of me, and I've been fortunate to work with several who do at least one, but often both. Guys like Matt Striker, Mark Madden, Jim Cornette, Jack Korpela, Joel Gertner, Shane Douglas are all guys once upon a time I never thought I'd ever have a chance to share a mic with. Steve Corino and Aaron Maguire have been the two I feel I've had the most chemistry with. New Jack and the late Balls Mahoney were priceless as announce partners, though obviously highly unconventional. And even though we don't cross paths on-air very much, Kevin Kelly has taught me a lot away from the cameras as well.
6. What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully continued happiness, health, and a whole lot more wacky, bizarre, and unpredictable adventures in the weirdest but most fun business I could imagine being in. As far as what exactly that is, I guess you'll all just have to stay posted to my social media accounts and Joe-Dombrowski.com to find out. But whatever it is, I'll be ready.
For more information on Joe, head over to www.joe-dombrowski.com
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