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 talent. This week’s 6-Step is with one CHIKARA's top stars, Kodama De Le Isla.
1. What got you into wrestling?
I think the thing that really grabbed my attention was some sense of immortality I felt imagining myself as a Pro Wrestler. The idea of creating something amazing and having people talk about it for many years to follow. The over the top characters and costumes they wore had me hooked. The suspension of disbelief and the curiosity as to what the heck goes on behind the curtains really intrigued me as a young kid. Entertaining strangers for money seemed like the right career path for me early on.
2. What’s been your favourite experience so far?
So far, one of my favorite experiences has to be during my time in the U.K. this past Spring and in 2015. I didn't want to go back home. The amount of alcohol that was consumed on this trip should be against the law. Kebab heaven, as I call it. The wrestling fans out there really appreciates what we do and understands why we do, more than we do at times. More importantly, the talent out there is second to none. I made very close friends during my time out there and I'm looking forward to the next time I see them all. They're all extremely hard workers and deserve all the good that will follow that type of dedication.
3. Where has been your favourite place to work so far?
CHIKARA is my home so there's a special place in my heart for everyone involved. I worked for Fightclub: Pro during my time in the UK and that place has easily become my favorite alongside CHIKARA. The powers that be and the locker room are among some of the best humans I've ever met.
4. What would be your dream scenario?
It's safe to say without a doubt, walking through the curtains at an ROH, TNA or NXT event seems like the obvious next step, or else...why am I wasting my time doing this? I think I've earned the respect of my peers and our fans to where that's what they want us to do next and I'm pretty sure that time is coming soon.
5. Who have been your favourite people to work with?
In the states, a few folks that we worked with countless times are The Colony, Frightmare/Hallowicked and Drew Gulak are probably some of my favs. During a recent run over in Cleveland, OH. for AIW, we had a blast working Greg Iron and Veda Scott. In the U.K... easily, The Hunter Brothers, Dan Maloney, Tyler Bates and Travis Banks are a bunch of guys that I would never mind flying 7 hours to wrestle every single day. Those guys are amazing. Anyone who is cool with having to scrub green and black face paint off their tights is OK in my book.
6. What does the future hold for you?
I'm approaching my mid-30's and while the window of "opportunity" is slowly closing on me, I have much more to offer and much more to give to this biz. There are far too many people that are left on my bucket list that I would really enjoy stepping in the ring with and many more places on this planet that I would love to visit. There might even be a face paint free run in me at some point. Only time will tell. And when the fans stop smiling, that's the day I'll hang up the boots for good and go back to playing ice hockey.
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