RWF SPOTLIGHT: STARS IN STRIPES

Aaren checks on Wild Boar - Photo via Rob Brazier/Head Drop

It's important to us here on the RWF blog to feature not just the awesome wrestlers, but also the incredibly talented people that work behind the scenes and in other capacities within Riptide.

With that in mind, you will almost certainly know our next guest. Consciously or subconsciously, you'll have seen him many times and he's probably been in the ring more often than anyone in promotional history - it's referee Aaren Wilde!

Aaren is a true Riptide regular at this point and has recently added the likes of Progress and Anarchy Pro to his resume. What better time to catch up and find out a bit about our favourite (sorry Shay & Tom) man in stripes...

***

 RWF: What are your earliest memories of wrestling?

My earliest memory is my first! I couldn't sleep one night and walked into the front room to see my Dad watching WWE Over the Limit 2010, the first-ever televised match I watched was John Cena vs Batista in the Last Man Standing match where Cena wins by taping Batista to the ring post. I was fascinated by it!

RWF: What made you decide to become a referee, and what was the first step you took on that path?

So, I started training to wrestle in 2012 at XWA in Morecambe but in 2014 whilst taking part in my GCSE Rugby exam I got severely injured, nearly breaking my neck. I wasn't able to do any physical activity for nearly 18 months, I trained a couple of times but didn't feel comfortable and felt dizzy so thought it was best to end that part of my aspiration. I was given the opportunity to referee at an Alpha Omega Wrestling show in Morecambe by the promoter and I loved it, didn't get hurt as often and had the best view of wrestling - treble win!

RWF: As part of your role with Riptide you are in the ring and in front of the fans more often than almost anyone else.  Is there anything in particular that you look forward to about appearing in Riptide or refereeing for the Brighton crowd?

Yeah, I've been lucky enough to spend a lot of time refereeing in Riptide and see some incredible matches from feet away. There are so many things to love about performing for Riptide, I could mention several things from behind the scenes that make it a fantastic experience. Nevertheless, I have to use the old cringey phrase of the fans are my favourite, and please don't think I'm kissing rear ends. Truly, my favourite thing is hearing the next creative chant, the roar for the fan favourites and the disdain for the villains. I can't count how many times I've nearly started laughing or snapping my fingers because of the crowd interaction, alas I'm a professional and would never do such a thing... obviously.

RWF: What has been your favourite match to referee so far?

That's tough. Probably Zack Sabre Jr. vs Chris Ridgeway from Brighton Spirit: Night One. I have loved watching Zack since I started wrestling and I first met Chris in 2014 when he wrestled in front of 30 people at The Friary in Lancaster. Seeing how much he has improved and grown as a person and as a performer was fantastic, despite the fact he's a bit of a prat in Brighton as part of Money vs Everybody.

RWF: What are your goals and ambitions for the future whether it be inside or outside the squared circle?

Outside, I'm studying at university so to graduate would be great! Inside, I'd love to get more experience refereeing around the country and learn from some of the incredible referees we have on the British scene currently.

RWF: If you could give one piece of advice - whether it be to aspiring referees, other people in the industry, or even the fans – what would you say?

I don't feel like I am the person people should go to for wrestling advice, I am so inexperienced compared to extraordinary talents whose brains people should pick! Despite that, I can most certainly tell people never to tread on Superman's cape or wee into the wind.

Aaren keeping the peace - Photo via Rob Brazier/Head Drop
RIPTIDE RAPIDS - 10 QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS

Something you'd love to try but never have?
Skydiving

Favourite city or town?
Berlin

If you could trade places with someone for a day - 
who would it be?
Troye Sivan

Last film you watched all the way through?
Deadpool 2

Ideal night out?
Death

Biggest fear?
Snakes

First person that comes to mind when you think 'underrated'?
Joey Hayes

TV Show you'd like to make a cameo in?
Ru Paul's Drag Race

Favourite word?
Rapscallion

One thing you can't live without?
Carbs. Sweet, sweet carbs

Aaren can be found on Twitter @AarenWilde and refereeing in reputable wrestling promotions around the country.
We'd like to thank Aaren personally for his time and effort in bringing you this interview.

 Photography taken, produced and owned by Rob Brazier at Head Drop - used with permission. Rob & Head Drop can be found on Twitter @RobBrazierPhoto

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