Firstly, could you give us a background on Jack Sexsmith away from the wrestling ring?
I was raised in Soho and moved out to Hatfield in Hertfordshire when my parents separated. I committed myself to a Pentecostal Christian church in my teens before realising I was suppressing my true sexual identity during university. I have since moved away from religion and attempted more and more each day to embrace who I really am: a proud pansexual, who loves professional wrestling and has a borderline unhealthy obsession with Ryan Reynolds.
How were you introduced to wrestling and who were some of your favourite wrestlers growing up that you looked up to as inspirations?
Just flippantly found a match with Road Dogg in when I was super young. Loved it and didn’t know why. Was always enamoured with Kane who I always felt such sympathy for. When I was slightly older a rapping John Cena was always my guy: he would slay you with rhyme and then batter you in the ring.
When did you decide that you wanted to become a professional wrestler and what was the reaction of your family and friends when you told them about your decision?
It was harder to come out as a wrestler to my family than it was as pansexual! Most of my closest friends aren’t wrestling fans either so they were largely unfazed. It’s great to have people like that in my life though. They keep you grounded and refocus your attention on the occasions when wrestling takes over. Ultimately, what can you bring to the wrestling game without outside influences?
You trained at the Projo under trainers such as Darrell Allen and James Davis. What was the experience like training at the Projo?
That’s been fantastic. I originally studied under for FWA champion Justin Richards, who was spectacular at establishing the foundations of which I continue to work from today. However, I required a knee replacement and came away from the game for a long while. When I eventually got back into things I knew I had to go to Progress and learn from talent active on the scene. Getting input from a myriad of top worker proved invaluable to my development.
You made your PROGRESS debut at ENDVR 10 against Earl Black Jr., Damon Moser and Mark Hendry, what are your memories of that show and the match itself?
I didn’t have ring gear so I wrestled in a set of yellow Calvin Klein ‘package pants’. That was a real learning curve in terms of character and moveset. Just being in front of a crowd that size and clocking what was getting reactions was a real experience. It’s hard to watch at times these days because I’m so very bad in it but it has massively helped me get to where I am today/
Your nickname is the "Pansexual Phenomenon" which to you is more than just a wrestling character. Was it always your plan to use your sexuality in wrestling or was it something that just happened?
Not at first. At first I just wanted to be a wrestler people remembered. I was insecure about the wrestling world knowing my sexuality and had reservations about making my sexuality a defining aspect of my character. In time I grew more confident and realised that I had the potential to do a lot of good with it. Wrestling personas for me are invariably at their best when they are as closely linked to the talent’s true personality as possible: it’s more authentic and engaging that way. After my singles match with Eddie Dennis at ENDVR 11, I knew what I needed to do.
In some sports, it's sometimes considered a sort of "taboo" to come out as gay, bisexual, pansexual etc., were there ever any issues when your peers found out about your sexuality or did you receive 100% support from everybody?
I feel absolutely blessed that everyone behind the scenes in the wrestling world has been nothing but lovely to me. My pansexuality has been never been an issue with how I connect with my colleagues. 99.9% of fans are behind me and my intentions to be out and visible in the hypermasculine world of professional wrestling and for that I am truly humble.
You had arguably your biggest win to date against Zack Gibson at Super Strong Style 16 tournament in what was one of the best story driven matches of the year in PROGRESS. What was the overall feeling A) Before the match when the entire front row held up the flags to support you? and B) When you pinned Zack and Jim Smallman announced you as the winner?
I was utterly overwhelmed. I had been so fixated on the match that when it came to making me entrance I’d forgotten that my music had had to change (SCREW YOU COPYRIGHT!!!!). I hadn’t plotted any of my markers when entering and started to panic. When I finally came out of the curtain, saw all of the flags and took in the support I had received it was all too much and I just broke down. When I was able to win and the reception I got for my victory I was overcome with emotion. We had told such an emotive story and it was validating for me not only as a young aspiring wrestler but also as a member of the LGBTQ+ told see how it had resonated with people.
During that match, you injured your left arm. When did you realise you'd suffered the injury and how long did it take you to realise that you were going to be struggling with it through the rest of that weekend?
I think it was the last kick at the end. I had taken Zack’s Helter Skelter onto the outside (a move that rendered me largely unable to walk for days after the first time I took it) and landed it pretty well. When I got back into the ring I took a stray shot and hyper extended my arm tearing my bicep. Sometimes these things happen.
I knew the arm was hurt but did not realise the extent until I tried to sleep that morning. It got to 4am and I couldn’t move it and went to A&E. Had it not been for the help of Robert Sharpe who was providing physiotherapy and massage that day I would not have been able to get into the ring with Mr Sabre Jr that second day.
The following day you faced Zack Sabre Jr. with the previously mentioned injury to your left arm. The injury obviously prevented a fair one-on-one contest that day but is there anything in the works for a rematch down the line?
I hope so. Zack’s a very busy man as you’d expect from one of the best in the world. Who knows what the future holds but I’d love the chance to prove myself against him.
After that weekend, how hard was it to deal with the injury and are you suffering any ill effects from it now?
By and large, I think I’m as close to 100% as I’ll ever be. It’s tender at times but I’m safe to work.
From the current PROGRESS roster, are there any wrestlers that you'd love to get in the ring with that you've never faced?
I get to go one-on-one with Pete Dunne on Sunday at Chapter 53, which I’m massively looking forward to. He’s probably the hottest name in BritWres right now and is an absolute scientist of a professional wrestler. Outside of him, I’d love to face Rockstar Spud and Nathan Cruz. Utter class veterans.
You recently wrestled on the PROGRESS show in Cologne, Germany. What was the overall experience like for you both personally and professionally?
It was great to be able to say I’m an international wrestler. For a while, I’d been telling people I was because I worked a charity show in Scotland once ha! The place was awesome and the crowd received me really well. Surprised how many people knew me when I turned up in WXW’s Shortcut To The Top Rumble but I suppose it goes to show the reach of Progress’ popularity.
Is there anything in the pipeline for you to return to Germany, or for you to wrestle in any other country for that matter?
Let’s wait and see!
What are your future goals in professional wrestling for the remainder of 2017 and beyond?
I just want to get better. I’m so happy with what I’ve done throughout the course of the year. I have many steps to take in order to reach the elite of the nation and the world, but that’s the goal. Be the ambassador the LGBTQ+ deserves.
Where can fans go to see you wrestling over the coming weeks?
I face Pete Dunne this Sunday (30/07) with Progress Wrestling in Camden. Then it’s Riptide on the August 3rd in Brighton, ACW on the 5th in Bermondsey, Leeds with TIDAL Aug 12th and UnPro Wrestling August 20th In Hackney.
Lastly, if you could name one person who's had the biggest impact on your career, who would you name?
* I’D RATHER NOT ANSWER AS I HAVE SO MANY INFLUENCES HA *
I was raised in Soho and moved out to Hatfield in Hertfordshire when my parents separated. I committed myself to a Pentecostal Christian church in my teens before realising I was suppressing my true sexual identity during university. I have since moved away from religion and attempted more and more each day to embrace who I really am: a proud pansexual, who loves professional wrestling and has a borderline unhealthy obsession with Ryan Reynolds.
How were you introduced to wrestling and who were some of your favourite wrestlers growing up that you looked up to as inspirations?
Just flippantly found a match with Road Dogg in when I was super young. Loved it and didn’t know why. Was always enamoured with Kane who I always felt such sympathy for. When I was slightly older a rapping John Cena was always my guy: he would slay you with rhyme and then batter you in the ring.
When did you decide that you wanted to become a professional wrestler and what was the reaction of your family and friends when you told them about your decision?
It was harder to come out as a wrestler to my family than it was as pansexual! Most of my closest friends aren’t wrestling fans either so they were largely unfazed. It’s great to have people like that in my life though. They keep you grounded and refocus your attention on the occasions when wrestling takes over. Ultimately, what can you bring to the wrestling game without outside influences?
You trained at the Projo under trainers such as Darrell Allen and James Davis. What was the experience like training at the Projo?
That’s been fantastic. I originally studied under for FWA champion Justin Richards, who was spectacular at establishing the foundations of which I continue to work from today. However, I required a knee replacement and came away from the game for a long while. When I eventually got back into things I knew I had to go to Progress and learn from talent active on the scene. Getting input from a myriad of top worker proved invaluable to my development.
You made your PROGRESS debut at ENDVR 10 against Earl Black Jr., Damon Moser and Mark Hendry, what are your memories of that show and the match itself?
I didn’t have ring gear so I wrestled in a set of yellow Calvin Klein ‘package pants’. That was a real learning curve in terms of character and moveset. Just being in front of a crowd that size and clocking what was getting reactions was a real experience. It’s hard to watch at times these days because I’m so very bad in it but it has massively helped me get to where I am today/
Your nickname is the "Pansexual Phenomenon" which to you is more than just a wrestling character. Was it always your plan to use your sexuality in wrestling or was it something that just happened?
Not at first. At first I just wanted to be a wrestler people remembered. I was insecure about the wrestling world knowing my sexuality and had reservations about making my sexuality a defining aspect of my character. In time I grew more confident and realised that I had the potential to do a lot of good with it. Wrestling personas for me are invariably at their best when they are as closely linked to the talent’s true personality as possible: it’s more authentic and engaging that way. After my singles match with Eddie Dennis at ENDVR 11, I knew what I needed to do.
In some sports, it's sometimes considered a sort of "taboo" to come out as gay, bisexual, pansexual etc., were there ever any issues when your peers found out about your sexuality or did you receive 100% support from everybody?
I feel absolutely blessed that everyone behind the scenes in the wrestling world has been nothing but lovely to me. My pansexuality has been never been an issue with how I connect with my colleagues. 99.9% of fans are behind me and my intentions to be out and visible in the hypermasculine world of professional wrestling and for that I am truly humble.
You had arguably your biggest win to date against Zack Gibson at Super Strong Style 16 tournament in what was one of the best story driven matches of the year in PROGRESS. What was the overall feeling A) Before the match when the entire front row held up the flags to support you? and B) When you pinned Zack and Jim Smallman announced you as the winner?
I was utterly overwhelmed. I had been so fixated on the match that when it came to making me entrance I’d forgotten that my music had had to change (SCREW YOU COPYRIGHT!!!!). I hadn’t plotted any of my markers when entering and started to panic. When I finally came out of the curtain, saw all of the flags and took in the support I had received it was all too much and I just broke down. When I was able to win and the reception I got for my victory I was overcome with emotion. We had told such an emotive story and it was validating for me not only as a young aspiring wrestler but also as a member of the LGBTQ+ told see how it had resonated with people.
During that match, you injured your left arm. When did you realise you'd suffered the injury and how long did it take you to realise that you were going to be struggling with it through the rest of that weekend?
I think it was the last kick at the end. I had taken Zack’s Helter Skelter onto the outside (a move that rendered me largely unable to walk for days after the first time I took it) and landed it pretty well. When I got back into the ring I took a stray shot and hyper extended my arm tearing my bicep. Sometimes these things happen.
I knew the arm was hurt but did not realise the extent until I tried to sleep that morning. It got to 4am and I couldn’t move it and went to A&E. Had it not been for the help of Robert Sharpe who was providing physiotherapy and massage that day I would not have been able to get into the ring with Mr Sabre Jr that second day.
The following day you faced Zack Sabre Jr. with the previously mentioned injury to your left arm. The injury obviously prevented a fair one-on-one contest that day but is there anything in the works for a rematch down the line?
I hope so. Zack’s a very busy man as you’d expect from one of the best in the world. Who knows what the future holds but I’d love the chance to prove myself against him.
After that weekend, how hard was it to deal with the injury and are you suffering any ill effects from it now?
By and large, I think I’m as close to 100% as I’ll ever be. It’s tender at times but I’m safe to work.
From the current PROGRESS roster, are there any wrestlers that you'd love to get in the ring with that you've never faced?
I get to go one-on-one with Pete Dunne on Sunday at Chapter 53, which I’m massively looking forward to. He’s probably the hottest name in BritWres right now and is an absolute scientist of a professional wrestler. Outside of him, I’d love to face Rockstar Spud and Nathan Cruz. Utter class veterans.
You recently wrestled on the PROGRESS show in Cologne, Germany. What was the overall experience like for you both personally and professionally?
It was great to be able to say I’m an international wrestler. For a while, I’d been telling people I was because I worked a charity show in Scotland once ha! The place was awesome and the crowd received me really well. Surprised how many people knew me when I turned up in WXW’s Shortcut To The Top Rumble but I suppose it goes to show the reach of Progress’ popularity.
Is there anything in the pipeline for you to return to Germany, or for you to wrestle in any other country for that matter?
Let’s wait and see!
What are your future goals in professional wrestling for the remainder of 2017 and beyond?
I just want to get better. I’m so happy with what I’ve done throughout the course of the year. I have many steps to take in order to reach the elite of the nation and the world, but that’s the goal. Be the ambassador the LGBTQ+ deserves.
Where can fans go to see you wrestling over the coming weeks?
I face Pete Dunne this Sunday (30/07) with Progress Wrestling in Camden. Then it’s Riptide on the August 3rd in Brighton, ACW on the 5th in Bermondsey, Leeds with TIDAL Aug 12th and UnPro Wrestling August 20th In Hackney.
Lastly, if you could name one person who's had the biggest impact on your career, who would you name?
* I’D RATHER NOT ANSWER AS I HAVE SO MANY INFLUENCES HA *