MANILA, Philippines – Coming for a stopover for the first time in the country is wrestling superstar Chris Masters.
Known as “The Masterpiece” during his tenure in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Masters will be among several wrestling champions participating in the World Wrestling Fan Xperience (WWFX) Champions Showcase Tour 2012 to be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Feb. 4.
“WWFX Wrestling is all about bringing together all the popular and favorite TV wrestling superstars in regions that WWE or TNA, for example, don't come to that often,” Masters explained in an e-mail interview with Bulletin Entertainment.
“WWE TV is on in the Philippines every week but they haven't come to Manila in three years. That's where we come in,” he added.
According to Masters, WWFX is all about allowing fans a more intimate look at their wrestling idols.
“If you go to the usual wrestling show you won’t be able to meet the wrestlers. At WWFX, we offer a number of contests, give-aways, backstage passes, and post-show autograph signings where the audience can meet the wrestlers in person and 'Xperience' the event. That’s the ‘X’ in World Wrestling Fan ‘X’ -perience,” Masters explained.
But the big thing, of course, is the action and Masters promises to electrify the Filipino crowd at the event with his much lauded wrestling skills.
“I think anyone who comes to SMART Araneta on Feb 4 to see the WWFX show will see that I am one of the bests both in physique and in wrestling talent. M.V.P. (another popular wrestler appearing in the event) is a super popular wrestler, but I'm not just a body. I'm good too. And I'll beat him and prove that,” he crowed.
Among Filipinos he hopes to meet during his visit is boxing hero Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.
“I would love for Manny and his wife, Jinkee Pacquiao to come out to crown the WWFX Championship title to the winner of the John Hennigan vs. Shelton Benjamin main event,” he said.
“What better way to be crowned world champion than by the number one fighter in the world,” he added.
Born Christopher Todd Mordetzky, Masters started his wrestling career at the age of 16, finding his way into the WWE a short three years later where he became known as “The Masterpiece” owing to his chiseled body.
Masters went on to become among the popular faces of WWE, facing stars such as John Cena, Rey Mysterio – and even his idol, Shawn Michaels.
“I idolized him as a kid and was able to wrestle him on a pay per view. How many people get to wrestle their child hood hero? It was cool,” Masters said of the experience.
Not surprisingly, his signature moves, "The Polish Hammer" and the “Master Lock,” became popular as well.
“The polish hammer was actually too powerful of a move and I gave it up after I broke another wrestlers’ nose and crushed his orbital bone. As with the Master Lock, it was basically a Full Nelson hold, which I re-dubbed and it became my hold. Even though it had been used years before, in the 2000's it was mine,” he enthused.
Still single at 29, Masters said he is not planning to settle down soon even as he admitted having hit his peak already as far as wrestling goes.
“My plan is to just keep moving forward and keep getting out there. I think it would be a shame to turn away from it now and not continue wrestling. But I'm not opposed to dabbling in acting and seeing what else is out there, while also staying a full time wrestler,” he said.
Joining Masters in the WWFX tour are Carlitos, John Hennigan, Melina and more. Tickets are available at all TicketNet outlets. For more information, log onto www.wwfxperience.com.
source: mb.com.ph
