Review Fix Exclusive: EYFBO’s Angel Ortiz Talks Origin in Wrestling, Future

Review Fix chats with Indie Wrestler Angel Ortiz, one-half of the EYFBO tag team, who discusses his origin in the business and his goals for the future. In one of the most talented tag teams in the independent wrestling scene today, Ortiz lets us know exactly what makes his team special and what he thinks it takes to be a success in the industry.

Review Fix: When was your “calling”? When did you know you wanted to be a pro wrestler?

Angel Ortiz: Well it would have to be when I was about 14 years old. I really got into the attitude era, Stone cold and The Rock were hot at the time. That’s what sparked my interest. But what made me want to be a pro wrestler was watching Japanese wrestling. My cousin used to tape trade with his friend Nick. I got to see tapes from All Japan, New Japan, and Toryumon, Its so different from American wrestling. Its more of a competition and such a hard hitting style. That then lead me to get into the American indie scene. Early Ring Of Honor, CZW and Jersey All Pro wrestling. These companies were heavily influenced by the Japanese and Mexican style of wrestling. I was like “there is wrestling like this I can go see live!”. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a pro wrestler.

Review Fix: How did you guys get together as a Tag Team?

Ortiz: It just kinda happened. Both Draztik and I had known each other from when we were Teens. We were never really close but were good acquaintances. We used to backyard wrestle for the same group.We eventually went our separate ways. I realized it was time to get serious so I joined a wrestling school back in 2008 in Long Island called Fight The World Wrestling (FTW). He joined one in 2007 in Staten Island. We had no idea at the time. Sometime around 2010 we randomly bump into each other at a wrestling show after not seeing each other for like years years. He mentioned he was looking for a job. I was in a position to help. So I recommended him to the people I work for and they hired him. Our friendship grew and all we did at work  was talk about wrestling lol. we jokingly talked about forming a Tag Team. We were both kinda why not? The rest is history.

Review Fix: What has your career highlight been so far?

Ortiz: I mentioned Before how Jersey All Pro was a huge influence on me wanting to become a pro wrestler. Back in 2015, we got to wrestle in a Jersey all pro event in front of about 2000 people at the Rahway Rec center. That alone was a huge deal. But the fact we were in the Ring with the Likes of Homicide and Hernandez (LAX) was icing on the cake. It was such a surreal moment. These are some of the guys I grew up idolizing. To be in the same ring and be considered a peer was the best feeling in the world.

Review Fix: What is your finisher? Why is it special?

Ortiz: Well we have two finishers as a Tag Team. One is the Villiano killer which is Me holding an opponent in a Powerbomb position, while Draztik jumps off the top rope into a flipping neck breaker. We all simultaneously hit the mat. The other one is an assisted flipping Piledriver. They are special because no one does it like we do. We got a certain spice that we throw on it. It something you just have to witness to understand.

Review Fix: Are you prepared to one day be a singles performer?

Ortiz: Well when I initially started out wrestling I was a singles competitor. So yes, But I have fallen in love with tag team wrestling. There is so much more you can do with another person. I honestly don’t see that happening anytime soon. Draztik and I are so much alike and so different at the same time. But we have always had the same goals in wrestling. I don’t see that happening anytime soon.

Review Fix: What wrestlers have inspired you the most?

Ortiz: Da Hit Squad (Dan Maff and Steve Mack). Over the last year, these two have taught us so much. We had the pleasure of wrestling them multiple times this past year and I’m sure we will this year. Every time we enter the ring with them we learn so much. They have not only taught us in the ring but more importantly how to do business outside of the ring. Also My fellow team mates in Team Pazuzu ( Chris Dickinson, Pinkie Sanchez, and Jaka). Being on the road with them this past year inspired both Draztik and me to step up our game. We all learn from each other and we have grown so much over the past year.

Review Fix: What have your experience in the Indies taught you?

Ortiz: If you wanna make it to the next level you gotta work hard. you have to deal with Long hours on the road, Lack of sleep, performing while sick, sometimes performing while you’re injured. You miss friends and families birthdays and special events. But if you want this it’s something you have to fight for.

Review Fix: Was there ever a moment you thought of quitting?

Ortiz: No, In the wise words of Ric Flair “ I will Never Retire!”

Review Fix: What’s your best advice for someone who wants to get into the business?

Ortiz: Work out first. You need to be in some kind of shape if you wanna be a pro wrestler. Get used to working out when your tired, sick and hurt. As a wrestler, we constantly are pushing our bodies to the limit. If you’re not taking care of it, then you won’t last very long.

Review Fix: What are your goals for 2016?

Ortiz: Travel more. Get over to the Midwest, west coast, The south and Mexico! Continue to climb the ranks of the companies we are currently working for such as Beyond Wrestling, C*4 - CAPITAL CITY CHAMPIONSHIP COMBAT, Inter Species Wrestling, Jersey All Pro, House Of Glory, Warriors Of Wrestling and Game Changer Wrestling.

Review Fix: What’s next?

Ortiz: Eventually try to get signed to a company with a national television deal And just keep perfecting our craft.