Daily DDT Interviews Former WWE Head Trainer Dr. Tom Prichard

By Brian Rzeppa | Sep 15, 2014

After a historic career in both the United States Wrestling Association and the World Wrestling Federation, Dr. Tom Prichard made a lasting legacy in the wrestling business as a head trainer for WWF/E. Under the guise of Prichard, stars such as Kurt Angle, The Rock and Mark Henry all made their mark. The historic wrestler/trainer joined Daily DDT to discuss his time as a trainer as well as his own wrestling career.

Brian Rzeppa: What was it that first made you want to step into the ring?

Tom Prichard: It was a different business when I grew up watching. From my first memory watching at 4 years old I wanted to be a wrestler. The action, atmosphere and colorful characters drew me in.

Who were some of your favorite wrestlers growing up?

The Funks, Harley Race, Johnny Valentine, Wahoo McDaniel, Jack Brisco, The Infernos with JC Dykes, The Von Braunners with Saul Weingroff, Ricky Romero to name a few.

More from NXT

What were the thoughts going through your head during your first match?

I was nervous, excited and living the dream.

During your time in the Continental Wrestling Federation, you were involved in a very controversial angle that involved you being hung. How was this angle created, and what are your thoughts on it looking back?

As a kid watching wrestling in El Paso, I’d seen Nick Bockwinkel thrown around the ring after a wrestler named The Hangman took his noose and put it around his neck. It looked brutal. Tony Anthony (The Dirty White Boy) and I needed something to keep our angle going and I came up with handcuffing and hanging me. I thought it was great at the time. There was no way to work being drug from the interview platform to the ring, so we just did it.

During your stay in the USWA, you spent a lot of time with Steve Austin. Did you ever think that he would become that star that he eventually morphed into?

I had a feeling he would be a star but nobody (even Steve) could possibly fathom how big at that time.

What would you say was the highlight of your time as a wrestler with the WWF?

Wrestling in Madison Square Garden was big for me. Winning the titles at WrestleMania 12 should have been but the reality was the tag team division was pretty shallow at the time.

During your time as a trainer you spent time with the likes of The Rock and Kurt Angle. Did they immediately stand out amongst the other wrestlers you had worked with?

They were both naturals. They had the drive and passion it took to be great.

Aside from some of the big names, who were some of the students you trained that you were surprised didn’t make it big?

Curt Hawkins should have been bigger. Justin Gabriel, Heath Slater are two other guys that I thought would have been bigger, too.

Were there ever any independent talents that you had your eye on that the company didn’t end up signing?

Bobby Roode.

Currently, who are your favorite performers in WWE, or TNA for that matter?

Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Brock Lesnar and John Cena.

With the current influx of independent talent (Kevin Steen, KENTA, Prince Devitt, etc.) coming to NXT, how do you think they will adjust to the WWE style?

I’m really not sure, to be honest. I don’t know what they’re dealing with while training. Some guys can play the game better than others. Some who you think should do well don’t and then others surprise everybody.

”Follow your passion and love what you do.”

Are there any talents currently in NXT that you think have the ability to become household names at the next level?

There’s a lot of them, if they learn how to play the game. The first “wave” of all NXT stars have yet to arrive. The so-called “NXT talent” there now actually started at Florida Championship Wrestling.

What do you think is the most important aspect for superstars coming up from NXT to the main roster to be able to catch on with the crowd?

They need to stay true to themselves, learn the political climate and adjust.

In your opinion, do you think Roman Reigns is ready to jump into the main event of WrestleMania and take on Brock Lesnar? If no, how would you propose that they handle the main event (or who should stop Lesnar)?

Reigns has a way to go in the ring and on the mic. They shouldn’t throw him into something that he’s not ready for. I don’t see anyone with the exception of The Rock who could stand toe to toe with Brock after Cena.

What are some of your interests aside from wrestling?

Politics, talk radio, rock and roll, reading and researching the history of professional wrestling.

Do you have any advice for those looking to become professional wrestlers?

Follow your passion and love what you do. But be careful what you wish for these days.