One of the coolest things about attending as many local independently run Wrestling shows as I have this year, is seeing young up-and-coming wrestlers growing and maturing in the sport, ultimately becoming fierce competitors to rival many on the big TV brands. I feel especially privileged to have been in attendance for every 2023 Trailblazer Championship Wrestling show and watch as an entirely new generation of competitors began rising through the ranks in the area. One of those hungry young athletes that is just NOW getting started is a man named Johnnie Jo Black. Hailing from Turner, Kansas, Black hit the scene with his brother Bobby Joe Black last year and has since been appearing in numerous companies In Kansas, Missouri and beyond ever since.

Johnnie Jo Black made quite an impression at October’s TCW Monster’s Brawl II, wherein he made a statement to every single fan in that arena – Johnnie Jo Black is ready to fight and won’t back down from anybody. Fans have seen him for months now, albeit usually to support his brother as a manager. In October, however, that seemed to change with him finally getting a taste of the spotlight all for himself. I had a chance to talk with Black recently and wanted to take a moment to introduce him to my readership and learn about how he got started, his goals for the next year, and how he felt coming face-to-face with “The Suplex Cyclone” Curt Gannon. I am very thankful for Johnnie graciously taking time out of his day to speak with me and can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.

I generally ask a few of the same questions in these sorts of interviews, so don’t be surprised if you’ve seen me repeat a few before. As I build up a format that I like, I figure this makes it fun to compare how different people answer on a few of these.

Note: This interview was conducted electronically in November of 2023.

Any Images are my photos from various shows unless otherwise noted, sources will include Black’s social media pages or the TCW pages linked below.

Can you tell everyone a little bit about yourself?

“I’m Johnnie Jo Black, 29 years old, born and raised in Kansas City, KS. My brothers and I own a Ranch in the small town of Turner, Kansas.”

Outside of wrestling, what are you into? (Hobbies, movies games etc.)

“I enjoy writing stories, creating movie scripts, and comics. I’m a big music and cinema lover who loves to read comic books, explore new horizons, and learn new things. I Love to watch a good standup comic like Ralphie May, Gabriel Iglesias, and local K.C. comics like Richard Corp. He is pretty funny.”

Where did you train for your professional wrestling career?

“So, about eight years ago I started my journey with Trevor Murdoch and Derek McQuinn. Their head trainers were Mad Man Max Sterling and Mike Sydal. Something happened and that school closed. Shortly after, the NWL (National Wrasslin’ League) had a school that also closed. Flash Forward to a message I Got from Ryan and Jake King about their school. I told my brother and without hesitation we were there the next day. Trailblazer Championship Wrestling Performance Center is a place I’m glad to call my home.”

Do you have any tips for aspiring professional wrestlers? Recommendations?

“My advice is to do research! Go to a school that gives you knowledge and also has the experience level of what you want. If you’re in the K.C. area I recommend Trailblazer Championship Wrestling, with the head Trainers of Sir Bradley Charles, Madman Max Sterling, Mike Sydal, Jake King and Ryan King. They will get you ready to wrestle anywhere.”

What is the biggest mistake a young wrestler can make?

“Not taking it seriously and not listening to the people who’ve been there and done that.”

What got you into professional wrestling?

“Growing up watching it with my family. As a kid, seeing Diamond Dallas Page and Mick Foley put their bodies through hell, being the underdogs who got the gold. Somewhere I lost my love until I went to my first Metro Pro show. There, I was in love again after seeing people like Trevor Murdock, Mark Sterling, Derek Stone, Sir Bradley Charles, and Superstar Steve Fender. After that day, I knew again that this was what I wanted to do.”

What is your all-time favorite wrestling match to watch?

“I love watching The Rock vs Mankind in the I quit match. That match made me cuss in front of Mama Black and she excused it just that one time! I also like watching John Cena vs The Miz in their I quit match. As a teen, I loved seeing Cena get beat up. Now I cheer for John in that match, something about the never give up spirit I can get behind.”

What wrestlers do you look up to? Which are your favorites?

“Any of the above-mentioned wrestlers. Even the majority of wrestlers who made it to the top level. Harley Race has to be on top of that list. I believe Eddie Guerrero is one of the best wrestlers to ever live. Guys Eddie’s size shows me that people who aren’t six foot can be top guys.”

I have mostly seen you in Trailblazer Championship Wrestling, is there anywhere else you currently wrestle?

“I try to work as many places as I can. So far, the list is Harley Race’s baby, WLW, which is still an honor. Next, SICW where my brother and I wrestled the Top Guns. Out in Tennessee, I’ve wrestled for Pro Wrestling Mid South. Also wrestled for TAPW out in Junction City, KS. I had one match for Tri states.”

You have “worn many hats” so far with managing your brother Bobby Joe Black, tag team wrestling, and singles wrestling. Which of those do you enjoy the most?

“I enjoy any role I step into. I love being able to fill as many shoes as needed if asked upon. Obviously, my childhood dream is and still is to be a pro wrestler, but managing my brother is fun ’cause I get to see him punching and kicking guys. Being a ref is a thankless job, I don’t think they get enough credit for being the enforcer of the match. Tag is always nice cause if I get backed into a corner I know my brother has my back. Being in singles is challenging because it keeps me on my toes, due to size I have to outsmart my opponents.”

At TCW Monster’s Brawl II, you accepted an open challenge from “The Suplex Cyclone Curt Gannon”, what was going through your head when that happened?

“I had a point to prove, that despite my size everyone needs to see what I’m capable of. This was the shot I needed and was time put money where my mouth was.”

Sadly, you did not win that match, how do you feel about that?

“It’s back to training and to get better. Not giving up. Just because I didn’t get the at Monster’s Brawl doesn’t mean I won’t in the future.”

Do you want a rematch?

“Of Course! I lost this one, with Curt being a top guy, it might take a while for me to earn my spot back. However, I realize that if I keep sticking and moving, I may have a shot! I just can’t let Curt grab me, once that happens, he’s like Burmese Python – there’s no getting out.”

You and your brother spent a large portion of 2023 battling the likes of “Madman” Max Sterling and Salum Gust, what is their problem with you guys?

“I don’t know what their problem with us is. Maybe it’s our relentless tenacity, we get up and don’t stay down for long. Maybe it’s the fact we’ve proven we’re not scared.”

Do you think all of that is behind you?

“Honestly, we would like to hope so. That being said “never say never.” If not, I know Bobby and I are up for the challenge.”

What has been your personal highlight of 2023?

“Keeping weight off! No, on a serious note, my highlight of the year would be the open challenge, taking everybody by surprise. Everyone was expecting my brother. Highlight outside of Trailblazer was wrestling for WLW something I’ve wanted do since I was still in school.”

What was your biggest win?

“Honestly, my biggest win is, not giving up and keeping on going. I’ve not received a win as of yet in my career. However, if I can knock down the monster Curt, I may be able to knock down others.”

It’s somehow ALREADY the holiday season and since we’re on the cusp of 2024, what are some of your goals for next year?

“Goals of 2024 my brother and I rebranding and focusing on being better. I know my brother and I want to start wrangling in some tag gold. As well as moving up places we’re currently wrestling as well as expanding our horizons.”

Who is a dream opponent of yours?

“On top of that list is Trevor Murdock and Derek McQuinn due to my roots in my training. In TCW I’d love to wrestle Mike Sydal out of respect and accomplishments as well as the Barbarian. At some point I’d like to wrestle Camaro Jackson. I’d LOVE to wrestle Adam Pearce because he told me I couldn’t do this. The Miz, ’cause everyone told him he couldn’t do it. DDP and Mick Foley if they ever chose to wrestle again. Honestly, that’s putting my list short.”

I’m a big history guy, and I always ask this question – If you could travel back to any point in the past, what would it be?

“So, I’d love to go back to around 1955 and live out the rest of my life. I’d get to see the birth of Rock ‘n Roll. How cool would it be to see Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash in Concert as well as the Beatles? How about reading the comics when Stan Lee created the Marvel universe as well as being able to keep the originals? For historical purposes I’d love to go back to the Trojan War, see how the Horse was made and how we all fit in. Also, to see if the gods really helped in that war.”

You can find Johnnie Jo Black on Facebook HERE, be sure to give him a follow! He and his brother have a page as well HERE. I’ve also interviewed Bobby Joe Black, HERE.

For More about Trailblazer Championship Wrestling, check out their Facebook Page HERE, their Twitter page HERE, or YouTube HERE. TCW is also listed on Cagematch HERE

For More about Tri States Wrestling, check out their Facebook Page HERE, their Twitter (or I guess X) page HERE, or YouTube HERE. TSW is also on Cagematch, HERE. 

WLW has a website HERE, SICW has a page HERE, Pro Wrestling Mid South HERE, and finally TAPW HERE.