- Interview w/ Kyriakos Dimitropoulos
- Graphics creation: Aimilios Velia
From the bright lights of WWE and AEW to the intimate, passion-driven venues of the independent circuit, Brian Kendrick has carved out a career that defies easy definition. A technician, a storyteller, and a mentor, Kendrick has long been respected not just for what he does in the ring, but for how he thinks about wrestling as an art form.
Across multiple eras, he has adapted, evolved, and challenged convention, whether competing on the biggest stages or helping shape the next generation of performers.
In this first part of the exclusive interview to Purewrestling.gr, Mr. Kendrick explained that his recent visit to the Cyprus Wrestling Academy offered a revealing look into that mindset. Rather than focusing on spectacle, Kendrick’s impressions centered on fundamentals: strong coaching, dedicated infrastructure, and -most importantly- the hunger of young wrestlers willing to chase opportunity rather than wait for it.
That same grounded perspective extends to his views on Greece, a scene he admits he is still discovering, yet one he has consistently heard praised across Europe.
For Brian Kendrick, the path forward for talent in such regions is clear and uncompromising: initiative, persistence, and the willingness to step beyond borders. It’s a philosophy rooted in experience—one that reflects not only his journey across continents, but also his understanding of wrestling as a global language.
PART 1:
«The dream doesn’t chase you»
–Mr. Kendrick, first of all it is a huge honour for us that you accepted to do this interview. I wanted to ask first, what stood out to you during your visit to the Cyprus Wrestling Academy?
«First of all thank you so much for reaching out. I have to say that i saw a beautiful facility in Cyprus, with a great and knowledgeable coaches and a very dedicated staff».
-What potential do you see in the wrestling scene in Cyprus?
«Wrestling is fairly new to Cyprus, but the fans are good, the wrestlers are hungry for success and the potential for good things is definitely there».
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-What advice did you give to the next generation of wrestlers there?
«A simple thing. Put in the work. You chase the dream, the dream doesn’t chase you».
«Don’t wait for promoters to call, you call them!»
–What’s your impression of wrestling in Greece (ZMAK Pro Wrestling) and its growth potential?
«I have to admit that i am unfamiliar with the Greek scene, but I have heard it is very good.
Wrestlers throughout Europe have told me Greece (ZMAK) has a really strong independent wrestling scene».
-What do you think Greek wrestlers need most right now to break into the international scene?
«I can not speak for Greek wrestlers specifically, but to young wrestlers in general, I’ll say… go to where the wrestling is. Don’t wait for promoters to call, you call them first and you show up with your gear!»
-Would you be interested in working more closely with promotions or talent from Greece (ZMAK) or Cyprus (ACW) in the future?
«Yes! I love to wrestle. I love to travel. I have never been to Greece and it is the country I want to visit the most, since my childhood years».
«The Brian Kendrick of 2009 was a brash fella»
-Looking back at your time in WWE, what moment best represents who you were as a performer at that stage of your career?
«I think the The Brian Kendrick of 2009. He was a brash fella».
-You’ve been part of different eras in WWE. How did the locker room culture evolve over time?
«I will say it like this: I went from playing with Cards to playing with Video Games. I like both, but I would rather play cards».
-Was there ever a storyline or direction you wish had gone differently?
«Yes, but nothing I dwell on. I am happy today. I don’t wish to gamble today for a different past».
-How did working in a structured system like WWE shape your creativity compared to other promotions?
«Time became more important than the quality of matches. This took a while for me to understand. It is a TV show.»
Throughout his career, Brian Kendrick has achieved success across multiple major promotions:
- WWE Tag Team Champion (with Paul London)
- World Tag Team Champion
- WWE Cruiserweight Champion
- TNA X Division Champion in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
Beyond championships, Kendrick’s legacy is defined by his innovative in-ring style, deep understanding of storytelling, and lasting influence on younger generations of wrestlers.
