Retro Wrestling w/Gene Jackson Episode #42: with guest K-Swiss
The Retro Wrestling Archive Podcasts · Retro Wrestling Archive
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (media.transistor.fm) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
On this episode of Retro Wrestling with Gene Jackson, Gene sits down with EPW Wrestling Commissioner K-Swiss for an in depth conversation covering his journey through the independent wrestling scene, his development in EPW, and the evolution of his character both in and out of the ring.
K-Swiss opens up about breaking into the business in the late 2000s, learning from veteran influences, and how the modern wrestling landscape differs from the territory-era training environments where many legends learned strictly on the road and in the ring rather than in structured schools.
The conversation also dives into the importance of mentorship and giving back to the next generation, something K-Swiss now finds himself doing after nearly two decades in the business, helping younger wrestlers navigate mistakes he once made himself.
Gene and K-Swiss also discuss EPW Wrestling’s philosophy of creating opportunities for local talent to work with nationally known names, allowing younger wrestlers to gain experience while maintaining the promotion’s reputation as a place where visiting stars are treated professionally and want to return.
Later in the interview, Swiss talks about his transition into his current on-screen authority/commissioner role blending serious authority with comedic timing and how the character draws inspiration from classic wrestling authority figures while still feeling unique to his personality.
The discussion also touches on:
* Working with major name talent and locker room culture lessons
* Balancing character evolution with real life physical wear and tear
* Adjusting roles in wrestling to extend longevity
* The pride of helping build a respected local wrestling product
This episode is part career retrospective, part modern wrestling philosophy discussion, and part behind the scenes look at what it takes to survive and evolve in today’s wrestling industry.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrowrestlingarchive.substack.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★