in

Austin Green is Here to Stay(Exclusive Interview)

Austin Green has already found himself making appearances for AEW.

Austin Green may not be a household name, just yet. But I’d be willing to bet that it won’t be long before it is. The Nightmare Factory graduate stands at 6-feet-3-inches tall and weighs in at well over 300 pounds, while possessing an impressive mixture of strength, speed and the nastiest sidewalk slam that I’ve seen in a very long time.

Also a mixed martial artist and experienced actor, Green will quickly capture wrestling fans around the globe, as he has already made several appearances for All Elite Wrestling. The sky is truly the limit for the mammoth known as The Bodyguard.

The Body Guard Austin Green is all about business. 

I recently exchanged text messages with Green and spoke about a variety of topics, including his dream opponents, who’s taken him under their wing and how he got his start to begin with. 

Here’s what he had to say…

Jon Shartzer: To start off, can you give our readers just a quick overview of who you are and a little bit about your background?

Austin Green: I’m from Newman, Ga; born and raised. I served six years in the military (Army), played some semi-pro football and arena football. After playing football, I started a career in MMA; training In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing, and started training pro wrestling shortly after. I also have done some acting in a few tv shows and movies.

JS: We’re definitely going to get into wrestling and MMA, but let’s talk a little about acting. I know that you had a part in The Walking Dead. What other credits do you have to your name and do you have anything currently in the works?

AG: I have done a few episodes of The Haves and The Have Nots, a scene in the movie Boss Level, Rampage, and a few other shows. Nothing in the works right now. Just been focusing on fighting and wrestling.

JS: Do you feel that acting has helped your transition into combat sports? In particular, pro wrestling?

AG: Yea, I feel it helps with camera awareness and being able to locate the camera and make good use of it.

JS: How did you get your start in MMA and was the plan always to both fight and wrestle?

AG: I had a friend hit me up and tell me I should fight and I would be good at it. I’m always down to try something once, so I started training and fell in love with it. Once I started wrestling, I found a love for that too, so I decided to do both.

JS: You trained to wrestle at the Nightmare Factory. What was that experience like and what would you say was your biggest takeaway from your time there?

AG: That place is amazing. The coaches are awesome and I have learned so much about wrestling that I never even knew about, and I’m still continuing to learn. My biggest takeaway is that nothing in this business is given, you have to earn everything.

JS: Has there been anybody in the industry that has kind of taken you under their wing and offered to help show you the ropes, so to speak?

AG: My coach, QT Marshall and Glacier/Ray Lloyd, and my buddy Baron Black have really been a huge help in making me better.

JS: Who has been your favorite opponent to mix it up with so far in your young career?

AG: I had a really good match with Frankie Kazarian on Dark. Also, Wardlow was fun since we’re both big guys. Those are always fun matchups.

JS: Who are some guys that you would like to get in the ring with?

AG: Some of my childhood favorites: Matt Hardy, Chris Jericho, Bryan Danielson. I would also like to wrestle my coaches, QT Marshall and Cody, as well. That would be fun.

JS: All are great choices and I hope that you get those dream matches. What about the flip side with MMA? Who would be your dream opponent?

AG: I really don’t have a dream opponent for MMA. That’s a whole different monster, honestly.

JS: I totally understand. Where do you see yourself in the next 3-5 years and beyond?

AG: Honestly, I see myself signed to a major wrestling promotion, or even an MMA promotion, doing what I love; and that’s competing.

JS: Obviously, you’re a real life bodyguard and that has bled over into your combat sports career. How much does Austin Green the person play into Austin Green the character? And in what ways are they different?

AG: It’s all pretty much the same. I’m just being me, both in the ring and out of the ring. The same way I am with my real life clients is how I am in the ring with my client. Nobody messes with my clients or they have to deal with me. 

JS: I like that. What can we expect from you in the near future?

AG: Just stay tuned. I’ve got some big things coming soon and I’m just getting started.

JS: Sounds great, man. Do you have anything that you want to plug before we wrap up? Merch, socials, etc?

AG: Follow me on IG and Twitter: @thebodyguard_ag. All merch is on sale at prowrestlingtees.com/thebodyguard.

JS: Thanks a ton for your time. It’s been a pleasure watching you grow and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you.

AG: Thank you. 

Written by Jon Shartzer

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The words Dark Side of the Ring in white on a black background

Dark Side of the Ring: The Many Faces of Luna Vachon

Mick Foley and Barbie in a hardcore/deathmatch

The 10 Best Mainstream Old School Hardcore/Deathmatch Icons Of All Time