Why did you want to become a wrestler? Who was your idol growing up?
My idol when I was 5 years old was Hulk Hogan. As soon as I saw him on the TV screen as a youngster I was hooked and a wrestling fan for life. I knew since that age that I wanted to be a professional wrestler when I grew up. I knew I had to make it happen.
Who is your favourite wrestler to work with? What’s your favourite match?
I can’t narrow it down to one. There’s a long list of guys who I’ve worked with that are amazing: Derek Wylde, Tyson Dux, Eric Young, Tyler Tirva, Sean Spears. These are just a handful of the awesome Canadian talents I’ve worked with numerous times over the last 20 years. Canada is a hotbed for talent.
My favourite match is my next one. I can’t wait to step in the ring. It’s my passion. I still look forward to it as much today as I did the first time I stepped foot in a ring to train 2 decades ago.
What keeps you inspired?
I’m inspired by my fans. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true. I have the most amazing and loyal fanbase. I have kids who follow my career and look up to me. I see them at events, and they are as awestruck by me as I was for Hulk Hogan. That is very weird for me. Surreal. But it’s something I take seriously. I do a lot of charity work with kids and for kids because I want to inspire kids to be a positive influence in their communities. Life is about so much more than just having a cool job and being a cool wrestler. It’s about making a difference. I’ve been able to use my influence in wrestling to make a small difference in people’s lives for the better. That inspires me every day.
If time travel wasn’t a problem, who would be your dream opponent?
Ooooohh. That’s a tough one. But I’d have to say Shawn Michaels. He is the ultimate storyteller. Everything he does is based on getting a feeling and emotion out of the audience. That’s always my goal. I believe I could have created magic with HBK.
What are his plans for after wrestling?
I plan on being involved in wrestling in some form for the rest of my life. Whether that’s as a producer, writer, or coach. I’m also going to continue to build my professional speaking business and brand. I can do that well beyond my wrestling career life span as it doesn’t require any bumps taking. Haha. And I love it. I’ve been speaking to youth at conferences, events, and schools, or the last number of years and it’s become a second passion for me.
What made you choose Impact Wrestling?
Impact Wrestling gave me my first big break in wrestling and my very first TV contract back in 2009. It holds a special place in my heart. It also currently has an amazing management team and, in my humble opinion, the most talented and hungry roster on the planet. I can think of no better place to be right now than Impact Wrestling.
Is there anything exclusive you can tell us?
I’m always thinking of different ways to connect with my fans. Especially during these difficult times. I’m currently doing shoutout videos, have run some online contests for kids, and am offering virtual presentations to schools and organizations during the pandemic. All info on that can be seen at www.CodyDeaner.com and folks can follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @CodyDeaner to stay connected and learn about all I’m doing. Wrestling promoters that are interested in booking me can hit me up at bookcody@codydeaner.com
