Hamilton, Ontario’s Jax Williams has always possessed jaw-dropping athletic excellence.
Smash Wrestling hosts “Riot at the Music Hall” in London, Ont. this Sunday, Sept. 28. Jax Williams will be part of a Four-Way with fellow Canadian Brent Banks, American Joe Demaro, and Australian Kaz Jordan.
In a recent interview with SlamWrestling.net, the former college basketball player explained what made him switch to pro wrestling.
“It was my own choice to stop. I think some things didn’t go so well when I was in university. I got injured, I had shoulder surgery, I had some groin issues and I just kind of realized that I didn’t really love it anymore,” he reflected.
“I didn’t have the drive to get up every day and work at it. I was kind of honestly heartbroken about how it all went. In the gap between when that ended to when I started wrestling, I was just kind of wandering around [without] purpose, really. And wrestling was kind of like the thing that I fell back into. I liked it as a kid, and it just made me feel good.”
“Then I started to watch it more, and I said ‘I at least have to try.'”
His athletic background proved to be a boon when he stepped into the ring.
“When I started training, I realized that I had a pretty good base of athleticism. I was able to learn things relatively quickly. Things that I struggled with, I had the experience of already working towards skills and improving myself prior. So I just applied the same principles I’d used, like growing up in sports, to wrestling.”
The passion he’d always had for professional wrestling and the drive to always be better than he was the day before sparked a desire to be just like the wrestlers he grew up watching. He credits names such as Rey Mysterio, Kurt Angle, and Bret Hart as some of his favorites, aiding in his growing passion for the sport at the time.
Williams also took time to mention names that helped him, including TARIK, Brent Banks, and Psycho Mike. Veterans and mentors that gave him time when he was coming up. “All these guys have gone out of their way to work with me and help me.”
Try he did. He became obsessed with wrestling, rediscovering the passion and interest for it he had as a child.
Fans that were in attendance Saturday, Sept. 20 for Ante Up after AEW All Out witnessed Williams take on Jonny DeLuca in a Dog Collar Match. Though the two have had a few encounters in the ring, this was their first experience in a Dog Collar Match. Those in the building felt the passion Williams brings to every fight.
“Not everything went according to plan. I learned a lot of stuff, but it was cool,” he said. “Overall, I was happy with it.”
Williams came out victorious over DeLuca but was impressed with his opponent’s game plan. “He brought the fight. He’s a very flashy guy. He showed a little bit more grit than I’ve seen from him, probably ever. So I have to tip my cap.” The two have wrestled a number of times over the last year so there was a level of familiarity between them Saturday.
There was an added wrinkle to the match, a stipulation that will see DeLuca be Williams’ personal bag carrier. But that’s not all. “He’s got to promote my sponsors.”
As for the rest of 2025, Williams is not about to slow down with all the momentum he’s accumulating. “I’ve got a trip out to DC coming up in November. Then it’s pretty much every weekend of traveling around wrestling.”
“I don’t know my opponents coming up for a lot of shows. Usually it’s always pretty good, pretty challenging stuff. I’m looking forward to it.”
No matter the opponent, Williams will always be ready and confident.
Again on Sunday, William’s passion for his craft will show at the London Music Hall. His jaw-dropping athletic excellence may just lead him to stand tall over three fallen opponents.
TOP PHOTO: Jax Williams makes his entrance, drawing heat from fans. Photo courtesy of justwrestlingca.
RELATED LINKS
- Feb 1, 2025: Any Given Saturday proves hearty appetizer for royal rumble
- Dec. 30, 2024: Chris Bey benefit proves wrestling is a tight knit community
- Jax Williams socials: Instagram * X
- Smash Wrestling: Website * X
