Andy: What's up?
Erik Zieba: Not too much...how about yourself?
Andy: Doing pretty good. Well, I guess first off, what characters do you handle, and in what feds?
Erik Zieba: Well I have two basic characters. One, named Apocalypse, is managed by 'The Sout Korean Vixen Nightmare' Miso and he can be seen in the CSWA and TCW. The other, named 'Good God' Kevin Powers, is managed by 'Risqué' Roseanne Fairhurst and can be seen in CSWA, TCW, and EWI
Andy: How different would you say the character's are?
Erik Zieba: They are very different in appearance, but very similar when it comes to results. Apocalypse is a dark character who is Hell bent on destroying those who dares to seek fame and forture for themselves. If I had to make a comparrision with him to real wrestlers I would say he's a mix between The Undertaker and Sting...
As for Kevin Powers he's your basic Party guy who enjoys having fun, mostly at other's expense, all the time. If I had to compare him....it would be a Nash and Hall mix
Andy: Is it very hard to keep that difference between the two when you are roleplaying with both of them, sometimes in the same day?
Erik Zieba: Actually no it isn't. Sometimes I can find a way to put myself into a good mood and I can write for Powers. Other times I can think of stuff that upsets me, mostly what happens at my real job...Army...dont' ask, and that sets me in the perfect mood for Apocalypse
Andy: How did you first get started in fantasy wrestling to begin with?
Erik Zieba: Well I really got started in FW way back in 92 when I used to play in the IWA which is a play by mail game. There I met Pat Grady and AJ Honold, through mail, and we got to know eachother well. After I left Germany, where I first started, I went to Arizona and continued for about another year until I didn't have the desire to play anymore.....
Once I was moved to South Korea in 98 Honold introduced me to FW on the internet back in March and that's how I got into this 'fad'. I started with his fed, the SWWA, and from there I ventured out to others, but my mainstay has been the CSWA. So if I would have to give thanks to anyone...it would be Honold for introducing me to a whole new world.
Since then I have made a ton of friends thought this 'sport' and have even created my own league Extreme Wrestling International....I'm sure you remember that league Andy :)
Andy: Oh yes, I do believe I do :)
So you've been doing this a whole lot longer than most of the others involved, then.
What's some of the things you really enjoy about fantasy wrestling?
Erik Zieba: The thing that really hooks me into the game is the writing of the RPs and how the cards turn out. I enjoy writing and doing stuff like this really helps me improve as a writer in general. And I always enjoy seeing how it is presented in a card. Sure if I come across a title then it's all good, but I'm really in it for writing and how it's progressed in cards.
Andy: Just trying to tell a story, then?
Erik Zieba: Basically. When I write Powers and Apocalypse I try my best to get into character and in the past I have enjoyed the end result. If it be winning or taking the loss it's always fun to expand on those two characters
Andy: What are some of the things that you see in FW that you don't really care for, though?
Erik Zieba: What do I see in FW that I don't care for....that question is one I've been wanting to answer for a LONG time. I never thought it would be possible, but I have seen alot of 'politics' in FW that really gets under my skin. People have a league and let their 'buddies' win while others....Damn good RPers...get shoved under the carpet and overlooked time and time again.
Andy: I've seen it happen...it takes a lot of the whole purpose to the game away...just to have fun....
Erik Zieba: I know...I enjoy writing and that's all there is to it, but when people get wrapped up in their character and start to 'voice their opinion' it really takes away from the game. Plus with other league figureheads helping out their friends rather than giving to good RPing talent it really takes away from it.
From a RPer side I have seen it and from a league owner I have seen it too, but rest assured, and I'm not trying to push my league I'm just stating a point, that EWI does not give the veterans all the breaks. If you are good then you are noticed quick point blank.
Andy: That's good.....well, up to the next question....you said the army....how old are you, and what is your position inside of the army?
Erik Zieba: That is right I am in the Army and I've been in for about nine plus years now. I've been from Georgia to Germany to Arizona to South Korea to Texas. During that entire time I have worked on repairing radios and other communication eletronic equipment. I'm at the rank of Sergeant and have been so for about a year now. And for being 28 years old with nine years in my retirement is lookin' pretty good.
Andy: Heh, I'd say so. Are you one of those guys who gets to hollar at everyone, and who everyone cowars from?
Erik Zieba: I'm in that position yes, but I'm not that person. I'm the type of person you can approach and talk to on a reasonable basis cause I know how difficult it is being at a lower rank. The thing with me is we can play, but when it comes time to work we have to do that first. I'm simple to get along with, but I can have a creative streak when people try to take advantage of the situation.
Andy: I understand. Where are you stationed at right now?
Erik Zieba: Right now I'm at Fort Hood, Texas which is pretty much Central Texas. Located an hour north of Austin and three hours south of Dallas/Fort Worth.
Andy: You're not stationed too far from where my father was transferred to, actually.
So, you use a lot of what happens in the military to help you in writing roleplays?
Erik Zieba: Basically this is true. With the military, especially overseas, people tend to go out and have a good time and that's how I can best go for the Kevin Powers mode. And, an advantage of RPing is that I have been to several places so I can make my RPing more realistic.
Andy: That's a touch that can be obvious when people read them, too.
In pro wrestling, who are some of the wrestlers who you like to watch?
Erik Zieba: My favorites, other than the ones that my FW wrestlers are created by, are Chris Benoit, Bret Hart and Y2J. I also enjoy watching Triple H and Mankind cause they can really work a crowd.
I like watching all of wrestling really since I've been 'glued to the set' for about 20 years now wrestlingwise.
Andy: Before WCW was "WCW", and when ECW was just a dream...
Erik Zieba: Back in World Class, Global, and AWA and before that.
Heck I even have a old Sports Illistrated book with Hulk Hogan on the cover...when he had HAIR!!
Andy: Haha...I can't even remember Hogan having hair! For as long as I've known of him, he's been the ever balding guy.
Erik Zieba: Well back in the day he had hair. Just watch Rocky III one time.
Andy: Is there really any certain mindset you find yourself having to get into before doing rps?
Erik Zieba: It just depends on the mood I'm in really. If I'm in a good mood mixed in with reading some other people's RP's then I can write Powers no problem. If I've had a bad day at work and think about my past then I can write Apocalypse no problem.
Andy: Does music or etc ever come into play?
Erik Zieba: Oh yes it does. If I'm not listening to WWF Vol 3 or 4 or the new WCW Mayhem track then I can put in some Garbage, Bush, or The Matrix soundtrack and start writing.
Andy: That the kind of music you are into?
Erik Zieba: I'm into all sorts really. I can have a Korn and Manson day or I can have a Dre or Snoop Dogg day. I listen to pretty much anything really.
Andy: Even country?
Erik Zieba: I have been known to listen to country in the past. Hey when you're in the military you have to adjust to the enviroment you find yourself in. It's a way of life. I might not like some of the country music, but I'll sure drink their country beer.
Andy: Haha . . . that's the one constant that we can always depend on you about! You know your alcohol, eh?
Erik Zieba: Give me some German Permanator or some South Korean Soju and I'm a happy man, but never....E-E-E-EVER take away my drink...that's what makes me truly happy.
Andy: So, what are some of the things you like to do in your free time?
Erik Zieba: I like to keep myself in shape cause that makes me feel better about myself. I also enjoy traveling, especially when I'm driving at the time, cause it helps me to relax.
And spending time with my family. That is ALWAYS a must.
Andy: Are you married right now?
Erik Zieba: Yes I am. I've been married for six plus years and together we have one little, and sometimes troublesome, boy.
Andy: How old is your son?
Erik Zieba: He just turned six this December
Andy: The good 'ol "why" stage....
Erik Zieba: Exactly
Andy: My nephew only 2, so he's in that "what's this" stage.
Erik Zieba: LOL yep...been there and done that.
Andy: So, back to e-feds real quick....how did you come about obtaining the EWI, formerly known as MWC?
Erik Zieba: Ah the EWI. I, along with Randy Harders, came about controlling MWC back when Warren Fitzpatrick didn't have time for the league anymore. We picked it up, changed some things around, and made it our very own. It took some time, but with the product we have created we feel it is much better than it once was.
Andy: What is the total age of the fed?
Erik Zieba: The total age I would have to say is about 1.5 years cause I started out in MWC while I was in SK, but with the EWI now in control I would say the new era is about 6 months old
Andy: Does it ever get hard, running a fed and also roleplaying for two characters, as well?
Erik Zieba: It can at times, especially with Real Life taking over, but that's why with Randy Harders and Chad Dupree's help, along with other writers I ask to help from time to time, it's pretty easy to run EWI and RP most of the time.
Andy: So, what is your current status in feds?
Erik Zieba: Well...pretty much...I'm in the Heel role in the feds I RP which I enjoy. Powers and Apocalypse are enjoying a nice heel run in TCW under the Brute Force banner with Co-Commissioner Lecompte. In CSWA Powers has joined forces with Apocalypse in The UnHoly and has even gained the Tag Team Championship there
Granted Powers doesn't wanna 'be' with The UnHoly, but he has no choice.
Andy: Kind of like an associate to them?
Erik Zieba: You could say that. Apocalypse, through his evil ways with Miso, showed Powers the 'true light' of the friends that surrouned Powers. Powers basically had no choice but to join up with Apocalypse. It may be against his will, but he does it neverless. I have been working on that storyline for a year and so far it has been doing wonders.
Andy: How much thought, and how long, would you say you spend on working angles?
Erik Zieba: Well if I can created or work with someone on a good angle I'll go for a couple of months with it just because it'll add excitement to a league.
With the angle I've been working in the CSWA I've made Apocalypse and Powers well-known names.
Andy: So you use more of an angle approach to everything, instead of just trying to see what titles you can stack up?
Erik Zieba: I"m not about the titles. If I get a title then it's all good. I'm more for developing a storyline to make things more realistic and understandable. I would rather fight with someone over a long period of time developing a history rather than a quick one match thing and call it a day.
I feel that creating a long storyline adds to a fed and makes reading more interesting for others
Andy: I agree.....seems to add more realism into the whole picture
Erik Zieba: And that's what FW is all about I think. Adding creativity and realism to reading rather than one match and one kill sort to speak.
Andy: Well, it makes entertaining reading. Wrapping up, is there anything you wanted to say to those who will be reading this?
Erik Zieba: Yes I do. If you are going to get into Fantasy Wrestling please try to remember that it's for fun. There is no need to take anything seriously and have it bother you for the rest of the day. It's just a hobby that others have created to have fun and joyful reading. If you've got the time then go for it. Now when you become a League Owner...THEN you can take it seriously! Just kidding :)
Andy: Haha.....you can just feel the fun oozing into the pond of stress.
Erik Zieba: Puddles upon puddles of stress! Hahaha...that's right!
Andy: Haha....well man, it's been fun! Thanks for taking the time.
Erik Zieba: It's been great Andy. Thanks for allowing me to be apart of the column.
Andy: Been great. Catcha later man.
Erik Zieba: latErZ
