Exclusive: OVW Champion Justin Smooth on his wrestling past, present & future

As of late, on behalf of Sportskeeda, I have been profiling a lot of the top talent currently wrestling for Louisville, Kentucky-based Ohio Valley Wrestling. After all, as OVW -- co-owned by wrestling legend Al Snow -- was the training grounds for a lot of the wrestling business' all-time draws, including John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, The Miz, and Batista.

Most recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Justin Smooth, the current OVW World Heavyweight Champion, who is also a former OVW Television Champion. Smooth can be followed on Instagram via @justin_smooth.

What was your entry into wrestling as a fan? Did you grow up watching a particular era or company?

Justin Smooth: I grew up watching the famous "Monday Night Wars" between WCW and WWF. Guys like Stone Cold, The Rock, Sting, nWo, D-Generation X and many more piqued my interest in professional wrestling.

Had you been to Louisville before working with Ohio Valley Wrestling?

Justin Smooth: I'd never been to Louisville prior to joining OVW. No person in their right mind should even consider it. either. Well maybe for [Kentucky] Derby, but that's all filled with politics and B.S., so you'll end up losing money anyway.

OVW has a history of creating some of wrestling's all-time top draws. Beyond yourself, who do you think are some of the OVW performers to watch?

Justin Smooth: I don't watch any prior OVW wrestlers and that's just the god's honest truth. I, however, rewatch my matches and segments and see what and where needs improvement.

A lot of people think of OVW as being "Al Snow's company," but not everyone realizes that it is an accredited technical school. What do you wish more people knew about OVW?

Justin Smooth: I wish more people knew we film television every single Wednesday night at the Davis Arena and the fact the OVW Heavyweight Champion -- yours truly -- is in the house every week guaranteeing they will get their money's worth. And oh yeah, we are a trade school offering certifications in many different fields, check it out.

What do the next few months look like for Justin Smooth?

Justin Smooth: Pretty much just hustling and enjoying this steady rise to superstardom, and I'm bringing OVW with me.

Is there a career accomplishment you are most proud of? Being OVW Heavyweight Champion?

Justin Smooth: Becoming OVW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, obviously.

Is there a long-term goal you are working towards in your wrestling career?

Justin Smooth: I'm #1 already, so my long-term goal is to make everyone realize that. One by one.

When not busy with OVW, where does your free time usually go?

Justin Smooth: Gym, sleep and watching my old matches.

Finally, Justin, any last words for the kids?

Justin Smooth: Stay in school, don't do drugs, watch OVW weekly and follow the champ on Instagram: @justin_smooth.