In May 2003 IPW Hardcore promoters created the JEFF PETERSON MEMORIAL CUP in tribute to the fallen cruiserweight star who passed in 2001 after a long battle with cancer. Since then the event has garnered a list of international stars who supported the event and honored Jeff’s memory by putting on five star caliber bouts. The previous winners were “Reckless Youth” Tom Carter, Justice, Chris Sabin, Milano Collection AT and Chris Hero. On Setepmer 26-27th sixteen men will come to Port Richey and Brooksville, Florida to try and join those names. Could this year’s winner be:
“Addicted To Love” Rhett Titus
Height: 6’2″
Weight:195
Hometown: Long Beach Island, NJ
Pro Debut: 2005
Website/Myspace: www.myspace.com/rhett_da_threat
Tournament History: Winner 2008 Chris Candido Memorial J Cup, 2007 Chikara Young Lions Cup V (lost in semi-finals), 2008 Chikara King of Trios (part of Team ROH w/ Shane Hagadorn & Alex Payne that lost to Team Chiva)
Where have you seen him: Ring of Honor, Maryland Championship Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Syndicate, Kyda Pro, National Wrestling Superstars, Chikara, Full Impact Pro
Championships held: Current holder of the Ring of Honor Top of the Class trophy, Current NWS Jersey Shore champion.
Alan Wojcik: What does being part of the 2008 Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup mean to you and what did you know of Jeff before you were invited to be part of the event?
Rhett Titus: The story of jeff Peterson is a really sad one to me. I remember reading a article about him in PWI back when I was a fan and it being very inspirational. I am very honored and excited to be a part of this tournament. I’ll be even happier When Rhett Titus wins this tournament and adds another one to his collection.
Alan Wojcik: You were trained by two established ROH stars Austin Aries and “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson. Talk about what was a day in their training regimen like and how did it shape you as a person.
Rhett Titus: I started my training with Austin Aries at the age of 17. We would do pushups, hindu squats, bench press, squats and sprints everyday. There were only 2 guys in my class, myself and Mitch Franklin. We did that workout regimen everyday until we started getting into the ring and we would get pumbled to oblivion by all the other guys at the school. Aries had the philosophy of I am your wrestling trainer I’m not here to be your personal trainer, which i wholeheartedly agreed with. But if I ever had any sort of personal problem Aries was a very approachable guy and became more than a trainer to us but a friend as well. Bryan had some different approaches to training and he would try to physically break you each and everytime you were there. It was basically the same workout regimen Aries had but just a whole lot more. More squats, more pushups and more running. I remember one day when Bryan asked us what exercise we wanted to do and being the smart ass I am I said jumping jacks. Bryan proceeded to have us do jumping jacks for 15 minutes. Needless to say no one at the school was happy with me that day. I dreaded going to training at the time and hated training with Bryan. But in the end it just made me a more dedicated wrestler and i wound up learning some cool unique things from Bryan as well.
Alan Wojcik: Some would say you are one of the cockiest and arrogant wrestlers in ROH actually adding your name to the 80’s classic “Addicted to Love” by Robert Palmer. Comments?
Rhett Titus: I’d be hardpressed not to agree that Rhett Titus is infact the COCKiest wrestler in all of ROH. As for being arrogant, I think people have a bit of a misconception on me. I am very confident. Confidence comes with being good at what you do and brother Rhett Titus is great at what he does and he knows it so therefore people take him as being arrogant. Does Rhett Titus and his humble self sound arrogant to you??? I think not… And as for the music… Believe it or not about 2 weeks ago I got a call from a number I didn’t know I was a little skeptical about picking it up but Rhett Titus said why not and who was it…? None other than Robert Palmer himself, He wanted to thank Rhett Titus for bringing his 80s classic back into todays culture and he proclaimed that the album is selling again and it is all thanks to RHETT TITUS!!! He is currently in talks with my agent about doing a remix of the song ..so look out for that. (Interviewers note: Mr. Palmer sadly passed away in 2003 )
Alan Wojcik: In ROH you had a series of matches with former Peterson Cup competitor Delirious involving his lady friend Daizee Haze. Going so far as to have her face airbrushed on your tights. Is that your favorite feud in your career or is there one that tops that in your mind?
Rhett Titus: I am still dumbfounded as to why Delirious doesn’t like me so much. He shouldve known he didnt have a chance with Daizee Haze nevermind the fact that Rhett Titus was involved in the picture. He may have bloodied me a bit but you know what brother?? Rhett Titus gets 2 see each and every part of Daizee Haze on my cell phone EVERYDAY!! Delirious never even caught a glimpse. So yeah that would be my favorite feud. Another one of my favorites would be my epic battles with Nicky Oceans for the Jersey Shore title. Rhett Titus chased his title for well over a year but due to time limits and disqualifications of that sort he was able to hold onto the title until we wrestled at my high school in May where i defeated him for the title.
Alan Wojcik: A background check on you took this interviewer to YouTube where I found a video of your ring introduction with Ru Paul’s “Supermodel” playing over it. Have you seen it and what do you think of the fans reaction to you over your career?
Rhett Titus: Actually the guy who made it emailed it to me and I got to check it out. Interesting little video that made me chuckle. As for the fans reactions to me I could really give a crap about what the majority of the fans think of me. Rhett Titus doesn’t worry about how many stars some fat pig gave me. Rhett Titus only concentrates on a small demographic of the fans and that’s the ladies brother. As long as they are all screaming when I enter the ring and enter them… all is gravy baby!
Alan Wojcik: You won the 2008 Chris Candido Memorial J Cup defeating Mikey Pacifica, Brett Thunder, Nicky Oceans & Drew Blood. Talk about that experience and any memories you have of Mr. Candido including those shared also found on YouTube.
Rhett Titus: It was a long day for Rhett Titus but i put my work in and wound up on top… I really thought that the Oceans and Blood matches were good competetive matches. I remember the following morning I did not want to get out of bed, but a fox cohearsed me into some afternoon delight and I was finally able to get up. Chris had already passed by the time I got into wrestling but I remember meeting him multiple times as a fan and each time he was a great guy. I always enjoyed
his matches and was honored to be featured in the tournament nevermind win the whole thing. You see Rhett Titus has expierence in these tournaments I was able to defeat 4 guys in one day before and looking at the other contestants in this tournament, Im positive I can do it again.
Alan Wojcik: Who is Rhettski the Jettski?
Rhett Titus: Rhettski the Jetski is what the ladies call me when they go for a ride brother. They like the cool swift movement that like of a jetski that Rhett Titus possesses threw his massive thighs. I’m lettin’ different ladies of all shapes and sizes and different walks of life take it out for a spin. There’s a lotta water to be covered in Florida brother. I’ll see what I can do in 2 nights.And if you haven’t heard… The Thrust is a Must!
Alan Wojcik: You have worked for the indy fave Chikara. Did you enjoy their style of wrestling and do you consider ROH or NWS your “home promotion?”
Rhett Titus: Well in Chikara I’ve taken on a whole colony of ants and a group of soccer playing goats so yeah it was different to say the least but Rhett Titus’ would consider his home promotion Ring Of Honor, hence why I am representing it in the tournament.
Alan Wojcik: You’re not a stranger to the Florida scene having worked for Full Impact Pro. What did you think of FIP and its fans upon your debut?
Rhett Titus: Last time Rhett Titus was down at FIP he had about a year expierence and was still wet behind the ears Rhett Titus was just “happy to be there”, now the mood is a little different and FIP and the fans should be honored that Addicted to Love Rhett Titus is coming to their area.
Alan Wojcik: Who would you consider your dream opponent and why?
Rhett Titus: Rhett Titus dream opponent would be a 3 way dance with Terri Runnels and Jacqueline The Pretty Mean Sisters…yeaaaaa Some promoter should book it. I’d have no problem putting them over!!! :-)
For information on the other competitors or to purchase tickets log onto http://jpc2008.com