It’s not hard to see why AC Mack is one of the best upcoming talent in independent wrestling today. Not only can he cut one hell of a promo on the mic, but he can also get the crowd on their feet with his work in the ring.
“Born and raised in the SWATs of Atlanta, Georgia”, Mack first got introduced to professional wrestling in the early 2000’s. Mack gravitated towards hometown hero, Goldberg, mainly because of the intensity and notoriety Goldberg had. But, it would eventually be The Rock who captivated Mack’s interest and inspired him to become a professional wrestler.
During his high school years, Mack studied drama and theatre and would later become a radio personality for Georgia State University, performing under the name, “DJ Mack and Cheese”.
It wasn’t until February 8th, 2016, that Mack began to train at the WWA4 Training Facility. It was there that he would be under the guidance of AR Fox, also known to Lucha Underground fans as “Dante Fox”. Along with other WWA4 stand-outs: Austin Theory, David Ali, Tommy Maserati and Alan Angels, Mack learnt various aspects of professional wrestling from Fox, including ring psychology, pacing and enhancing your gimmick.
Before making his in-ring debut in June of 2016, Mack helped out around the facility in various areas, such as: commentating, ring announcing, refereeing and backstage interviewing.
Credit: Facebook, AC Mack
Already having memorable matches with talent such as David Ali, Ike Cross, AR Fox and current EVOLVE Champion Austin Theory. Mack has gone on to win numerous championships in his short career. Championships that he has obnoxiously named. Championships include, the NCW Junior Heavyweight Championship (Judy), the PWA No Limits Championship (Noelle) and the TWE Pure Division Championship (Penny).
Outside of wrestling, Mack has done many fashion shows for organizations with Georgia State as well as Bloomingdales. Mack draws a lot of his inspiration from his favourite artist Kanye West.
2018 saw AC Mack take more steps forward in his career, by adding more championships to his already impressive resume. Becoming the first ever Action Wrestling Champion and the Anarchy Wrestling TV Championship. Just like the others, he named them as well (Alice and Angela).
Throughout the year, Mack got the chance to compete at Evolve 105. Taking part in an eight way with the likes of J Spade, Snoop Strikes and Josh Briggs. AC Mack also faced off with the likes of WWE legend Gangrel and ECW Original, Raven.
Ending 2018 on a high note, Mack had the opportunity to compete on the December 19th edition of WWE NXT against Dominick Dijakovic, under the name “Aaron Mackey”.
If 2018 is anything to go by, 2019 will be an even better year in the fast growing career of AC Mack.
Credit: WWE
What was it about The Rock that made you want to become a professional wrestler?
“It was mainly his charisma. He did wonders on the microphone, so much so, that he got me and millions others hyped for the match before his entrance music even hit! I loved how he was able to take control of a segment and have the fans in the palm of his hands. Literally whatever he said, went! That’s power right there!”
Being able to train and learn from AR Fox, what was the biggest takeaway for you personally from your time under him?
“The biggest thing I took out, was probably taking in that “moment.” Wrestling matches, like speeches, need certain pauses to let things resonate, especially matches filmed for TV. The pacing has to be just right for the big things and even the small things to be able to be conveyed on screen by the viewer & interpreted by the commentators. This, I feel, is a really big, determining factor to how good a wrestler someone is.
With your background in drama, theatre and radio. Do you feel it has helped you with your character and your wrestling career in general?
“I feel it’s helped me in a few ways. My drama classes helped me hone in a character and really dig out their motives, it helped with defining a character’s mannerisms, projecting my voice and the improv exercises made it easier to perform on the fly, which is something you need to know in this business, both in the ring and in a promo. It’s highly important. Drama, along with radio helped me become comfortable performing in front of a crowd and help me find my voice, which is so poetic to me because my voice is the major factor in my gimmick. It’s just funny how everything comes full circle.”
Is there a match that sticks out as your favourite in your career so far?
“I’d have to say my most favourite match so far would have to be the Steel Cage Match I had with Alan Angels last year for the NCW Heavyweight Championship. That was our 1st time ever having a Cage Match and we both went out there for about 25 minutes and just had the times of our lives. That crowd was insane!”
Credit: Donte Maurice
What’s the lasting impression you want fans to walk away with?
“I want fans to walk away thinking my performance was realistic, whether it be my gimmick, the wrestling match itself or just anything. I hope they can relate to AC Mack and that they don’t think he’s this out-of-this-world cartoon character. I want them to see my drive and love for this industry through the performance that I give.”
Is there a dream opponent that you would love the opportunity to work with in the future?
“Oh man, only one?! Haha. The first few one that sticks out in my mind is obviously AJ Styles. In my eyes, he’s the best thing doing it right now. I’d love to work with him, Velveteen Dream and Seth Rollins. There’s a plethora, but I’d say they’re probably my top three.”
You had a chance last year to perform at Matter of Pride Wrestling. How much did it mean to you to be part of that show?
“That was a very emotional show for me. I came to terms with my sexuality at the age of 21 and I didn’t think that just 4 years later, I would be comfortable enough to perform on a stage that brought awareness to the LGBT community. It was great to be able to show the audience that we come in different shapes & sizes. It was actually my first time ever doing anything with Pride. I’m extremely grateful that I had that opportunity and look forward to the next Matter of Pride show I can work.”
After having the chance to compete in NXT, was there anything you took away from that night, that you feel will help you grow and take your career to another level in 2019?
“For sure. The main thing I took away from working with NXT was how the machine worked. There was a great deal of professionalism amongst the entire roster and officials. The communication was constant, which I think is missing in the indie scene. At all times, the gorilla position was in talks with the ref and the camera men and they were all relaying messages to both me and Dijak. It all worked like a well oiled machine and any time I’m able to give suggestions at shows I go to, I recommend they follow NXT’s model. It just made running a huge show that much easier.”
What is the ultimate goal in professional wrestling for AC Mack?
“Beyond main eventing WrestleMania and becoming the 1st all-Black and openly gay WWE Champion, my ultimate goal is to increase the Black demographic in professional wrestling. Growing up, it wasn’t the cool thing at all in my community to be in to wrestling and I never understood why. I want to merge the cultures, to create a desire for pro-wrestling in the urban community. I want to do for Blacks what Rey Mysterio did for Hispanics in this industry in the mid 2000’s.”
Connect with AC Mack
Facebook: AC Mack
Twitter: @AC_Mack
Instagram: ac_mack
Merchandise: http://brownbutterwrestling.com/ACMack.html
Bookings: amenra.mackey@gmail.com
