Noam Dar is one of the most exciting and dynamic wrestlers on the UK independent scene. A regular on the cards of the top British promotions, he is a major draw. Having been seen on Challenge TV's TNA British Boot Camp, there's no doubt in our minds that with talent like his, Noam will soon be seen entertaining the fans on TV again before long.
You fought AJ Styles at an independent show but else who would you like to face?
It's hard - there's so many! When I wrestled Styles it was at a time when a lot of US wrestlers were coming over but not at that level and that made it quite rare. Now there's guys at that level here on a regular basis because of how good the scene is. It's great for us because we get to work with these people and make connections. If I had to pick from someone that's current, it would be someone like Dean Ambrose or Daniel Bryan and of course John Cena. He's a main eventer and that's where you want to be!
Is it still your goal to get a contract with a major company?
100%. My main concern and short term goal is always to make sure that I'm having fun and keeping everything relative. I think people get unhappy with wrestling really easily because it's so stressful and there's so many elements to it. I was very anxious before British Boot Camp but I'm glad I did it and I had good fun. But long-term absolutely it's to get a contract either in America or japan.
You have a traditional Israeli name and seem to be quite proud of your Israeli roots (you've been dubbed the 'Israeli Icon'). Did you originally think of using a different name?
When I first started it was a benefit because it was a bit unique for British shows. I never really thought about changing it, I don't think I could come up with a very convincing wrestling name in all honesty although there's a few things I've tried. In the same respect I don't ram it down people's throats, I'm more than happy to have it as part of my representation in wrestling. As for the 'Israeli Icon', that's not an official moniker - it was more of a tongue-in-cheek joke when I started. Like how if you met a Scottish wrestler, you'd call them the highland warrior. It's not something I get called on a regular basis.
What are the top three UK Independent Promotions and where can people see you?
Well this is partly a bias answer although a professional one too based on the number of people they get and the quality of talents they have. For Scotland you've got ICW which everyone knows. For the Midlands and the North you've got Preston City Wrestling (PCW), then obviously Progress down in London in the Camden area. Each one has got a really strong following of core fans and they're so different. I think I'm maybe the only guy that's used actively on all three and so sees month-by-month what each is getting up to - and it gets better and better. Those are probably the three most regular places I'll be but there's so many other good companies.
You were a British Boot Camp finalist but who was the best not to make it through or not to appear?
I totally believe that Sha Samuels, if he'd have gone to America, would have won the whole competition. For me, he is so unique and such a throwback from the old era of wrestling whilst still so relevant. I just think he's fantastic. As for someone not involved at all, I would say Zack Sabre but he's tied up in Japan now. Sha's my first choice.
You had to share a coach with the other Boot Camp finalists, who was the worst roommate?
Well, I knew what to expect and that Grado would be a nightmare. We've travelled together and stayed after shows for years and years and I know what he's like - he's a bum! Although I'm quite a messy bugger as well! We were lucky that all us finalists had known each other for so long. I've actually known Mark Andrews since before I started professional wrestling training because we used to do backyard wrestling and there was an online community. When we met up on the professional circuit, it was like, "Woah! What are you doing here!". I've known them all for a while but obviously everyone gets on each other's toes, that's natural.
You've been wrestling some time, what's the best rib [practical joke] you've seen?
This ties to TNA nicely. We don't know for certain if it was a rib but it involved Mark Andrews - and as he won I can tell it. It was the night we all wrestled the TNA talent so obviously we're all dead tense and nervous. We're backstage by the guy that controls the music and gives us our cues and just standing watching things. I see Andrews burst out of the curtain when the music hits and he'd obviously been told to go but (MC) Jeremy Borash was still doing his off-air geeing up of the crowd and waiting for the cameras to come back on. Andrews had started making his entrance and was by this point already committed so he's energetically bouncing down the ramp but there's all these rednecks looking at him not knowing what's happening! He still goes up top and poses but Borash is saying "...and we'll be back on in 5". Eventually Andrews gets in the ring and one of the guys comes and tells him they'll have to start all over again! When he came back he had a red face and I was telling him to calm down but they have to do it again and obviously at this point the guy who controls the music is having a bit of a chuckle. So I'm thinking it was a rib!
What dis it mean for you wrestling for TNA
I'm someone who doesn't appreciate the gravity of something until it happens. As I say, I'm very short termist. I try to go day by day and weekend by weekend. Doing a show at the Hydro in Glasgow meant so much to me because the amount of shows Ive gone to there - not to do with wrestling but going to gigs with friends and all sorts. I couldn't have imagined being on the card a year after having seen TNA there.
Noam Dar continues to wrestle across the UK. Follow him on @NoamDar to find out more.