Interview by Paul Salfen
In a recent interview with Paul Salfen of AMFM Magazine, Texas Style Wrestling (TSW) stars Bam Bam Malone and Evelyn Carter shared their passion for the sport, the growth of TSW, and their personal journeys in professional wrestling. TSW, a premier independent wrestling promotion based in Forney, Texas, has been captivating audiences since its launch in 2021. Produced by TEXtv, TSW delivers “ruff, rugged, and real” family-friendly entertainment that honors the rich legacy of Texas wrestling while embracing modern production quality.
The Rise of Texas Style Wrestling
TSW has quickly become a standout in the independent wrestling scene, blending the nostalgic grit of old-school Texas wrestling with state-of-the-art production. As Evelyn Carter, a Terrell, Texas native who began her wrestling journey in 2019, explained, “We are very proud of having that nostalgic old-school feel of whenever you would go to those wrestling shows. Everything was simple, it was small, it was intimate.” Carter, who has been with TSW since its inception, brings a unique presence to the roster, balancing skill with an undercurrent of chaos that makes her one of wrestling’s most captivating and unconventional rising talents.
Bam Bam Malone, known as “Forney’s Own” and the TSW Heavyweight Champion, emphasized the promotion’s growth: “We went from setting up a makeshift studio in an airplane hangar to now filming our episodes in a multi-million dollar facility.” TSW’s weekly television tapings, aired on CW33 in Dallas and other stations across Texas and Shreveport, Louisiana, feature cutting-edge lighting, sound, and a 20-foot LED entrance screen at the OC Theater in Forney. “We have all the lights and the glitz and glamor,” Malone added, noting that TSW offers a big-show experience at a fraction of the cost, making it a family-friendly spectacle. Driven by his “3 G’s of life”—Gold, Girls, and Glory—Malone stops at nothing to prove he’s the best, welcoming all challengers regardless of size or strength.
Honoring Texas Wrestling’s Legacy
Texas has a storied wrestling history, with icons like the Von Erichs and Stone Cold Steve Austin shaping the sport’s identity. TSW pays homage to this legacy while showcasing a dynamic roster of veterans and rising stars, many trained at the renowned Dogg Pound Dojo in San Antonio, led by WWE alumni Rodney Mack and WWE Phenom Jazz. Alongside Malone and Carter, the promotion features crowd favorites like Soda Pop Hendrix and The OMGs, as well as NWA stars Natalia Markova and Bryan Idol, with villains like Marovik, Damage, and Al Farat’s Devastation Reborn adding drama to the storylines.
Carter and Malone both expressed pride in TSW’s ability to evoke the passion and intimacy of Texas wrestling. “You can get that exact kind of feeling whenever you come to a TSW show,” Carter said, emphasizing the promotion’s commitment to delivering a unique, heartfelt experience.
Personal Inspirations and Wrestling Journeys
Both wrestlers shared the influences that sparked their love for wrestling. Carter, who has competed across the United States and internationally, recalled her childhood admiration for Big Show, captivated by his larger-than-life presence. “He was my first action figure, my first t-shirt,” she said. As she grew older, she found inspiration in Victoria, whose charisma and trailblazing spirit shaped Carter’s own career. Malone, meanwhile, was drawn to Jeff Hardy’s fearless high-flying style and later studied Randy Orton’s technical precision. “I would sit there and dissect his matches,” Malone said, using Orton’s work as a reference for his own performances.
Their journeys weren’t without challenges. Malone, who once dreamed of an NFL career, made a bold decision to abandon football in high school to pursue wrestling. “I just decided that my life was going to go on a different path,” he said, reflecting on the risk that led him to TSW’s championship spotlight. Carter, who has moved front and center in TSW’s media presence while maintaining a calmer side, faced a defining moment when she wrestled on a major stage, overcoming self-doubt to perform in front of thousands. “That was my Hail Mary moment,” she said. “It skyrocketed my confidence.”
Addressing the “Fake” Stigma
When asked about the persistent notion that wrestling is “fake,” both wrestlers were quick to set the record straight. “If you can show me a fake way to take a body slam, please do,” Malone quipped, highlighting the physical toll of the sport. “My orthopedic surgeon owes me a pretty good refund if this stuff is supposed to be fake.” Carter echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the real pain and dedication behind every match.
Beyond the physicality, wrestling’s true magic lies in its ability to inspire. Malone likened wrestlers to “real-life action heroes,” especially for young fans who see their idols up close. “For them to see their superhero defeat the bad guy right in front of them, and then go home and tell all their friends about it—that’s what it’s about,” he said.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Both Carter and Malone take their roles as role models seriously, particularly for children who may feel like outsiders. Carter, who doesn’t fit society’s conventional standards of “perfect,” sees her presence as a source of empowerment. “When little girls see me, they see, ‘Oh my gosh, she has so much muscle, I can look like that,’” she said. Malone, who struggled with his weight as a child, shared a similar message: “If my 200-pound sixth-grade self can figure this out and work hard, then any one of those kids in the audience can achieve whatever their dream is.”
Their advice to aspiring wrestlers? “Eat your vegetables, go to bed on time,” Carter said with a laugh, underscoring the importance of discipline and passion. Malone added, “If you’re not having those nerves before you walk through that curtain, then your time’s done. You have to care.”
Looking Ahead: TSW and Beyond
Carter and Malone also host a podcast, After the Three Count, where they offer fans a glimpse behind the curtain. “Instead of Evelyn Carter and Bam Bam Malone, you get Ashley and Chase,” Malone said, noting their goal to connect with fans on a personal level. While their busy wrestling schedules have delayed new episodes, they plan to record more soon, including potential live Q&A sessions on the road.
TSW’s next live event is set for October 11 at the OC Theater in Forney, promising an unforgettable experience. Fans can also stream TSW on the TSW+ App, available on Google Play and the App Store, or catch weekly episodes on CW33 in Dallas every Saturday at 10 p.m. “There’s nothing like a live show,” Carter urged. “Go to at least one, and I guarantee you’ll be hooked.”
With its blend of heart, grit, and modern flair, TSW continues to elevate Texas wrestling, and stars like Bam Bam Malone and Evelyn Carter are leading the charge. Follow TSW on social media at facebook.com/TXStyleWrestling, x.com/TSWPlus, and instagram.com/tswplus for updates and exclusive content.
