CSC Member Spotlight: Flash Morgan Webster
Photo Courtesy of Beyond Gorilla
At CSC we’re proud to have an interesting and diverse membership – and last year we welcomed Gav to our CrossFit community.
But what many of Team CSC don’t know, is Gav is on the WWE and NXT roster as a professional wrestler know as Flash Morgan Webster aka ‘the Modfather’.
Gav’s high flying wrestling style has seen him become the first Welsh Champion in WWE history! We wanted to find out more and virtually sat down to talk about the WWE, CrossFit, and of course which CSC Coach would make the best WWE Superstar!
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First of all, how did you get into wrestling?
“Like any kid I started wrestling with my mates in the school yard. But where most kids grow out of it I never did. One day when I was 13 a friend of mine told me a mate of his had built a wrestling ring in his back garden. Later I’d go on to find out it was just sticks in the ground with hosepipe for ropes, but it didn’t matter that was my in.
I’d wrestle with those mates in back gardens, forests and fields on makeshift rings for 6 years and then when I was 19 I decided to trade the hosepipes for real ropes and started attending pro wrestling classes in Cardiff.”
In the WWE world you’re know as Flash Morgan Webster, ‘the Modfather’. Where did this persona come from?
“My mum always had an array of music playing in the house growing up. From Abba to the Beatles, from Bay City Rollers to Slade. But I was always drawn to her Motown, Mod and Ska.
As I grew up and found my own voice I’d discover Oasis and then Shane Meadows’ This is England film. I remember loving how they looked and the soundtrack and that love would later spill into my wrestling, my image and my persona.”
What is your Career highlight in WWE so far, and what is the dream?
“In August 2019 myself and my good friend Mark Andrews became the first Welsh “Champions in WWE history! That in itself is just mind blowing but to cap it off, it happened at the first live televised WWE event to ever come from Wales! The reaction of the 5000+ hometown crowd when we won is something I’ll never forget.
I guess the dream is to do this as long as I can. All I’ve wanted to be since I was 11 is a WWE wrestler and now I am, it really is a dream come true!
So I guess I want to continue to live this dream as long as I can. If I can tick off more championship wins, a royal rumble and even a Wrestlemania that be great!
Of course, we all join you to throw down in the box. How has CrossFit helped you in the world of WWE?
“I’ve found CrossFit benefits my wrestling greatly. Unlike running or swimming or even football, Wrestling involves varied movements.
One minute you’re running across the ring and then you’re controlling your body as you fly through the air. Next minute you are picking someone up above your head and then the next you’re dropping to the floor to get out of the way of an attack.
Running, calisthenics, Olympic lifts, burpees just to name a few are things you can find in any CrossFit gym across the country. And they help me simulate the varied strain, movement, cardio, strength id encounter in a wrestling match.
Over the last 6 months I feel I’ve really got into the best ring shape I’ve ever been in and I owe that to CrossFit.”
🔥Quickfire Round🔥
Ski, Row or Bike?
“Row”
Run or Burpee?
“Easy, Burpee! I hate running and I’d go as far as to say I love burpees.”
Most memorable workout?
“Kalsu is memorable for all the wrong reasons. As much as I adore burpees I absolutely hate Thrusters. And whenever Kalsu shows up in any form I know its going to be a workout that I’m gonna have to put my head down and grind it out.”
So the big questions, which coach would make the best WWE superstar, and why?
“Ohh toughie! For me its between Tim or Abi, Might have to say Abi. Both are strong and have great engines but being a wrestler is about being creative too and I feel Abi has the advantage there.”
What do you think the CrossFit community provides for you?
“Competition, motivation, goals! There’s always someone in my session better than me. whether that’s generally or in a certain area of the sport, and seeing that drives me to want to be better.”
How would you explain CrossFit to a friend or family member to get them to join you?
“You get out what you put in - I came for the CrossFit but I stayed for the community. Regardless if you’re looking to get strong or build an engine, make friends or find friendly competition. CrossFit is perfect. Only regret I have is not starting sooner!”
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Gav and G at CSC!
It’s been a pleasure to have Gav part of the CrossFit community, taking on CrossFit, Endurance classes and crushing every workout we have put in front of him (yes even Kalsu). If you want to follow the career of Flash Morgan Webster like we do, be sure to follow his social media!