Interview with TNA's Monster, Abyss

I recently got to square off with TNA's Abyss via phone interview, not the squared circle, where he revealed the misconsieved world that makes up the Monster Abyss.

For those who aren't familiar with the 6'8" 350 pounder, Abyss is a former World Heavyweight Champion, former World Tag Champion and is widely regarded as one of the greatest big men the sport has ever seen due to his "dominant force of pure destruction in hardcore match-ups." (TNA)

I sat down to get to know the Monster, and boy did I ever. Check it out:

Daris Brown: Everyone is familiar with your TNA accomplishments. You’re a former World Heavyweight Champion and former World Tag Champion, how did you come to debut in TNA? What was your big break?

Abyss: I got my big break while working for IWA. I was spotted by Dutch Mantel and he helped me make the transition to TNA.

DB: You won your world title from one of the legends of this business Sting, what was that like?

A: That was an unforgettable night for me. To work with Sting was a true honor. He’s one of the legends in this business and I just enjoyed every minute of it.

DB: We’ve talked about your championships but another one of your accolades is being one of the toughest wrestlers in the biz. You’ve been in table matches, ripped with barb wires, stuck with glass, punctured with tax and bloodied beyond recognition. What is your mind set going into these hardcore matches?

A: I just snap into being Abyss. You know going into these hardcore matches that there’s a good chance that you could get hurt. And you prepare yourself for those moments. But I don’t worry too much about them.

DB: Has there been a time where you just finished a Monster’s Ball match or a match involving tables and tacks that you look back and say “why in the world did I just do that?”

DB:No. Never. I just say wow I could’ve been hurt worse. I’ve been hurt on many occasions but I always know there’s a potential for me being hurt much worse.

DB: Speaking of brutal stuff. You’ve recently been teaming up with “The Blue Print” Matt Morgan. The two of you are huge powerful guys. You should be running through the tag team division. Instead, he turns on you. What’s next for the two of you? Can you forgive and forget or did he Cross the Line?

A: He Crossed the Line. This time I can’t forgive him.

DB: Well will you take out your frustrations by taking him to your world, say Monsters Ball or something of that nature?

A: If I have my choice it will be a Monsters Ball match. Because Matt Morgan has unleashed the old Abyss and for that he will have to pay.

DB: Okay, before we go into our rapid fire questions there’s something I have to know, what’s up with the mask? What are you hiding?

A: I’m not hiding anything. The mask is a symbol for Abyss. It symbolizes everything I’ve gone through and everything I’ve become. You see, Abyss is a simple person with an intelligent mind. He’s very kind. And the mask more of a symbol and it isn’t hiding anything.

Rapid Fire Questions

A: AJ Styles

DB: Who haven’t you faced that you’d like to tie up with?

DB:Mick Foley

DB: Best thing about being a pro wrestler?

DB: Being in the best business there is. It’s the greatest.

DB: Worst thing about being a pro wrestler?

A: I don’t think there is one.

DB: If you had to start your own promotion, who would be the first person you’d sign? Why?

A: Sting. He’s a legend in this business and could help it get off the ground.

DB: If They Made A Movie Of Your Life, Who Would Play You and Who Plays Supporting Roles?

A: Ahh, you got me there. I don’t know. Let’s just go with Brad Pitt. He kinda looks like me.

DB: What’s one thing your fans would be surprised to find out about you?

A: I have a huge heart. I’m a very nice person.

DB: If You Could Go One on One with Any Celebrity, Who Would You Choose and Why?

A: What do you mean by that?

DB: You can take it any way you want.

A: [laughs] Kim Kardashian. I couldn’t stand next to her beauty but…

Conclusion

DB: Who’s your favorite opponent? DB: What’s the best road story you can share?

A: in 1998 I went to a show in Nebraska. And I had to ride 17 hours lying in the back of a flatbed from Ohio to Nebraska in November.

DB: What do you want your legacy to be when it’s all said and done?

A: I want everyone to consider me as one of the best big men in the business. I also want TNA and the fans to see I gave 100%. And also that I was one of the premier hardcore wrestlers.

DB: So you embrace being known for hardcore wrestling? I know Mick Foley has said that he kinda shies away from it as he doesn’t want to only be known for as a hardcore wrestler.

A: And the same thing goes for me. But I’m proud of what I’ve done and the respect that goes along with it.

DB: February 8 is the Against All Odds PPV, what can we expect from you on the card?

A: You can expect the Matt Morgan and I are going to revolutionize how the big men square off. And know I don’t want to just beat Matt I want to destroy him.

DB: Any advice to those thinking about getting into the business?

A: Do things right. Do your research and pick a credible school. And don’t let anyone discourage you along the way.

DB: Anything you’d like to share with your fans?

A: Thank you for supporting TNA. Thank you for supporting Abyss. And you can look for big things from Abyss in 2009!

DB: Thanks for your time

A: No problem man.

One-On-One Interview with TNA's Consequence Creed

For those who are not familiar with TNA's fastest rising star, Consequences Creed, here's you're catch me up before the interview:

He first debuted in TNA as a replacement for NFL player Adam “Pacman” Jones in the TNA World Tag Team Championship bout at “Bound For Glory” in 2007. Athletic, energetic and charismatic Creed has been labeled as one of the best new talents in professional wrestling.

Since joining the ranks of TNA, Creed has competed for the X Division Championship on several occassions, and defended his immense patriotism and love of America when he squared off against Sheik Abdul Bashir. With youth and pure talent on his side, Creed has shown his determination to show TNA fans and the world how to face “The Consequences”. He is currently a member of the Frontline opposing the Main Event Mafia bid to rule over TNA. -TNA

Without further ado, here's the interview with TNA star Consequences Creed.

Daris Brown: Fill us in with your background. When did you first realize pro wrestling?

Consequences Creed: I don’t know a time where I didn’t like wrestling. I always watched it with my friends. We’d pitch in to buy PPVs, throwing in like $5 for a pizza. I don’t know, it’s just always something I loved.

DB: I read that you made a promise to yourself that you’d be signed before you graduated college. What was like juggling wrestling and school books?

CC: Aww man, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. Going to class and hitting the road. I majored in both Psychology and Philosophy so it was tough.

DB: Now your wrestling style is like a throwback to the 80s. You know, Rocky Johnson and the way he shuffled. Who had the greatest impact in your career?

CC: My favorite wrestler was 2 Cold Scorpio because he has a unique style. I can’t do all the things that he can do, but I’ve always admired him. But also Booker T, Kurt Angle, and Sting. I watched all those guys growing up. So it's great being here and getting to work with these guys.

DB: I saw on TNA Rough Cuts that you said if you were not a pro wrestler you’d work with autistic children. Was there someone or an event in your life that drew you to that line of work?

CC: One of my psychiatry classes that I took my senior year featured autism. And when I found there wasn’t as much help as there needed to be it drew me to it. And I enjoy helping others. It’s really fulfilling. More so than working at a daycare, because with autism patients you’re creating relationships. You get a one-on-one bond with the kids, parents and family that everyone will remember for a lifetime.

DB: How’d you come to teaming with Jay Lethal? Was it your idea or managements?

CC: Management actually put us together, but I love it because Jay’s one of my closest friends in the TNA locker room. We have good chemistry and we’re looking to do big things in the tag team division.

DB: TNA’s bread and butter has been the X-Division since day one. It’s what separates TNA from the WWE. But lately the X-Division has taken a back seat to the veterans. Do you think that needs to change?

CC: I hope so because that’s what they’re known for. They put together some very creative matches. Fast paced and it keeps fans on their feet.

Rapid Fire Questions

DB: Who’s your favorite opponent?

CC: I’d have to say Petey Williams we’ve had some good matches. Or Sheik Abdul Bashire.

DB: Who haven’t you faced that you’d like to tie up with?

CC: Kurt Angle. I’ve got to work with him a bit, but not for a long time. I’d like to get in there with him again.

DB: Best thing about being a pro wrestler?

CC: It’s everything I wanted to be. I enjoy it on my days off and I never have a bad day at work. I think about wrestling when I'm off and enjoy it a whole lot.

DB: Worst thing about being a pro wrestler? Everything’s good and what I’d hope it would be.

CC: If you had to start your own promotion, who would be the first person you’d sign? Why?

CC: Me, I got bills to pay man.

DB: If They Made A Movie Of Your Life, Who Would Play You and Who Plays Supporting Roles?

CC: Corbin Bleu, the kid from High School Musical. And as far as the supporting roles... I'd have to say my friend Brandon. He’d demand to play himself.

DB: What’s one thing your fans would be surprised to find out about you?

CC: I love the 90s and everything from that era that I grew up on.



Wrap Up

DB: What do you want your legacy to be when it’s all said and done?

CC: That I was a good guy and respectful. Eager to learn.

DB: Any advice to those thinking about getting into the business?

CC: If you’re gonna do it do, you have to put your heart into it. Don’t let anything knock you off your path. Your only going to get out what you put in. So stay focused and don't give up.

DB: Against All Odds is approaching, what can we expect from you on the card?

CC: Walk out of there with the tag team titles. Jay and I just won the number one contenders match and we're going to get our belts back.

DB: Anything you’d like to share with your fans?

CC: Stay in school

DB: Thanks for your time and good luck at Against All Odds.

CC: No problem.

Kurt Angle Interview Part 1

Kurt Angle Interview Part 2

Interview with ROH's Nigel McGuinness

Recently I got the chance to interview Ring of Honor's Heavyweight Champion, Nigel McGuinness via email.

For those who aren't familiar with the Nigel McGuinness, just YouTube him and you'll see just why he's set the independent wrestling scene on fire.

Born in London, England the 6'1" 220lbs phenom made quick work of legendary Les Thatcher's wrestling school.He has made his way, holding world titles everywhere he's gone.

Known for his Jawbreaker lariat, carefree attitude and his in your face style, this spiked hair warrior from across the pond is as fierce as he is cocky.

He's had notable feuds with Brian Danielson and Claudio Castagnoli.

But without further delay, here's what Nigel McGuinness had to say:

Daris Brown: I read you became a serious fan after attending the SummerSlam PPV where Bret Hart battled British Bulldog. What gave you the confidence to think you could fly to the US and succeed as a professional wrestler?
Nigel McGuinness: Movies. Hope.

DB: Who has had the greatest impact in your career?
NM: Les Thatcher. Shark Boy. William Regal. Samoa Joe. Bryan Danielson.

DB: Why is it that we see long title reigns, such as yours in ROH, where in WWE and TNA the belt changes every other month?
NM: Just a difference of philosophy.

DB: Who’s your favorite opponent?
NM: Clamdigger Danielson.

DB: Who haven’t you faced that you’d like to tie up with?
NM: John Cena on PPV.

DB: You’ve been one of the longest reigning champions in ROH, defeated the best the business has to offer, what’s left for you to do there?
NM: Create a legacy, best Joe's record.

DB: If you weren’t a pro wrestler, how would you make a living?
NM: Writer, salesman, barman.

DB:Best thing about being a pro wrestler?
NM: It's what I always wanted to do.

DB: Worst thing about being a pro wrestler?
NM: Destroying your body.

DB: If you had to start your own promotion, who would be the first person you’d sign? Why?
NM: Dragon. 2nd best wrestler in the world.

DB: What’s one thing your fans would be surprised to find out about you?
NM: I like classical music.

DB: What’s the best road story you can share?
NM: Nothing worth writing.

DB: You’ve appeared in both the WWE and TNA for brief stints, with your huge success in the independents, why haven’t you been signed by the “big two” yet?
NM: If you figure it out let me know.

DB: Any advice to those thinking about getting into the business?
NM: Don't. Unless you a. look like Brock Lesnar, or b. don't care if you make money at it.

DB: Anything you’d like to share with your fans?
NM: Their disrespect.

Interview with TNA's Eric Young

Eric Young Interview (7/15/08)

I like to thank you for taking time out to do this interview with Myrtle Beach Life.com. I’d like to talk to you today about TNA’s first ever show in Florence, SC, on Saturday July 26, and about you of course.

Daris Brown: Tell the fans what they can expect from a TNA House Show.

Eric Young: If you’ve never been to a live wrestling show and you’re a fan, or a casual fan, it’s something you really have to experience. There’s nothing like being at a live pro wrestling event. And TNA puts on the best live event in the entire industry. It’s worth the drive. It’s worth the money. You won’t be disappointed. It’s an experience.

DB: You broke into wrestling when it was at its peak. Where You A Wrestling Fan Growing Up?

EY: Yeah I’ve been a pro wrestling fan since I was 6. That’s my first memory of pro wrestling that I can remember. But I’ve been a fan my entire life.

DB: Who did you look up to growing up?

EY: There’s a pretty big list. Shawn Michaels is my favorite. But I like Owen Hart, Bret Hart of course (I’m from Canada so you have no choice), Terry Funk, Ric Flair, Randy Savage, Ricky Steamboat, Sting, the list goes on and on.

DB: You have had some of the best followings in TNA. You’re known as Paranoid Eric, Don’t Fire Eric and your association, or non association, with Super Eric. Do you ever worry that you’re not going be taken seriously as a wrestler?

EY: No. It’s the role I’ve been given and I run with it. I love what I’m doing and it’s so much fun. Things can change, I’m not worrying about it because I know I can wrestle. I don’t worry about it, I just go out there and make it the most entertaining for the fans that I can.

DB: Do you follow the online crowd?

EY: To be honest, not really. I don’t follow it. There are a lot of people out there giving their opinions and they’re entitled to their opinions. But they haven’t been in the wrestling ring. The fans have a right to criticize stuff. But to put us down just to put us down just makes it hard for us, so I don’t really follow it.

DB: With TNA being on a major network (Spike), there’s a video game coming out, TNA is on the way up and you’ve beat the WWE’s ECW in ratings. Does TNA’s roster pay attention to it?

EY: Everyone pays attention to it to a certain degree. I keep my eye on it and ask about it each week. But it’s out of my hands. I just try to make my part of the show entertaining and do the best that I can do.

DB: You were recently in a six-man tag match involving X-Division champ Petey Williams on Impact, on Spike TV, will you be challenging for his title soon?

EY: To be honest. I don’t know what the plans are. It would be fun. I’ve known Petey for years, I wrestled him in his second match ever. There’s history. We’ve been in Team Canada. So It would be interesting.

DB: TNA started off featuring stars of the X-Division. But now so many former WWE stars are jumping ship. Does the locker room fear that this is a similar path taken by WCW which gained success before going under?

EY: I don’t think so. The problems that were there, aren’t here. It’s a completely different product here. Ours is way smarter. Speaking with some guys that were there during that time it was a mess. Some fans who were watching didn’t even realize how disorganized it was.

DB: What’s something about you you’re fans would be surprised to hear?

EY: I was valedictorian of my high school. But I was also captain of rugby team, goalie in soccer, on the AAA travel hockey team. So I was definitely a jock too. I was also into drama and stuff too. So I was an ecliptic young man.

DB: Once your career is over, and you hang up the boots, what’s out there for Eric Young? Road Agent? Manager? Car Lot Owner?

EY: I would hope something in wrestling. I have an interest in film, acting, maybe some stunt work – depending on how healthy I stay. But I’ll be a pro wrestler until they kick me out.

DB: You’re known to associate with a star by the name of Super Eric. Now we know that he has no known weaknesses, but do you?

EY: Eric Young has many weaknesses. I hope to grow up and be just like Super Eric someday.

DB: TNA is coming out with a video game soon. How involved have you been?

EY: We’ve been heavily involved in the making of the game. We told them what we like about wrestling games. What we don’t like. Eric Young plays a big part of the story line. They flew me up to L.A. and I did voice over and they got visual images of my face. And now I have an action figure that I didn’t have to make myself. I can die happy now.

DB: If you can work with any wrestler in TNA, who would it be?

EY: There’s a lot that I haven’t got to work with yet. But my favorite is Bobby Roode, because we have great chemistry and out of the ring. And he’s a complete professional.

DB: Who would you like to wrestle with from the past or present?

EY: There’s a huge list of guys. But I would say AJ Styles. A lot of guys don’t even know that I know what I’m doing, so that would be great to show them. Also working with Bobby again, that’d be good.

DB: Awesome Kong is now challenging men. Are you brave enough to take her on?

EY: Absolutely not. No.

DB: Anything you want to tell your fans before we leave?

EY: Thanks for watching the product and thanks for the support. If TNA comes anywhere close to you, you have to go. Plus you can get in the ring for meet and greets. You can get autographs from wrestlers like Christian Cage, Kurt Angle and everyone else. And the matches are all good. There are no cameras so the wrestling is first. So if you get a chance to go to one, go to one.

DB: Well, Eric I’d like to thank you for your time.

EY: No problem. Have a good one.