Jay Lethal recently interviewed with Alex Marvez of Scripps News and talked about his TNA departure, working with ROH and the death of "Macho Man" Randy Savage. The following are some highlights:
On being himself in ROH: "My return to Ring of Honor will make it 100 percent official that I am now standing only as Jay Lethal," said Lethal, who will appear on Sunday’s "Best in the World 2011" Internet pay-per-view show emanating from New York City.
"When I first came to Ring of Honor (in 2003), I was young and very impressionable. I would go on to another company (Impact) where I couldn’t really be myself. I would have to do what was written for me and what I was told. Now that I’ve come back to Ring of Honor, I’ll have the ultimate chance to do what everybody who gets into pro wrestling wants. I can be myself."
On his "Black Machismo" gimmick honoring Macho Man Randy Savage: "I definitely attribute that to idolizing him," Lethal said. "When I watched wrestling as a kid, I wanted to be Randy Savage. I didn’t even have to practice the voice. It was something that came naturally.
"When I started doing the ‘Black Machismo’ gimmick, there was no Jay Lethal in my mind. I was 100 percent dedicated to this gimmick."
On the death of Randy Savage: "I was shocked when I heard," said Lethal, who also lives in the Tampa area. "I never got to meet him face to face. Some people may ask how I could feel so much hurt. But I can honestly say that if it weren’t for him I would not be a professional wrestler. I would see him doing the top-rope elbow drop and do the same move at home off the dresser. It caused me to get in trouble with my mom."
