During your run with TNA, you have worked against Kurt Angle, Bobby Lashley and some of the top talents in the business. Who have you enjoyed working with the most and how has the talent around you helped elevate your game?
“You mentioned three names that are pretty significant IN THE industry. Kurt Angle definitely, that title match with him and being able to defeat him was a dream match come true to me. One guy you didn’t mention is Matt Hardy. Matt came over to TNA and he was the first credible challenger for my title. He helped bring the best out of me in different way from working a full metal mayhem match to other natures. Being able to be in the ring with those guys and TNA giving me the chance has helped in making me great.”
I say it on this show all the time, but I consider you a top talent in the wrestling industry due to your mic skills and ability to generate heat. Why do you think WWE never gave you the proper chance to shine and what has TNA done to help you become a top star in the business?
“As far as what happened in the past, there is an old saying, ‘I heard from someone over there’ and it is what it is. Why didn’t I get the chance? Maybe I did something wrong, maybe I didn’t hold up my end, or maybe I held in a little too much as opposed to being more who I am. TNA has given me the opportunity to creatively express myself and the freedom to go out there and try something whether it fails or succeeds. I’m the first one to know if I did something good or bad out there. Having the ability to go out there and do that, coming to the back and it’s not something you’re being modest about. That’s where constructive criticism helps.
“Basically I feel you get better in wrestling through having more confidence and TNA has done everything to give me great confidence by giving me a great opportunity and the best opponents. Everything they have given to me has been so good, pure, pristine, and awesome to where if it didn’t succeed it would be because I suck, and clearly I don’t.”
There’s been a lot written and said about TNA regarding its future, specifically with Destination America. As the world champion and top guy in the company right now, how do the rumors and speculation impact you, and what are your overall thoughts on them?
“They are just rumors and speculation, my only problem is when people portray those as facts. I do not know our future besides Aunt Dixie telling me we are on Destination America through the end of the year, I have full confidence in the higher ups and the office and my sweet Aunt D that we will be well taken care of and somewhere on television.”
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
