TNA's Abyss took part in a conference call on Wednesday to promote tomorrow's TNA Genesis PPV in Orlando, FL, where he will be facing Bully Ray in a Monster's Ball. PWInsider.com will have live, ongoing coverage of the PPV.
Abyss was asked about his character development and where he would like to see his character go in the next year. Abyss said that it's been around since the start of TNA and he's been proud to see it grow over the years. He'd like to see different aspects mature in the new year.
When asked if there's anyone he hasn't had the chance to work with that he would like to work, Abyss said that he'd like to rekindle the feud with Jeff Hardy from 2005 as well as younger guys like Gunner and Crimson.
I called in and asked Abyss about working a Monster's Ball match and how his mindset and preparation for that type of bout changes given the growing knowledge of the long term danger from concussions as well as having more of an understanding of concussions. Abyss said it was a great question and it's an issue that's really at the forefront. He said it wasn't an issue five years ago and you didn't worry about it as much from a perception standpoint because today people almost get insulted when you use a chair to the head. On the other hand, you are either in or out mentally when you do a match like this and you have to be in. The understanding of the danger forces you to be more creative and to do make sure that when you do impactful things, you do them in the safest way possible. You can have those risks and be careful. It's changed the way hardcore wrestling has evolved and it's changed the way those wrestlers prepare for their matches.
I noted that were were seeing different aspects of the Abyss character during different eras and now we are seeing the more aggressive side of the character. I asked him that when he's working with well known and charismatic personalities (Hulk Hogan, Scott Steiner, Bully Ray), whether that made it easier or harder to find the character as its put into new situations. He said that character has matured over the years, from a non-speaking character to one that expresses itself. He said with the split from Immortal, it now has to think for itself. It's always been influenced by someone, all the way back to Goldilocks but now it's a new world. He said that working with the successful names helps pull things out of your character and being around those guys pulls the best out of people. He said that it helps you grow as a performer when you don't think you have it and he's learned a lot from them.
Abyss was asked about inspiration for his character and whether there were things he goes to for influences to keep it fresh. He said that he's taken inspiration from Mick Foley and other people in the business. He said that he's learned a lot from Hulk Hogan when it comes to psychology in recent years. He said TNA has a good support system that has helped him as Vince Russo and Eric Bischoff have helped him keep the character fresh.
The physical risks that he does in matches were brought up and he was asked if he's ever felt its not worth it. He said that the hardcore aspect is the central piece of the character but he's proud that he can wrestle with the best of them. He said that as a fan he'd want to see the match this Sunday against Bully Ray. He said that you have to take risks and he always says it's not if he gets hurt but when. He said you have to go in with an attitude of taking things 150% when you go in there.
Abyss was asked about working the TNA India offshoot and what the atmosphere was like. Abyss said that it was a privliedge to be there and they shot three month's worth of TV in four days. He said that TNA is really onto something there and they had 3,000 fans a day. He said that the audience believed in everything they were doing and he means that in a good way for atmosphere. He said that he really believes that with the population, the support from Endemol and the way Jeff Jarrett has laid it out, they are really onto something.
Abyss' marketing degree was brought up and he was asked if he'd ever want to contribute behind the scenes. He said that he has always wanted to move behind the scenes when his on screen career is done. He said he got to agent and produce some things over the India tapings and they were a great learning experience. When he is done in the ring in 6-7 years, he wants to move into that type of role.
Abyss was asked about goals for TNA to evolve. He said that the biggest thing is just continuing to move forward, work on things with their partner SpikeTV. He said that social networking is obviously going to blow up in the next year and it's just a matter of time to get the word out. It's going to take a commitment from the top to the bottom and he feels everyone has that commitment.
Sunday's match with Bully Ray was brought up. Abyss said that he's looking forward to it because he believes it's a match that fans would want to see. It's the first Monster's Ball that he's competed in about 18 months and he's looking forward it. He and Ray both have that hardcore edge to their personalities and it will be the type of match fans haven't seen in some time.
Abyss was asked whether he was touring with TNA on the UK tour. He said that he doesn't know yet as TNA hasn't finalized the cards, but he knows that the entire company is looking forward to the tour and he'd love to be there.
Abyss was asked what New Zealand fans can expect to see since Genesis is the first TNA PPV available there. Abyss ran down the card and said that fans can expect to see a little of everything on the show and lots of different wrestling styles. He said there will be something for everyone and it will be a fantastic three hours.
Abyss was asked what he thought of TNA touring New Zealand in 2012. Abyss said that internationally, it seems like they are growing by the day and the UK tour will be their biggest tour of the year. He said that international expansion is a major goal for the company, so if they aren't in NZ in 2012, stay tuned.
Jim Mitchell's time managing Abyss was brought up. Abyss said he was one of the best and unfortunately, there isn't much room for managers in the business today. Abyss said he feels there is a role for them and it's a shame they don't have a larger role in wrestling today.
The Jeff Hardy situation over the last year was broached. Abyss said that Hardy made a big mistake but people deserve a second chance as long as they work hard for that chance. He said that from being around Hardy in recent months, he can see how hard Jeff has worked. He said that Hardy has overcome a lot of hurdle and Hardy is becoming a great comeback story in the wrestling business.
Abyss was asked to compare working in India in comparison to other international markets. Abyss said that the passion they see for the TNA product internationally is great. He said the fans are somewhat behind the times and not as "smart" as you would think. He said that the fans truly "believe" and he compares them to the London crowd in terms of electricity and atmosphere. He said the UK crowds are ravenous but the Indian crowd isn't as "smart", which is a good thing and the crowds buy into everything and believe in a deeper way.
When asked which stipulation match was his favorite, Abyss said that without a doubt, Monster's Ball was his favorite. He said that he's proud of the name and feels that they have established it. He said that Bully Ray has had a reputation for being a tough guy and it's a legitimate thing. He said that rep goes all the way back to ECW and his 20-something World Tag Team titles. He said that it's going to be a war but he's looking forward to it. He said it's their first time and there's no doubt it's going to be a war.
Abyss said that he feels like he still has a lot to prove and it's going to get crazy. It's going to be a brutal match and when it comes to that style of matches, it's all what's in your head and in your heart. He knows what he can bring to the table.
Bully Ray's rise in the company was brought up. Abyss said that Ray is ready now to be TNA World champion and is in the best shape of his entire career. He said Ray is an extremely, extremely smart guy and can be World champion anywhere right now.
Abyss was asked what he thought was his best moment in TNA. He said winning the World title in 2007 and it was an extremely emotional and proud moment for him.
Abyss was asked what talents from the India tour he'd like to see come over to TNA Impact. He said "all of them." He mentioned working with Harry Smith, Chris Masters and Chavo Guerrero and it was a great experience working with guys he hasn't had the chance to work with since they've never been to TNA. He said listening to Chavo put things together was an experience and he'd love to see all of them in there as they were all a pleasure.
Mental and physical preparation for Monster's Ball was brought up. He said that mentally you have to prepare yourself that it's not a normal, regular match and regular matches are taxing on your body anyway. He said that you prepare that it's going to be a war. He's doing three miles of cardio a day and weights and trying to stay pain free.
TNA's deal with Challenge TV in the UK though 2013 was asked about. Abyss said he's exited about it because it's the catalyst for their international growth. He's excited about seeing that growth and seeing the company continuing to grow.
Abyss was asked whether he was surprised by the growth. He said it's not because he's seen how hard he's seen everyone behind the scenes work, but he's still awe-struck by it. It's almost scary to see how fast they have grown there. He said UK is a different fan base and they are far hungrier for it than the US fan base is right now.
I then asked Abyss several follow-up questions. I brought up the incident with his teeth being knocked out by Rob Van Dam and whether he was planning to have dental surgery or if he felt the missing teeth accentuated the Abyss character. Abyss said that in a weird way, only in the wrestling business could it be an upgrade that your teeth gets knocked out. He said it was an unfortunate accident but like like Mick Foley, it would take a tank to keep him down and he kept going. It adds to his look in a weird way.
I brought up the growing relationship between AAA and Mexico and working the larger Mexican shows. Abyss said that the casual fans wouldn't understand but the Mexican style is different in the ways that crowds react and how wrestlers sell. He said that Jarrett is heading up all the international stuff. The style takes getting used to but if you can adapt, it's fine. He's worked the last four Triplemanias and they are huge crowds and the crowds are passionate about what they are seeing. He's never seen a more rabid crowd than the La Parka vs. L.A. Park match over the mask. He said the crowd loves the history of Lucha and they've had a great relationship with AAA. AAA seems very happy with the relationship and the stories they are telling. He could see doing joint shows with them in Mexico in 2012.
Abyss was asked about taking Impact Wrestling on the road. He said it's been very beneficial and the idea of doing PPV or TV internationally has to be in the plans and he believes it's something everyone will see down the line.
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Abyss was asked about his character development and where he would like to see his character go in the next year. Abyss said that it's been around since the start of TNA and he's been proud to see it grow over the years. He'd like to see different aspects mature in the new year.
When asked if there's anyone he hasn't had the chance to work with that he would like to work, Abyss said that he'd like to rekindle the feud with Jeff Hardy from 2005 as well as younger guys like Gunner and Crimson.
I called in and asked Abyss about working a Monster's Ball match and how his mindset and preparation for that type of bout changes given the growing knowledge of the long term danger from concussions as well as having more of an understanding of concussions. Abyss said it was a great question and it's an issue that's really at the forefront. He said it wasn't an issue five years ago and you didn't worry about it as much from a perception standpoint because today people almost get insulted when you use a chair to the head. On the other hand, you are either in or out mentally when you do a match like this and you have to be in. The understanding of the danger forces you to be more creative and to do make sure that when you do impactful things, you do them in the safest way possible. You can have those risks and be careful. It's changed the way hardcore wrestling has evolved and it's changed the way those wrestlers prepare for their matches.
I noted that were were seeing different aspects of the Abyss character during different eras and now we are seeing the more aggressive side of the character. I asked him that when he's working with well known and charismatic personalities (Hulk Hogan, Scott Steiner, Bully Ray), whether that made it easier or harder to find the character as its put into new situations. He said that character has matured over the years, from a non-speaking character to one that expresses itself. He said with the split from Immortal, it now has to think for itself. It's always been influenced by someone, all the way back to Goldilocks but now it's a new world. He said that working with the successful names helps pull things out of your character and being around those guys pulls the best out of people. He said that it helps you grow as a performer when you don't think you have it and he's learned a lot from them.
Abyss was asked about inspiration for his character and whether there were things he goes to for influences to keep it fresh. He said that he's taken inspiration from Mick Foley and other people in the business. He said that he's learned a lot from Hulk Hogan when it comes to psychology in recent years. He said TNA has a good support system that has helped him as Vince Russo and Eric Bischoff have helped him keep the character fresh.
The physical risks that he does in matches were brought up and he was asked if he's ever felt its not worth it. He said that the hardcore aspect is the central piece of the character but he's proud that he can wrestle with the best of them. He said that as a fan he'd want to see the match this Sunday against Bully Ray. He said that you have to take risks and he always says it's not if he gets hurt but when. He said you have to go in with an attitude of taking things 150% when you go in there.
Abyss was asked about working the TNA India offshoot and what the atmosphere was like. Abyss said that it was a privliedge to be there and they shot three month's worth of TV in four days. He said that TNA is really onto something there and they had 3,000 fans a day. He said that the audience believed in everything they were doing and he means that in a good way for atmosphere. He said that he really believes that with the population, the support from Endemol and the way Jeff Jarrett has laid it out, they are really onto something.
Abyss' marketing degree was brought up and he was asked if he'd ever want to contribute behind the scenes. He said that he has always wanted to move behind the scenes when his on screen career is done. He said he got to agent and produce some things over the India tapings and they were a great learning experience. When he is done in the ring in 6-7 years, he wants to move into that type of role.
Abyss was asked about goals for TNA to evolve. He said that the biggest thing is just continuing to move forward, work on things with their partner SpikeTV. He said that social networking is obviously going to blow up in the next year and it's just a matter of time to get the word out. It's going to take a commitment from the top to the bottom and he feels everyone has that commitment.
Sunday's match with Bully Ray was brought up. Abyss said that he's looking forward to it because he believes it's a match that fans would want to see. It's the first Monster's Ball that he's competed in about 18 months and he's looking forward it. He and Ray both have that hardcore edge to their personalities and it will be the type of match fans haven't seen in some time.
Abyss was asked whether he was touring with TNA on the UK tour. He said that he doesn't know yet as TNA hasn't finalized the cards, but he knows that the entire company is looking forward to the tour and he'd love to be there.
Abyss was asked what New Zealand fans can expect to see since Genesis is the first TNA PPV available there. Abyss ran down the card and said that fans can expect to see a little of everything on the show and lots of different wrestling styles. He said there will be something for everyone and it will be a fantastic three hours.
Abyss was asked what he thought of TNA touring New Zealand in 2012. Abyss said that internationally, it seems like they are growing by the day and the UK tour will be their biggest tour of the year. He said that international expansion is a major goal for the company, so if they aren't in NZ in 2012, stay tuned.
Jim Mitchell's time managing Abyss was brought up. Abyss said he was one of the best and unfortunately, there isn't much room for managers in the business today. Abyss said he feels there is a role for them and it's a shame they don't have a larger role in wrestling today.
The Jeff Hardy situation over the last year was broached. Abyss said that Hardy made a big mistake but people deserve a second chance as long as they work hard for that chance. He said that from being around Hardy in recent months, he can see how hard Jeff has worked. He said that Hardy has overcome a lot of hurdle and Hardy is becoming a great comeback story in the wrestling business.
Abyss was asked to compare working in India in comparison to other international markets. Abyss said that the passion they see for the TNA product internationally is great. He said the fans are somewhat behind the times and not as "smart" as you would think. He said that the fans truly "believe" and he compares them to the London crowd in terms of electricity and atmosphere. He said the UK crowds are ravenous but the Indian crowd isn't as "smart", which is a good thing and the crowds buy into everything and believe in a deeper way.
When asked which stipulation match was his favorite, Abyss said that without a doubt, Monster's Ball was his favorite. He said that he's proud of the name and feels that they have established it. He said that Bully Ray has had a reputation for being a tough guy and it's a legitimate thing. He said that rep goes all the way back to ECW and his 20-something World Tag Team titles. He said that it's going to be a war but he's looking forward to it. He said it's their first time and there's no doubt it's going to be a war.
Abyss said that he feels like he still has a lot to prove and it's going to get crazy. It's going to be a brutal match and when it comes to that style of matches, it's all what's in your head and in your heart. He knows what he can bring to the table.
Bully Ray's rise in the company was brought up. Abyss said that Ray is ready now to be TNA World champion and is in the best shape of his entire career. He said Ray is an extremely, extremely smart guy and can be World champion anywhere right now.
Abyss was asked what he thought was his best moment in TNA. He said winning the World title in 2007 and it was an extremely emotional and proud moment for him.
Abyss was asked what talents from the India tour he'd like to see come over to TNA Impact. He said "all of them." He mentioned working with Harry Smith, Chris Masters and Chavo Guerrero and it was a great experience working with guys he hasn't had the chance to work with since they've never been to TNA. He said listening to Chavo put things together was an experience and he'd love to see all of them in there as they were all a pleasure.
Mental and physical preparation for Monster's Ball was brought up. He said that mentally you have to prepare yourself that it's not a normal, regular match and regular matches are taxing on your body anyway. He said that you prepare that it's going to be a war. He's doing three miles of cardio a day and weights and trying to stay pain free.
TNA's deal with Challenge TV in the UK though 2013 was asked about. Abyss said he's exited about it because it's the catalyst for their international growth. He's excited about seeing that growth and seeing the company continuing to grow.
Abyss was asked whether he was surprised by the growth. He said it's not because he's seen how hard he's seen everyone behind the scenes work, but he's still awe-struck by it. It's almost scary to see how fast they have grown there. He said UK is a different fan base and they are far hungrier for it than the US fan base is right now.
I then asked Abyss several follow-up questions. I brought up the incident with his teeth being knocked out by Rob Van Dam and whether he was planning to have dental surgery or if he felt the missing teeth accentuated the Abyss character. Abyss said that in a weird way, only in the wrestling business could it be an upgrade that your teeth gets knocked out. He said it was an unfortunate accident but like like Mick Foley, it would take a tank to keep him down and he kept going. It adds to his look in a weird way.
I brought up the growing relationship between AAA and Mexico and working the larger Mexican shows. Abyss said that the casual fans wouldn't understand but the Mexican style is different in the ways that crowds react and how wrestlers sell. He said that Jarrett is heading up all the international stuff. The style takes getting used to but if you can adapt, it's fine. He's worked the last four Triplemanias and they are huge crowds and the crowds are passionate about what they are seeing. He's never seen a more rabid crowd than the La Parka vs. L.A. Park match over the mask. He said the crowd loves the history of Lucha and they've had a great relationship with AAA. AAA seems very happy with the relationship and the stories they are telling. He could see doing joint shows with them in Mexico in 2012.
Abyss was asked about taking Impact Wrestling on the road. He said it's been very beneficial and the idea of doing PPV or TV internationally has to be in the plans and he believes it's something everyone will see down the line.
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