SG> How did you get started in pro wrestling?
AS> Went to a horrible wrestling school, like most people. Luckily, I managed to get helped out by numerous people who knew what they were doing after I finished with the inadequate trainer I started with. Big ups to Breyer Wellington and Truth Martini. Scott D'amore eventually took me into his school, and he and Joe E. Legend coached me.
SG> How did you get started with TNA?
AS> Roderick Strong and I were the first non contracted wrestlers to ever wrestle at Impact. We wrestled a 6 man tag teaming with Michael Shane against Sabin, Skipper, and Hector Garza. After that, they liked both of us, and we became the first job guys on Impact. They had an angle for me and offered me a contract.
SG> Thus far in TNA, what is your most memorable match? Or highlight?
AS> My first match back after asking for my release against Shocker was one of my favorites. Also the reformation of Generation Next against AJ, Daniels, and Sabin. There was a three way there with AJ and Sabin there as well, during my first run. Any time I get to team with Roderick and Joe, also. And the 6 mans with Aries. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't slightly happy I got to get my ass handed to me by one half of Tekno Team 2000. I actually did like them when I was like 11.
SG> Your thoughts on the 3/17 TNA house show in Detroit?
AS> It was actually one of the best shows I've wrestled on. The atmosphere backstage was awesome. They drew better than anyone was expecting, really. The arena was almost full, I'd say at least 3,500. I got to wrestle Chris Sabin, and he's one of my best opponents, so that was fun. I don't see how anyone could be less than happy with it, really. Plus, it's like 5 minutes from my house, so like, I could be looking at www.clubhardball.com one minute, at the arena the next, and not be late.
SG> What does TNA need to do to compete with WWE?
AS> It takes time to build up a solid product. I personally think we don't need as many lazers at Impact. It's seizure inducing. But I think in the past year since the booking committee has taken over, the product has gotten infinitely better. I honestly don't know what we would need, that's not my department. I just wrestle.
SG> What is your opinion of the current WWE product?
AS> I like Spanky, Paul London, and James Gibson. I don't really watch WWE, I just figured I'd put that out there. Sonjay Dutt really enjoys dancing like The Boogeyman, he's pretty good at it, I guess.
SG> If WWE called tomorrow, would you leave TNA?
AS> Considering my current contract is until September, no. On top of that, I'm in the process of negotiating a new one anyways. Besides that, I would probably go to the 01MAX dojo for a couple months anyways, as I really regret not following up on that when I had the chance.
SG> You have previously worked for CZW. What is your opinion of the
CZW product?
AS> When I was there, it was pretty sound. I haven't been there in about 14 months. It's an acquired taste, sure, but what isn't? And didn't you hear? Necro Butcher is the new craze!
SG> What is something that would surprise people to learn about you?
AS> I really should have went to art school.
source: tnawrestling.com
SG> In Japan, I know you teamed with Bambi Killer. Do you believe
he is a WWE prospect?
AS> He's big and Austrian and videotapes his workouts. I'm sure he'll fit right in. He's a nice guy with a thick Austrian accent, so like...I dunno what gimmick they could give him, but shit, I heard Paul Burchill's doing a pirate gimmick, so who knows? Maybe Chris can do a Terminator gimmick. That'd be badical.
SG> Talk about your previous Japanese experiences. Anything surprise you about working
In the Orient?
AS> Well, all of it's a shock. Going to Japan is like going to another planet because of the lack of understanding of language and just the new environment. But I absolutely love it there wrestling for 01MAX. I really think they have one of the strongest wrestling rosters anywhere in the world. I was initially surprised at how well I clicked with some of the wrestlers, notably Minoru Fujita and Ikuto Hidaka. But once you do a couple tours, you get used to it. I personally enjoy riding the bus much more than I do flying.
SG> Do you have future Japanese commitments?
AS> Loose lips sink ships.
SG> Do you have any creative input on your character?
AS> I'm actually starting to get some. I don't sit down in creative meetings, but now people say "Well, what do you think about this?" every so often. With TV wrestling, there's filters for everything. Agents for matches and backstage promos and such, so things can get watered down or cut or whatever. Not everything can make the air, you know? But short answer, yeah, sometimes, a small amount.
SG> Your thoughts on working with Goldylocks?
AS> Well, it was cool to be on TV. And the money was good.
SG> What are you TNA goals?
AS> To become a member of Team TNA for Worlds X Cup! And continue to blowoff fans at The Ale House. But also to make money and win belts and such. That part's no different from your average indy wrestler like Jim Lazer.
SG> Is your ring style patterned after anyone?
AS> Tons of people, really. A trained eye can probably see the most obvious influences, really.
SG> Do you believe TNA has used Sting correctly with the “retirement” storyline?
AS> I think so. It's a different angle that no one's really seen, plus, I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the additional camera time I got from said angle, Eric Youngs 3/4 rolls aside.
SG> Where do you see yourself in five years?
AS> Hmmm. Probably still wrestling as a rival to Ikuto Hidaka. Or that's where I'd like to be.
SG> What is the biggest rib you have had played on you?
AS> That time my girlfriend told me she was pregnant and she really wasn't! Oh, how we laughed. Actually, I usually end up playing ribs on people. Me, Sabin, Sonjay, Petey, and A1 have our own way of ribbing each other that includes trashing each others rooms, hitting each other with inanimate objects, hijacking camera phones, etc., etc.
SG> What is your opinion of Shocker?
AS> He's f-ing awesome. I was bummed out when he left. He was teaching me all sorts of cool lucha libre stuff. I thought he was really good, he always worked hard. He was a great wrestler.
SG> If you were booking yourself, what types of opponents and story lines would you book?
AS> Um. I never put that much thought into booking myself, honestly. I'd probably book this angle, because I have thought of this one. I'd get alien cartoonish costumes for Sabin, Sonjay, and Jay Lethal. Then, I'd get like, Army men costumes for me, Petey, and Matt Bentley. THEN, I'd have recurring matches every PPV where the Army men are constantly trying to capture the aliens! Like, the aliens could hail from Area 51, weighing in at a combined 72 moonrocks. The army men wouldn't just step over a drop down, they'd jump over it, then crawl to the next move. I think it'd be a great feud, but maybe it belongs in Hustle. I can't tell at this point.
SG> Any last comments for the Alex Shelley fans?
AS> My t-shirts will be on sale at www.alexshelleyonline.com soon! Thanks for everything.
