SG> How did you get started in the wrestling business?
JY> My friend knew a guy that went to his church that ran a wrestling company [good ol days wrestling]. My friend told him that we were really interested in becoming wrestlers. This guy really liked my friend, so he let us start training. We started training on a Monday and had my first match that friday.
SG> Biggest influences on your wrestling style?
JY> The fans. I do what I think they want to see.
SG> Describe your experience at the Power Plant?
JY> Hell. It was the hardest thing I ever did.
SG> Who created the Jung Dragons? Are you still in contact with them?
JY> Jimmy Hart created the Jung Dragons. The last time i saw and talked to Jimmy Hart was at wrestlesmania 21.
SG> Any plans to return to All Japan Pro Wrestling?
JY> There are no plans as of right now. I think they are angry at me for going to WWE.
SG> I assume a lot people consider you Japanese. What is your true nationality / heritage?
JY> My dad is korean. My mom is white. I was born in hollywood, California and grew up in Austell, Georgia.
SG> What was your reaction to WWF buying WCW?
JY> I was glad that somebody bought WCW. I didn't want to see WCW die.
SG> When WWF purchased your contract, what did they tell you about the future?
JY> I can't remember what they said but I was really excited because I thought at the time that the future was going to be really good.
SG> Why did WWF release you the first time?
JY> Because i wasn't making them any money. I was just training in HWA.
SG> How did you get hired by TNA?
JY> They contacted me and asked me if I wanted to do it.
SG> What did you think of the Flying Elvises gimmick? Do you keep in touch with Jorge Estrada?
JY> When I first saw the customes, I walked out of the room. At first I was like there no way I'm wearing that out on national TV, but I came around and actucally had a lot of fun doing the gimmick. I haven't talk to Jorge in a long time. I think he got into trouble with the law.
SG> How did your relationship with TNA end? Any chance you could return?
JY> It ended badly. TNA wanted me to sign a contract with them. At the time I was in talk with WWE about coming back and WWE told me not to sign anything with them. You never say never in wrestling.
SG> How did you get hired by WWE, where you surprised they wanted you back?
JY> I asked them if I could come back. So they took a look at me. My tryout match was against Tommy Dreamer on Sunday Night Heat. I wasn't surprised.
SG> How did you get the ring name Akio?
JY> WWE wanted me to have a Japanese name. One of the writers told me that he look in a Japanese phone book and Akio was the coolest one he found.
SG> Why did WWE release you in July 2005?
JY> Because they weren't going to use me. I don't know the reason why they wasn't going to use me.
SG> What is your opinion of John Laurinaitis? What is your opinion of Vince McMahon?
JY> John Laurinaitis is the one that got me my job. Vince is the greatest business man i ever met. I have alot of respect for vince.
SG> Any chance we’ll see you again in WWE?
JY> I say third time a charm.
SG> Tell me about working for Ring of Honor?
JY> I really enjoy working for Ring of Honor.
SG> Tell us about your upcoming training camp?
JY> I will start my wrestling camp April 6 and it will last for 6 weeks. It will be on Thursday and Friday nights from 6 to 9. It will be at the Heartland Wrestling Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio. The camp fee is only 500 dollars. I teach everything I can in that time peroid.
SG> Any last works for the Jimmy Yang fans?
JY> Thanks for being my fans.
