ContinueThe 'Samoan Submission Machine', Samoa Joe has been one of the most consistent performers in TNA's ten year history and has held numerous titles in the company. Joe went undefeated during the first 18 months of his time in TNA before going on to win the World Championship, Tag Titles and X Division belt.
Sportsvibe caught up with Joe to talk about the BFG Series, teaming with British star Magnus, the current state of the X Division and much more.
Q. You are through to the Final stages of the Bound For Glory Series at No Surrender, what have you made of this years series and what can we expect from you at the PPV?
It has been one hell of a tournament so far. TNA have given me a very hands off approach during this Bound for Glory Series and have let me just go out to the ring and do what I do best.
There are three other great guys in the finals of the tournament, including James Storm, Bully Ray and Jeff Hardy but all I'm focused on right now is getting back the TNA World Heavyweight Championship and I will make sure that happens any way I can.
Q. Recently you have teamed up with British star Magnus and held the tag titles together what was it like working with Magnus?
I think when it comes to Magnus he is a guy that hasn't reached his full potential but he has definitely realised what he can be in this business. He is becoming a very good professional wrestler and i think in the next few years people will be speaking very highly of his work.
Q. During your tenure in TNA you have had many great matches, what have been some of the highlights for you?
Anything Kurt Angle and i have been involved with kind of just worked between the pair of us and we had many standout matches against one another. AJ Styles is another guy I have had many great matches with and anytime we get in the ring across from each other good things happen.
I think the near perfect TNA moment was the triple threat match between myself, AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels at Unbreakable in 2005. When you look back at that match, it's a calling card, it outlines the new generation of wrestling and we incorporated so many different styles from around the world and all three of us were proud of the work we had put in that night.
Q. As one of the pioneers behind the success of the X Division in the early years, what do you make of the current crop of X Division stars?
I think that the new arsenal of X Division wrestlers are exceptional and I'm really looking forward to seeing what they put together in that division over the coming months. I think some of the guys will break out and show the world they are the next level of X Division wrestlers.
Q. You came through ROH with the likes of CM Punk and Daniel Bryan, and current TNA World Champion Austin Aries also spent time in ROH. What was your time there like?
I think there is always an enormous amount of talent out there in companies like ROH, and it is just a matter of them just going out there and putting on good matches at the right time when the likes of WWE and TNA are looking for new talent.
I don't think it is a big surprise all of these guys are doing well, they are all people who are dedicated to being the very best in what they do.
Q. Recently when asked who he would like to have a match with CM Punk mentioned you, would you like to get back in the ring with Punk?
I will always appreciate CM Punk wanting to wrestle me and get back in the ring with me as we have had so many great matches in the past. Anytime he wants to come down to Orlando and scrap that’s not a problem.
Q. There have been many instances in wrestling history of Samoan family dynasties that have continued throughout the generations; how would you feel if your children ever decided to follow in your footsteps and step into the world of professional wrestling?
My wife and I were talking about this not so long ago. I’m of the general opinion that I’m going to take the same stance that my parents took with me: ‘You can do whatever you want, just make sure it’s honest and you make money’. That’ll be the deal I offer to my son, you can do whatever you want, I’ll support you, but you just gotta make money!
Samoa Joe joins James Storm, Jeff Hardy and Bully Ray in the final four of the Bound for Glory series which concludes at No Surrender. You can watch No Surrender in the UK on Wednesday 12th September at 10pm, only on Challenge TV.
