Credit: PWInsider.ComQuote:
TNA conducted a conference call today with the media to promote the "Destination X" Pay-per-view with Christopher Daniels as the guest.
The conference call began with a discussion of the TNA ratings, as the March 4th edition of the show did a .7 rating with a .8 in males 18-49 and a .9 in males 18-34. The show reached 894,000 viewers. The show is averaging a .8 rating for the last 20 airings.
Here are highlights from the Q&A with Christopher Daniels.
- When asked about who he feels are ready to join himself, Samoa Joe and AJ Styles as the stars of the X Division, Daniels immediately named Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley and Jay Lethal as coming up to their level, saying they just need an opportunity. He also mentioned Austin Aries, Roderick Strong and Sonjay Dutt as earning their time in the spotlight, and again stated they just need an opportunity to come up to the next level.
- Daniels said he was proud to be part of the "little engine that could" roster and being a part of TNA through their growth over the last few years.
- When asked what New Japan talent he would like to see TNA bring in for him to work against, he named Shinsuke Nakamura and Hiroshi Tanahasi, as the top two, since he has already faced Koji Kanemoto and Jushin Liger. Daniels stated he would really like to see Yuji Nagata brought in to TNA.
- When asked about bringing his Curry Man character to TNA, Daniels said "Never say never" and that some in the TNA office are fans of the character. He said there have been a few discussions about it, but wouldn't say how far those discussions have gone.
- Daniels said it is difficult to prepare for the Ultimate X match, since it isn't the kind of match you can practice in advance. He said the big X factor for the bout is whether Samoa Joe can compete in that kind of match, since he has never done so before.
- He likes the stability of being with TNA, and appreciates the time and effort that TNA has put into getting over his character to the fans.
- When asked about Ring Of Honor talent he would like to see TNA bring in, he immediately named Bryan Danielson and Colt Cabana, saying he feels both would fit in well and could bring a lot to the table. He also put over Ricky Reyes and said there are a few others he would like to see get a chance.
- Asked again about this Sunday's PPV match, Daniels said the Ultimate X match adds a level of stunt work to wrestling, something he never prepared for. He said the cables can hold Joe, since they hold two or three people at a time. The question is whether Joe can keep his 280 pounds up just using his hands. Daniels pointed out that he has seen bodybuilders that can't do pull ups because it is so much weight being held up by the small muscles in the hands. Daniels said it isn't about arm strength, it is about grip strength.
- Daniels said that the man that ends Samoa Joe's undefeated streak in TNA will be a big feather in their cap, regardless if it is an X Division performer or a heavyweight.
- Daniels said he likes being able to see people like Christian and other former WWE talent now and have the chance to work regularly with them, as opposed to just seeing then on occasion when he would work for WWE at television tapings in the past.
- Asked about the difference in the way TNA promotes the X Division versus the way WWE promotes the Cruiserweight division, Daniels pointed out that they can perform and produce in TNA, and noted that WWE's cruiserweights are never given that opportunity. He said that WWE is aware of TNA and watching what they are doing, but he doesn't know if that will ever change how WWE just doesn't give opportunities to cruiserweights. Daniels said that while Rey Mysterio might get a chance, the majority of Cruiserweights will never get the chance to main event a PPV, and certainly not against each other.
- Daniels said it doesn't matter what gets a fan to watch TNA for the first time, because once they watch TNA, they will get hooked because it is quality wrestling. Whatever gets them to watch the first time is fine (like watching because a former WWE star or Sting is on the show), because it is the efforts of the whole crew that will keep them watching.
- When asked whether there was any pressure on Daniels, Joe and Styles to live up to their past matches this Sunday, Daniels said they never let the pressure bother them. They simply go to the ring and put on the best match they can.
- When asked what TNA is doing right and wrong, Daniels said the fact that everyone is getting an opportunity, and there is a variety of styles on each show is what TNA is doing right. Daniels wouldn't say TNA is doing anything wrong, but said that personally he would like to see the divisions mixed more. Daniels said he would like to wrestle Christian, Monty Brown, Rhyno and Abyss. He said AJ Styles has been given the chance but he would like to see Samoa Joe, Chris Sabin and other X Division guys have the chance to wrestle the heavyweights.
- When it comes to taking risks in the ring, Daniels said he is always aware of his future and the fact that there is another match the next day or next week he wants to be able to have. He would rather be able to have a long career than blowing everything in one match or in a short period and go down in flames.
- Trying to make a living on independents has worked for him, but pointed out that it is not stable work, and not everyone is lucky enough to get a lot of bookings. He said he was fortunate to be able to have bookings every week, and to now have a deal with TNA.
- When asked about being a leader in the locker room, Daniels said that a lot of wrestlers respect his opinions, and that their respect is important to him and he appreciates it.
- Daniels won't rule out teaming with AJ Styles in the future on a permanent basis, but for now they will be focusing on the singles title.
- Doesn't see any problems with keeping the title belt on the wire X this Sunday, referring to the problems with the "red X" that has occurred in the past. Daniels said that except for the first Ultimate X match, there has never been a problem with keeping the belt up there, the problems have only been when using the "red X".
- When asked about the Lockdown PPV concept of having all the matches in a steel cage, Daniels said it is just like any other show, where you have to try and have a unique match, knowing everyone will have the same parameters to work within.
- Daniels said that TNA has given him the chance to cut promos and do commentary and get his character across with more than just his matches.
- During the period where TNA had no television outlet, Daniels never thought TNA would die, and that people outside the company predicting the end of the organization didn't know what TNA had in the works for the future.
- He is very happy and somewhat surprised with the success of his DVD. Daniels said TNA has really gotten behind it, pushing it with commercials during the television shows.
- When asked about the pros and cons of planning out a match move for move in the back versus calling it in the ring, Daniels said it is just a matter of personal preference for the wrestlers. Daniels said he is in the middle, in that he likes to have an idea in mind for where a match will go, but said it is an asset to be able to adapt to what the crowd is reacting to.
- The episode of "Distraction" for Comedy Central with Daniels in his Curry Man outfit was filmed last October. Daniels said he used the Curry Man character because Comedy Central were interested in characters that would stand out more, rather than just having a group of wrestlers there.
- On the topic of new talent coming in and "taking spots", Daniels said he is not worried about his spot, because he feels there is no one TNA can bring in that can do his character and style better than him. Daniels said he is all for the growth of TNA, and wants to see more talent coming into the company to help it get bigger.
- When asked about the Sting storyline twist that now has "Steve Borden" promising to appear on Sunday, Daniels said he didn't know about it until he saw it on television, so he is wondering where it will go as well.
- When asked what he is looking forward to on the PPV this Sunday, Daniels said he is intrigued by the International Showcase match, and is curious who New Japan Pro Wrestling will be sending in for it.
