TNA World Heavyweight Champion Drew Galloway recently spoke to Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustard blog about Slammiversary and more. You can check out the full interview here along with some highlights below.
Similarities between himself and Bret Hart:
Bret Hart was my hero growing up. It’s so bizarre to hear your hero say kind things about you, it’s just crazy. Hulk Hogan was the larger than life character that everybody loved, but there was just something about Bret Hart. He had the jacket and the glasses, but I was just obsessed with watching his matches. As I grew up, I began to realize I enjoyed the matches so much because Bret told such a captivating story in the ring with his moves. He wasn’t phony, and I immediately recognized that. He told compelling stories in the wrestling, and that’s the most genuine thing in this business. Guys like Bret Hart, William Regal, and Fit Finlay–those are three guys from over the years that have influenced me and I really respect.
If he compares himself to other champions such as Roman Reigns:
Obviously I keep my eye on the wrestling product, I am the biggest wrestling fan in the world. I love this, and I need this. This is my first official world title reign, and I want people to remember this. I’ve been traveling the world defending the title, and I’m trying to be a unique champion in the social media age. The way TNA is filmed, I can go out and wrestle other shows and get people’s attention on TNA and Drew Galloway.
I travel all the time, but I try to watch as much as I can. Roman is such a talented guy. People can see that he’s been protected a lot, which is understandable. If I was in a position of power, I’d put him in the exact same spot. But it takes years to truly get over and get the fans fully behind you. People have to come on this journey with you, and they’ve been with me the whole time. I won the IC title, they saw 3MB, and it really does take a long time for people to get to know you. Truly getting over is a lot different than just getting a reaction, and time is what it takes. I understand that now. A couple years from now, or after he comes back from an injury, Reigns is going to be one of the biggest stars ever.
