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Interview with Mr Anderson
by Gavin Duenas
On the 9th of May I had a chance to speak with TNA's Mr Anderson as part of a conference call ahead of his match with Jeff Hardy at this weekend's Sacrifice pay-per-view (which will be shown free of charge on UK Challenge next Wednesday at 10pm).
I found Ken to be engaging and much more polite and humble than his on-screen persona would suggest! The whole discussion was very interesting as he covered a range of topics from his time in WWE and TNA. It's easy to forget sometimes just what a rollercoaster journey his career has been, from potential breakout star in WWE to two-time TNA world heavyweight champion to an often underutilised part of the TNA roster, and I was able to ask him two questions myself. I feel that his answers were very revealing.
For my first question, I wanted to hear from the man himself exactly what is his character's constitution. It has been difficult at times during his TNA run to keep track of whether Ken is a heel or a face, and I asked him to elaborate on the goals and motivations that define Mr Anderson. Ken joked that "I get to do and say all the things that people normally want to do and say, but would get in trouble for", and suggested that "most good actors...are really just good at playing themselves".
It was one of numerous examples during the conference where he addressed things on a superficial level without ever going into any depth, and I was left with the impression that Ken personnifies the things that are holding TNA back; he can "talk the talk" as well as anybody, but could perhaps benefit from breaking down the specifics and truly understanding what historically has worked and not worked in wrestling, and why.
It is my belief that a little more in-depth self-evaluation could make Ken a permanent fixture at the very top of the industry, given his obvious natural talent.
I found Ken to be engaging and much more polite and humble than his on-screen persona would suggest! The whole discussion was very interesting as he covered a range of topics from his time in WWE and TNA. It's easy to forget sometimes just what a rollercoaster journey his career has been, from potential breakout star in WWE to two-time TNA world heavyweight champion to an often underutilised part of the TNA roster, and I was able to ask him two questions myself. I feel that his answers were very revealing.
For my first question, I wanted to hear from the man himself exactly what is his character's constitution. It has been difficult at times during his TNA run to keep track of whether Ken is a heel or a face, and I asked him to elaborate on the goals and motivations that define Mr Anderson. Ken joked that "I get to do and say all the things that people normally want to do and say, but would get in trouble for", and suggested that "most good actors...are really just good at playing themselves".
It was one of numerous examples during the conference where he addressed things on a superficial level without ever going into any depth, and I was left with the impression that Ken personnifies the things that are holding TNA back; he can "talk the talk" as well as anybody, but could perhaps benefit from breaking down the specifics and truly understanding what historically has worked and not worked in wrestling, and why.
It is my belief that a little more in-depth self-evaluation could make Ken a permanent fixture at the very top of the industry, given his obvious natural talent.
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For my second question, I noted the fact that he has worked with a number of respected figures in the industry, and asked who was his greatest influence and what is the best advice he has ever received from a veteran. Ken answered "Undertaker's had the biggest influence on my career, and it was he that chose to work with me".
I really enjoyed his answer and was particularly interested that he addressed one of the major criticisms levelled at him within the industry: that he is considered to be somewhat awkward to work with in the ring. It's certainly noteworthy that Undertaker himself advised Ken to ignore that very criticism! In Ken's words "I ended up getting in the ring with some people who did think that I was being difficult to work with...and Taker said "No matter what those assholes say, just keep being yourself and keep doing what you're doing"". Ken has a reputation within the business for being frank with his opinions, and he was open about his feelings on the way he has been booked in TNA and the creative changes that have recently taken place in the company. It is clear that he sees positive things ahead for TNA, and he seems to be looking forward to Sunday's event. |
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Overall the questions asked of Ken were of a high quality, and his responses went a long way to explaining his own wrestling philosophy and why he is - in my opinion - something of an underachiever in the wrestling industry, despite having had a career most of his colleagues would envy.
I found him really likeable, and I genuinely hope that he establishes himself once again as a major star for TNA, and I would love the chance to speak with him in more depth one day. I would recommend listening to the whole thing, but if you are pushed for time you will find my questions at 17:22 and 32:06.
If you wish to discuss this article with our members, please visit the 606v2 forum
You can follow Gavin on Twitter at @606v2wrestling
(c) Copyright 606v2 2012. Please do not reproduce without permission
Editors note - I would personally like to thank both Ken for taking the time out of their hectic schedules to talk to us. In addition, I would also like to thank Simon at TNA UK who has helped make these interviews possible. Don't forget to catch the TNA Sacrifice PPV on Challenge TV next Wednesday (May 16th) from 10pm
I found him really likeable, and I genuinely hope that he establishes himself once again as a major star for TNA, and I would love the chance to speak with him in more depth one day. I would recommend listening to the whole thing, but if you are pushed for time you will find my questions at 17:22 and 32:06.
If you wish to discuss this article with our members, please visit the 606v2 forum
You can follow Gavin on Twitter at @606v2wrestling
(c) Copyright 606v2 2012. Please do not reproduce without permission
Editors note - I would personally like to thank both Ken for taking the time out of their hectic schedules to talk to us. In addition, I would also like to thank Simon at TNA UK who has helped make these interviews possible. Don't forget to catch the TNA Sacrifice PPV on Challenge TV next Wednesday (May 16th) from 10pm
Click here to listen to the interview
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