During a recent interview with Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustard, Drew Galloway discussed trying to change the negative impression TNA receives, talking with Brock Lesnar before leaving WWE and more. Here are some highlights:
On His Talk With Brock Lesnar Before Leaving WWE: “I remember Brock Lesnar walked up and said to me, ‘Why are you doing this?’” recalled Galloway. “At that point, I hadn’t done anything for a long time. When they presented it (3MB) to me, I didn’t want it. But the guys were my buddies, so I said, ‘Let’s put one-hundred percent into this and make it work.’ As ridiculous as it was at times, the crowd started getting behind us.”
On His WWE Run Being Looked at as a Failure: “I was trying to do spots and bring matches that were only seen in the independents, and a lot of people I was working with did not like that. It’s the norm in WWE now, but that got me a bit of a ‘rep,’ and then I spoke out a few times,” Galloway said. “In WWE, a lot of people took my passion as me thinking I was better or knew more. I am very passionate about this business, and I always have been. I’m not a ‘Yes Man,’ and I’ve always preferred to go back-and-forth and find something we both agree on so I can do it to the best of my ability. That was taken in WWE as trying to do what was best for me. In reality, I was trying to be different.”
On Being Endorsed by Vince McMahon: “The man who created the modern day wrestling scene endorsed me. I thrive under pressure and love a challenge, but even though I had wrestled for nine years, I was a bit naïve to the inner-workings of wrestling. There was a lot of jealousy and resentment. Perhaps I was a little naïve for thinking everyone was my friend.”
On Trying to Fix TNA’s Negative Impression: “I understand why people weren’t watching TNA during its dark ages, but I believe in our talent and the matches are phenomenal. If you look at the old stuff, you had a lot of great characters but so much of the work in-ring was crap. Now, there are cool characters and the in-ring product is the highest it’s ever been,” Galloway said. “TNA has had a negative impression over the past couple years, and I see it as my responsibility to fix that. We have a hell of a show now, and – just like I’ve been trying with Evolve and ICW – if there is anything I can do to improve pro wrestling, I’m going to do it. I’m just going to keep working to get more eyes on the product.”