Mr. Anderson Talks About Retirement, Injuries, Billy Corgan, Developing Microphone Skills, More
I had the opportunity to speak with two-time TNA World Champion Mr. Anderson this week, and focused on the development of his skills, how things have changed health-wise since his WWE run, and several other topics. Anderson is embroiled in a bitter feud with rising star EC3, one that looks to continue for at least another several weeks.
After five years in TNA, Anderson has spent more time with the company than he did on the main roster in WWE. After reaching the pinnacle of the company twice already, Anderson pushes on and continues to be a feature attraction for TNA. You can read part 1 of our interview at this link.
You've been known as one of the most natural skilled mic workers around. Was it truly natural or something you had to work at?
"Well, thank you first of all for saying that. It was something that I always had, and I saw it as a strength early on. I didn't want it to be something that I relied on, but something that complimented what happened inside the ring. Some people get it, and some people don't. It just happens to be one of my stronger suits."
During your WWE release you had a pretty successful video blog. Do you ever see yourself doing that again?
"Yeah, I'd love to do that again. Right now, it's just a matter of time. I have a great camera and all of that, but we had to have a guy to edit them, and a camera man to film it. I'd love to be doing that every week right now. With technology being what it is right now, camera and editing, it's definitely something I'd be interested in.
You've also appeared in a couple of movies. Do you have any interest in pursuing that again?
"Yeah, acting was always a goal from when I was a little kid. I've always studied acting, always found it fascinating. I'll take auditions and take acting classes and take things from acting and use them in wrestling, and vice versa. They're very similar. More similar than most would like to admit. "
What are your thoughts of Billy Corgan joining TNA?
"I don't know a ton about Billy, outside of that I enjoy his music. I know that he's a huge wrestling fan and he's very passionate about this business. I hope those two things hook up well together, and I think they will. I've heard some really good things about him as far back as a few years ago. I'm really looking forward to working with him."
How has having children affected your career as a pro wrestler?
"I've spent a lot more time thinking about things at home. You start to sort of obsess the things you do in life. Everything that I do, I have these two little children to take care of as well. I have to make sure that I make the best possible decisions that I can."
You've been at this for 16 years. How long do you see that going?
"Ask me again in five years (laughs). I think I said in an interview five years ago 'If I'm still wrestling in five years, shoot me.' I don't know if I was having a bad day, or a bad month, or a bad few months, but I feel fantastic right now. I feel invigorated and excited about the future. I'm driven, and very passionate about the business, fitness, working out, all of those things. I feel great right now, and until that changes I'm going to try and entertain the masses."
Is there anything you attribute that to? You were accused of being injury prone earlier in your career.
"Not working with people that injure me. (laughs) That was the one thing that fired me up about the injuries. I can't help it if someone walks up and smashes you in the knee with a baseball bat. That doesn't make you injury prone. I'm very cautious about what I do now. I think about what I do before I do it, and apply it to wrestling. I try to not take any unnecessary risks. I try to eat healthy all the time, work out 5-6 days a week. I try to stay active."
Where can fans follow you on social media?
"I'm on Twitter @MrKenAnderson, Instagram @misterkenanderson, and come check out my podcast, which is called "Push The Button." That can be found on iTunes and Stitcher."