Interview: Ken Anderson talks TNA — “We have some of the best wrestlers in the world”

tna-mr-anderson

tna-ken-andersonFrom the time TNA Impact Wrestling star Ken Anderson was a little kid, he wanted to become an actor. This sort of evolved into other forms of entertainment. Inspiration for his current career path came in his early 20s when he became an avid pro wrestling fan.

“I was sort of ticked off at myself that I missed so much over the years,” says Anderson, who will face Ethan Carter III in fan voted stipulation of falls count anywhere or arm wrestling challenge on Impact Wrestling 9 p.m. ET Friday, on Destination America.

“I went back and watched as much as I could. I got videotapes and just immersed myself in the world of wrestling. This wasn’t always a career path. When I did decide, one day it just dawned on me. I was always into sports and entertaining. I thought this was a perfect marriage of all the things I love.”

Anderson is looking forward to his match with EC3.

“I think EC3 has the total package,” he says. “He has the look and verbal skills, which to me is always a huge plus. That is something I focused on. He can also back up what he says in the ring. So it’s sort of a no-brainer. He really does embody everything professional wrestling is.”

Around 10 years ago, Anderson got his first big break and signed with WWE to become superstar Mr. Kennedy. Not long after his run with the company came to an end, the performer took his talents to TNA in 2010.

“I’ve gone through so many life changes,” Anderson says. “When I first got there I had a chip on my shoulder. I had an axe to grind. I sort of fell out of love with the business for a period of time, but the last three years I felt a resurgence of love for this business. I have really been focusing a lot of hard work and energy in the gym and continuing to study this craft and continue to prove my worth.

“I’m 39 years old, but I’m still trying to learn and get better,” he continues. “The thing I love about TNA is we are willing to take risks. We are willing to always strive to be different and persevere. People have been calling for the death of TNA for the last 12 years. They said 12 years ago it wouldn’t last a year. It’s been that way. My personal opinion is we have some of the best wrestlers in the world that work for us, and we try to give 110 percent every week.”

Anderson has been there for some of the company’s most newsworthy acquisitions including Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff. TNA’s latest get is Smashing Pumpkins front man Billy Corgan, who was brought in a senior producer, creative and talent development.

“I think it’s great to have him,” Anderson says. “I think we need more creative people. I’m all for changing things up. I’m sure Billy has a lot of unique, interesting ideas. I don’t know a whole lot about him. I’m a fan of his music. I don’t know how that translates to wrestling, but he does have a passion for the business. He is a creative individual. Hopefully, it will marry well.”

The star has enjoyed working with the young emerging talent the company has to offer. Among them was Samuel Saw, a sociopath character whose rivalry with Anderson was born out his infatuation with TNA ring announcer Christy Hemme.

“It was something unique,” he says. “We had several different kinds of matches that I really hadn’t really done before. With his character being what it is, we were able to explore and come up with unique ways of presenting that persona. To me, the story-telling aspect of what we do is the most important aspect. You have to do something the people care about or can relate to or want to get behind. I think we were able to do that. So it was entertaining to me.”

Another recent highlight for Anderson was introducing TNA fans to Chris Melendez, an army veteran who lost his left leg during an IED attack in Iraq. Anderson, who served in the Army reserves for six years prior to becoming a pro wrestler, was inspired.

“I didn’t know what to expect,” Anderson says. “I’m sort of skeptical by nature. When he sent me the video package they made for him and some pictures I thought, ‘Wow, this guy can really move around the ring. What he did looked good.’ Then I talked to him saying, ‘Look, I don’t have a school, but I’m going to put you in contact with Bully Ray.’ Bully had a school in Orlando, and I think Chris was living in New York at the time. Within two weeks Chris Melendez had quit whatever he was doing, packed all his things and moved to Orlando. To me, you can’t fail when you take that approach with anything in life.”

Outside the ring, Anderson hosts the “Push the Button” podcast with comedian David Vox Mullen. The podcast delves into hot topics such as gay marriage and religion. TNA’s MVP was on recently to discuss racism.

“In my life I was running into more and more people who were willing to throw their beliefs at you left and right,” he says. “The minute you retorted or challenged what they believe, they would get mad or run away. Then it became an uncomfortable situation. We need to figure out a way we can talk about these most important things in our lives and not get hot at each other for them.”

For a well-spoken and well-read pro wrestler, Mr. Anderson certainly has an interesting television viewing palate.

“I have a reputation to uphold here, so I probably shouldn’t be telling you what I watch,” Anderson says. “I watch news, football when it’s on. I’m a huge football fan, but for the most part the television I watch is just junk food for the brain. I read a lot of books. A lot of the books are heavy deep reading, so when I want to start to shut down and shut off, I tend to watch things like the ‘Real Housewives’ and Food Network.

“I’ve watched the first few seasons of Game of Thrones, but sort of fell off. Everybody tells me the part I fell off was sort of a low point, and I need to get back on the wagon. When ‘Sons of Anarchy’ was on, I loved Sons of Anarchy. I think Breaking Bad was probably my favorite show of all time. I’ve see an episode or two of Better Call Saul.

  • Catch Mr. Anderson on Impact Wrestling 9 p.m. Thursdays on Destination America.
  • Follow me on Twitter @smFISHMAN.