Since joining Total Nonstop Action Wrestling seven years ago, Samoa Joe has typically been a man of few words, letting his in-ring dominance speak for itself. After a lackluster showing in last year’s Bound for Glory Series, Joe was able to rebound by shifting his focus to the tag team division earlier this year, where he and Magnus proved to be dominant World Tag Team Champions. After that title run ran its course, Joe began proving himself as a singles competitor once again, most recently with a much more successful showing in this year’s Bound for Glory Series. Depending on the outcome of his Impact Wrestling match tonight against Jeff Hardy, Joe could very well emerge as the points leader in the tournament, which would allow him to choose his opponent in the semifinals this Sunday at No Surrender, a pay-per-view where he has historically had great success. Perhaps more focused than ever, the “Samoan Submission Machine” takes a moment to talk to Wrestling with Pop Culture.
With this year’s Bound for Glory Series you took a different approach on your road to Bound for Glory. How has the way TNA has presented the tournament this year differed from last year?
I think the biggest difference in the tournament this year from last year is that it actually makes sense this year. I have to hand it to the tournament organizers, they’ve put together a hell of a tournament and kept the form and the function of the tournament very basic. Last year we had some ridiculous scenarios put together and kind of pushed different guys in the tournament, which led to me not really appreciating how things were being run and maybe overreacting a bit.
The tournament changes have been indicative of some other changes within TNA. How do you feel about the way the television show has been presented more recently?
I think going live and working live is a better atmosphere for television and delivers a better product. So that’s the biggest thing I’ve noticed that’s made an impact. The better athletes and professional wrestlers of the world thrive in a live environment.
You’ve had a clear resurgence in this year’s tournament over last year’s. What would you say you’ve done differently to get back to the top of the card, and what do you think you need to do to stay there?
If there’s anything I’ve done differently, I’ve made a little more noise than usual. The other thing is, whenever I’m presented with the opportunity to go out there and do the best I can do, I think I do that. So those are the major contributing factors to my turnaround in the Bound for Glory Series.
As mixed martial arts has grown in popularity in recent years, how has that affected the way wrestling is presented? Has it been a challenge to present an in-ring product that competes with MMA, or do you just try to put on the best wrestling show you can?
MMA has definitely changed the way pro wrestlers ply their craft and I’ve always been a big proponent of making those changes and trying to implement them in the realm of professional wrestling. Pro wrestling’s always going to have its strengths, so I think it’s just a really experimental time right now. The better pro wrestlers of the world will be able to adapt to that style in the wrestling world.
You’ve been with the company through its ups and downs. What’s kept you motivated during the times when maybe you’re not happy with the way you’re being used?
The thing that keeps me motivated regardless of what I go through is just maintaining the ability to go out there and perform in front of as many fans as possible. It gives me the opportunity to do what I love, which is pro wrestling. That’s always been my biggest motivating factor.
You’ve just recently returned to singles competition after forming a tag team with Magnus. How do you feel about the way he was able to evolve and improve after you took him under your wing and worked with him?
When it comes to Magnus, he’s a guy that hasn’t reached his potential, but is definitely just realizing what he can be. He’s becoming a very, very good professional wrestler and in the next few years people will be speaking of his work very, very highly. It’s been a very interesting evolution, to say the least.
Given the changes that have been occurring within TNA, as well as the differences between your performance in last year’s Bound for Glory tournament in comparison to this year, what are your thoughts in the way TNA has presented you over the years and how that evolution might play into your relationship with the company moving forward?
When it comes to me and TNA, I’ve never been afraid to try something or give something a shot. I’ve always kind of rolled with the opportunities I’ve been presented and they know I’ve never been afraid of doing that. At this point, they just have a more hands-off approach and let me go out there and do what I do best and I’m put in a position to showcase why people like to come and watch TNA Wrestling shows.
You’ve been part of every No Surrender pay-per-view since its inception, and you typically do very well at this event. Tonight’s match against Jeff Hardy obviously effects your place on the No Surrender card, but given your history at that event what is your mindset going into tonight’s Impact Wrestling and this Sunday’s pay-per-view?
I’m squarely focused on trying to get as big of an advantage and as close as I can to getting back the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. That’s my plan. If I go out there and beat Jeff Hardy, I’ve sealed it up, I’m number one, I get to pick my opponent and figure out how I’ll go into that championship match. That’s a huge advantage, so that’s what I’m really focused on right now is trying to get myself in the best position possible. I’ll do that any way I can.
Assuming you do defeat Hardy tonight and finish the tournament with the most points in the series, how might you go about choosing your opponent this Sunday?
That’s purely reactionary. I’m going to have to see what condition people are in when it comes time to make that decision. And I wouldn’t tell you anyway because, what’s the fun in that?
For more information, go to www.impactwrestling.com.
