I recently interviewed the new NWA World Heavyweight Champion, AJ Styles. AJ talks about his reign in NWA-TNA, The Internet, his favorite matches, and much more. The following is the interview in its entirety:

 Steve:  Tell me how you feel about your run with NWA-TNA.

 AJ Styles: I feel real good about it. It is not every day that a guy can go from being nothing in the wrestling business and be the first ever X Division Champion and NWA World Champion. It is a big deal to me because when people look at the record books on both titles, my name will be there. I think I have accomplished a lot being there.

 Steve:  Can TNA make the next move and become more competitive with the WWE?

 AJ Styles: Absolutely! It is going to take some time and it is nothing that will happen overnight. We need a good TV deal and they are always working on something in the form of a TV deal. I do not think we can be a big threat until that happens. With the quality of wrestler we have, it is just a matter of time. 

Steve: You are having your first match in 3PW June 21^st against Kid Kash. How do you feel about your match, the federation, and its chances of being a big player amongst other federations?

 AJ Styles: I’m excited about it and I can’t wait to be apart of their show. I think my match with Kid Kash will be great. I’ve heard a lot of great things about 3PW and I think they could do very well.

 Steve: What inspired you to enter the world of wrestling?

AJ Styles: Money (laughs). I wish someone had told me there wasn’t any when you get started. But, I’m glad they didn’t. By the time you figure out there isn’t much money in wrestling, you have already fell in love with it.

 Steve: What is your most memorable match?

 AJ Styles: I can’t really pick one match in particular. I would have to say the early matches in TNA. I had some great X Division matches with the likes of Low Ki, Jerry Lynn, and Psychosis.

 Steve:  Is there a particular wrestler that you just did not like working with?

 AJ Styles: I can’t really think of any wrestlers I have not enjoyed working with.

 Steve: You have worked some dark matches with the WWE in the past. Is it possible we may see you in the WWE in the future?

 AJ Styles: I don’t see that happening in the near future. Unless something crazy happens, I do not see myself going anywhere. I’m a free man in the wrestling business while working with TNA and I like that. The only obligations I have are Wednesday nights.

 Steve: What is your opinion of the Internet Wrestling world?

 AJ Styles: The “Smart Marks” out there can really rub wrestlers the wrong way. Most of them worked in a candy store at the Airport or something and they think they know everything about wrestling. There are fans in general that really don’t know nothing about wrestling and I think that is what rubs wrestlers the wrong way. Then again, there are writers like yourself who put down on paper what wrestlers say and if that offends people, then that is the way it is. I believe the Internet, overall, is a good thing for wrestling. I keep hearing that I’m big on the Internet. I just wish that would carry over to the whole world.

 Steve: Do wrestlers keep up with the latest news, rumors, and opinions about themselves on the Internet?

 AJ Styles: I normally do not get on the Internet unless I want to see how a fellow wrestler is dong that I have not seen or wrestled with in a while. You can usually get the latest news by going on the Internet and that is the only reason I go on the net. I’m not sure about other guys.

 Steve: What inspires you to go out and put on the best show possible week in and week out?

 AJ Styles: I think the fact that I have not forgotten where I came from. I wasn’t the richest kid growing up and I want to put on a good show for those who spend their hard earned money.

 Steve: What advise would you give to any young person considering wrestling as their future?

 AJ Styles: If I had to go back, I would have stayed in college and gotten my degree. Unfortunately in wrestling, there is no stability. Something could happen tomorrow and I could be out forever. If you are going to go after a wrestling career, go after it hard. If you want people to treat you like a professional, you have to look like one. You have to make people believe you are a wrestler. You need to look like a wrestler and create your own style. Psychology has a lot to do with it as well. You can be the best technical wrestler or high-flyer, but if you do not know psychology, you are not going anywhere. 

Steve: AJ, I appreciate your time today and I wish you all the luck in the world. 

AJ: Thank you for interviewing me.