The Katz Files – Arnie Katz

Mere days before what could be the defining match of his career, the Samoan Submission called a press conference to get some things off his chest. Here’s what he had to say about a wide range of subjects, from his time in TNA to his feud with Kurt Angle.

Samoa Joe responded to rumors that the match versus Angle will have an MMA feel by saying that he is a wrestler “and what I do is wrestling.” He said he knows that Kurt has tried to get the rules for the match changed and that he will do what he has to do to win.

The big man assured fans that the match will be relevant and understandable to pro wrestling fans. He believes MMA will have a long-term effect on all combat sports, including wrestling. “It will eclipse boxing and become the dominant combat sport in the world.”

He said that his match against Angle represents “opportunity.” He wants to show that a Samoa Joe title run will be viable and productive.

The challenger denied that he has ever felt threatened by Kurt Angle’s name and following. “I have a hardcore audience,” Samoa Joe explained. “I feel that I have always been positioned well in the company.”

Joe knows that there are high expectations for the match. “It’s absolutely going to happen,” Samoa Joe promised. “It’s always going to be a big physical affair and I know I’m going to go away with injuries.”

“I feel a lot better than I have in a long time,” he declared. He believes that he can handle the rigors of being the champ.

“We’re still working out a lot of details,” he said referring to his real contract situation.

“The contract situation isn’t a factor,” said Joe. “Regardless of what’s going on behind the scenes, when I go through that curtain, that’s what counts.” He added that he would no more work a bad match than try to sell a bad painting.

“As of right now, I’m kind of happy with the TNA product,” he said. “I like the way things are going.”

He pointed to AJ Styles and Daniels as among those he most respects. He also named the Briscoe Brothers and Nigel McGuiness as guys TNA should look at adding.

Of wrestlers already in TNA, he would most like to face Booker T.

He said that he has learned to work with Kevin Nash. He acknowledged that he and Kevin disagreed about a lot of things when they first met. “He is far more cerebral than most guys I’ve met.”

“In all honesty,” he said about Scott Hall, “I would be receptive to having him back!” He lauded Hall’s contributions to wrestling. “If there’s some way we can recapture that, it’s a positive for everybody.”

“Samoa Joe agreed that the rating for the “live” iMPACT was disappointing. He said, “It just didn’t happen.”

“I am absolutely overly excited about the TNA video game,” Samoa Joe stated. He has never liked the game-engine used in WWE’s current video games. “Wrestling fans will be happy with what they see.”

Samoa Joe said that his policy of working some independent shows, they are still fun. “It’s really refreshing to get back into the environment.” He confessed that not all the shows are a joy, though.

He plans to return to Japan, but there is a problem. He has a historic relationship with NOAH, while TNA has a connection to New Japan. The point may be moot, though, because TNA is adding house shows that are using up his professional time.

Hoe revealed that he comes from a large family with an entertainment background. His dad runs a dance troupe and he traveled with it as a youngster.

What can be done to bring wrestling a new audience? “Every generation of a wrestling company needs a new way to bring in fans. I don’t think anyone’s hit that yet.”

– Arnie Katz
crossfire4@cox.net
(4/10/08)