Robbie E. Talks Kurt Angle's TNA Induction, Zack Ryder's Gimmick, TNA Cutting Down On PPVs, More

I spoke with TNA star Robbie E last week. In the second part of the interview below, Robbie talks about Kurt Angle being inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame, TNA cutting down on pay-per-views, Impact on the road, Zack Ryder, his goals and much more.

Click here for the first part of the interview, where Robbie discussed being a wrestling fan at a young age, getting his start, the early days of TNA, his cameo during the Edge – Ric Flair feud, working with Hulk Hogan, Rampage Jackson signing and more.

Make sure to check back next week for the second part of the interview, where
Also, make sure follow Robbie on Twitter @RobbieEImpact, on Instagram at RobbieEImpact and at his website, Robbie-E.com.

WrestlingINC.com: It was revealed at Slammiversary that Kurt Angle will be the second inductee into the TNA Hall of Fame. What was your reaction to that announcement?

Robbie E: Who else deserves it more than him? One of the best wrestlers ever, still one of the best wrestlers to this day. With everything he's been through and his body's been through, he's still the man. Nobody deserves it more than him.

WrestlingINC.com: Now that you've been there, it's been about three years, what would you say have been your favorite matches so far in the company?

Robbie E: I'd say the moments that stand out would be winning the X Division Title at Turning Point from Jay Lethal. Winning the Television Title at Turning Point a year later from Eric Young. Those are two huge moments that stand out. Breaking my VIP sign over big Rob's head was always fun. So you know, that's always memorable. Those are the first three I'd say that come to mind.

WrestlingINC.com: Who have been your favorite opponents?

Robbie E: Guys that I could actually have a chance of beating and that doesn't happen very often. I could count the matches that I've won on one hand in the past two years. Anyone that I could give a run for their money and possibly win, those are my favorite opponents.

WrestlingINC.com: Fair enough. What difference have you noticed with Impact being taken on the road and no longer being filmed at the Impact Zone in Orlando?

Robbie E: Just the settings and everything looks different. Whether we're in Orlando, whether we're on the road. Whether we're in front of five people, whether we're in front of 50000 people. It doesn't matter. Every single person on the roster always gives 110%. We're the best wrestlers in the world. Everyone always works their hardest. So, I mean, it's great to wrestle in front of a larger crowd, to be in front of different people, don't get me wrong. But as far as how we perform and everything, nothing has changed.

WrestlingINC.com: Do you notice a difference in the crowds?

Robbie E: Obviously if you're in one location you're going to have your cult followers. It was just people that lived close and loved the product, so why wouldn't they come every week? But yeah, obviously we're in a bigger place, there's going to be more fans and new fans. As far as reaction and stuff, seems like all the same. It's always positive. Everyone's always pumped up and energetic. Our crowds are awesome.

WrestlingINC.com: Now, Slammiversary seemed like it got pretty universally positive reviews. Everyone that watched the show seemed to enjoy it. Do you think that TNA reducing the number of pay per views is helping the quality of the pay per views and making them seem even more important, like they were back in the day?

Robbie E: Yeah, I think that TNA takes is a good approach. I mean, it's 2013. How many people are really at home on Sundays and have the money to spend and buy 12 pay per views a year? So, this way there's the four big ones and the matches can really be built up and everything. They can mean a lot more, instead of matches being thrown together and stuff. I totally think it's a great idea.

WrestlingINC.com: What would you say are your short term goals in the business and your long term goals?

Robbie E: Short term goal, to win a match. Long term goal, to win the World Heavyweight Title.

WrestlingINC.com: About winning a match, have you thought about tweaking your on screen character at all? Or do you think it's just, everyone's careers have-

Robbie E: It's impossible to tweak, I am who I am, bro, know what I mean? I'm slowly starting to try and focus a little bit more and get more serious. It's just kind of hard. I'm just such a fun person. I just want to be on TV and be a star. I don't even care about winning. I'm just kidding. I'm going to focus more and get a little more serious.

WrestlingINC.com: Zack Ryder, after you had debuted, started doing his own take on a similar character, or what you'll call it. What were you thoughts when he started doing that? Did you think he was kind of copying you, or was it not a big deal?

Robbie E: Honestly, I don't know. As far as I know, he's from Long Island. I've known him for years too, me and him kind of started in the same area. He's from Long Island, I'm pretty sure it's not a character for him either. He's from Long Island, I'm pretty sure he goes to the same bars and clubs and does the same stuff. Again, I don't really know if it's much of a character.

WrestlingINC.com: Your YouTube series The List, how did that idea come about?

Robbie E: I told you, bro, it's real. Haven't you ever been to a club? Haven't you tried to get in? I always, from when I started partying, going to clubs and drinking at the age of pretty much 12, when I went to any clubs or anything. I always looked to high end clubs, New York City and Jersey and stuff. There's always the VIP list. I was always on the list. So that's how it was created.

WrestlingINC.com: Well thanks again Robbie for taking the time to speak with me. Do you have any final comments or plugs for the readers of WrestlingInc.com?

Robbie E: Yeah, just follow me on Twitter @RobbieEImpact, follow me at Instagram at RobbieEImpact and check out my website at Robbie-E.com. And then of course you can check out my profile on the ImpactWrestling.com website under the roster page. Which has some pictures and info and video and everything.

Click here for the first part of the interview, where Robbie discussed being a wrestling fan at a young age, getting his start, the early days of TNA, his cameo during the Edge – Ric Flair feud, working with Hulk Hogan, Rampage Jackson signing and more.