Nick Aldis Talks About Being A Part Of 'Peak TNA,' Winning Impact World Title
In 2002, wrestling promotion Total Nonstop Action was created by Jerry and Jeff Jarrett. In the 21 years since, the promotion has seen many highs and lows, as well as name changes, numerous TV deals of varying quality, scandals, and more. Former TNA star Nick Aldis, speaking on "Insight with Chris Van Vliet," shared his thoughts on when the promotion was at its highest, and what made it so special at the time.
"I think I came in at the peak," Aldis said, stating that he signed with the company in 2008 and debuted as Magnus in 2009. "Right before Hogan, I think, is peak TNA." Van Vliet asked Aldis if he meant the company peaked under writer Vince Russo, with Aldis replying that was one way to view the situation.
"I think of it more as when there was that balance of Dixie [Carter], Jeff Jarrett, Vince [Russo], [Jim] Cornette, Dutch Mantell," Aldis continued. "There was a melting pot of philosophies and ideas."
According to Aldis, Jarrett helped keep the creative direction focused on delivering satisfying conclusions to storylines and drawing money. Mantell also helped in that department, with Aldis calling him an underrated figure backstage.
"That way of thinking cannot die out," Aldis stated. "It's absolutely imperative that people learn from people like Dutch and, whether people want to accept it or like it or not, from Cornette."
Nick Aldis: Former TNA World Heavyweight Champion
Aldis still feels a sense of accomplishment in the fact that he was a world champion in TNA, even if it came after the company's peak. When asked what his biggest point of pride was during his run there, it was winning that title.
"A Brit had never done that," Aldis said. "The irony is that guys like Dutch or Russo ... might laugh at that now, because one of the things I used to say a lot, and I'm sure it drove them crazy, is, 'I don't want to be known as a British guy. It doesn't matter if I'm British. Who gives a s**t?'"
Once Aldis captured the world title and saw the outpouring of support from British fans, however, the Norfolk native started seeing things a different way. No English man had ever held a world title on a major televised promotion in the United States before. Another point of pride for Aldis was getting to work with Sting multiple times in the promotion.
"That's the other thing that I will never stop appreciating, is that Sting, for whatever reason, ... just because he wanted to and he had a gut feeling, he said, 'I want to work with that kid. Give me him,'" Aldis continued. Sting even let Aldis call their first match together.
"That was astonishing, you know? That I was trusted with that at 21 or whatever it was," Aldis concluded.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit "Insight with Chris Van Vliet" with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.