Jay Lethal Talks TNA Departure, If WWE Is An Option, ROH & More
Jay Lethal was on Busted Open with hosts Doug Mortman and Dave LaGreca. The show airs Mondays and Wednesdays from 2-4 PM ET on Sirius 92 and XM 207. He promoted his appearance with Ring of Honor at Best in the World 2011 this weekend and talked about a host of topics, you can check out some excerpts below:
On Sinclair Broadcasting TV deal, and if ROH could they possibly surpass TNA as the #2 promotion in the US? "They have all the tools. All they need is that one big break. Hopefully they found it with Sinclair; all they're missing is a way to get their niche, their broadcast, their network out there to the mainstream people, that's all. They got an amazing following right now and I can't even begin to think how large that following could grow."
Concerns with ROH not being on TV in markets like New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia: "That's the only thing that Ring of Honor is lacking. That is the only thing and I mean, it's no fault of their own. Some people get lucky and get it right away. Some people, it takes time to catch that break and get on TV where you need to be able to reach that audience that you need to get to. Through no fault of their own, they haven't gotten there yet. Hopefully, they found what they need in Sinclair. Hopefully, this is it. Hopefully, Ring of Honor is about to take off. "
If he is a true free agent: "I am totally free. I am no longer working for TNA wrestling."
If WWE is an option: "Especially in wrestling, you can never ever say never. Up until now, I've never set a goal really for myself. I've been a very lucky individual when it comes to professional wrestling, and I've never sat down and set a goal for myself only because I thought that if I did, I would jinx it. As a kid, the WWE is what inspired us all to become professional wrestlers. The WWE is what shaped our love for professional wrestling. I'd like to at some point, get the chance to work for and with the company that helped shape the love I have for this business. That remains to be seen though, no?"
What happened at the end of his TNA run: "Everybody wants to know the answer to that question and I don't think I'm ready to just quite give the full full answer. All I can say right now is we've come to an agreement and they've decided it would be best for both parties if we mutually split. Nothing against them, I had honestly what I could say to be the greatest day of my life with the company. That chapter of my life with TNA is now closed and I'm looking forward to the future and it starts in Manhattan with Ring of Honor."
If politics were a factor in his departure from TNA: "I can honestly say with 100 percent certainty no it did not. That has nothing to do with it."
Thoughts on Destination X PPV: "I can honestly say again with 100 percent certainty that I did see that they are bringing back a couple of guys. I am definitely not going to be one of them."