Abyss Talks Character's Direction, Open To Losing Mask

Chris Park, who portrays Abyss for TNA Wrestling, says he is always looking for ways to keep his character fresh and exciting. However, he acknowledges that it can be difficult since Abyss has regularly featured throughout the organization's history, and has just about done it all.

"The character has got a lot of different directions that it can still go down," he tells SLAM! Wrestling. "There are always new dragons to slay. There's a number of fresh programs (possible) with some great up-and-coming talent, guys like Gunner and Crimson. Guys like Ken Anderson that I haven't worked a lot with, or Bully Ray who I've never really worked with. Personally, I'm as hungry now as I was nine years ago when I first started full-time with TNA. I'm very proud of what I've accomplished, like winning all four major titles, and being a main event heavyweight contender for so many years. I've worked hard, and it's paid off. But I think there's till so much more that I can do."

Park says he's open to Abyss losing his trademark mask, a direction he would not have been comfortable with years ago.

"Five or six years ago, I would have been more resistant to it," he said about the idea. "But now I'd be open to it. The character has had a great run — both TNA and I have gotten an awful lot out of it. Losing (the mask) would let me create a new presentation of the Abyss character, give me an opportunity to do different things that I haven't done over the years, put a little more of Chris Park in it."

Abyss, a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion, also discusses TNA's expansion efforts, Bruce Pritchard taking over the company's creative rein, his versatility and more. The full interview can be accessed at this link.