Mike Bennett Talks Possible WWE Deal, If Maria Will Join Him, Facing BJ Whitmer This Sat., More
Ring of Honor's Mike Bennett was one of the featured guests on this episode of Monday Night Mayhem, hosted by The Big Mosh & "The Chairman of the Board" Todd Vincent. Here are interview highlights courtesy of WrestlingDVDNews.com's Aaron Carnevale, MNM's national correspondent:
What fans can expect in his Grudge Match with B.J. Whitmer this Saturday night at Ring of Honor's Best in the World iPPV: "B.J. is someone I've never had the opportunity to get in the ring with, other than the last TV taping. I don't think people realize what we're going to bring. I'm looking forward to working with B.J. I think this is going to be a match that is the 'dark horse' that people are going to talk about, because it's not what they expect."
Why he believes he has only had a limited number of title shots thus far in ROH and when he may receive his next opportunity: "You know, that is a question that I've pondered for a very long time. I don't know what it is. I couldn't tell you. I've pushed for storylines. I've pushed for ideas. I've pushed for everything. I love the company I work for, I love the management, and I love everyone that runs it, but it just wasn't my time. It didn't fit. I believe that if you just do your job and stay the course, your time is going to come."
How he thinks that his fiancee (Maria Kanellis) have been able to maintain their successful relationship, despite the rigors and stress of the professional wrestling industry: "The cartoonish answer is that we are both giant dorks and nerds. I don't think people realize how big of nerds we are. The truth is that we don't consider this a 'wrestling relationship.' We are just two people that really enjoy spending time with each other. We have very strict rules that separate work from our relationship. We are also very respectful and humble of where we are in our relationship. The biggest word that it comes down to is respect."
What actually transpired during his WWE tryout earlier this year, the rumors of him signing a developmental contract, his "free agent" status, and why Maria & him are not a "package deal" if he is presented the opportunity to join the WWE: "Me and Maria are not a package deal. For some reason, I get people asking if I would only go to the WWE with Maria, and that is not the case at all. She was offered a deal to go back to the WWE back in January. Everything was all set to go, but they told her that they weren't moving along with the storyline. I don't know where the rumors came from, but I didn't do any medical tests. I am not signed to a contract for the WWE, and I'm not heading down to Tampa. It is kind of 'up in the air' right now, and I consider myself a 'free agent' at this moment. I know there is interest from WWE, and I know there is interest from Ring of Honor. Now, it's just a matter of seeing where the ball is going to land."
Much more is contained in this exclusive interview from "The Prodigy," including his candid thoughts on his experience thus far in ROH since debuting three years ago, what/whom he thinks put him on the map, some of the lessons that Lance Storm taught him during their feud and more. You can download and listen to the full interview by clicking here.
Source: Monday Night Mayhem