Frankie Kazarian is in a great position heading into 2025.
WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard spoke with Kazarian, this year’s Call Your Shot Gauntlet winner, ahead of TNA’s Mega On-Sale day. TNA announced four major events for the 2025 calendar, including stops in Los Angeles and New York. Kazarian is the self-proclaimed king of LA (and said New York can kiss his ass), so how does he feel about the other two cities?
“So-Cal is the best. Everything else is tied for the worst. So, that’s kind of my thoughts on those places. But, I am happy to bring what I do and to bring what TNA does to those places. I’m a very charitable man,” Kazarian quipped.
TNA has seen tremendous growth this year, and Kazarian is proud to be part of that in his latest run with the company. Despite joking about being “the old guy” on the roster, Kazarian is proud to see this version of TNA doing so wonderfully.
“We are trending upward in all the right categories. You said it, growth, especially our live event business. This year we’ve seen a lot of sellouts, a lot of consecutive sellouts. The world is getting out that TNA is putting on some consistently amazing shows. And, a lot of the people that have been on board the entire time, they’re spreading the word. They are saying like, ‘Don’t sleep on TNA, Because they are doing some incredible stuff.’ And this year has been a very big year for us. A great year,” he added. Kicking off with the rebranding, going back to TNA. I think that brought a lot of fans back. There was a lot of people that kind of were like, just wanting that nostalgia, wanting this company to be the TNA they knew and loved. I think that helped.”
Frankie Kazarian on becoming the King of TNA
Much like the company he works for, Frankie Kazarian also went under a “rebrand” of sorts in 2024. Now calling himself “The King of TNA,” Kazarian has adopted a look that’s inspired by the rock and roll lifestyle he leads outside of the ring. This presentation feels more authentic than some other past gimmicks, which Kaz admits is amplified a bit. However, it’s a result of having more creative freedom, which is a very rewarding thing to have as a performer.
“It is an extension of who I am. Anybody that knows me, knows that I am a huge fan of music of heavy metal, rock & roll, classic rock. I play music. It’s a giant part of my life,” Kazarian explained. “The song I use, ‘Kings Of The Asylum,’ I [got permission from] the guys who wrote that song, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons. They are fans of mine, and fans of wrestling. So, there’s kind of that synergy there. Obviously, the look, this is the same when you would go to a Gutter Candy show, my band Gutter Candy. This is what I would look like on stage.
“So, for me it was just a conscious decision. Let’s take this character, this character, take him off stage, and put him into wrestling. And certainly, the volume is turned up. I’m not walking around in my town with this outlandish shirt and a scarf. Maybe I am,” he joked. “It’s certainly me. I really very much enjoy that lifestyle. And it just, everything turned up wrestling, it’s big, and loud, and boisterous. And that’s kind of what I’m doing. But I have a lot of creativity and freedom in what I do and say and that’s very much rewarding for me.”
Frankie Kazarian on if he will announce calling his shot for the world title in advance or not
Fans have wondered when Kazarian will cash in on his world title shot since he won the Call Your Shot gauntlet at Bound For Glory. He served as guest referee for the Nic Nemeth versus Joe Hendry title match later that night, and has been a regular presence in the world title picture despite not claiming his title match yet.
Kazarian won’t say when he’ll cash in, but he does believe he’s in the right spot heading into 2025. He warned that he has a “good idea” when he’ll do it, so everyone in TNA should not lose focus on him. Kazarian also agreed that him winning the title at the right moment would likely ruin someone else’s night, which he would enjoy a great deal.
“When I’m going to call my shot? I absolutely will not disclose that. Everybody’s going to find out when they find out. But I have a good idea,” he clarified. “This has all been very strategically planned, and that’s going to continue to be the case going into 2025.
“Much like a world champion has a target on his back, the same can be said for me. I’m holding the best poker hand in the world. The only difference is, everybody in the company knows about it,” Kaz explained. “Everybody is well aware. I’m not the first to have won this and have… But the thing is, I’m the most dangerous because of my experience and what I bring to the table. So, people’s heads need to be on a swivel and they are. Nic Nemeth’s head, Joe Hendry, all these guys that are in the mix right now. They need to be constantly aware of my whereabouts.”
“I hope I ruin someone’s night,” he added. “I hope there’s fans that are disgusted and in tears. Nothing makes me happier than a sad fan. So, I can’t wait. That’s it.”
Visit the TNA website to learn more about tickets for the four event included in TNA’s Mega On-Sale day on Friday, December 20. Watch our full interview with Frankie Kazarian below:
