Current and longest reigning TNA World Heavyweight Champion in history, Bobby Roode, recently spoke with Arda Ocal for his Ringside blog on BaltimoreSun.com. Here are some of the highlights:
On his recent character change and how much he was involved with it:
"I was involved a little bit you know, but at the end of the day it wasn't my call. But I was happy with it. I was very comfortable and confident in my role and in my character that you see on TV, and I've kind of made it my own. The whole "It Factor" and the "Selfish Generation" thing was all me. That wasn't written for me, that wasn't produced in any way. I wasn't told to say it. It was just something that rolled off my tongue and made it feel like part of the character and part of the persona I carry. I think it's elevated me to a different level and every week I seem more and more comfortable."
On the responsibilities that come with being TNA World Champion:
"There's a lot of other responsibilities you know, other than going out and performing every night on television or pay-per-view. It's the travel. I mean, literally, I've been doing media appearances off and on for the last seven months, travelling overseas, promoting our upcoming tour in January. I got an opportunity to go to L.A. and do red carpet stuff for 'Spike TV' and 'MTV,' so a lot of cool things and a lot of different things, but there's a lot of responsibilities. But I knew getting into it that was going to be asked of me. Kurt Angle was that guy for a couple of years when he first got to the company and had to do all this stuff. He pulled me to the side and told me what to expect. He wasn't far off. It's been a busy time, but it's been a lot of fun and a great learning experience as well."
On his timing of becoming the World Heavyweight Champion:
"I think the timing is right. There was a time where we split up from Team Canada (in 2006) and I went on my own for a little while and people thought I deserved an opportunity then, but I think in hindsight it was best to wait. I think without the 'Beer Money' success I don't think I'd be where I'm at right now, so I think everything along the way happened for a reason and I'm very comfortable where I'm at right now."
Check out the full interview with Bobby Roode on Baltimore Sun's website.
