By Chris Walters on November 4, 2004 at 6:24 PM EST
Thanks to Richard Trionfo for sending in the following:
This week on Between the Ropes, Fritz, Dickerman, and Vito DeNucci had an opportunity to interview the current NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Jeff Jarrett to talk about his career and the Victory Road pay per view.
The interview began with talk of the expectations for Victory Road, and he says that the pressure is on, but he is optimistic about the hard work that has been done over the last two and a half years. He expects that all stops will be pulled out in the ring.
Jeff was asked about his match with Jeff Hardy, and his involvement with Kevin Nash. Jeff suggests that it might have something to do with problems between him and Scott Hall. Jeff wonders if they think that it is him or Jeff Hardy who might be set up by Hall and Nash. He was asked about being a ladder match and how he is getting ready. He says that Scott Hall was supposed to wrestle Chris Benoit in a ladder match in WCW, and it is ironic that Scott is in his corner. Jeff talks about how Hardy has been in a number of high profile ladder matches in the past, but since all the marbles are on the line he will be ready.
Jeff was asked if Victory Road is like a re-birth of the company, and Jeff says that with the industry it could be considered a re-birth. He feels that Victory Road is their first steps running and it is an evolution of the business. Jeff talks about the BDSSP specials set for next week. He says that there has been slow growth, but with the wrestling industry as a whole it has been tough. He considers it to be the next step, and he talks about Turning Point on December 5th.
Jeff talks about how they have been taping Impact in Orlando for the last four months, and the recent deal with DirecTV, and he was asked if that will help the exposure. He says that 12 million of the 55 million homes with PPV capabilities are on DirecTV. He talks about the other pay per view companies, and they are fully cleared in North America.
Jeff was told by the hosts that Fox Sports Net does not currently air in the Orlando area on Bright House Networks, and he says that they are still in talks about getting the channel on Bright House. Jeff suggests that people in Orlando contact Bright House to get Fox Sports added to their system.
Jeff talked about the six sided ring and how it has been accepted by the wrestlers and the fans. He says that the wrestlers have been positive about the six sided ring. He has talked to talent all over the world about the six sided ring, and there was a lot of apprehension from some people, but when you get in the ring, it is a different playing field.
Jeff was asked about Lex Luger and whether he will be involved with TNA. Jeff says that Lex is currently not scheduled for any events with TNA. Jeff was also asked about Jim Mitchell and whether he might be coming back. Jeff says that he expects to see Jim Mitchell be involved real soon.
Jeff was asked about some of the 'big names' that are being brought in like Roddy Piper, Scott Hall, and Kevin Nash and whether that will continue and whether it will be a short term or long term deal. He says that you have to look at the business and what the people want. He says that you need the right mix and chemistry between the veterans and the younger talent. Jeff talks about Roddy Piper's involvement at Victory Road and says that Roddy seems excited to be involved with the company for the pay per view.
Jeff talked about the pressure putting on the entire show or his individual match. Jeff says that he takes great pride in going to the ring and busting his butt irregardless of the situation behind the scenes. He says that first and foremost, they are in ring performers. The only thing that he can control is the effort in the ring. With the added responsibilities, he wants to hold himself up to a certain standard in his matches.
The interview ended when Jeff was asked about what match besides his will be the one he looks forward to seeing. Jeff said that even though A.J. Styles and Petey Williams are not household names, it should be a match that will blow people away. He also feels the Gauntlet match and the Triple X versus America's Most Wanted matches will also be exciting.
Between the Ropes can be heard Wednesday nights from 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight on 740 the Team in Orlando, Florida. Check out www.betweentheropes.com to listen to the live stream of the show every Wednesday night. Archives of recent interviews can also be found at www.betweentheropes.com.
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