It’s about eight months since you made your debut in TNA back at the ‘Against All Odds’ PPV. How are you enjoying your time with the company?
So far I love it. It’s stress free and much more laid back down here.
When you were released by WWE back in November last year, did you immediately consider TNA as an option?
Yes, I did. I wanted to be back with Brian (BG James), and I knew we would be good together if we got to work together again.
How did your release from WWE come about?
I’m not sure how it came about to be honest, but it was a HUGE surprise. Espcially since I got my release on my birthday.
During your lengthy spell with WWE, you’ve won their King of the Ring tournament, the Tag Team titles, Inter-Continental title and the Hardcore strap. Does any particular title win stand out over the others?
The one that particularly stands out is probably the one where Road Dogg and I beat the Road Warriors. That’s when we the Tag Titles for the first time in WWE.
You had several different gimmicks during your time with the company. I’d hazard a guess at Rockabilly being your least favourite, but which was your favourite?
Badd Ass and the Mr Ass gimmicks were pretty much the same character. Those are probably my most favourite and also the ones where I got the biggest push.
As well as working TNA, you’ve worked quite a few independent shows this year. Was it a relief or more of a shock to be back on the Indy circuit after being used to the WWE schedule?
It was a little bit of both. I never thought I would have to worry about doing indy shows again because I was under the impression that I was going to be an agent with WWE, but I enjoy the indy scene now that I am there again. There are not as many people there to see you, but you are able to interact with the fans much more.
Over the Summer, you were force to change your name in TNA from The Outlaw to Kip James. Since then, The Dudleys and others have been forced into doing the same kind of thing. What are your thoughts on WWE forcing you to do this?
I think it's a crock of shit. What are they going to do with the name? It’s just WWE pulling a power play. After all, I was with the company for thirteen years and I think that I earned the right to have the name. It’s not like they are going to use it for someone else, is it?
They fired me, so why do they want the name?
Do you feel WWE are starting to take notice and be weary of TNA as legitimate competition?
I do think they are taking notice, but they aren’t threatened.
Ratings for iMPACT on Spike TV have been impressive since the debut last month. Are TNA ready to be able to compete head-to-head with WWE in the near future?
Eventually, yeah, but it will take some time. You don’t want to go after Vince when you aren’t strong enough to compete yet.
It’s well documented that in recent years, WWE were only willing to offer AJ Styles a developmental deal, where as TNA are more than happy to push him as a main eventer. Obviously that’s WWE’s loss. WWE also failed to pick up Christopher Daniels a few years ago when he was at a training camp alongside Kurt Angle, Test and others. Apart from Styles and Daniels - who I think are more than capable of holding their own in WWE - who else on the TNA roster would be a major player with WWE?
Petey Williams, Chris Sabin, Abyss, Monty Brown, Kip and Brian James (laughs) and Skipper.
2005 has seen WWE release many of their roster, and TNA have picked up the likes of Rhino, the (former) Dudleys, Gail Kim and most recently Jackie Gayda. Is there anybody else who is a “free agent” right now that you’d like to see working in TNA?
I’d like to see Test (Andrew Martin), Chuck Palumbo and Charlie Haas all down here.
Finally, what do you have left to accomplish in the business? Is Kip James’ stay in TNA a long-term deal?
I hope it’s a long-term deal! I would like to help TNA be a major role player in the industry.
