TNA Hvt. champion Drew Galloway SI Interview – when he found out about TNA Title win & nearly missing the match, trying to repair TNA’s image & negative impression, post-WWE run in WWNLive, the end of his WWE run that even Brock Lesnar noticed, resentment over “Chosen One” moniker, more

TNA Hvt. champion Drew Galloway says he did not know he was going to win the TNA Title at the semi-live Impact on Tuesday, March 15 until he arrived at Universal Studios. He told Sports Illustrated that he almost did not make it to the building in Orlando to win the title.

“I wrestled in Germany on Friday, then flew to Scotland. I went straight back to Germany after the show for a fan fest, and then left Monday for TNA’s live taping on Tuesday. The travel got screwed up, so I had to buy a new flight for $2,000 to make the taping in Orlando,” Galloway explained to SI’s Justin Barrasso in a wide-ranging interview.

“I drove from Orlando to Tampa to get my things, then drive back to Orlando for TV. I was there by 4:00 p.m. for the 7:00 p.m. show, and that is when I found out about winning the title. And my first thought was, ‘What can I do to separate myself as champion?’”

Galloway has talked in other interviews about maturing as a wrestler since his “Chosen One” WWE run ended two years ago. In the SI interview, Galloway openly talked about TNA’s struggles and how he would like to carry the banner for the promotion, drawing from his strong post-WWE run in Europe and for WWNLive.

“I understand why people weren’t watching TNA during its dark ages, but I believe in our talent and the matches are phenomenal. If you look at the old stuff, you had a lot of great characters but so much of the work in-ring was crap. Now, there are cool characters and the in-ring product is the highest it’s ever been,” Galloway said.

“TNA has had a negative impression over the past couple years, and I see it as my responsibility to fix that. We have a hell of a show now, and – just like I’ve been trying with Evolve and ICW – if there is anything I can do to improve pro wrestling, I’m going to do it. I’m just going to keep working to get more eyes on the product.”

How he arrived at wrestling for TNA, WWNLive, other independents, and top European promotions requires going back in time to the end of his WWE run. Galloway says his character was so lost – finishing up with 3MB – that even Brock Lesnar noticed.

“I remember Brock Lesnar walked up and said to me, ‘Why are you doing this?’” recalled Galloway. “At that point, I hadn’t done anything for a long time. When they presented it (3MB) to me, I didn’t want it. But the guys were my buddies, so I said, ‘Let’s put one-hundred percent into this and make it work.’ As ridiculous as it was at times, the crowd started getting behind us,” Galloway said.

Galloway said he arrived at the 3MB level because of his behind-the-scenes reputation and perceived failures as the “Chosen One” picked by Vince McMahon. Also, he was perhaps before his time on the WWE in-ring style.

“I was trying to do spots and bring matches that were only seen in the independents, and a lot of people I was working with did not like that. It’s the norm in WWE now, but that got me a bit of a ‘rep,’ and then I spoke out a few times,” Galloway said.

“In WWE, a lot of people took my passion as me thinking I was better or knew more. I am very passionate about this business, and I always have been. I’m not a ‘Yes Man,’ and I’ve always preferred to go back-and-forth and find something we both agree on so I can do it to the best of my ability. That was taken in WWE as trying to do what was best for me. In reality, I was trying to be different.”

As for McMahon’s endorsement, Galloway reflected on that time period: “The man who created the modern day wrestling scene endorsed me. I thrive under pressure and love a challenge, but even though I had wrestled for nine years, I was a bit naïve to the inner-workings of wrestling. There was a lot of jealousy and resentment. Perhaps I was a little naïve for thinking everyone was my friend.”

Now, Galloway is appreciative of his new chance as TNA Hvt. champion, even if it’s not at the level of being a champion in WWE at the moment, hoping that he can “build the image back up” of the TNA brand.

“I can’t thank people enough for getting behind me, believing in me, and appreciating the work I put in,” said Galloway. “It’s so hard to put my thanks into words. I’m willing to sacrifice my life and my body for the fans, and I love this to the point that I’m willing to give up my personal life and my physical health for the fans.”