Austin Aries Talks About TNA’s Current Problems, Dixie Carter’s Heel Turn, X-Division & More

Austin Aries recently spoke with Newsday and discussed TNA’s recent problems surrounding the company.

“Obviously, I’m going to be more privy to the ins and the outs of what’s going on than a lot of people who are reporting on it, than the fans who are talking about it, than the dirt sheet writers who opinionate about it,” Aries said. “I’m loyal to the company that I work for. I want it to be a success. And whatever issues it might have, that’s something that we always keep internal. On the outside, it’s important that I always promote the company and help people understand the difference between rumors and facts . . . You write it as doom and gloom, ‘They’re going to fail,’ or you can try to look at it from the other side — that the company is trying to find the right combination for success and trying to take steps forward.”

Also during the interview, Aries discussed signing with TNA, Dixie Carter’s heel turn and more.

“I didn’t want to keep beating my head on the wrestling wall,” Aries said. “I wasn’t really getting ahead to where I wanted to be. So I felt like taking a step back was what was best at the time. And just a few days after that, TNA called with the opportunity to come down there. There were no promises, no expectations. But I thought it couldn’t hurt to go down there and see what happens.”

“I think it has the potential to be a very good thing, as long as Dixie understands the position that she’s putting herself in and is willing to take the heat that’s going to come with that — opening herself up to criticism, both storyline-wise and behind the scenes, as well,” Aries said. “If anything, it has the potential to shake things up a little bit and open up a new direction and some new interactions between characters that we haven’t seen before. I’m not going to lie. I’d love to have the mic in my hand opposite of Dixie Carter in the ring and say my piece, say what’s on my mind. And if she’s willing to sit there and listen to it. I think it could make for some great television.”

Aries did acknowledge that X-Division has its share of problems.

“Is it supposed to be a championship for a certain style of wrestlers? For wrestlers under a certain weight limit?” Aries said. “I think over the years the one thing that has held the X-Division from being in a certain spot is that it doesn’t have a definition. I think the X-Division in the form that it is in will be as important as the man who holds the championship.”