Nic Nemeth on defending the TNA World Title outside TNA and the responsibility of being champion

[Daemon82]

TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth has spoken to Fightful about defending the title outside TNA, ahead of Bound for Glory. He is in his second reign as champion, which began when he beat Mike Santana at Slammiversary. In August he defended the title at two Adrenaline Championship Wrestling events. That raised a few eyebrows, so it is good to hear his reasoning

Nemeth was clear that TNA comes first. He said he wants most of his title defences to help TNA's numbers, either by drawing a rating for Impact or putting people in seats for Bound for Glory. Outside bookings are something he does only once in a great while, when he knows the person or the company. In other words, it is not a free for all

He spoke about the responsibility that comes with holding the belt. Nemeth called himself the mature adult in these situations and said he is responsible. He also joked that he has a shooter background just in case somebody wants to try him. That is a fun line from someone who spent years in WWE known for his athleticism rather than his toughness

There was an interesting comment about his age as well. Nemeth said he thinks 40 to 46 is where he has done his best work. He also praised TNA's front office, naming D'Amore, Tommy and Hunter, for listening to his ideas. He finished by saying he looks forward to defending the title more around the world, whether TNA is there as a show or not

I like the idea of a travelling world champion. It is how the NWA title worked for decades, and it made the belt feel important everywhere it went. The risk is overexposure, or the belt looking less special if it turns up on small shows. Nemeth seems to understand that balance, which is reassuring

Should world champions defend their titles on other promotions' shows? And has Nemeth been a good champion for TNA?

Nic Nemeth On Defending TNA Title Outside Of The Company - Fightful | WWE News, AEW News, Pro Wrestling Backstage Newswww.fightful.com

[UltimateWarrior]

Shooter background had me laughing. I love that he can poke fun at himself like that

Not many wrestlers would admit they are not exactly a legit tough guy. That self awareness is part of his charm

He would probably admit himself he is more of a showman. That is fine, though

[Saka75]

Encouraging that the front office listens to him. Plenty of veterans complain about not being heard in WWE

TNA seems to give its top guys a voice. That makes for happier talent and better storylines. A happy champion makes a better champion

[Teal Sparrow]

Travelling champions are great for wrestling. The NWA champion going from territory to territory made the title feel like the biggest prize in the world

Nemeth doing something similar gives TNA exposure in places it would never reach otherwise. As long as he does not lose it somewhere random

It also helps make the indies feel connected to a bigger company. Everyone wins

[CharlotteFlair]

Outside defences make me uneasy. It can make the title feel cheaper if it shows up on a small indie show with a few hundred people. TNA should protect its top belt carefully

Once in a great while is fine, but no more than that. Losing it on an indie would embarrass TNA badly