Source: Alex Marvez of the Scripps Howard News Service
Alex Marvez recently interviewed former iMPACT Wrestling star Jay Lethal. Of the topics brought up during the interview, Lethal commented that he is retiring his “Black Machismo” gimmick and offered a few thoughts on his time as a member of the TNA Wrestling roster. Here are those thoughts:
On the “Black Machismo” Gimmick:
I definitely attribute [the gimmick] to idolizing [Randy Savage]. When I watched wrestling as a kid, I wanted to be Randy Savage. I didn’t even have to practice the voice. It was something that came naturally. When I started doing the ‘Black Machismo’ gimmick, there was no Jay Lethal in my mind. I was 100 percent dedicated to this gimmick.
Comments from Alex Marvez: Lethal had dropped the character toward the end of his 5-1/2-year Impact run, but that didn’t make the news of Savage’s death any less painful. Savage (real name Randy Poffo) died after suffering a heart attack while driving near his home in Seminole, Fla. He was 58.
On His Time in iMPACT Wrestling:
When I first came to Ring of Honor (in 2003), I was young and very impressionable. I would go on to another company (Impact) where I couldn’t really be myself. I would have to do what was written for me and what I was told. Now that I’ve come back to Ring of Honor, I’ll have the ultimate chance to do what everybody who gets into pro wrestling wants. I can be myself.
To read the full interview, click here. Enjoy!
