Abyss Reveals Why He Chose TNA Over WWE

The most recent episode of the “Ross Report” from JR had TNA star Abyss on the podcast. During the interview, Abyss, real name Chris Park, and Jim Ross discussed his career, loyalty to TNA, and the opportunity he had to go to WWE in 2006.

In 2006, WWE reportedly offered Park a contract to debut the Abyss character with the company on television. Park said that the Head of Talent Relations at that time was John Laurinaitis, who offered him a deal with an immediate main event push.

It was originally Tommy Dreamer who orchestrated the contract between Park and WWE as the latter’s contract was coming up with TNA. The original plans were for the Abyss character to debut at the 2007 Royal Rumble and feud with The Undertaker at Wrestlemania 23.

Those plans were scrapped when Park decided to remain loyal to TNA because, “I would rather have been part of something versus taking the chance of going somewhere and just being a number.” Park wanted to be influential in building TNA’s name, and the company was thriving at the time, so he decided to stay.

Dreamer referred to Park’s decision to remain in TNA as “stage fright”. However, Park just felt compelled to stay in TNA rather than just ship to WWE where he would have been “just a number”.

Park added that he has friends in WWE. He’s also extremely appreciative of WWE’s offer and added, “I’m sure it’s an amazing place to work.”

The full episode of the “Ross Report” with Abyss can be heard right here.