Exclusive interview with Ring of Honor World Champion Tyler Black

With Friday’s ROH show at The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, MI right around the corner, I had a chance to catch up with current ROH World Champion Tyler Black. Below is our conservation. Just as a reminder, tickets still remain for the show and as an added bonus; city of Dearborn residents can purchase tickets for just $10. Log on to http://www.rohwrestling.com for more details.

Wes: This Friday, you team with the ROH Tag Team Champions, The Briscoe Brothers (Jay and Mark) in a huge six man tag team main event. Your thoughts on the Briscoes?

Tyler: It’s definitely an interesting situation as this is the first time I’ve teamed with the Briscoes. I think we’ll make a nice trio seeing as we are all World Champions.

Wes: Your opponents in Dearborn will be The American Wolves (Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards) and Chris Hero. Your opinion of that three man team?

Tyler: The Wolves are one of the most tenacious teams in pro wrestling history while Hero is someone I’ve been in the ring with many times. While I’ve defeated both Richards and Hero in singles action in the past, we have our hands full in this one.

Wes:  You being the reigning ROH World Champion makes you one of the top three or four guys in this business today. What are your thoughts on the other three current World Champions, WWE Champion Batista, World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho and TNA Champion A.J. Styles?

Tyler: A.J. is a guy who I look up to and have the upmost respect for. He earned his way and deserves the spot he has.

Jericho has put together quite the body of work in the last 20 years. He’s been a true pioneer in the business for the guys here in ROH.

Batista is a guy, I’m gonna put it out there, I don’t like.

Wes: Batista isn’t known for being a great “in-ring” performer, that’s for sure.

Tyler: He’s blessed with the look and genetics so, more power to him.

Wes: With that being said, who’s the better complete package, A.J. or Jericho?

Tyler: It’s really a toss up.

Wes: What’s your favorite match that you had here in the Detroit area?

Tyler: At the New Horizons pay per view [took place in July of 2008 at the Michigan State Fair Grounds] I had a match with Bryan Danielson where I hit a turn buckle power bomb that broke the turnbuckle. It was a great match and very big moment.

Wes: What match stands out to you most in your ROH career?

Tyler: Down in Orlando two years ago during Wrestle Mania 24 weekend, I teamed with Jimmy Jacobs to take on The Briscoe Brothers in a No Holds Barred match. All four of us went all out in this match and tore the house down.

Wes: Last question, what would you say is the highlight of your career in ROH?

Tyler: I would have to say winning the ROH World Championship [from Austin Aries last month at ROH's Eighth Anniversary Show]. It was a culmination of pushing, hard work, and emotion to become World Champion.