TNA Knockouts Champion, Madison Rayne gave an indepth interview to Brian Fritz at Fanhouse touching on a number of topics including whether she felt the Knockouts division had lost its luster, the additions of Mickie James and Tara to the division and her thoughts on Awesome Kong signing with WWE.
Rayne says she never felt the Knockouts experienced a lull, contrary to what many fans and critics felt. She says:
Yeah, there’s been some ups and downs with the changing faces in the division but I never saw what other people did when they said it was lacking and that there was a shortage of talent or whatever it was they were using to describe the time there when we had a couple of people leaving and a couple new people coming in. I’ve always thought that the Knockouts division had a lot of potential and a lot of incredible talent more so now than ever I think. There’s a lot of new faces and a lot of people that the fans are familiar with but haven’t necessarily seen interact with other girls. So, wrestling fans are getting faces and new storylines to follow and new people to see in the ring together. It’s exciting for all of us and I think it’s equally exciting for everyone watching.
Thoughts: In my opinion, the division was lacking for a good while — especially for the first half of 2010. I do think the division has found its feet in recent months with Mickie James and Tara in the forefront. Hopefully things can progress going into 2011. Frankly, I feel Sarita should be in the title picture also.
More comments from Rayne after the jump:
On Mickie & Tara joining TNA:
Personally, I think it’s really good for the Knockouts division. Those are two faces that the fans are familiar with and the fans are excited to see. I know a lot of us are excited to get the opportunity to work with Tara, to work with Mickie. They can only do things that are good for the division.
And finally, her thoughts on Kong signing with WWE:
I think she deserves any and every good opportunity that comes her way. So, whether it be here or with another company or doing something that’s not even affiliated with wrestling at all. I think whatever makes Kong happy, I’m happy for because she is a good person, got a big heart and she deserves any opportunity that she gets.
You can read the full article here.
Thoughts: I agree with both of her comments here. Mickie and Tara have been great additions to the division. People rag on TNA for only going for ex-WWE stars, but I certainly feel that both of these additions have helped enhance the Knockouts division. Even Winter, the former Katie Lea, has proven to be a breath of fresh air. So what’s the harm? In fact, I would even urge TNA to try and sign Serena and/or Jillian.
As for Kong, Madison’s comments couldn’t be more true. Great person with a big heart. Good luck to her in TNA.
