This week I managed to catch up with NWA TNA regular “Wildcat” Chris Harris. Chris along with James Storm form the tag team of America’s Most Wanted (AMW), which are largely considered one of the best tag teams in the United States at the moment…
Hi Chris, welcome to Wrestling101, what have you been up to recently?
Travelling and trying to stay in one piece.
Chris, how and why did you first get into Pro Wrestling?
I was a fan growing up watching on Saturday mornings. I was obsessed and felt that was what I was supposed to do.
When growing up, who was your favourite wrestler?
I loved watching Randy Savage. He was my superhero. Bret Hart was the guy I admired after looking into the business.
You were involved in one of the WCW’s development territories in Nashville, Tennessee, how did you find that experience?
It was a new level for me so I had fun wrestling in Nashville. Plus I was getting to make some WCW appearances.
In early 2001, Vince McMahon purchased WCW while you had just signed a contract, obviously this lead to a lot of uncertainty backstage, did you experience any of this?
I think everyone on every level was a little concerned. I finally signed a contract and now the company goes under.
On a personal lever how did you feel when you found out that Vince McMahon had taken over WCW, did you think that your “big“ opportunity had gone?
I did, and I was right. I was told there was interest, but nothing ever came of it.
When Vince McMahon decided not to utilise the WCW brand name and effectively ‘buried’ it, what was your personal thoughts, being as you had just signed up with them?
By the time they were being buried, I had already been let go. It was a very depressing time for me and I had no idea where to go.
Before you eventually signed with NWA TNA and appeared on the inaugural PPV, you worked against your current partner James Storm on the Independent scene, what was he like to work with, and did you ever envision yourself teaming up with him?
I could never have imagined us together as a team. Definitely not a successful one. Working with him was great. We had good matches together and impressed a lot of people at our “tryout” match for TNA. Storm was a hero in Tennessee.
As I said, you signed up with the Jarrett Family’s NWA TNA, when you first heard about the initial idea, what were your thoughts?
I was just excited that I had another opportunity in front of me. I didn’t know where it was going, but I knew it was big. When they told Storm and I that we would be teaming, we were not happy. Then we thought, if this is our only shot, we are going to make the best of it.
In September of 2002 you won your first NWA Tag Team Championships with James Storm, how did it feel to win those belts?
Very overwhelming. It didn’t even really hit me that night. It was a very high moment of my career and put us in a group of legends that held those belts.
You have been involved in so many great TNA matches, how does it feel to be involved in some of TNA’s greatest moments such as the Six-Sides of Steel from the Turning Point PPV?
It makes me feel that Storm and I are doing something right. We have proven our worth as a team and have had some very good matches. The feedback from the fans has been awesome.
Do you prefer wrestling as a singles competitor or in a tag team, and why?
In my years with TNA, AMW has been my priority. I had a great singles run while Storm was hurt and had fun with that. We will see what happens. Whatever is best for the team.
For much of 2004 TNA fans have seen you rise to the top the TNA ladder, although you never won the belt, how did it feel to be put in that high profile angle like your were?
It gave me the confidence that I needed to make it in singles. I felt the program with Jarrett was successful and I will look to that again one day.
What were your thoughts when TNA brought in people like Kevin Nash, DDP and Scott Hall and pushed them into the main event picture straight away?
TNA needs star power and these guys have all proven themselves. Most of the veterans have been very good working with them and are looking to help the younger talent.
Talking about wrestling legends, you have been involved in some matches with legends such as Dusty Rhodes and The Rock ‘N’ Roll Express, how did you find working with guys like this?
It is an honour to work with guys like that. Rock N Roll’s are tag team legends and I love learning from watching their matches. Dusty has been a great leader for the company and it has been great having him by our side.
TNA has came on leaps and bounds since its initial interception in 2002, what do you feel is needed for TNA to become a real rival to the WWE?
We can’t get ahead of ourselves. A good TV deal with a good time slot is a must. The talent is there. We have proven that. If all the pieces fall into place, it could happen.
Can you shed any light on TNA TV situation?
I probably know as much as you do.
If the WWE offered you a contract with the right conditions, would you be willing to accept it?
I would be open to listening.
If you could be in a match with any wrestler, past or present who could you pick and why?
Bret Hart has always been my idol. A match with him would be an honour.
Ok, final question, what does the rest of 2005 hold for Chris Harris?
I am looking for success. To go to the top and make sure I am out there to entertain the fans. AMW will continue their tag team domination.
Would you like to give any final comments Chris?
I want to give a thank you to all of the fans that support AMW and TNA. We wouldn’t be where we are if it were not for you.
Once again, thanks a lot for your time, for more information visit: WildCatChrisHarris.com
Dan