Alex Shelley on Kazuchika Okada in TNA: ‘Having Him Back, This Is A Dream Come True’

“I never thought he’d come back to TNA”

When he first started in wrestling, John Cena was known as The Prototype.

As he enters year number-22 in the industry, Alex Shelley has become The Blueprint.

Courtesy TNA

The rebranding of TNA Wrestling takes place this evening at the Hard To Kill pay-per-view, and Shelley defends the world title against Moose. Shelley is eager to reintroduce TNA to the world of pro wrestling.

“It’s a familiar feeling,” said Shelley. “I was integral component in the original TNA. And this is the most important show in the company’s history. I know you hear that a lot, but in this case, it’s entirely true. And the world title is our ultimate prize. We’re going to beat the sh-- out of each other for it.”

A founder of the modern style of pro wrestling, Shelley wrestles an innovative style where both he and his opponent work in their offense and shine. Learning from Ikuto Hidaka in Japan made a significant impact on his career, forever shaping his in-ring style and approach.

Shelley continues to evolve, with a commitment to his use of cradles and submissions initially picked nearly up two decades ago in Japan. That has been visible during his title run, an unexpected reign that began last June when he defeated Steve Maclin for the belt.

“If it’s not my best work, it’s definitely my most prominent,” who was thrust into the spot following an injury from Josh Alexander. “I stepped up. It wasn’t designed to be this way with Josh’s injury, but I was ready. No one had to prepare me. It led to some really cool moments, and I’m fully prepared to make the most of is coming my way. I focus on controlling what I can control, and that’s wrestling.”

.@ScottDAmore presents @AlexShelley313 with the brand new TNA World Championship.

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One of the highlights of his title run took place over the summer, when he defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi in August at the old ECW Arena.

“The Tanahashi match, that match meant so f------ much to me,” said Shelley. “When I went to Japan in 2012, Tana took such good care of me. I can’t express how much he led by example. He taught me the style, he brought me to workouts, he showed me what to eat. I won’t main event the Tokyo Dome, but he did, and he was showing me everything he could. So main-eventing the ECW Arena at Tanahashi, never in a million years did I think that was possible.”

Courtesy NJPW

Led by Shelley, TNA has a chance to seize an incredible amount of momentum this weekend. Its “Snake Eyes” television taping takes place tomorrow, which features the return of Kazuchika Okada.

Okada had a disastrous run in TNA. It began in 2010, and he was never afforded the opportunity to succeed. But it wasn’t a complete failure. Okada made a lasting friend in Shelley, and they will team with Chris Sabin against Moose, Eddie Edwards, and Brian Myers.

“Teaming with Okada is incredibly special,” said Shelley. “I never thought he’d come back to TNA after the way he was treated.”

Shelley and Okada developed a bond in 2010 and 2011, spending a great deal of time together and confiding in one another during a time when neither was being used that much.

“I first met him in 2006 in a match between me and Sabin against him and Ultimo Dragon,” said Shelley. “In TNA, I used to tell people that he was going to be IWGP champion all the time, and people would just stare at me.

“I was his first match in TNA, and I was his last. He had Thanksgiving dinner with my family in 2011. When I dropped him off at the airport, we cried. We didn’t know when we’d see each other again. He was there for me every week for two years. And I was so proud when he won the title in Japan, I was so happy to say, ‘I f------ told you so.’ Having him back, this is a dream come true.”

As TNA fights to regain its place in pro wrestling, Shelley fits as the champion for the brand. His first-ever match as TNA champ takes place against Moose, and he is ready to deliver at Hard To Kill.

“Moose is the best pound-for-pound athlete in the company,” said Shelley. “He succeeded in the NFL, playing several seasons. He has the combination of strength, ability, speed, and power. I’m looking forward to that.”