Last Thursday on Impact, the company announced that Abyss will be the next inductee into the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame. The man known as The Monster was part of the first-ever weekly TNA pay-per-view and became a regular in June 2003. Since then, Abyss has been a featured player in the company, feuding with the top stars and winning multiple titles in his 15-year career in the company.
Speaking to Busted Open Radio, Abyss discussed why he chose to stay with TNA/Impact for the majority of his career.
"Impact took a gamble on me when I was a nobody. I was coming out of Puerto Rico with a decent name but nothing to where, nobody knew who I was stateside," he said. "TNA gave me that chance when nobody else was biting. To see that growth, and be part of that growth. I always tell people, that meant the most. That's one of the reasons I never wanted to leave because I was there since the beginning. I was part of the original ground floor of the company."
Abyss elaborated on the point, highlighting how the company persevered through many struggles.
"On most Wednesday night pay-per-views in 02-03, we didn't know if there was going to be a next Wednesday or not. We came every week not knowing what was going to be the future of the company in 2003," Abyss said. "A lot of people said we were going to close up the doors in six months. They said that for about 12 years. I'm so proud of what the company has done. There's been ups and downs, no doubt. And They've been well documented. But for me, it's a great company. We've struggled and really plowed through some obstacles along the way. It's been home and something I could never see myself leaving."
Abyss will be inducted into the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame over Bound For Glory weekend on Oct. 13. The ceremony will take place at McHale’s Pub and Grill.
You can listen to full interview clip below.
