43
Young wrestler rates a Perfect 10
By John Benson
Growing up on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, Tye Dillinger used to dream about becoming a professional wrestler.
Now, decades later, the athletic performer known as The Perfect 10 is living his dream. In fact, even though the new year is still relatively young, Dillinger is riding high. The NXT wrestler tasted the big time with a memorable appearance at January’s Royal Rumble. Next, he’s focused on WrestleMania coming up in April.
In the meantime, Dillinger visits the Mahoning Valley as a part of NXT Live, this Saturday at Packard Music Hall in Warren. The Vindicator talked to Dillinger about the rise of NXT, his Tye Breaker finishing move and, oddly enough, Rachel McAdams.
Q. First of all, for the neophyte professional wrestling fan, how does NXT fit into the WWE universe?
A. NXT right now has kind of exploded in the wrestling world. I mean, the NXT is considered the WWE developmental brand, but it’s taken on a life of its own. What I mean by that, it has such a following in such a short amount of time that we’re constantly one-upping ourselves. To be in NXT at this time is not only awesome for me, but it’s awesome for the entire wrestling community.
Q. As a veteran of the industry, your timing to be associated with NXT is pretty special.
A. I’ve had the luxury of being in the wrestling industry for a long time, just over 15 years now. Years ago, my first time around in WWE, developmental wasn’t so worldwide as NXT is right now. You can catch NXT on the WWE Network. It’s amazing how far not only the developmental system of WWE has come, but NXT as its own brand has come.
Q. Are there stylistic differences between NXT and WWE?
A. No, I think that’s the appealing thing that NXT has. It’s that, we have talent that has come from all over the world. And they all have brought different styles. When you throw all of those styles into the same ring, that’s what makes NXT what it is. It’s unique. We have guys from Japan, Germany, England, all over the place. And, of course, you have the best from Canada as well. We throw all of our styles into one ring together. That’s what makes the wrestling product appealing to the fans we have today.
Q. You know, you don’t normally find too many cocky Canadians.
A. Well, we’re walking a fine line here. Am I cocky or am I confident? If you call yourself a Perfect 10, you have to be pretty confident in your ability. And that’s essentially what I am – I’m just confident in my abilities in the ring and outside of the ring. I believe I belong here in WWE.
Q. Tell us about your Tye Breaker finishing move, which is known as a fireman’s carry neckbreaker.
A. I think it’s obviously a move that’s been around for a long time. Now it’s hard to be the first in terms of wrestling moves, but I’m able to show a little bit of strength, a little bit of aggression with that move. And by pulling the kneepad down and hitting that move on the guy’s upper back or across his neck on a bare knee, usually that spells the end for the opponent. It’s just a way to kind of seal the deal.
Q. Earlier this week, we saw a former WWE star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at the Academy Awards. Any chance you thought about your post-wrestling career?
A. Dwayne Johnson is a trailblazer and trendsetter. He’s one in a million. As far as long-term goals, I don’t see myself anywhere at the moment other than WWE. I still have a lot of time and a lot to give to this company. If the opportunity for a movie presented itself, of course I’d jump at it, but right now I’m just focused on NXT Takeover and WrestleMania.
Q. You know, The Perfect 10 appearing in a rom-com titled “The Perfect 10” starring, say, Rachel McAdams kind of writes itself.
A. It does, kind of, right? If Rachel McAdams wants to do a movie, I’m all ears. Just let her know, The Perfect 10 is looking for her. Yeah, you never know what can happen, and it kind of does write itself, which is kind of cool.