TNA’s James Mitchell had this to say about internet critics on his Myspace:
“In my view, most critics and pundits are just that because they long to be part of a pursuit they may genuinely enjoy but, for various reasons, can’t. It gives them a sense of being connected and playing a role in something greater than themselves, whether they are conscious of it or not. They get a “rub”. This includes 95% of all unemployed, disgruntled wrestlers who lash out at former colleagues on the internet.”
“It strikes me as unrewardingly masochistic for people to spend time obsessing and bitching about something they despise instead of productively pursuing an interest that brings them pleasure. Such behavior is no different than an angry ex-lover who can’t get beyond telling everyone that their former mate was an asshole.”
“I’ve never met a critic of mine in person who didn’t immediately start back-peddling on their negative opinions and I’ve never brought their opinions up, either. Why would I validate their existence? They just nervously tremble, look mesmerized, and offer to buy me a beer or a meal while I politely smile.”
“As long as they continue to watch me on television in order to write their rants, critics keep my Neilsen ratings consistent. In their zealous quest to harm me, they wind up helping me. Ratings affect my career. Message boards don’t. That’s why I would like to say to the minority that constitutes my personal critics, by all means, continue to watch and bitch about me in your blogs and message boards. Please accept my sincere thanks for your support.”
