Q. What is the inspiration behind your high flying style of wrestling?
I’ve always appreciated a creative approach to action, doing things that people don’t expect, tweaking things to make them different. Things like Jackie Chan sliding down a building, or using refrigerators and car antennas to beat up a street gang… watching Rey Mysterio use an arsenal of quick unpredictable movements to counter a larger opponent’s power. When I see action sequences I like, I imagine what I would do if it were me in the fight.
Q. In 2007 you were then drafted to ECW, where you became ECW Champion and formed another formidable tag team with The Miz, what was that experience like?
The “Morrison” character was born in ECW… a child of spite and stardom. I felt like I evolved into a great singles wrestler in ECW because of the opportunities to speak, and wrestle longer matches. Miz & Morrison, “The Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century,” was fun because Miz and I have great comedic chemistry for backstage segments, and our internet show the Dirt Sheet. Also I felt like more of a leader than when I was with MNM.
Q. Why did you decide not to renew your contract with the WWE?
I was starting to accumulate injuries faster than they were healing… neck surgery, and a lot of nagging injuries; shoulder, knee, ankle- I decided that time off is my best option. I’m working on elevating every part of my game during the time I have off, physical in ring stuff and mic work.
Q. Having worked with the WWE for nine years, what was Vince McMahon like as a boss?
Vince is a perfectionist, a work-a-holic, and a micro-manager. He expects everyone to work as hard as he does, and he really does work like a mad man. He cares very much about his business, and you have to respect that about him.
If I had to pick out any one flaw, I’d say that I think it would behoove him to delegate more. Give power to others in the organization for longer periods of time without allowing them to be undermined.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
