Source: Scott Fishman of the Miami Herald

Viewers watching Total Nonstop Action Wrestling iMPACT! Thursday nights on Spike TV have seen the return of the monster in the Abyss character.

It’s another progression in the masked tortured soul who has captured the imagination of fans for more than seven years.

Abyss (Chris Parks) credits Hulk Hogan for helping him grow the past few months and legitimizing the character like never before.

“The character isn’t just an emotional mess anymore,” said Abyss, who joins Jeff Hardy, Mr. Anderson and TNA champ Rob Van Dam in the main event of the Victory Road pay-per-view 8 p.m. [EST] Sunday, July 11 at Universal Studios Orlando.

“He is not afraid of his own shadow. He is more confident in himself and believes in himself. He is not going to cower down. Hulk has taught me so much, but one of the biggest things he taught me is to utilize everything you can out of a story. Squeeze everything you can out of the story you’re given and incorporate that into your in-ring work.

“I’ve gotten to know Hulk on a professional level and on a personal level as well. I kind of cherish that relationship. Hulk has been through an awful lot, and I think he has come through it pretty strong. For him to be in TNA and to take me under his wing like that, I’m pretty proud of it. It’s a big thing for me to be mentored like that. It’s pretty amazing.”

The near 7-footer felt shock, some nervousness and intimidation, mixed with excitement, when he heard the news Hogan was TNA bound. About seven months later, Abyss sees the positive contributions the legend has made for many on the roster, including himself.

“It is amazing how unselfish he has been, and he’s really tried to elevate different characters and people in the company,” Abyss said.

“I’m a good example, but you can go down the list of others. It wasn’t just anybody walking through the door. He probably put wrestling on the map to begin with. It’s a dream come true to have a guy like Hulk Hogan give you a stamp of approval.”

Another veteran Abyss believes took him to another level has been Mick Foley. Each man built their careers on bloodshed and barbed wire. Foley and Abyss proved they are more than hardcore performers. There is a method to their madness.

“Mick has always been someone I looked up to, even before I knew him,” said Abyss, who earned a Master’s degree in sports administration from Ohio University. “Everything he has done for this business and brought to the table, not just for hardcore wrestling, the guy is pretty creative. I’ve never met a guy who is as witty and creative in his head. It’s just the way he articulates himself.

“Working with him has been a dream come true. It was my dream match I never had until last year. To work with him after idolizing him and coming up in this business is an honor. As far as the hardcore stuff, I don’t know if I can ever match what he has done. I’d like to come as close as I can. I have him up on this pedestal. He is the God of Gods when it comes to the hardcore stuff, and I will take a backseat to him when it comes to that any day.”

Abyss, 36, doesn’t plan on toning down the violence and dangerous spots.

“When you start doing that, you start going downhill a little bit,” he said.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not going to shoot myself out of cannon or anything. The stuff that we do and stuff I do is extreme stuff. You can get badly hurt, but even with that risk, you still try to minimize that risk as much as you can. Sometimes things go good; sometimes they go bad. There isn’t much I would say no to now.”

The book of Abyss has gone through many chapters, beginning with Goldy Locks and later James Mitchell serving as the voice of his carnage. However, it was when Abyss was given the opportunity to speak that he thinks really added the depth he needed to move forward.

“The one thing I like that I’ve liked about the character is that it has broadened to where you can see a lot of different emotions from him,” Abyss said.

“When I was with Jim Mitchell, I was just the crazy mute that never talked, showing no happiness, anger or emotion. The way the character has developed I have been able to show more of the characteristics that people haven’t seen from him in the past.”

It was the softer side of Abyss storylines, including ones involving his infatuation with former backstage interviewer Lauren and Chelsea that evoked some criticism. For the former TNA champion, it’s the diversity of his character that keeps it fresh and creates longevity.

“You can only do the same thing for so long before people get bored, and it gets stale,” he said. “As a character, you have to evolve a bit. With the Mitchell stuff, the Sting stuff, the insane asylum stuff, the character has evolved over time. Now it’s with Hulk and with more confidence. Who knows what is going to happen next? There has been some criticism, but if I can tell fans one thing, it would be enjoy the different aspects.”

Matches heavily involving his signature thumbtacks and shattered glass often overshadow his solid in-ring work. Like any actor who is known for a particular role, Abyss is type casted.

“I kind of pigeon holed myself a little bit, but I think I’m a very good worker,” he said.

“My matches with AJ Styles are great examples. We have done great stuff together and didn’t touch one toy or gimmick or weapon. I can do both. That’s what I want fans to see. This character is not just a garbage hardcore wrestler. It’s a wrestler who can work, do hardcore wrestling or a regular style match.

“I believe this about hardcore and learned this from Mick. As hardcore and crazy as Mick was or is, jumping off cages and everything else, he always used his brain and built it up with psychology first. Stuff happened for a reason. Mick was never a garbage wrestler. Anybody can pick up a chair and swing it. What I learned from Mick is to spread it out and tell a story.”

If the past few weeks are any indication, the next chapter of the Abyss character should be a real page-turner.

Read the original article here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/07/01/1711158_p2/foley-hogan-help-rise-monster.html#ixzz0sTMYbnmP