In a new candid interview, TNA wrestler Gunner spoke about his military background, the backstage locker room atmosphere in TNA, the Stone Cold Steve Austin podcast, Eric Young as TNA Champion, and much more.

Gunner on his military background preparing him for wrestling:

"Yes! Marine Corps Boot Camp is no joke. Its 13 weeks of brutal hell. Not only that but Parris Island, South Carolina is just a hot box. It's a swamp. It's miserable and I think mentally it prepared me for being able to work hard and never give up. There are a lot of days when you want to stop and quit but in reality you can't because where does that get you?

I started wrestling in the independent scene in 2001 and I would often be living pay check-to-pay check or be broke and go unpaid at shows but I was paying my dues and whilst lots of others complain about that, I chose that path and it's obviously paid off but I think the Marine Corps taught me the required self-discipline and go-get-it attitude."

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Gunner on the TNA backstage locker room atmosphere:

"Years ago, I did stuff in another company and it was like walking on egg shells backstage. One of the reasons why I re-signed with TNA is because I'm happy where I am. It is like a big family, everybody's there for one job and that is to put on a great show"

Gunner on Eric Young as TNA Champion:

"Eric's worked his tail off. He can entertain, get in the ring with guys from Kurt Angle to Bobby Roode to Robbie E - guys with different styles and wrestle them any night of the week and put on a 5-star match. So he deserves everything he's getting right now."

Gunner on Listening to Wrestling Podcasts:

"We do listen to other wrestlers, absolutely, especially Austin because a lot of guys respect him. It's a good time passer and you can learn about things outside the ring. For example, just listening to Jericho interviewing Scott Hall can help you learn about the psychology of wrestling."

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CB's Analysis: It's interviews like this that make me more of a fan of someone like Gunner, who has obviously worked hard to get to where he's at and also respects both his peers and everyone in the business who came before him. I like that he admires and appreciates and LISTENS to guys like Stone Cold Steve Austin and Chris Jericho because it's just very smart to try and pick up as much as you can from such successful wrestling legends.

Also, like the Rockstar Spud interview, it's great to hear that the TNA locker room is a fun place to be backstage.