Kenny King Talks TNA Destination X, WWE Tough Enough, Ring of Honor and More

"The King of the Night" Kenny King hasn't been crowned world champion yet in TNA, but that hasn't stopped him from being viewed as royalty Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. ET on Impact Wrestling. That's because the soon-to-be 34-year-old has been among the most consistently entertaining performers in all of professional wrestling since returning to TNA in 2012.  

On Wednesday, June 10, TNA will air Destination X, which will feature King wrestling in one of three Triple Threat qualifying matches to earn an X-Division title shot. Earlier this week, he spoke with Ring Rust Radio (quotes courtesy of the News of Delaware County’s Joe Arcidiacono) to discuss his upcoming match, Ring of Honor serving as the lead-in for Impact Wrestling on Destination America, breaking into the business through WWE's Tough Enough and more. 

"Destination X is always a good time of year because it reminds everyone that we are amongst the best in the world in that style," King said. "As far as getting my belt back, this Wednesday at Destination X I get my shot and we will see what happens," he added when asked about the chance of fans seeing him with gold around his waist again soon. 

The two-time X-Division champion may be fighting for a shot at the championship again, but many fans are waiting for him to break through the glass ceiling. The time is right for him to enter the main event scene to fight for the TNA World Championship. Despite King's confidence in his abilities and the feeling he's been ready to win the championship for years, he has a mature outlook on his current status, per the interview:

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I think it comes down to timing and everything has to be right. I am my number one fan and I would of told you that I’m ready for a title shot that day, but it might not have been the right timing. Whenever it is my time I grab it and I run with it. The thing you can say about TNA is it’s not the old guard anymore. The push to the top is there for guys who are ready and able to do it versus just name recognition.

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No stranger to Ring of Honor, given his departure from the company, many fans wondered what King thought of ROH's move to Destination America. He again showcased a clear vision and understands the importance of having Ring of Honor on national television:

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I’m a pro-wrestler and that’s how I make my money and I am also a fan of the wrestling business. Ring of Honor being viewed as being good enough to share the national spotlight with another company that’s really good for wrestling. It’s not a product that I’m unfamiliar with and the quality is unquestionable, its Ring of Honor. It’s hard to see it as a negative when it means there’s more places for guys to work and get exposure for guys that are really good.

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WWE's Tough Enough will be returning Tuesday, June 22 on USA Network, and King will always be remembered for his participation on Season 2. During the conversation, he expressed his enjoyment in the opportunity, but he also gave fans insight into a lesser-known fact, which is that after Tough Enough, he trained with the legendary Nick Bockwinkel:

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I can tell you this, it’s a compliment saying some of work this year is my best ever and that is a testament to Nick Bockwinkel. Nick would come in on Thursday nights, sometimes Fridays, and we would work on promos and learning and understanding your character. You would cut your promo, Nick would watch it, then he would tell you it sucked. After that you would do it again, and again, until it was right. He really was all about practice makes perfect. I don’t know where I would be without Nick Bockwinkel. 

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Now a veteran in the business, King has mastered the art of connecting with fans through his cocky attitude, larger-than-life persona and stylish in-ring skills. The "I'm better than you" aura is perfect for a heel of his nature, and he carries himself with such flair that it's difficult not to hate him but also smile when watching him perform. 

King never got a fair chance with WWE, and now, in his prime, many believe he would thrive on the biggest stage in professional wrestling. Thankfully, fans can see him on national television every Wednesday. As one of the highlights of the show, it's just a matter of time before he's featured more prominently during TNA's two-hour program. He has a fluid style in the ring and has the skills to have a great match with any type of worker.

However, it is his mic skills and personality that sets him apart from most in the company. It is easy to see he's comfortable being in the spotlight, but more importantly, he enjoys himself when performing. He seems to have a great perspective on the industry and understands the product is built on timing.

Still, the timing has been right for King to be featured with the likes of Kurt Angle atop the card for more than one year now. Although it would be great to see King win the X-Division championship again, it would be better for King, TNA and fans to see him catapulted to the main event scene.

For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics, or catch the latest episode in the player above (Warning: Some language NSFW).