Jay Lethal Talks Pressure at Ring of Honor, John Cena vs. Seth Rollins and More

Jay Lethal has been injecting Ring of Honor with a double dose of machismo since he defeated Jay Briscoe in June to become the ROH world and television champion. Despite the pressure of being a dual champion, Lethal hasn't missed a beat, putting on great matches and promos while having to battle any and all challengers for both of his titles. 

Lethal's schedule is jam-packed this week. On Friday, he will defend his world championship against Roderick Strong in Philadelphia as part of the Aftershock Tour. He will then team with Shinsuke Nakamura to take on reDRagon at Field of Honor in Brooklyn, New York, on Saturday. Before even stepping into the ring, though, he is making the media rounds to promote the historic events. 

In addition to syncing up with Sports Illustrated, Lethal spoke with Ring Rust Radio to discuss his current run as Ring of Honor world and TV champion and much more.

Naturally, everyone wants to know the champ's thoughts on WWE promoting a similar storyline with John Cena and Seth Rollins to the one he recently concluded with Briscoe. For those unaware, Cena vs. Rollins at WWE's SummerSlam on Sunday is a "Winner Take All" match for the WWE World Heavyweight and WWE United States Championships, which Ring of Honor did with Lethal and Briscoe at Best in the World with its World and TV Championships. 

"I just happen to think it's total coincidence," Lethal said, before explaining further. 

"In wrestling, you’re constantly trying to do what’s never been done or what hasn’t been done in a really long time. I can only remember such an event happening and the one that comes to mind is Warrior and Hogan, intercontinental title and world title. That was our mindset, and I’m sure it’s their mindset too."

Whereas many fans look at WWE as copying ROH with the storyline, Lethal views it in a completely different perspective. 

"To say that we inspired their storyline, if I could find out that it was 100 percent true, I would be so honored," he said. "Man, what an honor to say you did something that inspired the No. 1 wrestling company in the world. Especially since for years they have done things that have inspired other wrestling promotions."

Ring of Honor is known for having long-term, credible champions, and Lethal is carving a legacy of his own with the promotion. As part of the journey, he doesn't see himself putting unrealistic expectations upon himself. When asked how he feels about ROH positioning him as the face of the company and the pressure that comes along with that role, he responded:

"I hope this doesn’t sound too cocky, but I don’t feel any pressure in that aspect. To use your words, I feel like if ROH hitched their wagon to me, it’s because they are enjoying, like, agree, and approve of everything I am doing. If I didn’t remain to just do what I am doing, then I feel that could have some negative impact. 

"I am in the spot I am in because I deserve it and work hard and have been doing something the company likes. Just keep doing what I am doing and the company will keep liking it and happy that they put me in that spot. I don’t feel any pressure in that aspect because I will just keep doing what I have been doing." 

The SI.com interview was a major feat for Lethal and ROH and another major step forward for professional wrestling and its community. It also comes at an interesting time, as ESPN SportsCenter will air live at SummerSlam.

For long-term wrestling fans, publications such as ESPN and Sports Illustrated promoting and investing so heavily in professional wrestling is monumental. The more eyes on professional wrestling, the better off the industry will be. 

"It was very shocking to me," Lethal said about landing the interview with SI.com and ESPN's participation with WWE. 

"That is a true testament to where wrestling is at this point and time. This really is a great time for professional wrestling. I lot of great talents are out there and a lot of different options which also helps wrestling too. 

"I got to say being the Ring of Honor world champion, what a time it is to be the champion in this tremendous wrestling period. It really is a boom period and it’s amazing. ESPN and Sports Illustrated covering wrestling, I’m almost at a loss of words because I can’t believe it's happening. It took so long to get here. I can’t think of a more perfect time to be the No. 1 guy in Ring of Honor." 

Of course, Lethal is well-deserving to be ROH's No. 1 guy. He is the definition of the complete package. He has the in-ring skills to compete with the best in the business, the charisma and mic skills to duel in a war of words and the larger-than-life character needed to captivate an audience. Fans have been anxiously waiting to see how Ring of Honor handles Lethal as world and TV champion, which makes it such an exciting time to tune in to ROH's product.

It is difficult to envision Lethal losing the world championship so early in his reign, though Strong will be a formidable opponent on Friday. Many expect Lethal to enjoy a lengthy world championship reign, so the more intriguing storyline is what happens with his TV championship.

With so many high-quality wrestlers in the company, anybody has a chance to step up to the plate and beat Lethal since he can defend both championships on the same night. However, if there was one wrestler in the company who could compete and win twice in one night, it would be Lethal.

Despite his skills and accolades, he remains humble and hungry and strives to improve.

"If you ask any good wrestler [what they need to improve upon], their answer should always be, 'I am still trying to improve on everything.' There is always room to improve," Lethal said. "The moment you feel like you are good on this, so now let me work on this, that’s the start of any wrestlers' downfall. Any performer or professional athlete stops and focuses on something else, that’s the bad way to go about it."

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