Mandatory.com recently interviewed TNA wrestler Chris Melendez, an amputee and Iraq War veteran. Melendez talked about his recent TNA debut and working with a prosthetic leg. Below are some highlights.
Melendez on how he would prefer to work without a prosthetic: “Most people would assume it’s a disadvantage, but the truth is the leg makes me more cumbersome and slows me down. When I have it off, I can move faster and jump higher. If someone wants to try and remove it, it’s fine by me.”
Melendez on what it means for him to stand on his own on one leg: “Every time I have the leg off and I’m standing tall on one leg, that shows other guys, other amputees, civilians and veterans that you can overcome these things. You don’t need to be embarrassed. And if I have to be the guy who gets up there and says it, so be it.”
Melendez on his goal to get to the top of TNA: “Wherever I am, I aim to rise to the top and be the best at what I’m doing. Here in TNA, I plan to go straight to the top. I have the same mentality I had in the battlefield, the same mentality I had during my recovery. I’m going to be the best.”
EXCLUSIVE PHOTO: Which TNA KNOCKOUT Is Chris Melendez Current **DATING** In Real-Life?!, WHOA!!!