He is the one NXT Superstar who claims his existence exudes perfection while simultaneously looking down on those who walk hand-in-hand with mediocrity. This week, it seems only fitting that “The Perfect 10” Tye Dillinger be subject to the NXT 10-Count. We’ve gathered your questions, and Mr. Dillinger has graciously answered, discussing everything from dream matches and pre-match nerves to gummy bears. Ring the bell, because the NXT 10-Count starts now!
WWE UNIVERSE: If Mr. McMahon asked you to give him a perfect high-five, would you oblige?
TYE DILLINGER: First, a “perfect high-five” does not exist, and second, no. I'd tell him he's halfway there, shoot him a quick wink and keep on walking by.
WWE UNIVERSE: What must someone do to become a Perfect 10?
DILLINGER: For those of you holding your breath in anticipation of me finally acknowledging this question, here is your answer: Pray. There can only be one Perfect 10 and you're reading about him right now.
WWE UNIVERSE: What runs through your head right before you pass through the curtain?
DILLINGER: I actually don't want to go through the curtain. Literally. My nerves and excitement build throughout the night, right up until my music hits. Once that happens, I am so nervous and excited that I literally want to turn around and run home, but no one ever accomplished anything great by going backwards. I set very high expectations for myself to put on a great show for the audience in attendance or watching worldwide, so that is where my nervousness stems from. It fuels and motivates me, creating that “rush” you hear so many other Superstars speak of. It will always be there and has been for over 14 years. The day that goes away, I don't belong in WWE anymore.
The harder I work, the better I'll get and the faster I'll be able to get home to my family.
WWE UNIVERSE: Do you have any pets?
DILLINGER: I do, yes. He is a Miniature Pinscher and his name is Sheriff. Why? Because as soon as I saw him, I couldn't leave him. For the record, he is also a bada**.
WWE UNIVERSE: What is your top 10 list of favorite wrestlers of all time?
DILLINGER: This is a very tough question as there have been so many that have contributed to this industry in various ways and so many would be left off of this list. But if I had to pick my top 10 favorites and how they have influenced me in my career, they would have to be, in no particular order:
WWE UNIVERSE: If you could tag with anyone, who would it be?
DILLINGER: I have taken my time to really think about this one as it's tough to nail down just one person because the more I think about it … two names come to mind. Being a Perfect 10, I could only associate myself with the best, the cream of the crop. Those who are extremely talented, look the part, dress the part and especially perform at an unmatched level. So it would be a privilege to team with none other than “Prince Pretty” Tyler Breeze and the formerly “Dashing” Cody Rhodes. “Pretty, Perfect, Dashing” ... sounds pretty good doesn't it?
WWE UNIVERSE: What is your dream match, including the arena, opponent, event and stipulation?
DILLINGER: In the past, Shawn Michaels inside the Air Canada Centre in Toronto at the Royal Rumble in a one-on-one match. Present-day would be Randy Orton inside the Rogers Centre at WrestleMania in a 60-Minute WWE Iron Man Match.
WWE UNIVERSE: What do you miss the most about your hometown, Niagara Falls, Canada?
DILLINGER: I really miss my family. I have no family at all in the United States, and being so far from home usually means I get there just once a year around Christmastime. When I was back home in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls, I saw my family daily and they were always able to catch me perform live. Being away from them is tough. Having to miss birthdays, weddings or the births of my nieces breaks my heart, but I made this choice; I chose my path and followed my passion. These are just some of the sacrifices you hear people in this industry talk about. My family understands my drive and knows that the harder I work, the better I'll get and the faster I'll be able to get home to them.
WWE UNIVERSE: Do gummy bears count as carb loading? I’m asking for a friend.
DILLINGER: This question actually made the list?! To whoever asked this question, please do me a favor: You and your friend stand side by side, hold both your hands out in front of you with your palms up, then place your head in your own hands and proceed to give it a big, fat shake, because that is quite possibly the most ridiculous question I have ever been asked!
WWE UNIVERSE: Who do you feel is the most underrated Superstar or Diva on the main roster or NXT?
DILLINGER: I don't know if there is anyone that classifies as "underrated" at the moment. If there is anyone in WWE who does any kind of rating around here, it's The Perfect 10, so you're asking the right person. We have a lot of young talent with future potential, but there are guys and gals, that I have been a fan of for a long time, that are now getting the opportunity to showcase their talents on a much grander scale.
Guys like Scott Dawson, who is currently one half of the NXT Tag Team Champions and an incredibly talented wrestler; Aiden English, who, in my opinion, is one of the most well-rounded performers we have in all of WWE; and then there's Bayley. Come on, who doesn’t love Bayley? NXT is expanding at an astronomical rate, with many faces, including my own, that are getting a chance to make a name for themselves, without the help of Raw or SmackDown. So, to the talent here in NXT, the NXT Express train is moving fast. The question is, is who is going to be on it? Me? I'll be in the driver’s seat of that bad boy.
Thanks for submitting your questions! You can follow Tye Dillinger on Twitter @WWEDillinger.