TNA News: Austin Aries not a fan of Ultimate X, says Hulk Hogan is doing what's best for himself, comments on having yet to work for WWE

TNA star Austin Aries spoke with Mike Mooneyham of the Charleston Post-Courier about a number of topics. The following are among the highlights of the interview, which can be read in full at Postandcourier.com.

Aries on not working for WWE: "I don't worry about that. They've had opportunities to sign me, and for whatever reason or measuring stick they were using, they didn't see fit to give me an opportunity. I don't know all the ins and outs of those decisions, and I don't really dwell on it... If and when that opportunity did present itself, you'd be a fool not to listen. But I don't measure my career's success on whether or not I go to WWE."

Aries on Ultimate X: "I hate those types of matches. I'm not a fan. When I broke in, I didn't say teach me how to climb the ladder or teach me how to scale the ropes 20 feet above the ring. I understand why they're there, I understand why the fans enjoy them, but it takes me out of my element. I just have to prepare differently. There's a lot of moving parts and a lot of factors that come into play that usually aren't there. We're all going to go out there and put on the best performance we can."

Aries on Hulk Hogan: "Hogan is doing whatever's good for Hogan ... just like he's done his whole career. And just like he should continue to do. And if that means staying with TNA, great. If that means going to some other venture, then I wish him all the luck."

Powell's POV: Aries also explained where his ring name came from, keeping his options open to life outside the wrestling business, his musical performance, the corporate food system, and why wrestling needs to focus on the "cool quotient." The interview is a good and recommended read.