TNA star Austin Aries on Ultimate X at Bound For Glory, his favorite opponents, the WWE Hall of Famer he grew up idolizing

TNA star Austin Aries spoke with DirecTV News to promote Sunday's TNA Bound For Glory pay-per-view. The following are the highlights of the interview, which can be read in full at DirecTV.com.

Aries on his idol growing up: "Bobby Heenan is one of my favorites of all time. Even back in the AWA, I just always thought he was great. And obviously The Horsemen dominating as well as Dusty Rhodes, Nikita Koloff, Magnum T.A., The Midnight Express, and The Freebirds. Of course Jake Roberts and Rick Rude. Those are the guys I grew up watching and idolizing."

Aries on his favorite opponents: "I always mention Bobby Roode. We just click on a lot of different levels. We grew up appreciating the same type of wrestler and same type of wrestling. We are similar students to the game. We work together against each other or as a tag partner. Guys like Samoa Joe, no matter what it’s been, what promotion, every time we are in the ring there is such an easy storytelling and psychology in there. We always had good matchups. Matches with Brian Danielson (Daniel Bryan of WWE) have always brought the best out of me. We’ve had a number of clashes over the years. Those are some guys off the top of my head."

Aries on Ultimate X: "Bound for Glory is Impact Wrestling’s biggest event. It is out in San Diego, and it is a whole weekend event. Unfortunately, I find myself challenging for the X Division Championship in an Ultimate X Match. It is exactly the type of match I look forward to as well as the fans. But there is an extra element of danger, having to scale a 20ft rope to grab the belt where it is hanging over the ring. You have three former world champs (Aries, Chris Sabin, and Jeff Hardy), as well as the current X division champ, Manik, and we all bring a little something different to the table. Anything can happen, and it is an exciting match for the audience and you definitely get sweaty palms participating in it because of the dangers that come with The Ultimate X Match."

Powell's POV: The article also noted that Samoa Joe was added to the Ultimate X match after the interview was conducted. Aries also spoke about dream opponents, being a fan of wrestling growing up, how he got started in the pro wrestling industry, how he got into Ring of Honor, and more. Join me for live coverage of TNA Bound For Glory on Sunday night beginning with the Spike TV special at 6:00 p.m. CT.