Stevie Richards: Wrestling Is 95% Politics

As someone who still competes on the independent circuit, Stevie Richards is perhaps best known by casual wrestling fans for his run as part of the "Right To Censor" faction in WWE, or his more recent appearances in TNA. Also performing in WCW for a short stint in 1997, Richards has always been regarded as a talented worker who never stood out as a star.

Used more often as an "enhancement talent" on lower-level WWE programming, Michael Manna, the man behind the character has always appeared upbeat in previous interviews when quizzed about his lot in the pro wrestling industry. Speaking recently to the VOC Wrestling Nation radio show, Manna appeared more reflective, showing a clear disdain for the politicking which is rife within the business.

"I'm the poster child for guys that work hard and never got the opportunity (I deserved). It's a political thing. Johnny Ace says that 5% of what you do in the ring matters, and 95% of your success is what you do backstage; who you talk to and make friends with. I've never been a politics guy; I was just respectful and worked as hard as I could. For some reason, they always looked at me and said, 'you're this guy, and you're always going to be this guy'."

Follow Stevie Richards on Twitter @MichaelManna and check out his technology show, "Tech Today Tech Tomorrow" over at www.t4show.com. Please also use the hashtag #FSM.