MANILA, Philippines – What used to be simply called wrestling matches have become huge entertainment productions. Fireworks exploded as the protagonists entered. The steel cage got an upgrade. And the wrestlers now call themselves superstars.

John Morrison is a wrestling superstar. Since his 2005 debut, Morrison—John Hennigan real life—has won the Intercontinental Championship, Tag Team Championship and ECW Championship. His exceptional game makes even the most hardcore fan forget that the match results are scripted. Some matches tend to become spot fests—or the parts are better than the whole. Morrison makes a match compelling to watch from start to finish.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net) interviewed Morrison for the upcoming World Wrestling Entertainment Smackdown and Extreme Championship Wrestling Live Tour on July 10 at the Araneta Coliseum. Excerpts:

Is there any particular wrestler you want to have a feud with?

A: I would love to take on C.M. Punk. I think his strange lifestyle and goofy tattoos are stupid. Also, Chris Jericho. The biggest mouth in the WWE who just talks and talks but never actually does anything. I would love to wrestle with him.

How different is John Morrison outside the ring?

John Morrison is pretty much who I am outside the ring. I don’t have to yell at people to express my point of view. But in sports entertainment, to communicate my emotions to a mass audience I need to be larger than life so that people can feel what I feel.

How involved are wrestlers in developing their characters?

The best characters are the ones that we ourselves come up with. Stone Cold Steve Austin came up with his own persona, so with The Rock, John Cena, Triple H, Randy Orton, James Hardy and myself. When you’re trying to act like something that you are not, it becomes boring. That is not interesting to fans.

What is your take on Donald Trump owning RAW storyline? Do you think this helps a wrestling show?

It adds notoriety and interest. It makes national headlines. Just the fact that you asked me that question about Donald Trump proves people are interested in it.

Has the WWE ever told you not to execute certain moves or protect yourself more?

Here’s an analogy. In the United States, there is no law against riding a bike with no hands. You can ride your bike with no hands if you want to. But if you are not good enough to ride your bike with no hands and you try it, you are going to crash and hurt yourself.