KC Navarro experienced a unique blend of personal challenge and professional significance during his appearance in the Ultimate X match at Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's (TNA) Slammiversary event. The match, which featured a high-stakes scramble for the X Division Championship, brought Navarro face-to-face with his mentor, Amazing Red.
Navarro disclosed to Fox News Digital that his participation in the Ultimate X match was particularly challenging due to a significant fear of heights. "Me, I'm not a big fan of heights, so it actually takes me a while to climb that thing and I have to see what I'm gonna do," he stated. Despite this personal obstacle, the presence of Amazing Red in the match added a profound emotional layer. "This year was very special to me because Amazing Red was in it. A lot of people don't know, but it was set on commentary, Amazing Red was a big mentor for me for my entire career. Somebody I looked up to," Navarro explained.
He highlighted the significance of sharing the ring with Red, a former X Division Champion who influenced Navarro's own career trajectory. "Just to be a part of his first match back, it was very special for me. I really was grateful that me and him got to have a moment in the ring as well," he said. Navarro also noted the risk involved, particularly with a recently healed knee. "This year, I came in with a brand-new knee in the Ultimate X at a match that's pretty dangerous for me to be in. If I would have fell the wrong way, I could have blew my knee out. So, I took a chance."
Navarro described the match as a "very stacked match" featuring notable wrestlers like Leon Slater, Frankie Kazarian, and others. He emphasized the mental fortitude required to overcome his fear and the physical demands of the match. "I just keep God first. I count on the adrenaline to get me through which it does because once that bell rings – got no choice. Got to go for that belt," he commented.
Looking ahead, Navarro is involved in a rivalry with TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth, a feud that could position him for further opportunities within the promotion.