NWA Worlds Champion Silas Mason Names Mick Foley and Kurt Angle as Career-Changing Influences

Silas Mason is riding high as NWA Worlds Champion, but he made it clear that two WWE Hall of Famers played a major role in shaping the wrestler he became.

During an appearance on Busted Open Radio with Dave LaGreca and Tommy Dreamer, Mason spoke about NWA’s return to broadcast television and what it means to him personally. The longtime brand is heading back to network TV for the first time in decades, and Mason didn’t hide his excitement about being front and center for the moment.

While talking about NWA POWERRR’s move to Comet TV, Mason emphasized how big the opportunity is for the company and the talent involved.

“We’re right on network broadcasting for the first time in 30 years. That’s a long time! It’s a POWERRR-ful week for a POWERRR-ful man on a POWERRR-ful program!”

The conversation shifted when Mason was asked about his early inspirations and who influenced him when he was younger. That’s when he pointed directly to Mick Foley as one of the first wrestlers who made a lasting impression on him. Mason explained that Foley stood out to him because he didn’t look like a traditional superstar, yet still found a way to connect with fans in a powerful way.

“It was Mick Foley when I was a kid. Fat guy, sweat pants, made everybody laugh, that whole thing. The Rock, Mick Foley, that whole era, but Mick Foley was one of those guys. It was never so much the hardcore stuff. It was the sympathy and could make you laugh and make you care about him. He could go from making you laugh to making you think it was that serious, like a heart attack.”

Mason didn’t stop there when discussing the people who shaped his path. He also credited Kurt Angle with pushing him to take wrestling seriously at a competitive level, something that directly impacted his life outside the ring. While reflecting on that decision, Mason explained how Angle’s success motivated him to join amateur wrestling — a move that paid off in a major way.

“I joined the wrestling team because of Kurt Angle. I have two state wrestling championships because of that guy. So it would be Mick Foley and Kurt Angle.”

Mason’s comments came during a conversation that also touched on NWA’s mix of veteran presence and younger talent, something he said keeps him motivated as champion. He noted that being surrounded by hungry competitors helps drive his own performance and keeps the environment competitive.

All of this comes as NWA prepares to bring POWERRR back to television audiences. The show is set to debut on Comet TV this Friday, May 1, at 10PM ET, marking the brand’s return to broadcast television after a three-decade absence. A second all-new episode will follow Saturday, May 2, at 4PM ET, with future episodes scheduled to continue weekly in that same time slot.

Fans looking to tune in can find Comet TV in their area by visiting: https://comettv.com/watch-live/#find-channel

Viewers can also watch live through their web browser anywhere at: https://comettv.com/watch-live/

Comet TV is additionally available through streaming platforms including YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, and Fubo TV.

Founded in 1948, the National Wrestling Alliance remains one of the longest-running promotions in professional wrestling history. The company is currently owned and operated by NWA President William Patrick, known to many fans as Billy Corgan of the platinum-selling, Grammy-winning rock band The Smashing Pumpkins. Comet TV itself is operated by Sinclair Broadcasting, a company previously connected to Ring of Honor.

For Mason, the moment represents more than just another television appearance — it ties together the influence of legends like Foley and Angle with his current role leading the NWA into a new chapter on broadcast TV.

Which wrestler had the biggest influence on you growing up — Mick Foley, Kurt Angle, or someone else entirely? Let us know in the comments and share your thoughts.