Chris Parks, better known by his ring name Abyss, a professional wrestler currently signed with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, is coming to Minot this month to show off his in-ring ability.

As Abyss in TNA, Parks became a one-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, being the first of only two men to hold the title while competing under a mask (Blue Demon, Jr. is the other).

“The history of that belt is second to none in the wrestling world,” said Parks.

Parks also captured the Television Championship, the NWA World Tag Team Championship once with A.J. Styles, and the TNA World Tag Team Championship twice once with James Storm as The Revolution and currently with Crazzy Steve and Rosemary called Decay.

“A.J. and I go a long way,” said Parks. “We’ve had a lot of matches. Some of my favorite matches were with him.”

He also wrestled Jerry “The King” Lawler in Memphis Power Pro Championship Wrestling.

“He was a captivating character,” he said. “I was just starting out in the business. I was really green and he was so experienced. I was not very good in the early stage in my career. I learned an awful lot wrestling with him.”

Abyss has been managed by some of the all-time great wrestlers of the modern era, including Jeff Jarrett, Hulk Hogan and “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair. Parks learned a lot from Flair “just to be around him, just listening to him.” He also studied the business with the former President of World Championship Wrestling.

“I learned a lot with Eric (Bischoff),” said Parks. “He helped with developing my character. He’s an all business kind of guy.”

While a lot of independent wrestlers aspire to make it to the WWE, Parks has stayed loyal to TNA.

“When I got into it, my goal was to get there (the WWE),” he said. “I’ve been loyal because they’ve been loyal to me. I’ve never had a reason to go. That (aspiration) disappeared pretty quickly for me.” His advice for those breaking into the business is to remain patient.

“If you really want to do this, stay strong to it. Stay passionate,” said Parks. “It’s a long road. I spent seven years in the independent leagues before I got my big break.”

While wrestling alone has its risks, the hardcore style that he wrestles presents its own challenges.

“It takes it toll. You have to be mentally focused,” said Parks. “It’s not a matter of if you’ll get hurt, but when. It takes a special kind of person to do that kind of style.”

His upcoming match in Minot marks his long awaited return to the region.

“I’m really excited to come up there. It’s been at least a decade since I’ve been up there,” said Parks.

Abyss can be seen on TNA’s Impact Wrestling on Pop TV and at the Vegas Motel June 26 as part of Fully Loaded Wrestling Presents: Monsters Among Us at 6 p.m.