By James Caldwell, PWTorch columnist

In 2006, Shawn Michaels and Triple H re-formed DX. Of course, they needed fodder to run through over-matched heel opposition. Spirit Squad was the enhancement-talent du jour at the time, which included Mike Mondo.

After being released by WWE at the end of the DX vs. Spirit Squad run in November 2006, Mondo is now on the independent scene and looking to possibly return to Ohio Valley Wrestling where he got his start when OVW was an official training school for WWE.

When Mondo, Kenny Dykstra, Mitch, Nicky, and Johnny were brought into WWE from OVW to run with the Squad gimmick, there was some hesitation to take the role, but they viewed it as an opportunity.

"To be honest, with the Spirit Squad, I didn't know what to expect or think, but personally I loved the gimmick," Mondo told Slam Wrestling. "All five of us embraced it and did everything we could to make it work and I think we did a very good job."

Working with Hunter and Michaels was an opportunity to learn and grow he says. "They both really took my game inside the ring to whole new level," Mondo said. "They say you only get better when you get into the ring with people who are better than you, and in my opinion, they are the best in the business today."

As for the end of the gimmick after a near-nine-month run in 2006, Mondo says he didn't feel the right decision was made to pull the plug on the Squad.

"It was sad to see it come to an end when it did," Mondo said. "I thought there was a lot more life in the gimmick, but decisions were made and there was really nothing we could do."

Link: Slam Wrestling interview with Mike Mondo.

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