Harley or Halloween - Bliss still pondering what to wear on Sunday
Thursday 6 October 2016 11:39, UK
As a former gymnast and cheerleader, Alexa Bliss is no stranger to jumping around.
Her biggest leap, though, came in July when she was drafted from WWE's talent-laden NXT brand to the bright blue lights of Smackdown Live.
The move has paid off handsomely and the Ohio-born 25-year-old will challenge Smackdown Women's Champion, Becky Lynch, at Sunday's No Mercy pay-per-view.
Ahead of that title tussle and during Women's Sports Week, Bliss told Sky Sports about her WWE career to date, the hard work she has put in to achieve it - and why she is torn over what to wear at No Mercy…
Did you expect to be wrestling for the Women's Title so soon?
No - but I am what the new era should look like. Becky [and WWE Raw Superstars] Charlotte, Sasha Banks and Bayley paved the way for the Women's Revolution but I am the evolution of the Revolution. I am here to take it further - I want to show that if you want something in life you have to go for it and take opportunities.
What sort of test will Becky pose?
I have wrestled Becky in NXT for years and I have seen her evolve and change and her skills develop so I am looking forward to putting her to the test. My skills have developed as well and she hasn't seen as much of me as I've seen of her.
How do your styles compare?
The difference between me and Becky is that she is a submission specialist and I like to hit hard, while she also believes in playing fair whereas I believe there is no fair in fighting and you do whatever you have to do to win the title.
How did you get into wrestling?
I was a gymnast for 12 to 13 years and then transitioned into all-star cheerleading and competitive bodybuilding, but after I got my pro card I wanted to do something new. I had heard WWE was having try-outs so I went online and clicked on a link that said 'Do you want to be a WWE Superstar?' I sent in a video application, had a try-out and thankfully made it, although it was the hardest thing I have ever done.
Did your sporting pedigree make it easier for you to transition into the ring?
Gymnastics taught me about body awareness, bodybuilding helped me with my strength and cheerleading gave me the aerobic side of it, but nothing can physically prepare you for what your body goes through in the ring. You build the tolerance by keeping doing it - you can do as much working out as you want but as soon as you are in a wrestling match it's a new challenge.
You were very emotional when you were assigned to the Smackdown brand during July's WWE Draft - did you expect it?
I was really shocked as we had no idea we were being drafted. We were just sat at the Performance Center in Orlando waiting to see whose picture would appear on the show and when mine appeared I just dropped and started crying - until I realised I was being filmed and had to stand up! It was an emotional experience and I was just so overwhelmed.
What made you so teary?
I had been in NXT for over three years having started from square one with no prior wrestling experience - I basically went in blindfolded without knowing anything, so when I got drafted it made me feel like all that hard work had paid off. I now can't wait to continue progressing on the main roster and push myself to my limits.
How much did you take from your time in NXT?
I wouldn't be where I am today without all the coaches in NXT and all the other women building and helping each other out. As a roster we were all really close - it had a real family feel, so my move to Smackdown is a bit like leaving for college in that you don't get to see your family as much. Hopefully people will come up from NXT and we'll all be one happy family again!
I love country music but the sound of a banjo sometimes rubs me up the wrong way!
There is a funny story when it comes to your family and wrestling, isn't there…
When the Atitude Era came along I wasn't allowed to watch wrestling at home because my mum once told me to clean my room and I told her I had two words for her - D-Generation X's "Suck It" chant - so I got grounded! So I went over to watch at my grandmother's house, where me and my cousins would play in an inflatable paddling pool - it had no water in it so became our wrestling ring!
Who are your biggest inspirations inside and outside of the ring?
In wrestling it would be Trish Stratus and Rey Mysterio - the gymnastic element of what Mysterio would do captivated me straight away. Away from the ring, it would be [Olympic gold-medal gymnast] Shannon Miller, as well as my parents - that may sound a bit cheesy but they sacrificed a lot to make sure I had every opportunity in life. They pushed me every day to succeed.
You dressed up as Suicide Squad's Harley Quinn at Backlash - what have you got planned for No Mercy? Will your love of Disney come into play?
I am stuck between doing the pigtails and tutu look or, as it's close to Halloween, bringing back the Halloween outfit that I used to wear in NXT. I am still debating on that. If I were to do any Disney character, though, I would love to do a Maleficent outfit - I love how it is so dark and intricate.
And finally, how much are you looking forward to this autumn's UK tour?
When we went to the UK with NXT the crowds were amazing. We were thinking: 'I wonder if they will know who we are' but not only did they know who we are but they would sing - one person would start a chant and it would be contagious! I love being among crowds and seeing how different ones react, so it will be really fun.
WWE No Mercy is live on Sky Sports Box Office at 1am on Sunday night (Monday morning).
