Seth Rollins tells us about WrestleMania - and Floyd Mayweather v Big Show!
DX v nWo, Ronda Rousey & CM Punk on the agenda...
Sunday 26 April 2015 19:52, UK
Seth Rollins left WrestleMania as the WWE World Heavyweight champion and, ahead of his Extreme Rules showdown against Randy Orton, he has told Sky Sports about life on top.
How long had you been planning to cash in your Money in the Bank during Brock Lesnar v Roman Reigns?
Rollins said: It was something I had been carefully considering. I had to look at the magnitude of the match, and how infrequently Lesnar is around. I’ve always had my eye on that guy, I’ve always been watching and paying attention.
The moment was right to take my shot and it worked out as well as it could have.
But you lost to Orton earlier in the night - so didn't that change your plans for interfering in the 'Mania main-event?
Rollins said: My plans didn’t change because I lost to Randy. They are two different matches, two different situations. I obviously wanted to beat Randy which didn’t work out but the second part of my night made up for that.
Did you enjoy the 'Mania moments featuring DX against the nWo, and UFC champion Ronda Rousey?
Rollins said: It was such a blast to see DX and the nWo at WrestleMania together, it looked like they were having such fun. What an awesome moment, I’m glad it all came together and it’s something you never expected to see when the Monday Night Wars were happening all those years ago.
It was cool to see Ronda in the WWE ring, she’s a sweetheart of a girl and I’m a huge fan. I’m hoping we see her back next year…
Have you achieved a lifelong dream by becoming champion? Who inspired you?
Rollins said: It’s something surreal and special – very few people close out WrestleMania as WWE champion. This is my first title which puts me on top of an even smaller list.
It’s humbling and something that I’ll keep with me for the rest of my life.
I was a fan of Hulk Hogan growing up – he was the real-life embodiment of a super hero. He’s who I wanted to be as a little kid. Then I began to admire Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart and Mr. Perfect. They showed that guys who were a different size with different athleticism could reach the top.
Then Stone Cold and The Rock, obviously, who doesn’t like them? Then Sting and Rey Mysterio were my favourites.
Your ex-WWE rival CM Punk is starting a new career in the UFC - can he be a success? And would you do it?
Rollins said: I’m a fan of the UFC and I’ll be watching CM Punk with interest. I think it’s the type of thing that a pro wrestler can cross over and do. Brock showed everyone that it’s possible, but whether Punk can be successful remains to be seen. He’s got big shoes to fill.
Fighting in the UFC is not something I’d consider at this stage of my career because I’m very happy – but I’d never say never.
Boxing could benefit from having Money in the Bank but I’ve not heard anything in the WWE locker room about someone running out during Mayweather v Pacquiao and taking the ref out…
Floyd Mayweather v Manny Pacquiao is the second biggest upcoming scrap behind Rollins v Orton but do the WWE lads plan on running to the ring during the boxing?
Rollins said: Boxing could benefit from having Money in the Bank but I’ve not heard anything in the WWE locker room about someone running out during Mayweather v Pacquiao and taking the ref out…
I’ve got involved in the WrestleMania main-event already so they don’t have to worry about me running to the ring during their boxing match.
I don’t think Big Show has the secret of how to defeat Floyd – he didn’t fare so well when they fought at WrestleMania XXIV. Floyd had a lot of tricks up his sleeve and was too quick for the Big Show.
Stay tuned to skysports.com for news on that and other bouts, and then watch WWE Extreme Rules, from 1am on Sunday, April 26, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Extreme Rules booking details
WWE Extreme Rules will be shown on Sky Sports Box Office (channel 491) and Sky Sports HD Box Office (channel 492) at 1am on Sunday, April 26 (Monday morning).
WWE Extreme Rules will be repeated on Sky Sports Box Office (channel 491) BUT NOT Sky Sports HD Box Office (channel 492) between 9am, Monday, April 27 and 9pm, Wednesday, April 29.
Repeat showings will last for three hours, with the final showing STARTING at 9pm on Wed, April 29.
The event is priced at £14.95 for UK customers, €21.95 for viewers in the Republic of Ireland.
Viewers can call 08442 410 888 from Friday, April 10 to book WWE Extreme Rules. (There may be an additional charge for telephone bookings).
You can also book WWE Extreme Rules online from Friday, April 10 by visiting this link:https://my.sky.com/orderboxoffice/
Cable customers should contact their local cable operator.
