Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns spoke with the Orlando Sentinel to promote WrestleMania 32. Here are the highlights.
Last year, you were in the main event against Brock Lesnar. This you’re getting ready for the championship match against Triple H. Does it feel any different going into WrestleMania this year compared to last year?
“Yeah, I was talking to my cousins (WWE tag team The Usos) about that the other day. It’s kind of crazy because I’m not nervous by any means, but it’s a cool calm because I feel like my experience level has risen. Everything that I did last year, I absorbed it like a sponge and took note of everything and how I felt. Now I’m going into this with the opportunity, and know what I’ve done before and know what I need to do. Now it doesn’t feel as bad. I guarantee — just like any other performance — as soon as it’s getting close, as soon as those boots go on and I start throwing that vest on, the nerves are going to come. Hopefully, they don’t hit too heavy because [if there’s] a day where they can come in on a different rate, it’s a day like WrestleMania.”
Last year’s WrestleMania against Brock Lesnar was so physical. How long did it take you to recover from it? You guys were really throwing some haymakers at one another.
“Yeah, and that was the thing for me — the physicality part, I’ve always done well with that. Fighting a guy like Brock, it’s like being out there with a big bear. It can be rough from time to time. I signed up for the physicality. I’ve been running into people my whole life, playing football and every sport under the sun. For me, that’s what made it a little easier. It wasn’t that you had this tricky, complicated, in-and-out story. It was more of what you see is what you get. I told myself, ‘Just go out and dance with that bear for a little bit and you’ll be fine.'”
Why do you think you’re still getting that negative reaction from some people? It seems like the most vocal people are mostly guys.
“I think there’s a few different reasons why. You could name a bunch of them. I don’t think we could actually put a finger on one and say this is the reason why. Typically if you hear the boos, it generally is grown men my age and I’m not really in this business for the grown men. (laughs) I’m in this business for the families. That’s what we are; we’re a PG product. We’re a family-based product. We’re here to entertain families and give them enjoyment. If you’re a 30-year-old man and you want to flip me off at a kids show, then, hey, like I said, you paid your money but just be careful because you could get kicked out.”
Has it ever bothered you when it comes to the reaction from the fans or it is something you’ve been able to put aside?
“There’s nothing to complain about as far as reaction, because we’re storytelling here and not everybody is going to have the same opinion about the story. My only concern is you’re setting a bad example. I’ve seen grown men flip me off and there were children right there. There’s a guy who got kicked out of one of the shows because I’m pretty sure he was drunk. He’s going nuts, screaming and cussing, acting like a fool when there’s children right next to him. That’s something we have to keep in mind. A lot of times, these pay-per-views and Monday Night Raws, they’re on school nights so it is a lot more of a grown-up feel. I think if you pick and choose and just think with logic, everything will be all right. That’s just one thing, you have to be concerned with the example we’re setting. At a show, I’m not the only role model. These kids are sitting next to these other grown-ups and they’re seeing how these people act. That’s just a reflection of what they see and they probably act the same way.”
You can read the entire interview here.
