WWE superstar Big E: We are excited to be back in front of fans for WrestleMania 37

Big E. Picture Courtesy/ WWE PR

WWE superstar Big E will be facing unarguably one of his toughest tests at the upcoming WrestleMania 37 pay-per-view held on April 10 and 11. Big E, a multiple-time tag team champion and member of the WWE faction The New Day' is the current Intercontinental champion in his second reign and will go one-on-one against Apollo Crews in a first-ever Nigerian Drum Fight, defending his title.

Big E and many other WWE superstars will finally be performing in front of the WWE Universe at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, after almost a year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Ahead of WrestleMania 37, Big E talks about his match with Apollo Crews, performing in front of the fans, the build-up and how he has changed over the years.

How does it feel to have the WWE Universe at WM 37? How different has it been performing without the fans for so long?
I feel it's going to be readjustments. I feel we made the best of not having the fans there but we are now excited to get back in front of the fans. But, it is difficult for me to believe a match is awesome if there is someone back in a truck hitting a 'this is awesome chant. But when you're out there and people show that they are entertained and happy they spent their hard-earned money to watch you, that to me is the best emotional feeling to connect with the fans. Hopefully, whether your watching at home or in the stands, we will put on a hell of a show.

What do you think will be different from this WrestleMania match with the all-new Apollo Crews?
IF you look at his (Crews) presentation now compared to a few months ago, there is more invested in him. What's different is that it's the first time I had a single blood feud with someone where if a man tries to drop steel steps on you, you should do something pretty bad to him. Apollo is an extremely talented guy, but he was never featured as a top-tier threat. Now he looks like a major player and I want to face guys when they're at their best

How do you feel about the build-up to Mania?
Lead up has been cool. I am excited for a live version of our New Day podcast. Brunch with the boys is my highlight build up to Mania. The excitement is in getting back to what we do best. There are guys who do it all in the ring but don't get that crowd reaction and those who are not maybe that good but get the crowd going. It's good we are getting back into the essence of our industry and our craft. I hope the fans are excited as we are.

What is the quality you have developed over the years ever since you started wrestling?
I am becoming a more comfortable performer. The New Day run helped me. I cringe watching some of my earlier promos. I was earlier presenting myself as a tough, emotionless being and it's boring. But right now if you take me off tv, you won't find a wrestler to do what I do - promo ability, charisma, making you laugh, intensity - that's what I wanna be. Kofi and Xavier gave me their blessing to go solo and if I am just a guy whose floating and happy to be here, then I have done them and the fans injustice.

Fans can watch WrestleMania 37, a two night event, LIVE on SONY TEN 1 (English) and SONY TEN 3 (Hindi) channels on April 11 and April 12, 2021 from 5.30 am IST