WWE is making great efforts to source Indian talent, says wrestler Sheamus

WWE wrestler Sheamus

WWE wrestler Sheamus. Pic Courtesy/ FTP Edelman

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar Sheamus visited Mumbai to promote wrestling and the WWE 2K17 video game. He extended his love for sports and entertainment displaying his versatility. Sheamus also played guest-referee in a football match for Special Olympics Bharat Athletes as well as promoted John Abraham's upcoming Bollywood film 'Force 2'. Here's a exclusive tete-a-tete with the superstar wrestler.

In your younger years, you have been part of the choir, Gaelic football, rugby team. What made you take up wrestling as your profession?
I never grew up as a sports star. I grew up loving entertainment, movies and wrestling and things like that. I day dreamed about being the center of attention and the hero. I did not want to be an average joe, I wanted to be larger than life. I saw the older members in my family struggling to go to work because they did not like their jobs and I did not want that to be the case with me. I wanted to do something that nobody else did and a job that I loved doing. I loved watching wrestling since I was very young and a part of me always wanted to be the superstar in the ring. So I went after my dream and took up wrestling.

What/ who is the inspiration behind your entire gimmick of the 'Celtic Warrior'?
Myself and Ray Senior who is one of my best mates, were huge into Celtic Mythology and we wanted to bring some different. Fit Finlay was already doing the storyline with Hornswoggle and the whole Leprechaun theme. So I wanted to do something different and unique that would create a different vibe, something fierce that was not a stereotype and something that would have longevity.

What is your secret to staying so healthy and fit all the time?
I have a great diet by a company called Nutrition Solutions. I am constantly active in the gym, I work out seven days a week. Stretching also helps and knowing when to take the day off. Adequate sleep is another factor. It's important to listen to your body and understand what it needs. Especially after two injuries I've learnt that is key and having the healthy lifestyle.

Your recent tag team pairing with Cesaro has been well received. Do you think you two could break The New Day's tag team title long run at 'Hell in a Cell'?
We both need to be on the same page first. There is quite a big clash of egos and we need to overcome that to be able to be on the same page. I have never been a tag team champion and I'm looking seize the title. I am willing to work with him to overcome our clashes and become a stronger team to be able to win the title but it depends on whether he will do the same or just let his ego come in the way.

You are a 4-time world champion, a King of the Ring and Royal Rumble winner. When do you think you would be in the picture for a shot at the WWE Universal title?
I have become WWE World Heavyweight champion four times. For me right now it's more about finishing my collection with the WWE Tag Team Championship title and the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Then maybe I'll consider the WWE World Championship again. But right now I'm focusing more on completing my collection and hopefully if Cesaro becomes organized there will only be one left.

You recently appeared as Rocksteady in 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows' among other films. Do you intend to make a shift to Hollywood?
I'd love to, it's a lot of fun. Acting has been so much fun and TMNT was great. It was well received and is still being well received after it came out on DVD. But I'd love to do some more acting, it's just that my schedule at WWE is too hectic right now to be able to. But who knows what may happen in the future. I'm always open to new things and I definitely can't wrestle forever so I'm open to other opportunities.

Who is your favorite wrestler of all time?
"Macho Man" Randy Savage

The Great Khali made a huge impact in WWE during his time. Do you think Indian wrestlers have good prospects in WWE?
I think everyone has a great prospect if they have the right dedication, mindset, drive and attitude. I think WWE offers great opportunities for everyone especially people from large countries like India. India is a priority market for WWE and they are making great efforts to be able to source more talent from India. I know the people here in India would love to get in the ring.

Which are the places or joints in Mumbai that you have heard of or would like to visit during your stay?
I have heard about the Gateway of India and the Mumbai Sea Link and I'm looking forward to visiting them but I do not know if my schedule will allow me that.

Do you watch Bollywood movies? If so, who is your favourite actor/ actress?
My schedule is really busy at WWE and I'm constantly travelling so I have very little time to watch movies. Even though I have been unable to watch any Bollywood movies I know it is huge, even bigger than Hollywood and I'd love to watch one.