Roman Reigns: Beating John Cena Was More Satisfying Than The Undertaker

Roman Reigns recently spoke with the Times of India. Highlights are some highlights from the interview:

How he’d describe his WWE run: “I would say eventful. It’s been a crazy ride. It’s been seven years now. Most times it feels like it’s gone real fast so I think that speaks for itself. One of the greatest things in the world, you know. It’s been an awesome rollercoaster ride and I can’t wait to enjoy the rest.

If he enjoys the responsibility of being the face of WWE: “Absolutely. It’s a great responsibility. It’s a lot. But for me, I never look at it being the next anybody. I just want to be the first Roman Reigns. It’s flattering and you’re in good company when you’re being compared to people like John Cena or Dwayne Johnson but all I can be is me. All I can be is Roman Reigns. That’s all I want to be and as long as that’s good enough for me, I’ll love and respect myself enough to be happy and satisfied with that and hopefully people enjoy what we’re doing. It’s not only about me; it’s a full locker room of guys and girls and we all come together and it’s one of the closest teams I’ve ever been on. It’s cool to carry the torch but there is a big team that runs with me.”

What he’s learned from his experiences main eventing Wrestlemania: “So many things. And a lot of those things I don’t really like to share because that’s the responsibility of having these opportunities and being in that position. Once you’ve learned these different things when you’ve been in that situation, it’s on you to be able to help the people around you. That’s what I want is that people are able to step up; take their games to the next level when they’re in the ring with me. One thing I’ve learned is that it’ll never be about knowing more than anybody. I just felt different levels of this entire industry; our performance, our show, about what we do. I’ve never known more than anyone else. I’ve just been fortunate enough to be at the peak of the mountain and see from the very top. So if I can help anybody, that would be awesome; that would be a great way to highlight my career. I want my legacy to be someone who gave back and made everybody better around him.”

Beating the Undertaker at Wrestlemania: “It was a lot heavier. You know they teach you this business and prepare you in a lot of different ways. But they don’t ever teach you to handle those types of situations; the magnitude of retiring The Undertaker. So for me it was very heavy. Everything felt very smooth and good going into. But once we got through the gage, it was a lot more emotional than I thought it would be and I’m excited that it was. I’m very proud and honoured to be part of his career. To possibly be the last chapter of his book, I’m extremely proud. Just very great that I got to work with him, learn from him. Especially for this new generation because there’s not many of us that who can say we did that so it’s cool to be in that group”

Which was more satisfying between beating John Cena or Undertaker: “Beating Cena was more satisfying but it was bigger moment obviously for me beating The Undertaker in one of the biggest Wrestlemania’s of all time. It was just one of those moments in my career that’ll shine no matter what happens or who I get in the ring with. Being in the ring with The Undertaker in the main event, that speaks for itself but there is something very satisfying about beating John Cena.”

How much of an influence The Rock has had in his career: “To be honest, not that much. He’s such a busy guy that I don’t really get to see him that often. He’s always on the go so I can’t really say that he’s been able to mentor me as much people would think. But anytime I get to see him, It’s really good seeing him. I mean it’s the Rock. He greets you with a smile on his face; he’s always there to help with any advice or even if I just need someone to talk to. Anytime I get to see him, it’s a pleasure and it’s a positive thing. He’s been there and done everything, so the moment you think you’ve achieved a level of success just think about what he’s doing.”

His Best rivalry: “I believe I and Braun Strowman made for a great rivalry. The chemistry and the stories that we were able to tell were captivating. What I like most about it is that since we’re both younger talents, it was really a need for me to be able to help him and throw some of the experience that I’ve gained to put him on the fast track. And I think it’s definitely helped. From being a Wyatt to being a main-eventer, he’s been a featured guy and a scary dude. If I can just continue to do that with any young talent that I can get in the ring with then my career would be a success.”

Becoming the Intercontinental champion: “It was extremely important for me and it wasn’t just because of a checklist or becoming a grand slam winner. Just the fact that it’s known as the workhorse title. That title has been known to be defended on every single live event and TV show. And that’s how I’m going to treat it. I don’t care who I’m wrestling as long as somebody wants to get into the ring and push me. I believe iron sharpens iron and if you’re willing to step up. I’m a fighting champion and I want to keep the standard of that championship high.”

Reuniting with Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins as The Shield: “It’s awesome. It brings back so many cool memories and the feelings. But at the same time, we’re all very different. We’re all now more established, we’ve been at it for long now, and we’re all more experienced, polished. But that energy is still the same so it’s refreshing. It’s almost as if a new life has been put into all three of us. It’s a nice change a pace, nice switch of gears.”

Which of his Shield partners he’d choose if he had to: “Ambrose, no doubt. He didn’t swing the chair.”