We chat to WWE Superstar Sheamus who will be in South Africa in less than a week!
We’re chatting to 35-year-old Sheamus in Hampton, Virgina in the US where he’s filming for SmackDown TV. The Irish wrestler just got back from a tour in Japan, and in a week or so he’ll be flying out to South Africa with Dolf Ziggler, Randy Orton, Alberto del Rio, Cody Rhodes, Justin Gabriel and more, for the WWE World Tour.
Click through for the SA tour dates.
The wrestler’s accent lies somewhere between Irish and American, “When I talk to my family it’s more Dublin and a lot faster and thicker. I got tired of talking to those automated voice things when paying my bills and it didn’t understand my accent.”
You’ve been to South Africa before, are you looking forward to visiting again?
Yes, I was on tour there two years ago. It was great. That tour was actually the last time I was considered a bad guy; people were starting to cheer and get behind me, so it was very much a pivotal point in my career.
What do you think sets you apart from all the wannabe wrestlers who try and fail?
I don’t really know. My determination I guess. I sacrificed a lot to get here, my weekends, vacations - I sacrificed going out with friends for wrestling. On my days off I was wrestling and training. I was very determined to get here. I think if you want something badly, there’s no room for half-hearted commitment, especially for something like this. Travelling can be grueling, you’re on the go the whole time. You really need to love what you do.
After hours of travelling, how do you find the energy to still get in the ring and perform?
It’s what we do all the time and it’s what we love to do. And when you love to do something, the energy just comes to you. So yes, we travel long hours, but when you love what you do the energy comes to you pretty easily. The crowds are important; we feed off the crowds’ energy. We’re all in this together.
Do you ever have guys coming up to you wanting to pick a fight?
I haven’t met a man brave enough yet.
What is your fantasy match-up?
A match with The Undertaker will be amazing, an opportunity to take a WrestleMania30. I know everybody says that, because really it’s the Holy Grail, it’s the one match everybody wants to be in. Everybody wants a crack at The Undertaker’s streak.
Do you prefer tag-team matches or one-on-ones?
I prefer one-on-one. I’m a lone wolf, the Celtic warrior; I’ve always been a lone warrior. Tagging is fine, it’s fun, but generally I’ve been way more successful on my own.
Who do you think are the three best wrestlers in WWE at the moment?
Daniel Bryan, I’m very favourable toward European superstars. John Cena obviously. He’s doing great. And Alberto Del Rio.
