Alexa Bliss Talks Being Influenced By Trish Stratus And Lita, Why She Got Into Wrestling

Alexa Bliss recently spoke with 614Columbus.com to promote some upcoming NXT live events. You can read the full interview HERE along with a few highlights below.

In another interview, you discussed Rey Mysterio—a wrestler WWE billed at 5’6″—being an influence, and said that you would study a wrestler like him, and how he moves, and try to emulate that to a degree. Are there any other wrestlers who shaped who you are in the ring?

Trish Stratus for sure. I really liked watching her. Me and my family loved the Hardyz and Lita. I tried to have a little bit of snappiness to my moves like Lita did, but mostly, I really liked watching Rey and how he moved because of his size. I knew if I ever wanted to do this, I was probably not going to be the tallest gal or the biggest one in the ring. I really looked up to Trish because she was also a smaller framed girl. I believe my size actually helps me because I like to go for the element of surprise [Laughs] where people don’t expect much of me because of my size and stature. I like to shock people as well with the over-the-top personality.

Knowing about your athletic past, why did you end up going into wrestling versus a full-on entertainment route (such as acting) or a sports route (such as tennis or MMA)?

It was because I felt like I was kind of at home. [Wrestling] was something that me and my family always got together and bonded over, so when the opportunity came, I was like, ‘That’s what I should be doing.’ If any other opportunity like acting comes along, that’s great, but as soon as I saw this opportunity, I was like, ‘That’s what I’m meant to do.’ All of my cheerleading and gymnastics and bodybuilding and training prep have prepared me for what I truly believe in my heart was this.