Roman Reigns recently spoke with IGN.com to promote Sunday’s WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view. Below are some highlights:
IGN: Since there aren’t any big names from the past, like a Batista, returning this month, do you feel like it’s definitely a young guy’s year to take the Rumble?
Roman Reigns: Oh, absolutely. I actually think that in a situation like the Royal Rumble, no matter who’s coming back, former wrestler or any kind of big name, it’s open for anyone to win. Anyone can step up. I don’t think anyone thought I was going to do what I did last year when I had 12 eliminations and took the record off of Kane, and then be among the final two guys in the ring. Everybody was thinking about Bryan last year because he never came out, and they were thinking about Batista too, and not really thinking about me. So I think it’s an opportunity for anyone to step up and raise their game to the highest level.
IGN: Daniel Bryan’s going to be in the Rumble this year though. How does that change things for you?
Reigns: It doesn’t change anything for me. He’s considerably smaller than I am and this match isn’t about submissions or pinfalls, it’s about throwing a guy over the top rope. So I clearly have a weight advantage. I’m far more explosive. I think, if anything, I have the upper hand in a Royal Rumble match.
IGN: When you came back you were put right into a story with Big Show. What’s it like working with him, given his size and experience level? I can’t imagine you’ll really ever work with anyone bigger.
Reigns: Oh, god no. You know Big Show’s a special case. Not only because of the vast experience he has and the years he’s put in and the journey he’s had, but he’s a giant. [laughs] It’s cool to say. Sometimes I just stop and think “We have a giant walking around backstage.” Who says that? I get to fight a giant on a weekly basis. How many people can raise their hand and claim that? So to be able to tangle up with him and get in the ring with him, not only is it an honor, it’s a challenge. There are so many things he can do athletically. And just from a power perspective, I’ve never been picked up the way he’ll just pick me up. And people consider me to be a big guy, you know, at 6’3″, 265. But when you step in there with a seven footer, damn near five hundred pounds, it’s a whole different realm. I’m just loving the opportunity.
