NXT UK has been building up some steady momentum over the course of the last few months, with NXT UK Takeover: Blackpool being a big reason for that. Now, as we look ahead to NXT UK Takeover: Cardiff, it’s about time that fans start appreciating just how good this brand is.
Prior to the show in the Welsh capital on August 31, WrestleZone spoke exclusively to Travis Banks. The Kiwi star spoke about a series of topics as he continues to rise up through the ranks of WWE.
RELATED: Full NXT UK TakeOver Cardiff Card *Spoilers*
On his favorite cities in the UK:
“I probably have the most history in London, or Wolverhampton because of PROGRESS and Fight Club: PRO.”
On wanting to get into English football:
“I’ve been waiting for someone to take me to the football, because I really wanna go watch a Wolves game! I wanna get into the football, so, if anyone out there wants to take me to a game, let’s do it.”
On his personal hobbies:
“So I do Brazilian jiu-jitsu, that’s one of my hobbies. I’m hoping to compete at one stage, if I can, if WWE will allow it. I’m also writing a fitness book at the moment, because I’m a massive gym advocate. Other than that, nothing much else. I play a lot of video games.”
On a possible mixed martial arts career:
“I’ve always been into martial arts. I did karate when I was young, and I actually competed in Sumo at the World Combat Games in Beijing. It would definitely be something I would think about. Now that you’ve said it I’m kind of thinking about it, like, ah, maybe I would! But WWE is the main priority at the moment.”
On the big goals for NXT UK:
I would hope that we could make it as popular as RAW and SmackDown. I think there is a general consensus in the locker room that we’re working on something special, and I would hope that we just make it as popular as we can.”
On PROGRESS Wrestling’s impact on his career:
“I didn’t really find my feet until my rise through PROGRESS Wrestling. So I think PROGRESS established my name on the independent scene, and helped me make the transition over to WWE.”
On his future:
“I’m hoping to get on Takeover. I was taken off Blackpool, so it’d be nice to get some redemption. Other than that, maybe the WWE UK Championship?”
On who he’d want to face at NXT UK Takeover Cardiff:
“Pete Dunne. The top of the British scene. Pete Dunne.”
