Sheamus recently did an interview with The Flagship in Richmond, Virginia to promote the Smackdown taping that was there this week.
Here are some highlights from the interview:
His favorite wrestlers growing up:
"I was really a big fan of WWE as a kid. I used to love watching "Mr. Perfect" (Curt Hennig), "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, "Macho Man" Randy Savage and Bret Hart. I've always been a fan of numerous Superstars and have taken inspiration from different guys in different ways, but those are really the four I loved watching as a kid."
Memories of competing on the independent scene in Europe:
"I remember the first match I had in Dublin … I didn't even have my own pair of boots. It was kind of sprung on me because I had only been training for a little while. I remember I wore a pair of combat shorts, a pair of black boots and wrist tape. I really didn't know what the hell I was doing. It takes a lot of time to get comfortable in the ring and with what you wear. Originally, I remember feeling so nervous … so out of sorts. It's a great feeling, though, 'cause every time I think of where I am now, I think back to that moment where it all began for me. (My) first show was in Dublin in front of 50 people. In April of this year, I came back (to Europe) after WrestleMania 28 as World Heavyweight Champion and the O2 arena was packed to the rafters. It's been an incredible journey."
His influences backstage:
"One of the first guys to really text me or call me up was William Regal. He offered to help me and have me travel with him. We have the same sense of humor, same pop culture background. We got on right away from the start. He's been a great help to me by watching my matches and critiquing them. There have been others like Triple H … Arn Anderson as well. I'm always motivated to pick the brain of people who have been so successful. Great number of minds and talents in WWE and they're all at your disposal. It's definitely helped me to progress faster than I would have on my own. … It's about drive – never be happy with what you do. You can't rest on your laurels because you're only as good as your last match. There are a lot of hungry Superstars ready to come in here and want to knock you off your spot."
Click here to read the full interview.
