My uncle wrestled in the late '80s to early '90s, and I was too young to see his matches. However, he has always supported me in my journey, and I think that without his support, all this would not have been possible. He taught me a lot, and he is the reason that I'm a WWE wrestler.
There was originally no plan in place for me to become WWE champion. It felt like I became the No. 1 contender out of nowhere. I call what I did forcing the results. I wasn't happy with my position. I was putting in the work, but I wasn't getting the results. I was going to force the result no matter what the cost.
Personally, I am hoping being champion will increase the WWE Universe in India because I know that Indian fans are really passionate, and I want to be WWE Champion in India.
My transformation represents more than what is just skin deep; it represents my motivation, drive, and willingness to constantly improve.
One of my goals is definitely to motivate the youth towards sports. Whether it's arts or academics, I just want to let them know that anything is possible. To think that I grew up as a WWE fan and now I'm a WWE champion proves that through hard work anything really is possible.
If a situation came about something that would offend someone culturally, I would definitely speak up. WWE would want us to speak up because negative press is not our goal.
I knew that I'd be able to climb the mountain, but in such a short period? I didn't think so. I mean, 'SmackDown Live' is the land of opportunity, and I'm a living proof of that.
Personally, I am hoping being champion will increase the WWE Universe in India because I know that Indian fans are really passionate, and I want to be WWE Champion in India.