Brian Fritz of The Orlando Sentinel spoke with Ryback to promote WrestleMania 32 and his match against WWE United States Champion Kalisto on the Kickoff pre-show. Below are highlights:
Q: Do you like the dynamic going into this match, with it being a big guy versus a smaller guy?
A: “Absolutely. I think David versus Goliath is such a great story. It’s an easy story to tell. I wish the build would have been a little more going into it and I would have liked a better spot on the card for Sunday. The opening match for WrestleMania is not a bad spot by any means. Kalisto is a very talented performer and the dynamic, the tools that he brings to the table and the tools that I bring to the table are going to create a very unique, interesting match.”
Q: With the opening match, do you like that position from the standpoint that it sets the tone for the rest of the night?
A: ‘Absolutely. Again, I’m just stubborn. I always want more. I know I would like a better position but as far as being trusted to open the show and setting the mood for the rest of WrestleMania, that is a big spot to be in. I very love it from that aspect of it. And we are going to set the bar very high, that’s for sure.”
Q: What’s it like for you right now in the WWE? You want to do more, you have the path you want to be on. Lately, there’s been a rash of injuries with some other guys (which included John Cena, Seth Rollins and Randy Orton) and now you’re getting an opportunity to step up to the plate.
A: “I take pride in staying healthy. The last 4 1/2 years I believe I have missed 11 weeks, which is great as a full-time WWE performer. I’ve not requested one day off for anything of that nature. Guys are going to go down with injuries. The name of the game up here is staying healthy and when guys go down, there’s opportunities for other guys. For me this year, it’s very rewarding. Otherwise, I may not have been on this show. I find myself in a very prime position to win the United States Championship.”
