Simon RushworthThe first WWE stadium show to take place in the UK for 30 years is upon us. British fans are understandably excited with over 60,000 expected to pack out the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. But it isn’t just the WWE Universe that’s eagerly anticipating this historic event. The WWE Superstars set to appear on the show were recently quizzed by the world’s media with Alexa Bliss and Britain’s own Ridge Holland waxing lyrical ahead of what promises to be the biggest wrestling event to take place on our fair shores…
Rushonock: As a Brit, what does it mean to you to have a WWE stadium show taking place on this side of the Atlantic?
Ridge Holland: It’s something that I probably never thought would happen. It’s just a massive opportunity to give back because of all the support from the UK fans. Everything we do that night, regardless of what happens, it’s an opportunity to say thank you. It is going to be absolutely electric. As the card continues to build, one match that has everyone talking is Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre.
Rushonrock: Have you been to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff before and what do you remember about it?
Ridge Holland: I was last there in 2003 for the Challenge Cup Rugby League Final between Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos. I remember it well because Bradford is my team and they narrowly beat Leeds Rhinos. So that was a good day! It is a truly special stadium…
Rushonrock: How does it feel inside when it is full of people?
Ridge Holland: It is definitely loud. I can still remember when I was a kid how loud it can be, but I just think that it’s going to be even louder with the WWE Universe there because the UK fans go crazy and I really can’t wait to hear it. When I get the opportunity just to just walk out there and hear them all, you know, I can’t wait. They’re going to blow the roof off the place.
Rushonrock: As a WWE superstar you get to travel the world. What are some of the favourite places you have visited with WWE and where else would you love to visit as a WWE Superstar?
Alexa Bliss: I like travelling to the places where there are Disneys! Mike Rome and I got to visit a bunch of the Disneys because we had shows in Shanghai, Paris and Tokyo which has been a lot of fun. My favourite place to visit is Australia, even though it’s a really long flight, I really like Australia. It’s pretty and the food’s always really good.
Rushonrock: What should someone do or see in Wales if they haven’t been before?
Ridge Holland: I think just explore the historical side of it if you can. Cardiff Castle is amazing, I love walking around the Castle. Cardiff is a really young and vibrant town so, right by the Principality Stadium, there’s a street to the left filled with bars. You’ll be well cared for there.
Rushonrock: One of the big stories that has been developing is, of course, Drew McIntyre vs Roman Reigns. As a fellow member of the WWE roster, what do you think we can expect from this battle?
Ridge Holland: Fireworks. It’s going to be a knockdown, drag out, brawl. Drew is fired up for this one. Drew had a big part in pushing this event and he’s been calling for this to happen. He’s kind of taking this responsibility on his back. He holds it very near and dear to his heart. He is going to take it to Roman and I would love nothing more, even though we’ve got our differences, than for Drew to do the job over Roman Reigns.
Alexa Bliss: I’m excited to see that one. I’ve always been a big fan of Drew. He’s a dominant force for sure. I think he can definitely take Roman Reigns and what better place than Cardiff? I think it’ll be a really interesting clash…with no pun intended!
Rushonrock: Finally, what can fans look forward to at Clash at the Castle?
Ridge Holland: You’re looking at the best WWE Superstars in the world doing what they do best. Blood, sweat and tears.
Alexa Bliss: A lot of fun, hard hitting action, and a great card. There are lots of good stories right now that are going to be leading to Clash at The Castle, especially with our new creative direction. It should be fun.
Our King of the Ring, Andy Spoors, will be in Cardiff this weekend so stay tuned to Rushonrock for reviews and exclusive interviews.
WWE Clash at the Castle airs live from the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on September 3 on Peacock in the US and WWE Network everywhere else.
