INTERVIEW

Four-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus, who is known for his signature moves Cloverleaf and Irish Curse Backbreaker, was recently in India on a “talent tour”. Having bagged a series of wrestling titles in recent times, including the 2010 King of the Ring, the United States Champion, the 2012 Royal Rumble Match, and the 2015 Money in the Bank contract, the Cletic Warrior — as the Irish wrestler is often referred to — is in full form these days. He speaks to Guardian 20 about his passion for wrestling and shares his experiences from his recent visit to India.

Q. When did you start wrestling? A.

I started wrestling in Dublin, Ireland. I worked many jobs, but ultimately the jobs were not made for me. I worked at Coca Cola and Symantec among other jobs, but I had this ultimate passion to start wrestling and follow my dream. I remember waking up one morning and the WWE Desire video was on. Edge [Canadian actor and a retired professional wrestler] came on screen with the whole WWE backdrop, the entrance, the light, action scenes and then Edge fighting in the ring. I just got this overwhelming feeling that I could be doing this. A month later, Bret Hart was at the club and I spoke to him about this. It took some time to work out and I had to go back to work after an unsuccessful first attempt with a training company. I entered another wrestling company in Ireland and from there it just took off. I went to England and tried out professional wrestling. I then moved on to WWE after a while and brought my own new look — I did not tan like most other superstars. I retained my originality, crazy look, crazy attitude and now seven years have flown by.

Q. The kinds of fights we see in such games are risky as it can lead to physical imapairment. What makes you so passionate about such a potentially dangerous sport?