Austin Theory is slated to wrestle Pat McAfee in a match at WWE WrestleMania 38 next month. He did an interview with TV Insider.com to promote it. Here are the highlights:
Working with Vince McMahon:
“I’m in a position that anyone who aspired to do anything in WWE would be so honored to have. I understand just how big a deal the position I am in is. Just how crazy it is for me as a lifelong fan who grew up watching Mr. McMahon and the crazy things he did. It’s cool to be put in a position to perform live television with him. The one thing I’ve learned from him is this respectful aggressiveness. Showing you have that respect, but if you have an idea and are passionate about something, you have to use that aggressiveness to go after it. There are little tips as we perform that I take away from for sure.”
The biggest misconception about him:
“For me, there has always been the stigma of Vince McMahon that he is not nice or one-way about stuff. That it’s his way or no way. From what I’ve seen and my experience, he is on another level. All the hats he wears. He is so invested in everybody and somehow makes everything work. I think that’s so crazy to see him doing it for that long and staying that sharp. If I have a question or see anybody have a question, and they want to talk to him, they always get an answer. They always get a conversation. I think that is so cool to really see the passion he still has for what he does. It hasn’t left him at all. For me personally, it is cool to know this man’s a billionaire and still working like he has a grand in his bank account.”
Wrestling McAfee and his limited in-ring experience:
“I think in WWE it’s one of those things where it’s the big leagues. Whether you are prepared or not, it’s going to show. You are swimming with sharks. I think there is no level after WWE. This is it…For me, I don’t’ get too much into my head. I’m pretty confident in what I can do. You can only be the best version of yourself. That’s where I keep my head. Who knows how this finally ends? I’m just excited. I expect the unexpected. I’m coming in with my head up and staying confident.”