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September 16, 2016

Cesaro looks to even up the Best of Seven Series in Match No. 6

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Don’t call it a comeback. With two straight wins against Sheamus in their Best of Seven Series, Cesaro cemented his reputation as one of Team Red’s most resilient Superstars, shaking Sheamus’ confidence in the process. He’s also among the most crafty, using the ropes as leverage — when the referee wasn’t looking — to steal that second win this past Monday night.

With the score now at 3-2, The Swiss Superman is just one victory away from evening up the series. If he can defeat The Celtic Warrior just once more, he’ll force the competition to go to Match No. 7. Will Cesaro’s whatever-it-takes attitude prove effective Monday night, or will Sheamus halt The King of Swing’s momentum with one swift Brogue Kick?

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September 16, 2016

Cesaro on his rivalry with Sheamus, BoLA 2016, and WWE’s travel schedule

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Continuing his streak from WWE London, Cesaro bested his opponent Sheamus during the opening round of the highly-anticipated WWE Manila.

The exceptionally-athletic wrestler proved his mettle even with no sleep—a fact he disclosed at a media roundtable before the first WWE house show in the Philippines in seven years. –

In the session, Cesaro discusses how his current rivalry with Sheamus is bringing the focus back on superstars and how tournaments like PWG’s Battle of Los Angeles and the Cruiserweight Classic is breeding new talent.
The Swiss Superman also talks about how he keeps up with the WWE’s grueling travel schedule and the Talking Smack segment between Daniel Bryan and the Miz.

During the draft central program with the WWE Network following the draft, you had a lot to say about being drafted on the last televised round. It’s been about two months since the draft and you’re still on Raw. Do you still feel the same way after the draft and right now?

You know, I was feeling a little bit frustrated that day. I still think Smackdown is a really, really good show—I’m just trying to make Raw the better show. That’s what I’m trying to do right now, I’m making Raw the wrestling show and I think the best of seven between me and Sheamus, that’s the best way to do so because that is just me and Sheamus and it’s about wrestling, and it’s not about the Authority, it’s not about general managers, so I figured we just get a little bit more away from that and back to focusing on the superstars which is done pretty good on Smackdown.

It’s a great rivalry and I’m happy to be on Raw.

BoLA 2016 happened. Did you have time to watch it and if you did, what was your favorite match and if you didn’t, what was your favorite year competing in it?

I don’t think it’s out on DVD yet and unfortunately, I didn’t have a chance to go there live. I’ve seen some snippets online, I can’t really say which one my favorite match is because I haven’t seen it completely.

Honestly, I don’t even remember the years the years I was competing in it, but to be (in it) — it was always a very special experience. When I was competing in the independents, there was two tournaments that were big. There was the TPI (Ted Petty Invitational) in NWA South and Battle for Los Angeles for PWG. And Battle for Los Angeles is still going strong; you can see every year there’s new competitors that people discover and WWE is trying to take advantage of that with the Cruiserweight Classic on the WWE Network. You see a lot of guys that are on the indies that are competing on BoLA were actually competing on the Cruiserweight Classic as well. So you can see where the breeding ground for that talent is.

You regularly perform feats of superhuman strength on the show. Can you share your routine?

Oh, I can’t, ‘cause otherwise everybody will be a Swiss Superman. No, to me, the most important part is consistency and dedication. In order to be able to pull off the feats of strength is, just to me, to be able to pull it off in any match at any time—for example, today, we landed after (a) 13-hour travel day so I haven’t slept in 24 hours and I think I ate something and went to the gym because that’s the dedication you need to have to be as good as I am.

Would you be willing to wrestle Samoa Joe even after what happened — the incident with Tyson Kidd and the muscle buster?

Yes — maybe without the muscle buster. There’s a couple of moves outlawed in the WWE, and I think that one maybe be added. But I wrestled Samoa Joe before, and why not again?

Your best out of seven series with Sheamus is extremely interesting because it’s a mix of styles and it’s fascinating to see you two work outside the structure of championships and as you’ve mentioned, the Authority. Do you think that you can win this and in the future, get the WWE Universal Championship?

Uh, yeah, a hundred percent. Anything is possible. I was three to nothing behind. Yesterday—actually, it kind of is today—I won my first match and made it three to one and I think the momentum completely shifted. Now, I’m on a roll and it’s kinda hard to stop me once I get on a roll and with Sheamus, it’s… You know, we’re very evenly matched, I would say we’re around the same height, the same weight, we both come from a different country, we have a very physical style.

On a good night, it can go either way. That’s why the best of seven series is the best way to settle this ‘cause then we can find out who’s the better one, more physically dominant over that period of time. What is very important is to have momentum and he had the momentum from the first match, to the second match, to the third match. I was able to break that momentum. Now I have the momentum and I just don’t think he’s gonna be able to take it away from me.
And then of course, that will give me a championship opportunity and maybe I will sit here with one of these (the belt) as well.

Can you tell us how challenging it is on a daily basis to try and balance the athletic and the entertainment side of wrestling?

Monday night, we had Raw, right? Then Tuesday we flew to London which is about an eight-hour flight overnight. We wrestled that night in London. Then Wednesday morning we flew to Hong Kong, just 13 hours—can’t even think—then we flew here to Manila, we arrived here today at 11:30 in the morning, got to the hotel at 12:30, went to the gym at 1:30 and here at 4 o’clock.

That’s the side that people don’t see. They only see us be on Monday or Tuesday on television. They think, oh, they work one day a week, they have one day of curtain- no! It’s not that easy! Even in just the United States, we have Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday—all WWE events. And when you get home, you maybe have autograph signing, you have interviews, you need to stay in shape.

It is a lifestyle. It’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle that you have to love. For me, it’s awesome. I love the travel, I love (going) to different countries. This is my first time here in the Philippines and I’m kind of sad because we’re here for, what is it, 14 hours maybe and all we get to see is the hotel and the arena. Wish we get to see a little bit more. That’s the fun of it, but you have to have a knack for it.

What’s your opinion on the divide stemming from the Daniel Bryan segment on Talking Smack? How do you plan to strike a balance between wrestling a safe, injury-free style and at the same time, being able to go out and entertain crowds and to be noticed?

I think there’s a big divide between. It’s not necessarily the styles, I think there’s a big divide between Daniel Bryan and the Miz in the philosophy of how they approach wrestling. If you look at somebody like Daniel Bryan whose been wrestling for years and I’ve known for over 10 years, going independent in Japan and everywhere, that’s his life. While if you look at somebody like the Miz, he did the Real World and he came to wrestling and he does movies and stuff, so it’s like, he approaches it more from the entertainment side while I feel Daniel is probably approaching more from the sports side.
There will always be a clash, but that’s what makes the WWE so interesting—it’s the clash of styles, that’s what makes match-ups. I love Talking Smack, I think it’s a great show, mainly because it’s live and people just get put on the spot and you get something like that.

I think it’s just a difference in philosophy and you know, there’s always that fine line that you have to walk that you wanna be performing at your best every single time you step into the ring. Through my WWE career, on average, I have 200 matches every single year. I’m one of the handful of people that actually wrestle that many matches. To me, that’s why I’m so focused on being in shape because I feel that helps me being able to perform at that level every single time I step into the ring no matter if I had no sleep, doesn’t matter.

It’s the balance you have to find. I figured, over the years, you will see who can separate themselves from the pack ‘cause they’ll be able to go out there and deliver every single time.

How involved are you in crafting the storylines?

There’s a lot of stuff that’s kind of out of our hands. I’ll just leave it at that. But everything you see me do in the ring is what I wanted to have control over and that’s what I’m trying to get the best of ‘cause there’s a lot of stuff…I guess, with everybody’s life, there’s a lot of stuff you have absolutely no control over what happens to you. You just need to take what you have control over and make it the best, and own it.

Is it a challenge in this unique situation to come up with something new to entertain the fans?
No, absolutely not. No match is ever the same. and if you watch—well, please don’t watch all of my stuff back—but if you would, you would see that it’s never the same. I get bored relatively fast, so to speak, so I always try to keep it interesting for myself and everybody else involved.

Plus, to me, wrestling is my creative outlet. If you think about it, it’s probably more of an artist type thing, as if I’m almost like an artist, and I wouldn’t wanna paint the same picture twice. This best of seven series is great. I get the chance to go in the ring and do something different every single night.

On top of that, wherever you go in the world, the fans are different. The fans in London are different than the fans here in Manila than the fans when we come over in Shanghai or on Monday in Baltimore. That’s what we always say- you feed off the WWE Universe. We feed off the WWE Universe, and the feed off us. Whatever they give you, you need to go with that. And that’s the fun part. That’s why we travel all over the world and that’s why the WWE Universe is so passionate.

It was a shocker to see Kevin Owens win the WWE Universal Championship. He works had and he probably deserves it, but will he get that shot? He got that shot. Did that give you faith that someone like yourself who really works hard will get that opportunity as well?

I think that’s two completely different circumstances. Kevin Owens won the NXT championship about a week after he got on NXT. I think it was his first NXT… He won it pretty fast after he debuted on NXT. And he came on the WWE main roster challenging John Cena right away and he won the WWE title within his first year or close to his first year. He’s been extremely successful and he definitely deserves the title.

For me, it’s been a completely different road and I’m hoping that I’ll get to the point where I’m gonna be the WWE Universal Champion. I wanna be the proof that hard work pays off.

Do you consider your win in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royale as your biggest achievement in WWE?

Yes, definitely. Looking back, that’s definitely my biggest achievement. It was in WrestleMania 30 and it was the first ever. My name is always gonna be on the top of that list. So suck it, Big Show and Baron Corbin.

When Tyson Kidd comes back, do you wanna team up again?

If he comes back, a hundred percent. — AT, GMA News

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September 16, 2016

Cesaro on gruelling lifestyle of professional wrestlers besides entertaining fans

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The life of a WWE superstar may seem glamorous but its star wrestlers see it as a lifestyle that they love, or else, it would have worn them out by now.

Cesaro, 35, whose real name is Claudio Castagnoli, is one such WWE star who feels this way.

In the Philippines recently when WWE made a stop on Sept 9 in Manila for its only show in South-east Asia in 2016, he told a packed media conference: “It’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle that you have to love.”

A former United States champion and winner of the inaugural Andre the Giant battle royal in 2014, he continued: “After Raw, we flew to London the next day, which is about an eight-hour flight overnight. That night, we wrestled in London. (The next day), we flew to Hong Kong – 13 hours. Another hour and half here to Manila.

“That’s the side that people don’t see. They only see us on Monday or Tuesday on television. They think, oh, they work only one day a week! That’s great!”

“No, it’s not that easy. Even if it were just in the United States, there are WWE events on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and when you get home, you have, maybe, autograph signings, interviews. You need to stay in shape, so it’s a lifestyle.

“For me, it’s awesome, I love it. I love to travel to different countries. This is my first time here in the Philippines.

“You have to have a knack for it. Other than that, you’re doing live events in the States, trying to squeeze in travel, the gym and the show, it’s a lot.”

Currently embroiled in a feud with fellow wrestler Sheamus who is leading him 3-2 in a best-of-seven series, Cesaro has won the last two matches.

He said: “I’m on the roll and it’s kinda hard to stop me when I’m on a roll. Sheamus and I are evenly matched.

“We’re around the same height, same weight. We both have very physical styles and so, on a good night, it can go either way.

“The best way to settle this is through a best-of-seven series. We’re going to find out who’s the better man.

“It’s very important to have momentum. He had momentum, he won the first three matches. Now I have momentum.

“WWE has given me a championship opportunity. I just don’t think he is going to be taking it away from me.”

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September 07, 2016

Cesaro defeats Sheamus in Match No. 4 of their Best of Seven Series

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Cesaro is many things: A powerhouse, a former United States and WWE Tag Team Champion, and a hero to countless members of the WWE Universe. Today and most importantly, however, he’s a survivor, defeating Sheamus in Match No. 4 of their Best of Seven Series to prevent The Celtic Warrior from earning a clean sweep.

The Swiss Superman, bolstered by the vocal and impassioned members of the Cesaro Section, captured a strategic pinfall victory over the imposing Irishman at the WWE Live Event at London’s O2 Arena.

With the tally now at 3-1, Cesaro — who is still recovering from a back injury sustained at the hands of Sheamus — must keep his momentum going if he hopes to stave off elimination, as The Celtic Warrior is still just one win away from taking the series and the guaranteed championship opportunity that conquest entails.

Will Cesaro stay alive in Match No. 5 of the Best of Seven Series? Tune in to Raw Monday at 8/7 on USA Network to witness the next hard-hitting collision between two of Team Red’s most physically dominant Superstars.

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February 21, 2016

WWE’s Cesaro On Fans, Training, And Clash Of Clans

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Cesaro is ridiculously busy man. In town this week to promote the WWE Live Dune Bash in April, he’s been out and around the country meeting fans and speaking to various outlets on the WWE’s plans for the region. In the ring he’s an unstoppable force of nature, but on the phone he seems just like any other person I’ve talked to – just with an insatiable appreciation for coffee.

How are you enjoying Dubai?
I’m enjoying it a lot – I’m currently in a Rolls Royce going from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, so it’s pretty cool.

You’re here to promote the WWE Live Dune Bash, which is taking place on April 14 and 15th – sadly we won’t see you competing, but what can fans expect from the event?
I know there are a lot of WWE fans here because they’ve been watching WWE on television, but there’s nothing like watching WWE live. If you get excited about what you watch on TV, it’s a completely different world to see it live in front of you. There’s this incredible energy between the WWE stars and the fans, and just being here for two days I can see how much the fans here love it, so it’s going to be a great show for them.

WWE has such a huge fanbase around the world but here in the Middle East people don’t realize just how big of a fan following there is. What has the reaction been so far during your visit?
I think WWE has only just begun to realize how big the fan following in the Middle East actually is, and they’ve been coming to the Middle East quite regularly over the past two or three years. Now we’re coming to Dubai and I have a feeling that hopefully we’ll be coming back on a regular basis – at least that’s my wish. We’ve neglected the fan base for live events for too long, so now we’re picking things up and totally focusing on that, which is really exciting for us.

What made the WWE sit up and take notice of the Middle East?
I think it’s definitely thanks to the Internet and all kinds of social media – people are more connected and they can see that there’s a lot of activity in the Middle East, which caused WWE to open a Middle East office in Dubai to look at ways to bring more WWE talent to the region.

You had a torn left shoulder rotator cuff which had to be repaired through surgery – is that the worst injury you’ve gotten so far in your career?
The recovery is doing well, and it’s definitely the worst injury in my career. It’s my first big injury, so let’s keep it that way!

Well we’re hoping you never go through something like that again. Outside of wrestling, what sort of hobbies do you have to pass the time?
[laughs] Well apart from driving in a Rolls Royce? Looking around the streets and the cars that are driving around, I think I need to move to Dubai because there are a lot of nice cars and I like nice cars. I love listening to music as well, watching movies, cooking, and also eating well. I also love coffee – it’s a huge hobby of mine.

What kind of cars do you personally love the most?
Well I love fast cars – I’m a fast driver, but I’m also a fan of off-road vehicles. I’m very excited that I’m going dune bashing soon…

This is the thing – you’re in the perfect city right now; fast cars and the desert…
I think I’m in a Land Rover this afternoon in the sands, and I’m really looking forward to it!

I drive an amazing Nissan hatchback – if you ever want to see comedy, come and see a 6ft guy trying to get into it.
[laughs] Well, I’m 6’ 4”, so I can relate to that!

Awesome – you could be my co-driver?
Yes for sure! You could drive me around…

It’s a deal. Now obviously you need to be in top form for something as brutal as wrestling – what’s your workout routine like when you’re preparing for a match?
Usually I go to the gym 4-5 times a week, so my training regime is quite packed. Now that I’m injured it’s even more aggressive because I’m doing recovery work about 3-6 hours a day, so it can get really busy.

Time to confess – have you ever taken a gym selfie?
Yes. You can probably see a few on my Instagram actually. No shame. But I’m not one of those guys who’s always taking photos at the gym – I’m there to get the job done.

You also have been featured in the videogame WWE2k15 – are you a big gamer?
I’ve played all of the WWE games that I’ve been in, and they’re a lot of fun to play. There’s a YouTube clip of me playing Double Dragon which is more my kind of generation, back when the Super Nintendo was out. I travel a lot now so I can’t play as many videogames as I would like to, but I do play Clash of Clans on my iPad.

Clash of Clans isn’t a real game – I’m going to hang up now.
Sorry! I just think that if I’m home and I have time to play video games, I’ll just be on the console all the day. That’s actually why I stopped because I would play so much and then have to go to the gym really late at night, so I had to focus on the important stuff.

What is the biggest lesson that wrestling and the people working in the industry have taught you?
That’s a really good question! I think the most important lesson is that you never stop learning and never stop growing. The minute you think you know it all – that’s when you’ve got to call it quits, because there’s so much passion and growth in this industry.

Last question – what do you think are the qualities every man should possess to become a better version of himself?
I would say kindness, humor, and strength – in whatever form it comes in, physical or otherwise. Strength comes in all forms, and that’s definitely something you need to have to become a better man.

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January 22, 2016

Planet Wrestling Interview

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CESARO TALKS ABOUT HIS SHOULDER INJURY, WORKING WITH PAUL HEYMAN, TYSON KIDD, HIS DREAM MATCH AND MORE

Planeta Wrestling and MÁS WWE (NEOX TV Spain) EXCLUSIVE interview with WWE wrestler Cesaro. His current injury keeps him away from the action but not the advocacy in the company. Among them, and taking advantage of this week has been through Europe, Cesaro has treated us in a very personal interview with the WWE Universe of Spain.

Cesaro talks about Royal Rumble, Wrestlemania, Tag Team, Tyson Kidd, Cesaro Section, Paul Heyman his injury and more.

1- What do you think of the Section worldwide Cesaro?
I think it’s awesome, I’m very happy and very grateful because it is something that started the fans, and I feel I am part of it and we are in this together. So I want my back injury as soon as possible by Cesaro Section.

2- Who is your favorite to win the Royal Rumble this Sunday and think who will steal the show at Wrestlemania 32?
The Royal Rumble is very difficult, because obviously there are 30 people, and there are many superstars in it. … I will say that whoever wins it will be a surprise. I do not think it’s going to be anyone to think that is a favorite, it will be a surprise.And who is going to steal the show at WrestleMania? Well, I do not know, is the beauty of WrestleMania, you have to wait and see what the fighting, who are going to give everything.

3- How is your recovery going shoulder surgery and when you plan to return?
My recovery is going really well, so I hope to be back soon, but I do not know when exactly, I have to wait for the doctor (medical discharge).

4- How do you see the Tag Team division now that you’re not in it?
I see quite strong division, the best Team now probably New Day, I think there is much fun to see, but obviously there are a lot of great couples out there, The Usos, The Ascension … And I think it’s always great to see some fighting in pairs.

5- Would you like to return to action paired with Tyson Kidd again?
Yes, definitely, Tyson Kidd is like a brother to me, so hopefully someday return.

6- What NXT superstar think should be promoted to the main roster and why?
That’s a really difficult question. I do not think I can pick one, because it always depends on how they are brought to the main roster, and as you can not stay out, because some think it will be a great success, and do not know why they are not; and others who you think they are going to be and they are. So I think the timing is the key, and then all you have to ask yourself if that person will be able to survive in WWE.

7- Against whom you would fight for your dream fight and why?
My dream would be fighting against whoever the WWE World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania, and whoever gives me the same.

8- After the WWE attendance record in Spain last year, how do you see the possibility of a RAW or SmackDown in our country?
I hope much greater, I was not in Spain last year, but I heard from other superstars how great the show was and how amazing it was the public, and that is definitely what makes us happy. The problem with RAW or SmackDown live on television in Europe is the time difference, but if the WWE Universe in Spain continues to be that strong, hopefully this will happen sooner or later.

9. Would you like to return to be accompanied by Paul Heyman?
Well, let’s leave that aside. Paul Heyman has one thing on his mind and is Brock Lesnar, and I’m not willing to be the number 2, I’m number 1. So no, definitely not.

10- Do you follow a special diet in your daily workout?
It does not know how special it is, because I travel so much that has to be changed and adjusted a lot, but I try to eat six times a day, but I try to always eat something very simple, such as rice, vegetables, chicken, meat food very … Simple, no junk food or stuff like that, and we have to get away from things with lots of sugar…. and lots of coffee.

11- Many people, among whom I include myself, you know of the Indies, and you were in our country, can you tell us some memories of when you were in Spain at the time of the independent struggle?
Yes, I love traveling, and of course being in Spain was amazing, and just enjoy messing around, try Spanish food, and just hang out when he went to Europe, because at that time was living in the United States, and was the first time was in fact Spain. So just hang out, people were super nice, they are welcoming, would pass on big there and can not wait to return and see something else, because I had a lot of time unfortunately.

12. Finally, send a greeting to fans of WWE Universe in Spain and NEOX.
I would like to thank the WWE Universe, the Cesaro Section in Spain, for supporting me, I really value and means a lot to me, and I will continue doing what I do best, and that is to fight for you all and can not wait to return

Credit to PlanetWrestling.Com For this Interview

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November 23, 2015

Exclusive interview: Cesaro on his shoulder injury and plans for return

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Throughout the course of 2015, few Superstars have resonated more with audiences and delivered better in-ring performances than Cesaro. The Swiss Superman’s cheering squad, the Cesaro Section, had also been sweeping arenas everywhere. However, Cesaro’s momentum was temporarily cut short last week with the news that he had torn his left shoulder rotator cuff. WWE.com sat down with Cesaro to get an update on his status, his goals for when he returns and what he wants to say the very-loyal Cesaro Section.

WWE.COM: Cesaro, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. How are you feeling in lieu of the recent news?

CESARO: Well, I’m feeling great. I’ve had the injury for over two months, but I guess I never really knew how … “bad” it was, if that’s the right word? [Laughs] So, it’s more a mental thing, because all of a sudden you can’t do what you’ve been doing. Now you have to get surgery and you’ll be out for a bit.

WWE.COM: You said you’ve been working through the injury, not knowing how bad it was. Would you classify the situation as gradual?

CESARO: I knew something was wrong [for a while], but I thought that it was just sprained or something like that. So, I iced it and had it looked at. I was like, “Oh, I have range of motion” and didn’t necessarily have too much of a loss of strength, so I knew something got hurt, but I didn’t think it was injured, if that makes sense. I kept working out and working [in the ring] obviously, and it kept getting better, but there was still something lingering. Then I thought, “Maybe if I were to know exactly what it is, it will be easier to rehab and get it better” … and then I found out it’s a complete tear. [Laughs] So, no matter how much rehab I do, it will not reattach itself to the bone, unfortunately.

WWE.COM: But you went into that appointment having no idea of the injury’s extent?

CESARO: Exactly. I got the MRI done and was like, “Okay, cool, this will help me with how to rehab and get back to full strength.” But then I got the call the next day saying, “Hey, you tore a tendon and partially tore another one.” [Laughs]

WWE.COM: When is surgery scheduled?

CESARO: Yeah, so here’s the good part: Thanks to the quickness of WWE, I went to see the doctor this morning and will have surgery this afternoon. The faster the better for me, because the sooner I have surgery, the sooner I’ll be back. Luckily, they got me in before Thanksgiving.

WWE.COM: Do you have any timetable on when you may return, or is it too soon to say?

CESARO: It’s pretty much up in the air, and I don’t want to be quoted on a timeframe. I think the official timeframe I was told was like four to six months, but that all depends on how surgery goes, how my rehab goes and so forth.

WWE.COM: Beyond the obvious goal of rehabilitating the shoulder, do you have any goals you are setting for yourself upon your return?

CESARO: I just want to come back as soon as possible. I felt I was building a lot of momentum, and that was all thanks to the fans. I really appreciate all the support I’ve gotten and I’ve felt that the Cesaro Section is finally rising and it’s becoming undeniable … and then, of course, this happens. It’s funny, because I am having the surgery on the day we are in Nashville, Tenn. [for Raw], which is where the Cesaro Section originated. I was actually expecting a big Cesaro Section tonight, and I’m sure they’ll be there. Unfortunately, I’ll be getting out of surgery. [Laughs]

I will be there in spirit with them. I want to keep the momentum up when I return, and I’m sure the Section will still be there.

WWE.COM: Anything you want to say to the WWE Universe, or the Cesaro Section specifically, as you begin the rehab process?

CESARO: Well, to me, the Cesaro Section is the WWE Universe, and I really appreciate all the support. It has showed me that what I believe in, other people believe in as well. I still believe in old school values, I still believe in hard work, I still believe in wrestling, and people have showed that’s what they want to see. That’s what they enjoy, that’s what they appreciate and that’s how I have connected with them. That has helped me a lot and it’s cool to see people enjoy that. I can’t wait to get back and spread that message further.

Article

October 17, 2015

Q&A: WWE Superstar Cesaro On Those “Cesaro Section” Signs and How the Internet Changed Fandom

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Q&A: WWE Superstar Cesaro On Those “Cesaro Section” Signs and How the Internet Changed Fandom

With the Cesaro Section now currently alive and well, Upvoted has reached out to WWE Superstar Cesaro for an interview, for his thoughts on the Cesaro Section, where he’s headed to next, and, uh, of course: fruit baskets.

How did it feel the first time you saw Cesaro Section signs begin to pop up at shows? What do you think of the phrase?

The first time I saw the Cesaro section was a couple years ago in Nashville and it was very cool. Since then, it has become even stronger. My favorite part about it is that it came organically and was the fans’ initiative in support of me which is very humbling and makes me proud. It is something that connects me with the fans and motivates me to keep doing what I’m doing.

Were you expecting the huge show of support that started around the San Jose Raw taping?

I was not expecting that huge show of support because it kind of slowed down at one point. After my two matches with John Cena it started to gain momentum again. When I walked out for the MIZ TV segment it was crazy and there were Cesaro Section signs everywhere—which was one of the coolest feelings I have had since joining WWE. After that, it just kept growing with more and more cities picking it up.

Are you familiar with the Reddit Squared Circle community?

I am familiar with the Reddit Squared Circle community, and when I heard that is where the resurgence of the Cesaro Section started, I made sure to check it out. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who had a part in bringing the Cesaro Section to life and building it up to what it is today.

What would you rather possess: A fruit basket or the brass ring? (This is a reference to the Reddit Squared Circle community previously sending HHH a fruit basket as a thank you for the NXT PPV.)

That’s a very good question. I would rather have the Cesaro Section signs. Let Triple H keep his fruit basket. [laughs] I am very happy with the Cesaro Section signs—[it’s] all I need.

The online wrestling community has been very vocal with their support for you. How do you think that the Internet changed the way professional wrestlers interact with their fans?

The internet has definitely changed the way fans interact with WWE Superstars/Divas. We are more accessible than ever before and people can see what we are doing at all times.

It really brings a new level of connectivity that was never there before. The fans these days are so knowledgeable about the product, which is a direct correlation to what is available on the internet for them to read up on.

I am very thankful for the people who use it in a positive way to support their favorite Superstars and Divas. The fans are what keep me going even when I am having a bad day, just knowing they appreciate me and what I do.

Who are some of your favorite Superstars to work with in the WWE? In ring, and in storylines with?

There are a lot of Superstars I love being in the ring with. I tend to have great chemistry with whomever I step in the ring with because of the way I train and came up in this business. If I had to name a few, I would say people like Sheamus, Kevin Owens, and John Cena are all great guys to be in the ring with.

Do you have a favorite story from the road to share with your fans?

The road is always fun and we get to visit some very cool places. Just recently we had a chance to go to the zoo in Sydney, Australia. It was an amazing experience because we actually went behind the scenes and met some of the animals. A bunch of us went and we got to play with a sea lion which was an unbelievable experience.

Do Tyson and Sting’s recent injuries make you think twice about taking chances during matches?

When you get in the ring, there will always be risk involved, but you do your best to try and minimize that risk to the best of your ability for you and your opponent.

Do you still follow Chikara?

I do still follow it as much as I can, and try and keep in touch with all of my friends over there. I am extremely happy they are still going strong. It is just great seeing people I came up with have success on different levels. It is definitely a good time to be a WWE fan.

What do you like to do on your days off? Can you describe your ideal day for us?

On the day and a half I get off every week, I like to relax, listen to music, watch some TV. and eat food I actually cook myself—which is fun for me. It is kind of hard to describe an ideal day because our schedules change so much, but every day is an ideal day if you just make the best of it.

Who is your dream opponent and what would the scenario for the match be?

My dream opponent would be whoever is WWE World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania. That has to be your dream opponent or else you are doing something wrong.

Who should be the next signing for NXT

That is out of my hands, but I feel like those in charge have been doing a great job in signing talent and giving them a chance to be a success.

Considering your match with Sami Zayn at NXT Arrival, do you take credit for getting the ball rolling with NXT’s popularity?

I would like to think it had some type of influence. It was an honor to be the first match on the first live WWE Network special. That is something nobody can take away from me and it was a huge milestone I was involved in. That is something I am very proud of and is part of my “body of work” as Dream would say. It has helped make me who I am today, and it is definitely one of my favorite matches I have been a part of in WWE.

Special hat tip to the mods of Squared Circle for providing some great questions.

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