After a triumphant victory in capturing the WWE Intercontinental Championship in Smash this week, Big E can now say that the sky is the limit to where he can go as an individual competitor. But before Big E and the panel Talking Smack could discuss his seven-year journey to the top, the new champion thanked Paul Heyman for his kind words for two weeks and for having faith in his potential now that he is away from his New Day companions.
“Honestly, I want to thank you, Paul. I appreciate those words because sometimes you know something, but after hearing it from someone [else], really hits home, “said Big E grateful.” Sometimes, you just need to be reminded that you have the juice. So, I appreciate that. “
When New Day broke up during the two-day WWE Draft in October, Big E now believes it was the best decision, although he misses out on the fun times he had with his former teammates.
“Yes. It was the right decision,” he replied. “I mean, it wasn’t a decision; you split me up! Kofi was still able to become a world champion with us by his side. But we took the lemons they gave us and did our best to make a lemonade drink. That would be It was not our decision, but that is the nature of the business. You take what you are given and it is better to continue with it.
Seven years ago, Big E won the Curtis Axel Intercontinental Championship in Monday night RAW. With a 167-day reign set for his first reign, he seems to get over it during his second reign with the title.
“I was probably on my main selection list for a year, I knew I had the skill and I was ready. I feel like [now] I’m on another level of preparation, “he noted.” If you haven’t advanced in your craft in seven years, you’ve just sat, and it’s still the same, and stabilized, then do something else, move on. So, I feel that I took these steps in seven years to be even more dignified and better in all facets of this work. That has been my goal. “
Two weeks ago on Talking Smack, Paul Heyman planted a seed in Big E’s head that if he concentrated heavily on his simple effort, he could become the newest challenger to the Roman Reigns Universal Championship. This week, Heyman praised Big E for his efforts to achieve his goal of becoming an intercontinental champion twice. But now, he wanted to see if Big E had any desire or took into account the opportunity that was hanging over Big E’s head before facing the “Chief Tribal” for a bigger title.
“This is how I see it: you just said it was your first step. Yes, I agree. The first step towards what? I know what the answer is: it is your first step towards the Roman Kingdoms. It is yours. first step towards the Universal Championship, “Paul Heyman reiterated his initial statement two weeks ago. “It’s your first step to being the absolute, number one, box office attraction, the WWE champion today … My God, what a first step.
“I told you two weeks ago that you would be a singles champion. I said that’s where you needed to go. I said that Sami Zayn was a big step for you. And what did you do? You ran him over, and you took the Intercontinental title of Sami Zayn. And now, you will learn, in your heart, how much you love being a singles champion. And then you will fall in love with all this again to the point that you say: But it is not the Universal title. ‘ ”
Heyman continued with his statement of how he sees Big E becoming a big draw and WrestleMania the main event if he continues to focus on his singles in the new year.
“This is what you want. You want to be a WrestleMania the main event, and you can be, “Heyman reassured Big E.” You want to be the Universal Champion. I understand that you want this opportunity. Here’s how I see it: Big E, you’re a big box office. You are a magnificent athlete and someone I would love to see one day in the ring with Roman Reigns.
“Big E came in 2020 as someone who, if Roman Reigns would turn to me and say, ‘What do you think of the Big E challenge?’ I would look at him and say, “Double fighter. The best on the planet. But a double fighter.” I can’t say that anymore. Your first step in your journey that we talked about two weeks ago, is your trajectory; you’re on your way because 2021 is coming. And Great E, when it comes to my assessment of you, it’s a new year, yes it is. “
You can watch Big E’s full interview on the WWE Network. If you use any of the quotes in this article, please attribute Talking Smack credits to ah / t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcript.