WWE Superstar Jack Swagger talks Wrestlemania 31, Vince McMahon’s rally cry and his favourite matches

The All-American American spoke to The Independent ahead of Wrestlemania

Swagger then took a look around central London as seen here in Piccadilly Circus (WWE)

Meeting high level athletes is often an intimidating experience. Years of dedicated and isolated training can make the competitor seem guarded, intense and wary. Questions often disappear into the clouds outside as a piercing stare undercuts the most natural of inquiries.

Decorated All-American amateur wrestler, college football star and former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger definitely bucked that trend however when chatting to The Independent at Facebook’s London headquarters, where the amiable athlete opened the discussion by outlining his future ambitions.

“2015 is going to be a very pivotal year for Jack Swagger,” the giant Superstar predicted. “I just keep hearing ‘We The People’ get louder and louder and I’m going to work harder and harder.”

Swagger’s steps to success will continue at Wrestlemania 31, where he will be taking part in the second annual Andre the Giant memorial battle royal. The event is being held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California and with less than a month to go under the extravaganza, enthusiasm is seeping out from his vast frame.

“I’m very excited,” he confirmed. “Any match or memorial to Andre the Giant that you get to be a part of, you jump at.”

Swagger locks in the Patriot Lock (WWE)

During his seven years on WWE television, Swagger has enjoyed some sensational Wrestlemania moments. He won the Money in the Bank at Wrestlemania 26, and three years later faced Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Championship in New Jersey.

“There is so much history and tradition behind Wrestlemania, so to be part of the show is awesome,” shared the three-time WWE titleist.

“That day, your story is told, everything is set up, and it feels different. You have nothing left but your heart and soul to put into your match. Of course you’re always going to be your harshest critic, but at the same time you get the best rewards that way.”

WWE Superstar Jack Swagger (WWE)

This will be the first Wrestlemania for the 32-year-old where he will portray a ‘face’, which is wrestling terminology for a good guy. Swagger made the transition from villain to hero on June 30th 2014, when he began a feud with Rusev, one of WWE’s fastest rising talents. The two combatants became embroiled in a feud which lasted over the summer, where for the first time Swagger was treated with cheers from the audience in the arenas.

“I’m very lucky, a storyline like that comes along once in a lifetime, and not everyone will have something like that. It was so special, and so natural the way me and Rusev played off each other. Tall against short, big vs wide, the way Zeb and Lana went back and forth, it was awesome to watch.

“I get goosebumps even now talking about it. I still remember walking out to the crowd, and the way people took me in. Six years of being a bad person, and then one day it all changed. It was very special, and something I’ll take with me for the rest of my career.”

Swagger's face turn has been one of the most successful in recent times (WWE)

Swagger lost the feud in storyline terms, but the series of matches he had with Rusev solidified his reputation as one of WWE’s most underrated wrestlers. His ability to make opponents look fantastic is a huge strength of the University of Oklahoma graduate, and a valuable tool for any competitor.

“At certain moments it’s your moment to shine, and at others it’s time to help and make the other guy look good,” he opined.

A key component of Swagger’s success is Zeb Colter, a veteran with over 40 years in the wrestling business who plays the role of his manager on screen. Colter has been off television for a number of months, but fans of the gilet sporting maverick will be relieved to know that a reunion is on the cards.

“Zeb is very much in the picture, I talk to him every week and he’s recovering from an injury right now. All the advice he gives me is still there, and he will be back being a Real American before we know it.”

Just as he has built up a tremendous relationship with Colter, the superstar has many other influences within the business. After dominating in two college sports, Swagger was signed by WWE immediately after graduation, and trained in Georgia and Florida where he was taught by some of the biggest names in the history of wrestling.

“I was very lucky to come into WWE right out of college, I didn’t have to do anything else. I had seen wrestling matches and been a fan, but never up close, or learned. They did a great job with me. I had personal relationships with people like Steve Keirn, Dr Tom Pritchard, Norman Smiley, Dusty Rhodes, and they took me under their wing.”

WWE Superstar Jack Swagger (WWE)

The biggest influence for all WWE talent is CEO Vince McMahon, who made headlines late last year after citing his frustration with the majority of his roster for failing to grasp opportunities, or to create their own. The interview, which was conducted on the WWE Network by Steve Austin, sent shockwaves through the wrestling world regarding the clarity of McMahon’s statement.

Although not directly named by McMahon during the discussion, Swagger is an established component of the roster, and a former World Champion. His reaction to the interview was measured, but indicated the fighting spirit of a deeply ambitious athlete.

“Vince McMahon is a trendsetter, and like any great leader everyone has their own methods to reach the troops, and that was his. Personally, the way I grew up is that competition only makes you better, so bring it. Tell me that I’ve got 10,000 guys coming after my spot and there’s only 60 spaces available and I’m going to work that much harder to keep going.

“He had a reason for doing it, and he was obviously trying to light a fire under the locker room which he did. If you don’t get pissed off, then you don’t want it bad enough, and you shouldn’t be here. If that pisses you off, then go work harder until he can’t say that.”

Swagger spent some of his time in London climbing the O2 Arena (WWE)

Which, of course, he conquered (WWE)

WWE’s live show tours the United Kingdom in April in its traditional post-Wrestlemania slot, and the events are always entertaining. Performing in front of packed British audiences is a highlight for many WWE superstars, and Swagger is no exception.

“The atmosphere in the UK is undeniably one of the best, and one of the most enthusiastic and loudest. Singing the entrance songs has become popular, and it’s really cool. When we come over here it’s fun. You get to see new things, and you slowly start to see those effects on the American fans.”

Swagger takes in the sights of southwest London (WWE)

Ahead of the tour, many fans will be watching content on the WWE Network, and Swagger finished the interview by sharing his favourite match of his own that can be viewed on the innovative platform.

“Probably when I lost to Brodus Clay in one second on the thousandth episode of Raw,” he laughed. “No, one of my favourite matches is an earlier one for the ECW Championship at Backlash 2009 with Christian. We didn’t really know each other, but we immediately hit it off, and we’re good friends to this day. That was the first match where I really heard the crowd chant so loudly.”

Relive that moment by subscribing to the WWE Network for just £9.99 a month, where you can also watch WrestleMania 31 live at no additional cost at 1am on 29th March. You can also see WrestleMania 31 live on Sky Sports Box Office.

The WWE UK Live Tour visits the United Kingdom in April 2015. For tickets, please visit www.bookingsdirect.com.