Seth Rollins, a six-time WWE World Champion, has compared pro wrestling to stand-up comedy and Broadway shows. He credits Shawn Michaels for changing his perspective on what it means to be a pro wrestler.
What inspired the comparison?
Seth Rollins says Shawn Michaels was a pioneer for guys like him, able to brawl, fight, and be a technician. Michaels' approach to wrestling shaped Rollins' own style, making him realize he didn't need a Hulk Hogan-sized physique to succeed.
How does Rollins' approach differ?
Rollins believes wrestling is the only profession that perfectly blends athleticism and acting. He notes that stuntmen use their bodies to perform high-risk action scenes, but they don't have to deal with improvising in front of a live audience like wrestlers do.
What are the physical demands of wrestling?
Rollins has had to adapt his training as he's gotten older. In his 20s, he trained hard, spending five to six days a week in the ring and doing two-hour CrossFit workouts. However, as he approached 35, he noticed his recovery time slowing down, and his training began to affect his performance in the ring.
How has Rollins adjusted his training?
Nowadays, Rollins is more efficient in his workouts, using machines to help protect his joints and lowering his training volume. He focuses on squeezing to build tension in his muscles, trying to get the most out of his training from a muscular standpoint.
Seth Rollins joined Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S. and Dr. Pat Davidson for MH's Strong Talk to discuss Season 2 of WWE: Unreal, which shows Rollins at peak performance. The conversation ranged from his recent shoulder injury to his thoughts on popular fitness crazes.
Rollins hopes fans learn that wrestling is an art form, allowing people to have a deeper appreciation for the sport beyond just good guy, bad guy. He believes that by pulling back the curtain, fans can see the hard work and dedication that goes into being a successful wrestler.
On 18 Jun, Seth Rollins was set to face Logan Paul at WrestleMania 39, but he suffered a meniscus injury that required a shot in his knee to get through the match. Despite the setback, Rollins continues to push himself, adapting to his aging body and finding new ways to stay ahead of the game.
Seth Rollins' comparison of pro wrestling to stand-up comedy and Broadway shows highlights the unique demands of the sport. As a wrestler, he must be ready to ad lib and respond to the audience's reactions, making it a truly unique and challenging profession.