WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns recently spoke with The Times Of India to promote his appearance at last week’s WWE live events in New Delhi for their tour of India. As noted, Reigns was added to the show in place of John Cena, who went down with an unexpected shoulder injury and had to pull out of his scheduled bookings on the tour as a result.

During the interview, Reigns spoke about replacing Cena on the tour, his matches on the tour against The Big Show — who he referred to as his “favorite rivalry” the possibility of The Rock challenging him for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 32 and more. Below are some of the highlights from the interview.

On defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against The Big Show on the tour:

“My rivalry with Big Show is my favourite. That’s because he’s so unique – well over seven feet tall and weighing 500 pounds (226kg). You can’t notice him. I’ve fought him all over the world and I’m proud of my battles with him. But this is the first time I’ll be fighting him in a title match and that too, in a place as different as India. So, if I win, which I’m confident of, I think it would mean a lot. I can go back home and tell my mom that I defeated a giant in India and retained my world title. That’s huge.”

On replacing John Cena on WWE’s tour of India:

“It’s a great honour. John Cena has been the standard-bearer of professional wrestling for the past 10-12 years, and to follow in his footsteps is a great opportunity. I just want to give my best and represent my family and my people.

“It’s unfortunate that John couldn’t be here because of the injury and we all hope he will be fit again soon. I for one, can’t wait to square off against him. But then, you have to remember that I’m the reigning world heavyweight champion. There is a certain weight to that, a certain standard. Like John used to say, ‘The champ is here and in the end, that’s all that matters!'”

On whether or not he expects The Rock to challenge him for the title at WrestleMania:

“I expect The Rock would want to keep his pretty face intact for Hollywood. He better stay away from me in the ring. But honestly, anybody who wants to get into the ring with me and take the world title, just try!”

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