A dynamic determine within the WWE circuit, Raja splits his time between the wrestling area and his burgeoning performing profession.
The story of the rising WWE star Raja, hailing from Indian roots, is one among resilience and discovery throughout borders.Raja grew up alongside his two siblings in England. His dad and mom had migrated from Gurdaspur, India, earlier than his beginning.
Initially going through hardships in England, their circumstances modified when Raja’s father, beforehand an accountant, relocated the household after securing a brand new job.
On the age of 6, Raja’s household moved to Brussels, Belgium, and two years later, made a everlasting transfer to Brisbane, Australia. Embarking on his wrestling journey at 23, Raja ventured to Canada for his coaching and now resides in Liverpool, England.
Impressed by wrestling icons like Shawn Michaels, Kurt Angle, and The Rock, Raja’s ardour for WWE spurred him to pursue a profession within the ring.
As Raja prepares to captivate tv audiences, TimesofIndia.com caught up with the WWE star to delve into his WWE journey, his foray into performing, his connection to India, and way more…
Are you able to share your transition from WWE to performing profession?
Every part that I do is in the end to construct my model. I would like my value and notability to continue to grow so I am much more helpful to corporations around the globe. I wrestle full time, I do performing full time which incorporates stunt work, I do talking engagements, I practice, and I achieve this many issues similtaneously I would like my identify to maintain on rising.
When did you resolve to pursue performing, and what motivated that call?
I at all times needed to transition into Hollywood/Bollywood when my profession finishes someday however when NXT UK shuts down within the fall of 2022. I believed to myself, let me kick begin my performing profession so I can maintain constructing my model so ultimately once I do retire from wrestling, I am not ranging from scratch and by then I will be identified within the performing world.
Do you propose to proceed your involvement with WWE alongside your performing endeavors?
I’ve an ideal relationship with WWE and am on nice phrases with them. There have been talks however the best second is not prepared. My objective is to get again there nevertheless it’s not time but.
Might you make clear your character in Home of the Dragon Season 2?
I can not go into element about this however all I can say is tune in for Home of the Dragon Season 2 on June 16th solely on HBO!
How did the chance to affix the solid of Home of the Dragon Season 2 come about?
It is all in regards to the grind and the way a lot work you place in. I used to be pondering of how find out how to construct up my model extra and noticed this chance come up, I took a shot and succeeded. After that, I sought to get illustration and the remaining is historical past.
Between WWE and performing, which presents extra challenges for you, Rohan?
It crosses over very properly, that is why you see numerous wrestlers performing in Hollywood and even Bollywood. If you movie vignettes with WWE it’s totally a lot the identical the way you do it in Hollywood and Bollywood.
Who has been a serious supply of inspiration for you in your performing journey?
I’ve a bunch of favorite actors however my largest inspiration can be Dave Bautista (Batista from WWE). His story touched me and the way he transitioned into performing was from the bottom all the best way to the highest. He is one of the vital versatile actors on the market and as soon as he is completed he’ll in all probability be the most effective of all time.
What’s your favourite character from Sport of Thrones, and what attracts you to them?
So humorous factor, I began watching Sport of Thrones when the pilot aired for episode 1 season 1. I noticed Sean Bean had landed a brand new TV present. He is identified for lots of roles however to me, his most identified position is “Boromir” from Lord of the Rings. So I had a smooth spot for his character in Sport of Thrones “Ned Stark”. Sadly, he would not get the very best final result however the remaining Starks positively avenge him properly!
Are you able to elaborate in your connection to India and the way continuously you go to?
My dad was born in Gurdaspur and my mum was born in Hoshiarpur. I have been a handful of instances however I am overdue for a go to. I needed to be there in 2020 however issues modified with the pandemic on the time however I promise I shall be again quickly.
What features of India do you miss probably the most once you’re away?
It is a gorgeous nation, I miss the folks, the meals, the surroundings. India has such an enormous panorama, that folks do not realise how massive it really is. One among my objectives ultimately is to provide again and assist a few of the small villages that want help and assets.
How supportive was your loved ones once you initially expressed curiosity in pursuing a profession in WWE?
All of my speedy household had been supportive for a really very long time. My siblings however particularly my mum would take heed to me speak about it as a baby and teenager and she or he at all times would say to chase your desires. The final particular person I informed was my dad and I used to be at all times terrified of what he would say, humorous sufficient he was on board from day one and is one among my largest supporters to today.
What was your loved ones’s response once you shared your resolution to pursue performing?
They at all times knew ultimately I needed to go that route, the plan was to do it as soon as I retired from wrestling which is a protracted very long time away however as soon as NXT UK closed. I believed why not begin now and construct my model extra so it advantages my profession in Skilled Wrestling and makes me a extra helpful asset.
Which resolution was harder for you: choosing WWE or pursuing performing?
I would not say I’ve picked one or the opposite. There’s reasoning behind each resolution I make. I needed to create my model and make it as massive as it may be so my worth goes up. Similar to what Logan Paul is doing however he cannot act haha simply kidding he is a celebrity.
Might you share a fond reminiscence you will have with Jinder Mahal, highlighting your robust bond?
Jinder is the very best, he has been a pal, brother, and mentor to me over time. I’ve so many good recollections with him however one among my favorite ones was once we had been driving from Edmonton after an Indy present again to Calgary. He invited me to have dinner at his dad and mom’ place and so they cooked the very best Indian meals for me which was wonderful. We simply chilled out at his for hours and that is the day I knew that we had been going to be nice buddies. I will see him in just a few weeks so I will inform him India says howdy!
Do you anticipate that the Indian viewers’s admiration for you as a WWE star will translate into help in your performing profession?
100%! I’ve mentioned it previously and I will say it once more. Followers in India are certainly my largest supporters, from each nation India stands out as primary by way of supporting me. The quantity of messages I get from folks in India is large and it is so heartwarming to learn. I am simply getting began, India so I will proceed to make you all proud!
