WWE Superstar Zack Ryder!

What's the greatest thing about being a WWE Superstar?

This is the only thing I want to do with my life and I’m doing it, so living out my dream.

What's been your career highlight?

Winning the United States championship with my Dad watching in the audience. It was a pretty cool moment.

Do you know what your involvement in Wrestlemania will be?

There’s no involvement at the moment but hopefully that’ll change, as I’ve always wanted to have a match at Wrestlemania!

What advice can you give to budding young wrestlers?

Wait until you’re a little bit older and go to a wrestling school and learn from a teacher. Don’t try it at home!

How did you find out you had a gift for wrestling?

When I finished high school I went straight to a wrestling school and did it that way.

What’s the worst injury you’ve ever suffered?

I have a herniated disc in my back at the moment, which is keeping me out of action. Kane choke-slammed me off a stage and it was very painful. I knew straight away something was wrong – but it can be dangerous and accidents do happen!

Is there any move in the ring that you worry about being done on you?

The Tombstone is a dangerous move. The Undertaker and Kane do that move and it’s never pretty!

Who was your hero growing up?

I watched Hulk Hogan and as I got older Shaun Michaels. Then when I started wrestling it was people like Edge and Christian. My influences always changed.

Who’s your best pal in wrestling?

I travel with Dolph Ziggler. We were feuding over the United States title and he hooked up with my girlfriend but we’ve put the past behind us now.

What’s it like being on the road for so many days of the year?

I’m used to it now. Usually we’re only on the road four days and at home for three so it’s not so bad.

How do you relax outside the ring?

I usually film and edit my YouTube show when I’m home. Other than that I don’t do anything! I like to just relax and do nothing. I live in New York City so I don’t have a pool or anything.

If you weren’t a wrestler what would you be doing?

I’d be in a boy band! At least that would be my goal anyway!

Describe a general day in your life...

I’ll get up at about 10am and go to the gym. Then get to the arena at about 2pm in the afternoon and just chill out before the show starts. We just hang out and find out who I’m wrestling.

Who is the joker in the dressing room?

The Miz is a bit of a joker, he’s very loud. Some people don’t like him but he’s just having fun!

Tell us something funny we don’t know about you?

I’m a big fan of Justin Bieber! If you follow me on Twitter you’ll know I’m into my boy bands and stuff. At school I was in the choir as well. But Justin Bieber is the best! That’s probably not a popular comment but it’s true!

What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you in the ring?

I was in the ring with a guy once and his trunks exploded and he was naked! His trunks just split and he was nearly naked! It was edited out of TV, but it was so funny. I was cracking up in the ring and as I walked back to the dressing room I thought I was going to be in trouble but everyone was laughing!

Does anyone have any really dodgy taste in music in the locker room?

Yeah me! The Superstars always make fun of me in the dressing room. But everyone has different tastes in music. Normally the guys just sit there and listen to their iPods.

Who do you prefer, Rihanna or Lady Gaga?

Rihanna! Lady Gaga is a weird chick! She has to cover her ugly face with her costumes and stuff, she’s nasty! In fact she’s NHAA – Not Hot At All!

If you could bash up any celebrity who would it be? Why?

The Situation from Jersey Shore. He’s a poser and a Zack Ryder wannabe so I’d like to shut him up. He’s really annoying, I hate it when people compare me to those guys in Jersey Shore. I was doing the Zack Ryder thing before they were even casting for that show. Jersey sucks, I’m from New York!

What do Americans think of Simon Cowell?

I think he’s entertaining. He’s fair and honest so I don’t mind him. I’ve got nothing against him though so I’m not bothered about getting in the ring with him.

Did you know you’re listed in the top 100 most influential social media sports users?

I’m aware of that! I’m the only WWE Superstar on that list so it puts me ahead of Superstars like The Rock, John Cena and The Miz so it’s pretty cool.

Who’s your favourite super hero?

Batman! I was always a fan of the comics growing up. I liked the fact that he was a bit darker than Superman and he wasn’t all about the bright coloured suit and stuff. He had more of an evil side to him, which I liked.

What’s your favourite cartoon character?

I like Doug on Nickelodeon! It’s quite old but they have repeats on in the States.

UK & Ireland fans can watch this year’s WrestleMania event, taking place on Sunday, April 1st in Miami, via pay-per-view at midnight on Sky Sports Box Office and Sky Sports Box Office HD

WWE RAW® and SmackDown® are returning to the UK & Ireland, 12-21 April, for action-packed live events across the country.  Tickets are on sale now, visit WWE.com for further information