Since being split from New Day in the 2020 WWE Draft, fans have clamored for Big E to break into the next level as a singles star.
The first peak came on Christmas when Big E defeated Sami Zayn to win the WWE Intercontinental Title. Now, with the Royal Rumble coming up, fans are hoping Big E is the last man in the ring and can go on to main event WrestleMania.
Appearing on Busted Open Radio, Big E discussed his rise as a singles star.
"I want this run to feel earned. There are a lot of people who have been clamoring for me to do more for a long time. A lot times what you'll see -- and I won't name names -- you'll see talent who are called up or brought in and they're almost given too much too soon. Not that they don't have the ability, but as a babyface especially, I don't feel like I'm with you if you've been on the main roster two weeks and you already got a World Title shot. One of the best things that happened to Daniel Bryan is losing to Sheamus at WrestleMania in under 20 seconds. People had enough! They said 'this guy has been grinding and been one of the best in the world for all these years and this is how you treat me?' That's what caused his explosion. I don't think he got vastly better, not saying he hasn't made steps to improve, but he was always that guy. When it feels earned and you've been through the wringer -- not saying I haven't earned it with the tag stuff, but I'm still fairly new to the singles run. I want it to be 'he's jumped through all the hoops and performed time and time again.' I want to show week-in and week-out that I can do the solos backstage and solo promos and kill it. That I can do every aspect of the business as a singles competitor, and then it's earned. In the same vein, I'm not here to turn down any opportunity either," he said.
When asked if he believes he can be in the main event spot of WrestleMania this year, Big E replied, "You know how it is, they will go through a list of part-timers, of the big names and big money guys who work once a year. They will go through that list and if they can't get all those guys booked for that spot at WrestleMania, then it's like 'okay, who actually works here on a weekly basis and has been grinding and now maybe we give him an opportunity.'"
He would go on to say that he tries to make the most of anything given to him, which doesn't always mean following the script word-for-word, but means doing the best he can with the material presented.
Big E is set to defend the Intercontinental Championship against Apollo Crews on Friday's WWE SmackDown.
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