Natalya has the Irish-born wrestlers of WWE open up.
Former SmackDown Live Women's Champion Natalya uploads her weekly blog on to the Calgary Sun. In this week's edition, Natalya spoke with her fellow WWE superstars who hail from Ireland to grab their thoughts on what it means to them to be from the isles of Ireland.
One of the four that Natalya spoke with is the man who will be competing for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 34, Finn Balor. Balor was asked to elaborate on what he misses the most about his native Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland.
"First and foremost, I miss my family that seems to get older every time I visit home. I miss the friends I grew up with who now have children of their own. I miss the people you meet on the street on a day-to-day basis and their ‘Irish wit’ and humor. I miss the buses and the trains that take people in and out of Dublin. I miss the smell of spilt Guinness in the pubs. I miss the scenery, the hills and mountains, the rugged coasts, the choppy cold, cold waters, the stony beaches and the wind that could cut you in half." Balor added, “I miss the air; you can feel it fill your lungs as you step out of the airport. I miss the tea, the endless cups of tea, the rashers, the black pudding, the milk and I even miss the tap water."
Natalya was also able to catch up with a woman who she has had her battles with on WWE TV; the first-ever SmackDown Live Women's Champion Becky Lynch. The "Irish Lass-Kicker" hails from Limerick, Ireland and one of the many things that she misses the most about home are the characteristics of the Irish faithful.
"I miss Ireland so much. I miss the banter, the chats. I think Irish people have such a unique way of talking and I love that about them. They have an energy in their storytelling. In Ireland, we’ve produced amazing storytellers over the years. Including famous writers, musicians, and incredible WWE Superstars like my good friends Finn Balor, Sheamus and the legendary Fit Finlay.” Becky says.
One of the most hard-hitting wrestlers in the business' history and current WWE producer Fit Finlay also added in his thoughts. The former WWE United States Champion represents Ireland from the inside out. Whether it'd be from his signature shillelagh to his Irish-green singlet, Finlay is Ireland through and through.
“My heritage is really important to me. Ever since I left Ireland, I took it upon myself to be an ambassador and fly the flag for the country. I’m so proud of where I’m from. I have so much pride for Ireland and I always will.” Finlay expressed.
Next up was one-half of the current RAW Tag Team Champions Sheamus. The "Celtic Warrior" hailing from Dublin, Ireland has come a long way since his 'Irish Whip Wrestling' days and is now one title short of becoming a Grand Slam Champion in the WWE. Sheamus would express to Natalya his love of being with his family back in Dublin.
“Growing up in Ireland, my family lived in Dublin and they still do to this day." Sheamus continued, "As a child, every Christmas and summer I had to go to County Clare to see my mom’s relatives. While I didn’t like leaving my brand new toys and friends behind, the west really has the true beauty of Ireland, so it was an amazing place to go. If you haven’t seen County Clare, you haven’t lived. It is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.”
Speaking of Natalya, herself and Carmella recently picked up a victory at the WWE 'Fastlane' PPV. To read up on how they picked up that win, click here.
