What’s On in conversation with: WWE Superstars Raquel Rodriguez & Karrion Kross
Two of WWE’s fiercest voices share their journey, mindset, and message…
It’s official. WWE Night of Champions is going ahead as scheduled on Saturday June 28, and excitement is already building.
Six solid matches have been confirmed so far, including an Undisputed WWE Championship match between John Cena and CM Punk, the United States title match between Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa, and the final of the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments.
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The Night of Champions will also feature two new matches. Raquel Rodriguez will face Rhea Ripley in an unforgiving Street Fight, and Karrion Kross, who will compete at a WWE premium live event for the first time since last year’s WrestleMania 40, will take on his rival Sami Zayn.
Call it a shoot – but ahead of the Night of Champions event, What’s On was invited to a virtual ringside pass, getting in on the action with Raquel and Karrion during an exclusive online press conference.
Here’s what they had to say:
Raquel Rodriguez
What’s On: Night of Champions is a major event – how does it feel to be part of this on an international stage in Riyadh?
It feels absolutely amazing. You know, I was born to be on a Night of Champions on such a big stage, and I genuinely felt a bit of disbelief just with everything happening, particularly with the tag titles and Liv Morgan. But I’m so grateful that I get to represent these tag titles here in Riyadh on Night of Champions, because you need all the champions for a Night of Champions, right?
You’ve carved out a name as a dominant force in the women’s division — what’s next for Raquel Rodriguez after Night of Champions?
After Night of Champions, I’m going to beat Rhea Ripley, and then that is just going to skyrocket Raquel Rodriguez to the very top. I’ve been a dominant force for so many years, but people have been overlooking me, focusing a bit more on Rhea. So, Night of Champions is my time to shine. It’s my time to show everyone who Raquel Rodriguez is.
Are there any rising stars on the women’s roster you’ve got your eye on as potential challengers or tag partners?
Yes, there are many because we have a lot of talent on the women’s roster. Recently, I was in a Fatal 4-Way match and had the opportunity to work with Stephanie Vaquer for the first time. She’s definitely a force to watch on RAW. She has an extensive background, including training in various cultures, different fighting styles, and the arts of fighting. I really enjoy working with her, and I look forward to it.
I’ve got my eye on Giulia as well. You know, this is the first time I’ve been on SmackDown since she got called up. And so, seeing her here in Riyadh for the first time, and everything she’s done from Japan, coming here to NXT and then to the U.S., I’m excited to work with both her and Stephanie.
When you’re not in the ring, how do you reset mentally and physically?
Firstly, you need to look after your body and overall well-being. I’m working out, stretching, meditating a bit, practising some yin yoga, and going on what I call high-vibe walks. It’s a walk without touching any social media, listening to good music that puts me in the right headspace so I can beat Rhea Ripley on Saturday. It’s all about beating Rhea.
Finish the sentence: “Night of Champions will be…”
(Singing with a grin, “poderosa fuerte…” and then with a confident smile, she continues) Night of Champions will be Raquel Rodriguez’s night. I needed a moment to think about it, let it settle for a second, but I got a good one there.
Karrion Kross
What’s On: What does performing at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia mean to you both professionally and personally?
Personally, it’s very special because the very last time I wrestled here in Saudi Arabia was against Drew McIntyre. It was a steel cage match. It was a match I was extremely proud of. I remember every detail of that day. Being able to wrestle again in front of the crowd here feels very unique. The audience is truly special. They are full of energy, and, yeah, I mean, I’ve wrestled all over the world, and every crowd is different. The Saudi Arabian crowd is particularly special.
In terms of professionalism, Sami Zayn is definitely one of the best professional wrestlers of the last three generations. I know this will be a match I’ll remember for the rest of my life; I can just feel it. I’ve been watching Sami compete even before WWE, when he was on the independent scene and with other organisations. I’m really looking forward to this. I think we’ll have great chemistry in the ring. It’s going to be a good fight, and I believe our styles will complement each other well.
How do you adapt your storytelling style for international fans who may be seeing you live for the first time?
I believe my storytelling approach works for everyone, especially first-time viewers. I’ve always approached everything I do as if it could be the first time someone is seeing me. So, if I have the time and flexibility within the segments and the show’s format, I communicate as much as possible to the viewer, and it may not always be verbal. It could be through body language, the way I enunciate certain words, or my cadence. I think I do a pretty good job of letting people know within the first few seconds that I am definitely the bad guy.
What are your long-term ambitions within WWE — championship gold, legacy moments, or something darker?
Oooh, just the way you said that – “something darker”. And yes, there’s definitely something darker I am always interested in creating for people. I can’t help it – it’s just who I am. But I can’t tell you because it would spoil the surprise. In terms of career and professional achievement, I aspire to become a WWE champion one day – specifically, a World Heavyweight Champion. Those are two titles I aim to hold before the end of my career. The route to reach that isn’t always the conventional one everyone else takes. Sometimes, the conventional path isn’t available to everyone. I’m beginning to see that, learn from it, and start to embrace that process.
I find it both fun and challenging, and the support I’ve received, which has been growing since around the middle of last year, has been invaluable. I see it and feel it globally, which is a good sign that I’m doing a good job. If people enjoy what I do and show their support, I think we’re onto something. I just want to create something for people they can lose themselves in for a little while, you know? I believe people watch WWE for many reasons, but I’d like to be a place where they can escape from everything, forget their worries, and, in their day, turn on the programme to laugh, be surprised, or shocked. I aim to craft a healthy form of escapism through entertainment for them.
The WWE Universe in Saudi Arabia has been growing fast. What kind of energy are you expecting from the Riyadh crowd?
It’s going to be huge, and I’m thrilled. I can’t even help it – I’m smiling. I could hardly sleep during the flight over. That’s how excited I am.
Finish the sentence: “Night of Champions will be…”
… yet another, very special Karrion Kross moment.
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