Becky Lynch is ready to rumble and snatch her crown.

The Irish standout squares off against fellow WWE superstar Asuka on Sunday, Jan. 27, to recapture the SmackDown Women's Champion title at the Royal Rumble in Chase Field. That inaugural 2016 championship win helped usher Lynch's status as "The Man," whose swagger and confidence has drawn plenty of fanfare and support.

As the recently announced CBS Sports Wrestler of the Year, Lynch, whose real name is Rebecca Quinn, spoke about her frustrations about being called "overrated," and described what it's like to be a breakout sensation ahead of Royal Rumble.

"This is what I've visualized and what I've wanted. Now that I've gotten here and am lucky enough to have such a response, I've been able to go back up that ladder. They've made me the main event," she said. "...And I plan to steal the show."

Q: What gets you pumped before you enter the ring? Do you listen to anything to get hyped?

A: I just go out there pumped from natural adrenaline. It doesn't take anything than the thought of what I'm about to do to fire me up. There's no music I like to listen to. I like to think about what I'm about to accomplish and think about how the fans will react from the match.

Q: How would you describe your character's evolution?

A: I've evolved from people always seeing me as a bit naive to going out there and telling the truth regardless of the consequences. I'm doing what it takes to be on top. I say what I'm thinking and what everyone else is, too. I, at least, have the courage and bravery to do that.

Q: How does a crowd's reaction fuel you?

A: What I love so much is that they listen. When I'm talking there's silence in the arena and I really appreciate people's respect. That's what everybody wants, really. They want to be heard and feel that they're worthwhile.

Q: What's it like to be "The Man?"

A: It's pretty damn good. People have responded so well to that and it feels good to stand up and own who you are.



Q: What can we expect at the Royal Rumble?

A: The first thing that goes into my mind is how I can plan some hijinks. How can I take the show? I'm gonna take back that championship and make it the most talked about title in all of the WWE and the world.

Q: These days, female wrestlers are in the spotlight in not only the WWE, but in reality TV with "Total Divas" and Netflix's "GLOW" series. What's it like to be a part of something drawing more eyeballs than it has in a long time?

A: It's a perfect blend of timing and talent. There's a whole world hungry for strong women performing athletic feats and fights and backing things up. We can only go up from here.

Q: There's a lot of trash-talking in the ring but it's extended now to social media. How have those platforms helped your voice reach an audience?

A: I think it's been so instrumental in my rise and my voice. On TV, I'm on 15 to 20 minutes if I'm lucky. When I'm online I can say my message constantly with interest whenever I want, whenever I feel like. It drives interest and I'm able to get my story across. If people know what I want and what I'm fighting for they can like it or hate it as long as they're entertained.

Q: What's the biggest frustration with what you do?

A: I keep hearing now that I'm "overrated." I don't think I even know what that really means. Does it mean that I'm not what you think i should be? I'm working my (rear) off and delivering what I say and get a reaction every single time. What does that mean? Of course it's only from a few loud people. And that's naturally gonna happen as you rise up the ranks.

That happens a lot with pop singers and actors who reach the pinnacle of their careers – it's almost like a campaign against them.

A: Yeah, I think it happens with anybody trying to make art or entertain. But you always hope you can get the people talking in whatever way. That's what you dream about. This is already bigger than I ever could have possibly imagined.

Q: What it like hearing you're someone's favorite WWE Superstar?

A: It's really special when you hear that you're the reason someone watches it. That's what Mick Foley did for me. When you hear you're someone's hero I think of all the people I looked up to and think I wouldn't be here without them.

Royal Rumble 2019

When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27.

Where: Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix.

Admission: $26.50-$706.

Details: 602-462-6500, ticketmaster.com.

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