Becky Lynch on Mania, RAW and Smackdown Women Divisions, More

Sports Illustrated had a recent interview with Becky Lynch discussing Wrestlemania, RAW and Smackdown women’s divisions, and her early career.

On the topic of Wrestlemania, Lynch stated she felt a lot more relaxed at this year’s Wrestlemania than at Wrestlemania 32 which was her first. She attributed this to being more experienced at how different the atmosphere for Wrestlemania is compared to other WWE events.

I’m more aware of what I’m getting myself into. I’m more aware of the size of the crowd, and that intimidation factor is a little bit, though not entirely, lessened. You’re able to be calmer and enjoy the moment. Last year was just incredible, my brain couldn’t fathom it.

On the topic of RAW and Smackdown women’s divisions, Lynch stated she was very proud to be drafted to Smackdown’s women’s division and honored to be their first champion. Also stated she enjoys her time there because everyone is providing something different and fun for the division.

It didn’t hit me for a while. It was a culmination of my entire life’s work, that was what I set out for, that was why I left home when I was so young, that was my entire dream. To be able to be the first-ever Smackdown Live women’s champ, I’m so proud of that. I’m so proud of SmackDown Live, I really am. Being on that brand and being able to be a leader of that division has meant everything to me. To see where it’s come and how much people are now invested in it, I feel like that’s been my highest accomplishment to date.

There are so many different characters and everything is fresh. People that we didn’t see before–we hadn’t seen Alex Bliss or Carmella, Nikki Bella came back with the greatest comeback of all time. To comeback from that neck surgery and do the things she did, she is a hero. I will say that time and time again. Nattie with her new attitude change is just absolutely hilarious, and Naomi came with her glow and that’s just incredible. There is so much excitement on the SmackDown Live women’s roster, and it’s amazing to be a part of.

When discussing the differences between the divisions, Lynch stated she felt Smackdown’s division was better overall in terms of entertainment and traveling.

Hands down, SmackDown Live. Sometimes I’d travel by myself, and I’d ride with Carmella from time to time, but Charlotte and I are back together and we are Thelma and Louise. Now I’d love to see Seth Rollins, Cesaro, Sheamus, and Finn Balor come to SmackDown.

Later in the interview, Lynch talked about the early days of her career and her first matches as a wrestler in Ireland.

My first match was in a little school hall in Bray County, Ireland when I was 15 years old. I actually came in managing my brother, and I did a hurricanrana in that match. Then I was in a battle royal, and someone just sent me the video of that, but I just couldn’t watch it. It’s crazy to think where we started to where we are now 15 years later.