European Tour - John Cena and Antonio Cesaro Promo

Someone of the precious crowd in Munich actually typed the appreciation speech of both John Cena and Antonio Cesaro at the end of the show! And for your convenience, I will translate the German parts again.

John Cena wants me to direct a few words in German at you. He wants to thank all the fans here, in Munich, from his heart. [pauses] Okay, again, I am only translating here. I would never say that myself, but John wants to say something about me now. All German fans have supported the WWE for many, many years, with all their heart. [loud cheers] And thanks to the years of your support all of you deserve the respect of the WWE! [loud cheers until John Cena takes the microphone from him again]

I would love to stand here with this thing [holds the World Heavyweight Championship] but sadly it has the wrong name on it. That's why I gladly return it [hands it back to Cena] but with a small promise. Not for you, because I don't know how long you'll have that belt. [talks towards a non understanding Cena]. My promise is for all of you. [bids Cena good bye, loud cheers from the audience]. My promise is not for the next time I'll be here and not for the time after that, but one thing I can promise you. I will return to Germany as WWE champion. [loud cheers] Not only for myself, but for each and everyone of you! And now, from a future champion, till next time Munich!
And, hey, Munich knows one or two things about champions! [refers to the famous football club, gets more boos than cheers] Hey, come on! Really? Do you really want to end this evening by booing me? You know, if I say "We, the people" I think of everyone of us, everyone of you! Because for me it means: "We, the people", those are the people that support me, and the ones I believe in. Germany supported me since day one! In roughly a month it will be twelve years since I stepped into a ring for the first time. For the first time in the ring, here in Germany. [frantic applause] So, this is for everyone here: "We, the people!" I see you next time! Bye!

You all can not understand the feeling I got and the goosebumps that ran down my arm when John Cena called Cesaro Claudio, telling him that he is a future champion.

Interview with Antonio Cesaro from spielekritik.tv

At the Gamescon 2013 in Cologne, Germany, a representative of the German homepage spielekritik.tv met Antonio Cesaro for an interview. They talked about Kassius Ohno and other indie stars in the WWE, the gaming habits of Cesaro and other superstars, and of course about the new video game WWE 2K14!
And since the interview is in German, I thought I could roughly translate it into English for you guys. Enjoy! And for everyone capable of German, you can find the interview here.

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How was your way to WWE?

Cesaro: The short version: I began wrestling exactly on December 24th 2000 in Essen (Germany). It was the day of my first match. Back then, it had been nothing more than a hobby. I wrestled more and more, everywhere in Germany, and after some years I decided to go to the USA. I participated in a lottery for a Green Card, because only if you have a Green Card you are allowed to full time wrestle there.
Luckily, I got such an employment permit and emigrated. From 2007 til 2011 I fought in several in independent leagues in the USA, but I also returned to Germany from time to time to wrestled for wXw and other leagues. 2011 I finally signed a contract with the WWE and since 2012 I am an active part of the WWE roster.

You have been trained by Chris Hero (today Kassius Ohno) in the past. Today, you're with the main roster and he is still on the rookie level of NXT. Is that some kind of gratification for you?

Cesaro: I know Chris Hero since 2002. He had been my trainer for a very long time, and later on my Tag Team partner. Both of us signing a contract with the WWE was the next logical step. For me, the fact that I am part of the WWE roster while Chris is with NXT has nothing to do with "The student overcome his master" or anything like that.

You haven't been part of the main roster for such a long time, but do you have any favorite match?

Cesaro: Usually, I live after the axiom of my last match being my best match, but I'd say that my match against Daniel Bryan at Raw in early August. We know each other from our times in the Indys and we've been in the ring together a couple of times. The 2 out of 3 Falls Match against Sami Zayn at NXT was very good as well. I hope that I will be able to have such matches more often in the future, also some that will be a bit longer then.

You address people like Sami Zayn (El Generico) and Daniel Bryan (Bryan Danielson). Is the WWE some kind of Indie-Family-Gathering?

Cesaro: At WWE the focus is on their own talents, but the independent scene underwent a big boom around 2004/20005. And even from this time, only a handful of people can be seen at the WWE. So those really are the best of the best. That shows me that you have to give everything to reach the top. For me, it has nothing to do with wrestling in the Indys or, like The Rock said, if you wrestled in Memphis for five dollars. You have to love what you are doing. But it's cool that I met those people again at WWE which who I traveled the world with.

A few months ago, Darren Young had his coming out. Did you know anything about that?

Cesaro: I had no idea, but I really don't care either. I am happy for him that the feedback was that positive, because it apparently bothered him a lot. For me, the WWE is like a big family. I see those people over 200 days a year, but everyone needs his private sphere as well, and should be able to live the way they feel good with. And about the topic of wrestling and homosexuality: If you're a good athlete it doesn't matter if you're gay or straight.

Let's talk about WWE 2K14: The Ultimate Warrior is part of the game now. Would that have been a dream for you, competing against him?

Cesaro: That's what video games are here for! Fans can actively recreate their dream matches. That's better than playing with action figures. Finding a dream opponent is extremely difficult for me. Eddie Guerrero and Owen Hart would surely suit me fighting style wise. They would've been my dream opponents.

Do you have any linkage to video games?

Cesaro: I played a lot in the past; with my brother and with friends. I was a big fan of Goldeneye, of WWE No Mercy. I had a NES, Super Nintendo, and a Nintendo 64. Then, wrestling took over my life and I didn't have as much time for playing games anymore. Until Guitar Hero came out and I played a day and a half non-stop. Then I told myself: "You can't do that! You have to go to the gym!"

What is it like to play yourself? Did they depict you in a good way?

Cesaro: Last year, I've been among the DLC, this time I am there right from the start. I think they produced a good likeness of myself. It's almost shocking how similar it is; seeing yourself in the game, the moves, the motions. It is almost surreal.

Do some wrestlers bring their console along when they are on tour?

Cesaro: With the WWE we travel an awful lot. Every day another hotel. It would be a bit laborious to unpack a game console, set it up, pack it again, every day. Most wrestlers rather carry a tablet or smartphone to play with. But, for example, when we were in Japan, some carried their Playstation with them. We played Madden NFL til 5am.
In the WWE, there are a lot gamer. At the moment, Kofi Kingston might be the biggest game nerd we have, but CM Punk sure is a candidate for that as well. Especially when Street Fighter is involved.

What's more fun: being heel or being face?

Cesaro: Good question. I've been both, and both has it's advantages, hence why it is challenging and fun. I enjoy being a bad guy more, but it's more difficult as well.

Are you surprised when the fans tune in with the “We the people” chants?

Cesaro: Absolutely. I take it as a compliment, because it proves that we are entertaining. Especially Zeb Colter is someone you want to see and hate. "We the people" is pretty catchy and chanted along often.

Do you think the WWE fans see themselves as part of the Show by now?

Cesaro: Many criticized the orientation towards PG, but by now, the fans - the WWE universe - understand that they can have fun with that as well. May it be with the Fandango theme or the "Yes!" chants of Daniel Bryan who also delivers great matches. We achieved a great mixture.

Did the fans change?

Cesaro: Of course. Many experienced wrestling as a child and stayed with it. Wrestling grows up with you. The wrestlers grow older and wrestling itself changes. Today, there had been an extreme rejuvenating cure going on, and both fans and wrestlers are younger now. But the orientation changed as well. In the past, you went to the marquee, drank a beer, and watches wrestling. Today, it's entertainment for a much broader audience.

A game like WWE 2K14, is it pure fan service or is there more to it?

Cesaro: I think that the fans want to take over their heroes of the past and present. For me, as a wrestler, it's something entirely different. Me and my colleagues look at the game and then there are comments like "I'm slightly stronger in the game" or "I'm not that fat". Fans that complain about taunts, outfits, and actions not being up to date are perfectionists. Especially with a wrestling game it's difficult to catch the balance. 2K did a lot work in that respect and they did a great job.

Interview with Antonio Cesaro

When Antonio Cesaro visited GamesCom 2013 in Cologne to promote the new wrestling game WWE 2K14, he also took the time for a telephone interview with the German Sky commentator Sebastian Hackl. Of course, the Interview is in German, and you can listen to hit here.
For every non-German fan of him, I took the liberty to (very roughly) translate what he said. Read about him talking about NXT, his training, the chances of The Real Americans winning the Tag Team Titles, and his similarities with Jason Statham!

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Hackl: I just returned from the commentary box where my colleague and I commentated your match against Sami Zayn on NXT. I'd like to hear your opinion about the match, and of course your opinion about NXT and the stars there, like Sami Zayn, Kassius Ohno, Adrian Neville...

Cesaro: With NXT the WWE found the perfect up-and-coming platform with a great opportunity for young talents to show what they have in store. In my opinion, NXT is the must see product of the WWE in some weeks. You can watch the stars from tomorrow, a must see for every fan, and I am very happy that NXT is broadcasted in Germany as well.
I haven't seen the match yet, so I can't really say something about it. What I know is that it was wonderful how the crowd went along with it, and also the reactions after the match on twitter, on facebook, from the people backstage. It's really great that I can go there and show off what I am capable of.

H: My colleague told me t o tell you that he wants to see an Iron Man match of you and Sami Zayn.

C: [laughs] Well, for now, it's over with this feud, after I defeated him so nicely. It may be that there will be a rematch on a bigger stage at some point in time.

H: You're at the GamesCom in Cologne at the moment, and my question of course: Are you a fan of video games, are you a gamer?

C: I've been a dedicated gamer, yes. I say have been because lately, with travelling, I don't find the time to do so as much anymore. I still like to play a lot and I am really excited about GamesCom.

H: I think your hashtag you're using on twitter is pretty funny, #Landvogt. How come you're using this one?

C: Ah, that's a long Story. A friend and I watched a Bud Spencer movie once and (in the German translation) he had this cool line: "Mach mal Platz, ich bin der Landvogt." I just randomly started using it in a promo and the feedback from the German fans was that good that I decided to keep it.

H: In November, WWE live returns to Germany, Austria, and of course Switzerland. It must be nice to wrestle in your home country again, but do you fear that the fans might take offence at you aligning yourself with Zeb Colter and Jack Swagger?

C: Nooo! I am certain that the fans like me nevertheless, and when I come back here it's always like a home game. I am really excited about returning to Germany, Switzerland, and Austria after such a long time.

H: I already mentioned that teaming with Zeb Colter and Jack Swagger. The tag team division is rather strong at the moment, with The Shield, The Usos, The Prime Time Players, just to name a few. The question is, will Antonio Cesaro and Jack Swagger succeed in winning the tag team titles once?

C: I think we can achieve anything we want. Jack Swagger is a great wrestler, I'm playing on a different level, and if we set or goals we will surely manage to achieve them.

H: On television we always stress that nobody at home should try what you as trained athletes do in the ring. I happened to notice that until quite shortly, you tend to really thickly tape your fingers. What exactly happened there?

C: Ah yes, I torn the ligaments in two fingers. I hat to constantly put them in splints, not taking it off for three months, not even in the ring or in the gym. I am pretty glad that time is over but things like this happen. We are all trained athletes... Well, Tons of Funk not so much. [laughs] Ah, well... no... They are not thoroughly fit maybe, but they are professionally trained. [laughs]

H: Back to the fingers, we saw training videos of you on youtube, and you have an incredible grip strength. How did you managed that with your fingers taped up?

C: Well, I just love fitness, I love wrestling, and when you tore a ligament you put it in splints, tape it up and move on. It's a man's thing. A man's and a woman's thing.

H: Right, because there are the diva's as well. Who's your favourite, that's what I always wanted to know?

C: In my opinion, Natalya is the best female wrestler in the WWE.

H: And looks-wise?

C: I guess we have someone for every taste.

H: That was a very diplomatic statement.

C: Haha, yeah, that's the perk of being Swiss, you can be wonderfully diplomatic.

H: Awesome. The name of your current entrance theme is "Miracle". Do you sometimes think it is a miracle how far you have come? You've been a wrestling fan since you were young, how does it feel to wake up in any city, thinking that you have a match in front of thousands of people that night? Is it a bit strange at times?

C: Miracle is the wrong word here. It didn't happen over night and not without a lot hard work and devotion. But it's wonderful for me. I live my dream. I'm at the GamesCom right now and on Monday I'll be back in the States, in Phoenix with Raw, performing in front of 10,000 people. It's quite unbelievable for me and an incredible feeling!

H: We talked about training before, and looking at your stature it's pretty obvious that you have to keep a close eye on your diet. Does Antonio Cesaro tend to eat ice cream or a chocolate bar, on Christmas or the holidays, or is it really non-stop discipline?

C: [laughs] Yeah, once a year even I eat ice cream or a chocolate bar. No, seriously, I love chocolate. I always have a stock of Swiss chocolate in the fridge at home. It also gives me a bit a feeling of home, which is pretty important, especially if you travel as much as I do.

H: So the one or other bite is okay?

C: Absolutely. If you work hard you have to give yourself a treat as well.

H: There are many people out there that have some problems with their weight. As a very fit person, do you have any advises?

C: The most important thing is exercise, going out, doing sports, having a balanced diet... It's important to eat all natural and maybe reduce three big meals a day to five small ones.

H: The next PPV is Night of Champions. My question is: You've been United States Champion, is it about time to reach out for another championship then? The tag team championship perhaps?

C: Yes, definitely. The sky is the limit. We can reach out for the Tag Team belts, or the United States Championship, the Intercontinental Championship. It's still open what role we'll play at the PPV, but I think the tag team championship is definitely an option.

H: One of our fans on facebook and twitter wrote the following: Antonio Cesaro should get the lead role in a sequel of "The Transporter" because he has striking similarities with Jason Statham. Hands down, Antonio, would you not be averse to becoming an action hero or taking part in a movie?

C: No! That would be awesome! I'd love to be in a movie once, or maybe I can do the German synchro. [laughs] Or The Swiss one.

H: Another question concerning movies was, which kind of movies Antonio Cesaro watches in his hotel rooms, when he wants to distract himself.

C: Lately, I had to travel a lot, to Japan, to Hong Kong, Australia, China... What did I watch? Oblivion with Tom Cruise which was pretty good, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone was very funny I watched it twice. [laughs] What else did I watch. Oh, Parker with Jason Statham.

H: And we're back to the similarities. Maybe a sequel of Parker with Antonio Cesaro?

C: Haha, yes, as the bigger brother.

H: Who would win inside a wrestling match between you two?

C: Ah, come on, that's not a question.

H: Neutralizer and finish?

C: Absolutely! You watched my match against Sami Zayn, you know who'd win there! [laughs]