It all started as a dream. Just watching as a kid, just watching Hogan, just watching WWF - it was amazing.

I had a friend named Vasil Rusev in my rowing classes. I've always liked that name. When I first started in WWE, I had the opportunity to choose a name, and I choose Rusev.

I always knew what I had, and I knew I was more than just 'the foreign guy.' I have personality, and as soon as I had chance to show it, I just did it. A lot of people don't like it, and a lot of people frown upon it and think I should just be stuck in that box, but it's just not me.

I have a freaking tattoo of Bulgaria on my shoulder. I'm proud of it.

I would have never thought that somebody like me from the small country of Bulgaria could make it in WWE.