Alexa Bliss is proud to admit her sports entetainment character is a wimp.
The superstar, real name Alexis Kaufman, is currently embroiled in a heated storyline with former UFC champion Ronda Rousey.
The 2008 judo Olympic bronze medallist claimed her first professional wrestling title in August, with a submission win over five-time women's champion Bliss.
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When the fourth wall of sports entertainment is broken down, it would be hard for any citric to believe that the 1.55m pocket rocket would have any chance of beating Rousey, 1.70m black belt judoka, in a real fight.
But Bliss said her current feud with the 31-year-old is all about the story they are trying to tell.
Bliss told Newshub that given her character has the reputation of doing anything to win, it makes the proposition of her defeating Rousey believable.
"I don't think it's about looking like a badass or trying to look legitimate," Bliss said.
"It's me playing into my character who is afraid of her (Rousey), but talks a big game like I am not.
"It's actually not that hard. My character is a bit of a wimp (laughs) and is not tough - she just talks a big game.
"For me it's basically trying to mesh those two characters together with the 'Baddest Woman on the Planet' vs this wimp that somehow can win or retain a title by cheating.
"I think that's what makes it easy.
"It may be harder for people whose characters are tough and triumphant which mine, obviously is not, and I think that makes things a little easier to convince the fans that I am a threat to Ronda."
The world of sports entertainment is ever evolving as more former pro athletes enter the fold.
Former Brisbane Broncos winger Daniel Vidot was a recent arrival at the WWE Performance Centre in Orlando Florida, joining former UFC fighters Matt Riddle, Shayna Baszler and Jessamyn Juke in the development programme.
Bliss believes the introduction of elite athletes is not only legitimising professional wrestling as genuine athletic event, but opens up the repertoire of the current roster.
"I love seeing people from different backgrounds come to the WWE," Bliss said.
"I think that when we get to work with people from a background like MMA, it makes us more well-rounded as sports entertainers.
"I think it's just different. It's not more challenging – it's just different.
"It comes with a different mentality and a different style. It's on us performers to become better well-rounded and learn and adapt to these different styles."
Bliss has a couple of career defining matches on the horizon. September 17 (NZT), Bliss will look to avenge her August loss against Rousey at WWE's Hell in a Cell event, before a dream match with her idol.
Bliss will square off with WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus at the first ever WWE women's Pay-per-view, Evolution on October 29 (NZT).
Regardless of if the match with Stratus is for a title or not, Bliss said it will be the greatest moment of her blossoming career.
"It's going to be an amazing match - I'm really excited to face Trish at Evolution," Bliss said.
"It's a dream match-up for me. I watched Trish growing up and I think every girl on the roster would love to be in the ring with Trish Stratus, so to be able to have that opportunity, I'm just very excited."
Bliss is one of the most popular female superstars on the current WWE roster.
Her merchandise sales are comparable to any of her fellow women's division compatriots, and a majority of the men.
Despite her villainous persona, Bliss usually receives quite the ovation when her music blares in arenas all over the globe.
Bliss said she is humbled by the fan reaction, but her job is to make those same fans hate her by the time the bell rings.
"At first the fans are always super excited to see the superstars come to the ring because the see us on television every week," said Bliss.
"Despite that reaction, my job as a bad guy is to have those fans that are excited to see me, boo me by the end of the match."
Although enjoying life as a heel (bad guy), Bliss would love the opportunity in the future to embrace that fan appreciation.
Some superstars of the past haven't transitioned well when jumping from evil to good, or vice versa.
Bliss admits it would be a challenge given her success at being booed, but is confident she would be just as relevant as a baby face (good guy).
"I feel like if I can't adjust my character and evolve, then I am not doing my job," she said.
"I can't control how the WWE Universe accepts me, either as a good guy or a bad guy – I just do my best in my role. It wouldn't be detrimental to my career at all, because if it did then it would prove I am not a well-rounded performer and I think I am.
"It would be on me to make it work - yes I am more comfortable being a bad guy over a good guy but that would just be a challenge to me and it would be my responsibility to make it work.
WWE Hell in a Cell streams live on the WWE Network on September 17 and screens on Sky ARENA.
Newshub.
