Muscle & Fitness caught up with the Irish born, NXT World Champion in Orlando recently and got the low down on his training, nutrition, and thoughts on WWE’s fast rising NXT division.

M&F: You are known for having a high risk style of offense. That must require a lot of flexibility?

Finn: I’ve been in the ring for many years, so it’s something you build up. Over time your muscle memory allows you to stretch yourself further. Our bodies have to be highly conditioned and finely tuned to do what we do.

M&F: WWE has the Performance Center here in Orlando. What kind of advice and support do you get?

Finn: Loads. We have a world-class strength and conditioning coach in Matt Wichlinski. He’s been a great help to me with training and providing alternative workouts for specific goals.

M&F: How often do you work out?

Finn: Sometimes it’s twice a day. Sometimes I have a rest day. I aim for seven workouts per week but it varies and depends on the schedule. We can be in the ring four times per week, as well. I vary the workouts. Ill jump on the bike or I do a lot of work in the swimming pool with resistance training, which is great for the joints.

M&F: How do you approach nutrition when you are on the road?

Finn: At home I prepare my own food but on tour I have to shop around. I try to eat simple food and as much organic food as I can. I don’t eat processed foods and I eat low carb so that means a lot of vegetables, nuts, meat, and fish.

M&F: What challenges have you faced since moving to Orlando?

Finn: Adjusting to the Florida climate took me a little time. I lost weight in the first couple of months but it was only temporary.

M&F: So what would be your favorite ‘cheat’ meal?

Finn: Pizza by a mile! Any topping. But it’s a very rare occasion.

M&F: As an Irish competitor that started his career in the UK, how excited were you to go back in December with the WWE NXT Division?

Finn: To go back with NXT made me feel like a returning warrior. We brought something new to the UK and I feel like I have played a big part in the growth of the division. The UK is where it all started for me, so it’s pretty cool to go back.

M&F: NXT toured similar size venues to WWE, with a rich stable of talent, featuring established stars that have performed all over the world. It seems like NXT is no longer a developmental group?

Finn: Absolutely. NXT has grown so fast that nobody really understands just how big it can get. We are expanding into Europe. It’s not just a flash in the pan. We’ve been consistently delivering night in and night out. NXT has definitely created its own brand and is its own entity.

M&F: What does being the NXT Champion mean to Finn Bálor?

Finn: I pride myself on being at the cutting edge. I try to be on the cusp of what’s cool… and NXT is definitely cool. I want to be known as someone who helped establish the NXT World Championship and took it to the next level.

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