Liverpool-based wrestler Rohan Raja has big plans for 2023. Speaking exclusively to Mersey Sport Live’s Alex Caddick, the Australian-born entertainer discusses the state of the Liverpool wrestling scene, travelling the world to perform and a potential return to WWE.
Raja has been living in Merseyside for several years now, with the city sharing many similarities to his homeland. He said: “I’ve been living in Liverpool since the end of 2019 and I absolutely love it, the people and the city being close to the water reminds me of being back home in Australia.”
The United Kingdom has been a successful breeding ground for elite professional wrestlers for decades, from the British Bulldog to current-day top stars such as Scotland’s Drew McIntyre. This is a testament to the wrestling schools within the British Isles. In terms of places to learn in Liverpool though, Rohan says the city if thin on the ground and has taken matters into his own hands.
He said: “There’s one good promotion in Liverpool called TNT, I haven’t really heard of any others. There’s not a specific place for people to train in Liverpool but I currently run private sessions in St Helens for existing professional wrestlers.”
Rohan is now looking ahead to what 2023 could have in store for him inside the squared circle. “NXT Europe will hopefully launch sometime next year but the date hasn’t been set,” he said.
“I’m on very good terms with WWE so I will definitely be back for NXT Europe when it launches. Until then I have been keeping busy with my schedule.”
He continued: “At the end of February and March I will be in South Africa. I also have a TV show that I will be a part of what’s in the works for May!
With his schedule as exciting as ever, the ‘Ascending King’ took some time to reflect on where his wrestling journey started. He said: “My first memories were watching wrestling at home with my grandad, dad and my brother.
“Even my mum and sister were big fans too. Eventually it became my brother and I watching it every week without missing a single episode!”
As mentioned, Rohan has had a stint with the mega-event company WWE and is set to return upon the launch of NXT Europe.
During his first spell, he got to rub shoulders with some of the industry’s best and most recognizable faces. He said: “I’ve pretty much met everyone you could think of besides The Rock and Austin.
“I was fortunate to be invited to the 2017 WWE Hall of Fame in Orlando and it was probably the most surreal experience I’ve ever had in my entire life haha. Meeting all the legends and the current wrestlers at that time was something I’ll never forget.”
With NXT Europe on the horizon and a busy few months ahead, the possibilities for what 2023 has lined up for Rohan Raja are endless as he looks to take his game to the top rope.
