Props to my Peeps
by Aaron Williams

There have been many great champions in WWE history, but none as skilled, as dynamic and as entertaining as Christian - at least that's what he'll tell you. Christian, the self-described "New People's Champ" and People's Choice, is never at a loss for words when it comes to himself or his "peeps." Many may disagree with his claim that "The People" have anointed him their champion., but few can argue with his success in the ring. From being a two-time Intercontinental champion to becoming one of the most entertaining Superstars in recent memory, Christian has certainly established himself as one of the top Superstars on Raw. And as you'll see in this interview, he's quick to give credit where credit is due- namely to himself and his peeps. WWE history, but none as skilled, as dynamic and as entertaining as Christian - at least that's what he'll tell you. Christian, the self-described "New People's Champ" and People's Choice, is never at a loss for words when it comes to himself or his "peeps." Many may disagree with his claim that "The People" have anointed him their champion., but few can argue with his success in the ring. From being a two-time Intercontinental champion to becoming one of the most entertaining Superstars in recent memory, Christian has certainly established himself as one of the top Superstars on Raw. And as you'll see in this interview, he's quick to give credit where credit is due- namely to himself and his peeps.

WWE: Two years ago, despite being a member of the most sought-after duo in sports-entertainment you said in a WWE Magazine interview that it wasn't tough being Christian because you've been him all your life. Given that you are now the self-proclaimed "New People's Champion," have won the Intercontinental title and have become an even bigger star, how is it being Christian today?
Christian: The only thing that is difficult is that wherever I go I get mobbed by my fans eve more than before. Being the "People's Champion" - and more than that, being the People's Choice - people are always trying to talk to me, whether asking for advice, an autograph, a picture or a handshake, they all want a piece of me. That's why I am the "People's Champion" and they're my peeps.

WWE: How do you deal with the throng of fans? Do you have a personal entourage and security that maintains order?
Christian: I do have security that follows me wherever I go.

WWE: Is it mentally tough for you since you are carrying the hopes of so many people?
Christian: Most people might think that it would be tough, but I can carry that kind of responsibility because I am a leader, It comes with the territory and it's not very difficult at all.

WWE: Everybody must want a piece of you. How do you know who to trust?
Christian: I learned from teaming with Edge not to trust anyone. It was quite obvious that he was becoming jealous of me and the momentum I was starting to gain. So, I've learned that I have to look out for No. 1. I can't trust anyone but myself, because when you are on top there is always somebody trying to knock you down.

WWE: To be honest, you call yourself the "People's Champion," but every time you go to the ring, you get booed. What's the real story?
Christian: I'm not sure because that's not what I hear when I go out to the ring. I see signs saying "We are Christian's peeps," I hear people screaming that they are my peeps.. It sounds to me like they aren't so much cheering as they are roaring for me. Their appreciation for me runs that deep. I don't know if it sounds like boos on TV, but live, it's all cheers. They are going crazy for me.

WWE: Do you think that the boos are just dreamed up by all the Christian haters out there who might be jealous of your success?
Christian: I'm sure there are people who are jealous of me, but I think that most really just want to be like me. They kind of live vicariously through me and therefore cheer for me.

WWE: A lot of kids look up to guys like Austin, The Rock and Goldberg as their role models. Do you believe that you are the best role model out there?
Christian: I think so. It's pretty obvious that when I go into my matches, I'm prepared 100 percent, that's why I won the Intercontinental Championship. My goal is to become the greatest Intercontinental champion of all time. If that's not a role model, I don't know what is. I'm always prepared. I always come out with a clean victory.

WWE: I just want to make sure I heard that right. You always come out with a clean victory?
Christian: Absolutely. I can't picture why anyone wouldn't want to model themselves after someone like myself.

WWE: Speaking of becoming the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, one man who you might be trying to replace is the Honky Tonk man, who held the title longer than anyone else. Were you a fan of his?
Christian: I admired him because he was able to hold the title for so long, but my goal is to beat his record.

WWE: You say that The Rock anointed you the "People's Champion," but it's evident that your relationship with the "Great One" isn't perfect. Are you friends with The Rock?
Christian: I was really tight with him. I was his favorite Superstar but we had a falling out a few months ago on the Peep Show. When you're friends with someone, sometimes you have to be brutally hones and I was just telling him that the people were connecting more with me than with him and they had basically crowned me the "People's Champion." He had a hard time letting go of that title, but it shouldn't have affected our friendship. Unfortunately it did, so I had to set him straight. Hopefully he'll admit he was wrong, and we can patch things up.

WWE: So are you saying that if he apologizes to you, you'll forgive him and welcome him back as a friend?
Christian: Yes. I'm a big person. If I were in the wrong I'd apologize, but in this case it was definitely him being in the wrong. If he's have the man he says he is, he'll apologize.

WWE: I'm sure you're getting a lot of offers from Hollywood and the like. Have you given any thought to spending more time there and less in the ring?
Christian: My people have a ton of offers on the table right now, none of which I can talk about. I can say that I am getting more than my fair share of them, especially since my $700 haircut. Without having all that hair covering my face, people are getting a good look at me and realizing what a sexy beast I am.

WWE: We've been hearing rumors from Milan and Paris that you are quite the item in fashion circles. Have you given any thought to modeling?
Christian: Again, my people have been approached, but I'm not sure if I'd be interested in doing that because I don't like the way they walk.

WWE: Can we have a rough estimate of how many people you have working for you? I assume that you've become an industry unto yourself.
Christian: I'm sure you remember MC Hammer and his entourage, where he didn't know how many employees he had. I'm in a similar situation.

WWE: Earlier you mentioned how you filled in for Chris Jericho's Highlight Reel with the Peep Show. Do you have any plans for making it a permanent part of Raw?
Christian: You never know. I didn't know how happy Jericho would be with the success of the Peep Show, but most people say it was more entertaining than his Highlight Reel. We'll have to wait and see.

WWE: Speaking of entertaining, you've also shown that you are quite the dancer. You showed up Booker T in a spin-a-roony contest right before defending your Intercontinental Championship at the first Raw pay-per-view; WWE Bad Blood. Where does all that talent come from?
Christian: I just wanted to show the world that I'm more than a fighting champion. I'm a multi-faceted guy who can do anything I want. I've never taken any dancing lessons and I don't go clubbing all that often. But when I head the music, I felt it and cut a rug. It just comes naturally. 'm gifted that way. I can just kick it and the people love it. I think everyone could tell by the fans' response that Booker T was more than a little jealous. He's been doing that move for years and hasn't perfected it the way I did in mere minutes - not to mention that I added a bit extra to it just to show everyone how diverse my talents are.

WWE: So you didn't feel bad humiliating him?
Christian: Not at all. That was my intention. Not only am I a better wrestler than him, but I am better at the spin-a-roony as well.

WWE: Some people thing that your physique is even better than it was before. Have you been doing a different routine?
Christian: I have a personal trainer and a nutritionist helping me withy my svelte waistline. They have me on a really strict regimen. And given how much I am in demand these days and all the travel involved, I have to be in top form and be ready at all times.

WWE: You told us a few years ago how many Superstars would come up to you and ask for advice. Given that you've become an even bigger star now, do you still have time to offer up some words of wisdom for those less successful than yourself?
Christian: I try to help all the guys as much as I can in person, but as everyone knows, I am very busy. I have opened up a hotline, though, so the guys can call and leave a message. I get back to each and every one of them.

WWE: I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who would like to ask you for advice. Perhaps they could write you in car of this magazine?
Christian: Sure. They can write to the magazine and address it to me. That's part of being n the public eye, being the "People's Champion," being an Intercontinental Champion, and being the People's choice. Go ahead and write. I'll try and get back to each and every one of you, too.

WWE: The Hurricane was on the cover of this magazine in April..
Christian: I haven't seen a cover with Christian on it, but I'm sure that's in the works.

WWE: We're working on it. Anyway, in that article, he compared you to The Joker from Batman. Do you have anything to say about this?
Christian: I assume that wasn't a negative comment. I assume that he was referring to my clever wit and the fact that I've got such a great sense of humor. That's one of the reasons why people are drawn to me so much. I think that The Hurricane just finds me very funny and that's why he compared me to The Joker. I don't' think he was mocking me, but if he was, I'll track him down and beat the snot out of him.

WWE: Everyone knows that Edge has been out injured for a while, and that you two weren't exactly on the best of terms when that happened. What's the status of your relationship right now?
Christian: Now that we are on different shows, I think that the competition between us has died down a little bit. We're on speaking terms, especially since his injury. I like to check in on the kid and see how he's doing. My peeps are all behind him and I hope he's back real soon.

WWE: Have you referred Edge to your hair stylist - if he could eve afford it?
Christian: No. It's kind of my own thing. He might want a few fashion tips from me when he comes back because I'm pretty much a trendsetter. But he's got his own look and it's pretty good. If he really wants to, though, I'll get in touch with my stylist and hook him up.

WWE: When are the peeps going to see you become World Heavyweight Champion?
Christian: I am the future and that's why people look to me as the future World Heavyweight Champion. I've held every other championship, and I'm definitely looking to the World title, along with all my peeps. I've brought prestige back to the Intercontinental Championship and that's in the not-too-distant future.

WWE: Finally, is there anything you would like to say to all your peeps out there?
Christian: Just keep giving me all your support because it really helps me when I'm in the ring. Just keep showing me all the respect and admiration that you have. It really spurs me on.


Credit: WWE Magazine, September 2003