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Most wrestling fans in WWE heard about Bulgaria after I showed up on the scene.

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

I love being a heel.

I had two or three jobs at the same time just I could afford myself and pay rent and school. Then I had a tryout with WWE, and I got signed right away.

I was very curious to try being in a movie.

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.

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

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

I feel like, the more you hang around, the more you're forgotten. It doesn't matter how good you are.

When I get fired up, all of that is me. You have to have fun with it because it's who you are.

Eventually, one day, you know, cream rises to the top. So, you know, I'm waiting... I'm waiting for the rise.

I had the opportunity to come to the United States of America as an exchange student, so I had to come for four months, work, and then go back.

I do want to look my best - I do want to be at my best - 'cause I do want to be WWE Champion. I do want to be on top.

The tank entrance at WrestleMania 31 is my favorite moment in WWE.

I'm not a one-dimensional character.

The Rock taught me you don't always have to talk or move all the time. You can just stand there and soak it in. Let the crowd just do what they do.

Long before the late '90s, being a pro-wrestler was a dream of mine. At that time, I was going around the block, searching for VHS tapes so I can watch Hulk Hogan.

When you have been stuck in that heel, bad-guy role as the foreigner who never talks, you want to get out of there, have fun, and just be you.

I've always had an interest in Muay Thai fighting. I love the discipline and toughness of it, so I traveled to Thailand to study ways to incorporate it into my style.

I am very, very proud of being United States Champion and defending it.

I had so much backlash because, before in NXT, I used to come out with the Bulgarian national anthem. And people were like, 'Oh, why are you embarrassing the anthem?' How am I embarrassing the anthem? I'm from the freaking country.

You just never know what is going to happen in WWE. That is why it is so magical.

Becoming heavyweight champion and holding the top title is on my bucket list. That spot is always getting tighter and tighter, but why not? A man can always dream.

I am an artist, and I have a lot more to offer than just being a one-dimensional character, and I think our audience sees that and understands that - they're behind it.

It doesn't really matter how famous I am. What's important is that Bulgaria is represented in a good and positive way all around the world.