The following are highlights of a new Argus Leader interview with WWE Intercontinental Champion Ryback:

On benching up to 550 pounds and lifting heavy Superstars: “There aren’t many guys that I’m not capable of picking them up. It’s a pretty incredible thing and I’m very thankful for it. It’s not easy; it’s a totally different ballgame lifting a human body like Mark Henry and The Big Show compared to a barbell or dumbbell. But the weight training has prepared me for opportunities like that.”

On respecting old school wrestling history: “Being a part of this (WWE), I’m thankful for everybody that has come before me. They laid the groundwork for what we have here now in the WWE. If it wasn’t for the (Fabulous) Freebirds, the Von Erich’s and guys of that nature who put their heart and soul into this, then we wouldn’t have the opportunity to be WWE Superstars.”

On returning to defend his title at SummerSlam and what’s next: “Obviously, being the Intercontinental Champion is a huge responsibility. The next step, and it’s solely on my shoulders now, is to take this momentum and carry it into the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, eventually. So I’m taking it as a challenge, and I’m loving every second of it.”

Check out the complete interview at ArgusLeader.com.

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