Thekla is not just trying to be the top Austrian wrestler. She wants the top Austrian spot, period.
During her conversation with TMZ’s Inside the Ring, Thekla was asked about Austria’s wrestling scene and whether it has been overlooked. She said the scene has been growing, and credited herself along with WWE’s Gunther, formerly known as WALTER, for putting more eyes on Austrian wrestling.
“I think that within Austria the scene has been thriving from what I’ve heard. It’s probably due to people like myself and also another gentleman over in WWE called Walter/Gunther.”
Thekla said it is pretty wild that two major wrestling names came from the same place.
“It is, I think personally it is remarkable that two of wrestling’s biggest stars come from the same town, the small town, two million people, where not much is going on or was going on when I was at least wrestling there and coming up.”
When the hosts asked whether she feels like she is competing with Gunther, Thekla shut that down. She gave him respect and said they are not playing the same game.
“I don’t think we’re in competition at all. He’s so, so, so much better at some stuff than I am, I think. And he’s very real about his style, too. There’s really nothing I could, nothing bad I could say about what he’s doing. He’s very outstanding.”
Then the conversation turned to Arnold Schwarzenegger. Thekla admitted Arnold still sits at the top when it comes to Austrian names known around the world, but she made it clear she wants that crown one day. Thekla then made her goal very clear.
“Well, still the top, top Austrian of history so far is Arnold Schwarzenegger. Yes. When it comes to that.”
“My plan is to take the first place as the top Austrian whenever I get the chance to. So that’s this, this is what I’m current.”
Thekla never lacks confidence, and this was no different. Gunther may be dominating in WWE, and Arnold Schwarzenegger may still be the biggest Austrian icon ever, but Thekla is already thinking bigger than wrestling. She wants to be the name people think of when Austria comes up, and that is a serious goal to throw out there on a wrestling interview.
Do you think Thekla has a real shot at becoming Austria’s biggest wrestling export? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.