Nikki Cross gears up for her clash with Bayley

Nikki Cross will be looking to pocket her maiden singles crown when she takes on Bayley --- the SmackDown Women’s Champion --- on Sunday. After creating a huge impact with Alexa Bliss, Nikki is ready to showcase her prowess as a singles competitor as well. In a chat with TOI, Nikki speaks about her growing years in Glasgow, the final against Bayley and more.

Excerpts:Could you talk to us about the WWE Extreme Rules and how excited are you to be part of it?I am so excited to be part of it. I will be competing for the WWE SmackDown women's championship with Bayley and this is a match I have been working on for a long time. This is my first ever singles opportunity and so for me --- I am excited, nervous and can’t wait till Sunday to be part of it.

My trainer has been unbelievable and I have trained very hard for this match. Whom did you idolize growing up in Scotland?For me, growing up I admired Mickie James, Trish Stratus, Beth Phoenix and many others. I began watching WWE when I was 10.

I watched it with my family and my sister. I was just hooked right from the beginning because it was just a lot of action. When I was studying at University of Glasgow, I decided to join a training school.

How would you describe your style of wrestling?I think my style of wrestling is very distinct and very Scottish. It’s just me and no one can replicate that. I just want to be myself and it comes out as something unorthodox.

How has your family supported you in your endeavours?My mother knew that we --- me and my sister --- had watched WWE. I told her that I want to do this, and she didn’t take it that seriously. But when WWE NXT came to Scotland, she came to watch.