As noted, WWE NXT Diva Alexa Bliss recently talked to 614Columbus to promote this weekend’s NXT live event in her hometown. NXT will be at the LC Pavilion in Columbus this Saturday, June 13th at 7:30 p.m.

Bliss talks about breaking into wrestling, her original asprirations, who she models her career after, and more. You can read a few excerpts below:

Alexa Bliss Talks NXT, Being A ‘Disney Diva':

When I first started performing in the ring, my main goal at the time was to be the Disney Diva—the person that could be a role model to young girls that they can look up to, that they can relate to, that they would want to dress like. We’re a PG company. We’re role models. We’re strong, empowering women. I’m sure there’s a little girl out there that’s prancing around in a tutu somewhere—I can show her she can be tough as well.

Why she got into wrestling instead of acting or other sports:

It was because I felt like I was kind of at home. [Wrestling] was something that me and my family always got together and bonded over, so when the opportunity came, I was like, ‘That’s what I should be doing.’ If any other opportunity like acting comes along, that’s great, but as soon as I saw this opportunity, I was like, ‘That’s what I’m meant to do.’ All of my cheerleading and gymnastics and bodybuilding and training prep have prepared me for what I truly believe in my heart was this.

Who does she try to model her career after?

Trish Stratus for sure. I really liked watching her. Me and my family loved the Hardyz and Lita. I tried to have a little bit of snappiness to my moves like Lita did, but mostly, I really liked watching Rey and how he moved because of his size. I knew if I ever wanted to do this, I was probably not going to be the tallest gal or the biggest one in the ring. I really looked up to Trish because she was also a smaller framed girl. I believe my size actually helps me because I like to go for the element of surprise [Laughs] where people don’t expect much of me because of my size and stature. I like to shock people as well with the over-the-top personality.

http://614columbus.com/2015/06/house-of-bliss/