During his 10-year WWE career,Braun Strowman found success as one of the company's most intimidating performers, having been viewed as a reliable main event star and was one title short of calling himself a Grand Slam Champion. However, after returning in 2021 after initially being released from the promotion, Strowman failed to capture the same magic he had during his first run and was positioned as a mid-card star rather than the unstoppable monster fans remembered.
Shortly after WrestleMania 41 this year, Strowman was let go from WWE again, but the 42-year-old has been nothing but appreciative for his time with the company, as he explained on the "Battleground Podcast," that his professional wrestling career led him to earn several opportunities outside of the ring.
"I've had some time to stop and proverbially smell the roses and understand how unbelievable my career, my time was with WWE and what it's allotted me and what it's taught me and the tools that it's given me to be successful outside of wrestling. Now moving into the food space with my television show, 'Everything on the Menu.' I got some movie opportunities next year. A few more television shows in the talks. Big venture into the tequila market now ...at the end of the day, man, I'm a giant 13-year-old in a 40-year-old man's body with a couple dollars that he probably shouldn't have."
Strowman continued by reminiscing about the best aspects of working for WWE, but admits that the promotion's travel schedule was difficult for him and is enjoying the ability to live a more normal lifestyle.
"I miss being in the ring and I miss being in the locker room. A lot of the other stuff that comes along with it, I'm enjoying the break from because it's very stressful," he explained. "The first four years of my career, I was on the road Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, wrestling every day, get home like two o'clock on Wednesday, have Thursday off, rake the stuff out of the suitcase into the washing machine, into the dryer, just rake it right back into the bag and did that for four and a half years when it was such an amazing blessing ... but at the same time, I missed out on a lot of cool stuff in normal life."
Strowman explained that the extra time has allowed him to connect with his family, especially his 5-year-old goddaughter and the kids of the late Bray Wyatt, who are also his godchildren. The former Universal Champion also shared that he's been able to begin hunting again, reconnect with nature, and take up hobbies that he used to enjoy when he was growing up.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit "Battleground Podcast" with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
