Former NXT Cruiserweight Champion Cedric Alexander attended a media roundtable conference during WWE's United Kingdom tour. Sportskeeda's Tom Colohue was also a part of the conference and asked Cedric whether he faced difficulties in changing his style from an acrobatic one to that of a more strength-based one when he moved from 205 Live to RAW.
You can listen to the video below:
Cedric Alexander's preparations
Cedric Alexander replied that he did take some special preparations to adapt to WWE RAW and said it was a bit difficult for him initially. He explained how his first match on RAW was against Cesaro, a man who he has never faced before.
Yeah, I’ll tell you. My first match was with Cesaro and I never wrestled him before and I’m thinking, okay. I’m thinking I am a little fast for him, I’m strong enough so let’s see. I’m quicker. It was no big deal. The first time he grabbed me was terrifying. He really is pound for pound, the strongest man I’ve ever been in the ring with.
Alexander also described Cesaro’s chops to his chest as deadly and said that every time he got hit with one, it almost made his heart stop. He added that it gave him a concussive feeling and that it was hurtful.
The Queen City's Favorite Son also said that he started eating more so that he could increase his physique and put on extra weight which would help him to go toe to toe with Superstars who are larger than him.
Alexander agreed that it’s a big learning curve for him but it has not necessarily made him change his strategy or how he approaches a match. It is now more of a physical aspect for him as he now has to focus more on his strength and endurance and does not have to emphasize on his agility.