PENTA has opened up about the intense pressure he experienced ahead of his World Heavyweight Championship clash with Roman Reigns in Mexico City, admitting that it took him two days after the match to fully appreciate the magnitude of the occasion.
The September 14 encounter marked a significant milestone in PENTA’s WWE career, with the Mexican crowd, his family in attendance, and the opportunity to face Reigns for the first time adding to the importance of the occasion. However, behind the scenes, a packed schedule and unexpected logistical issues left the reigning Money in the Bank 2026 winner struggling to process everything unfolding around him.
Speaking on the Busted Open Radio podcast, PENTA described the day as an overwhelming experience, explaining that he had so many responsibilities to manage that he could barely keep up with the events leading to the match.
“This is a good question, brother, because, oh man, now I’m relaxed. I cannot tell you what happened all day. But that day, bro, was too much stress for me because, you know, I had a lot of things in my brain.”
The pressure was heightened by the significance of facing Reigns for the first time, particularly in front of his home-country supporters and family members. PENTA also had to contend with several commitments before stepping into the ring.
“You know, the first thing is against Roman Reigns, first time ever, Mexico City, my family is there. So, hours before that, you saw my arrival shot in the arena with the horse. You saw that?”
According to PENTA, the situation became even more complicated when problems involving the horse intended for his arena entrance threatened to disrupt his preparations. With makeup, interviews, training, and a meet-and-greet also on his schedule, he found himself juggling multiple demands in the hours before the match.
“Okay, two hours before my match, maybe three, so problems with the horse. It’s not here, maybe it’s delayed, maybe something. You need makeup, I need to go to the ring, you know, I practice. Oh, you have an interview. Oh, you have meet-and-greet.”
The constant stream of updates and responsibilities made it difficult for PENTA to concentrate on any single task. As the countdown to the main event continued, he said everything seemed to happen simultaneously.
“In that moment, everything was on my brain. ‘Hey, Penta, you need an interview. Oh, Roman is here. Oh, the horse has come.’ You know, I became crazy, bro.”
With so much happening backstage, the moment he had been preparing for arrived before he had a chance to absorb the significance of the occasion.
“In that moment, when I opened my eyes, like, ‘You are next.’ Oh, okay. You know, everything was too fast.”
PENTA Needed Two Days to Appreciate the Moment
Although the match represented a major achievement in his career, PENTA revealed that he did not fully process what he had accomplished until he had some time away from the hectic environment.
He explained that the significance of the night finally began to sink in when he was relaxing in his garden two days after the showdown.
“Bro, to be honest, two days later than my match, I started sitting in my garden, like, ‘Wow.’ Now, bro, I promise you, two days, two days later.”
Despite the hectic schedule, PENTA stressed that he made an effort to appreciate the experience as it unfolded. He also acknowledged the contribution of the person involved in helping bring his planned presentation to life, even as the preparations ran behind schedule.
“But in the same moment, I tried to enjoy every moment, you know, every interview. The name in Mexico here is Pacho Okil, I used him for my presentation. So the guy is, ‘Hey, I’m going late. You come on.’ You know, everything was rushed.”
Looking back, however, PENTA considers the event a success despite the difficulties leading up to his appearance. More importantly, the experience gave him a closer look at what makes Reigns such a formidable opponent inside the squared circle.
“But in the end, the day was perfect. So I learned a lot facing Roman Reigns because I know, to be honest, I know now why he is one of the best wrestlers, or the best wrestler in the universe.”
PENTA Praises Roman Reigns’ In-Ring Approach
PENTA also offered insight into what he learned from sharing the ring with Reigns, highlighting the veteran’s character work, timing, and ability to make individual moments feel meaningful.
Rather than focusing solely on the physical demands of the contest, PENTA pointed to the way Reigns controls the pace of a match and creates opportunities to build tension. For PENTA, that approach provided a valuable lesson in performing at the highest level.
“The character, the Shakespeare, every move, you can breathe, you can enjoy every move. Oh my bro, it’s a different, different chip.”
The experience left a strong impression on PENTA, who expressed admiration for Reigns’ style and the atmosphere surrounding their encounter. He also recalled the connection with the Mexican audience, describing the moment as particularly meaningful.
“But I like it, that chip. I like that style. I feel this moment in the ring when it’s the Big Dog, basically. You know, he looks at me, I look at him, the whole crowd is with me, thank God. But everything was so special and magic, brother, because I can’t imagine a moment like that in Mexico. You know, when? How?”
For PENTA, the occasion was about more than competing against one of WWE’s biggest stars. Performing in Mexico City, with the support of his family and fans, made the match a moment he will remember throughout his career.
PENTA Credits WWE, His Supporters, and His Faith
Reflecting on how far he has come, PENTA expressed gratitude to WWE, his supporters, and the people who have continued to believe in him. He also emphasized that his journey carries significance beyond his personal achievements.
The WWE star said he views his current position as the realization of a dream, while recognizing that his story can also serve as encouragement for people who continue working toward their own goals despite setbacks.
“Bro, but now I feel, and I am thankful with WWE, with life, with God, with all my fans, with all the people who believe in me. Because now I live in the dream, but at the same time, I know I represent a lot of people who never give up.”
PENTA’s reflections offer a glimpse into the demands that accompany major WWE appearances, where extensive promotional commitments and last-minute complications can make it difficult for performers to appreciate the occasion in real time.
Nevertheless, his experience in Mexico City appears to have left him with lasting memories, valuable lessons from Reigns, and a deeper appreciation for the supporters who have followed his journey.
