James Laurinaitis, Ohio State Linebacker, on Growing up as Son of a WWE Legend

Sports Illustrated recently interviewed James Laurinaitis. A star linebacker for Ohio State, read on to see his connections to the WWE.

On growing up the son of Joe, better known as WWE wrestler Road Warrior Animal
It was a thrill. Seeing guys like Hulk Hogan and The Rock on a regular basis was awesome. We'd have pay-per-view parties and watch Dad wrestle on TV with all my buddies cheering. We'd try to mimic what he did and act out matches. It was hard watching him sometimes, though. The matches are scripted, but the bruises are real. Once in a cage match he got hit over the head with a steel chair. He needed 10 stitches.

On talking wrestling with Buckeyes teammates
The main thing they want to know is if the moves really hurt. I tell them to go into a ring and fall on your back five times without the support of your hands, then tell me how you feel.

On what his name would be if he were a WWE wrestler
I don't know. That's up to the boss, Vince McMahon. Vince has told my dad that if football doesn't work [I should] call him.

On being in the ring with Stone Cold Steve Austin
When I was in eighth grade my dad brought me and my friends to the ring before the show started, and we were running around faking like we were having a match and going crazy. Next thing you know Austin's music came on, and he charged down to the ring. Everyone got out but me. He grabbed me, and he knew I knew what I was doing a little, so he threw me off the ropes.

As I ran from the ropes back toward him he yelled, "Duck!" and threw a clothesline. I ducked just in time. Then he gave me a Stone Cold Stunner [knee in groin, face lock, etc.]. I sold it and just lay there. My friends ran in and were like, "I can't believe you're not dead!" It was a great experience. People dream of getting the opportunity to do that.