Reigning WWE United States Champion Austin Theory had a conversation with Fightful.com on a number of topics such as how he definitely feels like he’s in a much more elevated position now in the WWE than he was last year.

Austin Theory said:

“Absolutely. I’m definitely in an elevated position now. Last year, I was figuring myself out and trying to figure out my ranks, especially coming in at number three. Being able to last over 20 minutes, though, I wasn’t too upset with that being my first Royal Rumble. But definitely, this year, taking advantage of everything that I’ve figured out, strategy-wise, for the Royal Rumble.”

Austin Theory also talked about how he thinks he could challenge “The Head Of The Table” Roman Reigns for his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship due to the current position he is in.

Austin Theory said:

“When you look at somebody like Bobby Lashley, and you look at somebody like Seth Freakin’ Rollins, they’ve done it all they really have, but I think me being in the ring with them and me having that victory over both of them in different types of matches, it only helps me catapult myself to being a really fighting contender for that Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. I think it’s definitely a different man now that Roman Reigns has to deal with.”

You can check out Austin Theory’s full comments in the video below. H/T to Fightful for transcribing the above quotes.