Nicest bad guy in the business

WWE's ultimate archvillain is really not that nasty after all, Alywin Chew reports from Shanghai.

As a pro wrestler, Colby Daniel Lopez is a master at riling up the crowd with provocative monologues, cocky taunts and acrobatic stunts.

He plays the role of 'Seth Rollins', a flamboyant, despicable character who once backstabbed his friends for fame's sake.

Since signing in 2012, Lopez has won WWE's world and intercontinental heavyweight championships, with many lauding him as one of the most complete wrestlers ever to grace the US-based promotion.

But away from the ring, the 32-year-old prefers activities that are a little more muted.

"I know this sounds weird coming from someone whose job is to perform in front of tens of thousands of people, but I've always been an introvert," said Lopez, who was in Shanghai last week to promote WWE's Sept 1 show at Mercedes-Benz Arena.

"During my spare time I really don't mind just being by myself and reading a book or playing video games."

The upcoming showcase will be WWE's third visit to Shanghai, with John Cena, Roman Reigns and former MMA superstar Ronda Rousey also expected in the ring.

Born in Buffalo, Iowa, Lopez has always been something of a daredevil.

He recalled how he and his step-brother would scramble bikes down steep hills or launch off high ramps. Their "craziest" stunt involved leaping off the roof of their home onto a landing pad they built from cardboard.

But Lopez insists he was always the more timid of the duo.

"My older brother was always the real daredevil. He was always the first to go flying off the ramps. I had to always try to keep up with him. He was always the first to throw caution to the wind while I was the one who had to grit his teeth and try to be as cool as he was," he said.

Ironically, it was Lopez who proved to be the more intrepid when it came to choosing a career－h(huán)is brother is a manager in a plastics factory.

"If you're lucky enough to have a passion growing up, there is no reason you shouldn't follow it," said Lopez.

"For me, there is more to life than just making sure your bills are paid on time. At the end of the day, if you're passionate and hardworking, you'll be able to find more fulfilment than just punching the clock.

"Some of the best parts of life are the impracticalities. If we are worried about being practical all the time, we wouldn't have innovations. If Steve Jobs was practical all the time, we probably wouldn't be walking around with iPhones."

Though Lopez is paid to be a bad guy, in reality he is nothing like the self-serving character he portrays in the ring. Since 2013, he has been striving to give back to his sport through the Black and Brave Wrestling Academy in Moline, Illinois, which he co-founded.

"I have always felt like I'm a product of my environment－the hardworking attitude that comes from being in a small town really helped me excel, so I just wanted to give back," he said.

Since its inception, the academy has seen 12 groups of trainees, including some from Germany and Britain, graduate from its three-month course.

To make life easier for the students, Lopez even bought several homes in the area and converted them into hostels.

"I know what it is like to be 18 years old and move to a foreign place, not knowing how to find all the different things. Our trainees pay a little rent, don't require a contract or long lease, and get to be around like-minded people. It's also a great way to build camaraderie," he said.

Last year, Lopez donated money to a campaign organized by his good friend and fellow wrestler Rami Sebei to provide medical care for victims of the war in Syria.

He also expressed his admiration for WWE wrestler Thaddeus Michael Bullard Sr., who has been helping underprivileged children in Tampa Bay, Florida.

"I think one of the responsibilities of a WWE superstar is to understand that there are a lot of people who are going through things that we can never imagine, and it's our duty to help them. We can do that through our performance, but at the same time there's so much more that can be done," said Lopez.

"Black and Brave helps to give back to the community in its own way, but I'd love to do more. Perhaps a Seth Rollins Foundation. Who knows?"