By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE World Hvt. champion Jack Swagger says the well-documented travel headaches and hardships during the European Tour tested wrestlers on whether they truly wanted to be in the wrestling business.

Swagger is making the media rounds to promote Sunday's Extreme Rules PPV where he'll defend against Randy Orton and talked to Brian Fritz of Fanhouse.com about the travel headaches touring with the Smackdown crew.

"We ended up going from Friday night to Sunday morning when we got back so it was like 54 hours straight without a bed, all just to make our show here in New Jersey. It was quite an ordeal and it definitely tested whether or not you wanted to be in the business," Swagger said.

"Who knew that a volcano was going to erupt three times over the course of a week and a half. On the bright side of it, we were in Europe, we were getting to see some amazing sites. It was sort of cramped inside of a bus but what are you going to do? We get to perform in front of thousands and thousands of fans every day in Europe. Overall, it was a great trip."

Swagger also talked about being in the ring with The Undertaker on Raw as part of his recent string of matches with some of the bigger names in the wrestling business.

"The last year was really eye-opening. I had matches with Triple H, Shawn Michaels, John Cena, some of the guys I grew up watching like The Undertaker last Monday night. It was unbelievable; just an honor to be in the ring with him," Swagger said. "You really have to sit back and enjoy what you have and sometimes it's hard to do. People lose sight of that. I stay very humble and enjoy every minute I have because it really is a life changing experience working with this company."

On the topic of his character being boastful and now more serious, Swagger said he tries to be an extension of his true personality because the audience is going to see through an act.

"You gotta be yourself out there. Otherwise, the fans will see through you. Our WWE Universe is very smart, very educated these days and if they don't believe what you're saying they're going to tell you about it," Swagger said. "And they're not going to accept it. So, a lot of it is me. A lot of it is amplified as well."

JC: I believe this applies directly to Ted DiBiase, Jr. now playing the spoiled rich kid and the audience doesn't seem to be buying it at all.

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