Eddie Hall has opened up about the larger-than-life personality fans see on television, admitting his public persona doesn’t always reflect the person he is away from the cameras.
Hall became one of Strongman’s most recognisable figures during his rise to becoming World’s Strongest Man, with his confidence and willingness to speak his mind becoming a major part of his image.
But speaking to Rob Moore, Hall explained that some of what viewers see is deliberately amplified for entertainment.
“I was quite cocky. I was quite arrogant. I would say things that were a bit outlandish, but I did it for TV,” Hall said.
Hall believes that approach gave audiences something more entertaining than the alternative, particularly in the build-up to competitions where personalities can become as important as the action itself.
“That’s what people wanted to see. People don’t want to see some boring guy going, ‘Yeah, I’m going to try my best and hopefully I win.’ They want someone to go, ‘I’m going to f****** destroy everyone,’” Hall said.
It was an approach which helped create “The Beast” – the intimidating character that became synonymous with Hall throughout his Strongman career.
However, Hall admitted there is a downside when viewers assume that version of him represents exactly who he is in everyday life.
He explained that the perception can be difficult when people make judgements about his personality based solely on what they have watched on television.
For Hall, there is a clear separation between the character designed to entertain an audience and the man his friends and family know away from competition.
That doesn’t mean the confidence was entirely manufactured.
Hall’s belief in himself was a major theme throughout his conversation with Moore, particularly when discussing his historic 500kg deadlift and his journey towards becoming World’s Strongest Man.
But his comments show that the confrontational side of his personality could also be turned up when the cameras started rolling.
The strategy certainly gave people something to talk about, although Hall accepts it also meant opening himself up to criticism from viewers who didn’t like what they saw.
Elsewhere in the interview, Hall explained that he has learned not to become consumed by negativity from strangers online.
“I don’t hate people that hate me. I actually feel sorry for them because I think, ‘F***ing hell, what a horrible life you must live to be that negative and hateful towards someone else,’” Hall said.
Ultimately, Hall doesn’t appear interested in convincing everybody to like him.
But for those who have formed their entire opinion of him from the brash, outspoken character they have watched on television, his message is clear: “The Beast” isn’t necessarily the full picture.
Featured image credit: Rob Moore / YouTube / Eddie Hall / Instagram
