By James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

July 1 Michael Cole Interview

Intercontinental champion Ryback was the subject of Michael Cole's weekly sit-down interview on WWE's website.

The storyline-driven interview focused on Ryback defending the IC Title against Big Show and The Miz at the Battleground PPV later this month.

Ryback specifically talked up his feud with Big Show and his parents talking again when he won the IC Title at Elimination Chamber.

Ryback closed with a preview for his match against Mark Henry this Thursday on Smackdown. Ryback went back to WrestleMania 29 when he was embarrassed by Henry, which has driven his character over the past two years.

[ Video HERE ]

June 24 Michael Cole Interview

WWE star Big Show joined Michael Cole for this week's interview on WWE's website.

The storyline-driven discussion focused on Show's contempt for current IC champion Ryback.

Show mocked Ryback's story and "inspirational promos," vowing to expose Ryback for "not belonging in WWE" at the Battleground PPV. (And, yes, The Miz is also in the three-way match, but Show dismissed Miz as a fly who will be squashed between them.)

Show also vowed to make Ryback pay for beating him down in their backstage fight on Raw. Show said Ryback got lucky and he's not going to let him get away with it.

As for the audience asking him to retire, Big Show said he's amused by chants of "please retire." He said he makes too much money and no one can make him retire.

The interview closed with Show taking a sharp right turn from endorsing himself as a giant for 95 percent of the interview to saying he's been on top of wrestling for the past 20 years because "I have friends." Show added, "Very close friends. Friends that are at the top."

We suggest these recent related articles...

WWE NEWS: Superstars SPOILERS - Results from Chicago Raw

WWE NETWORK: Monday, Oct. 12 Schedule - Raw pre-show, Sting DVD preview

WWE NEWS: Lana & Rusev reportedly engaged - follow the interesting 2015 timeline