In one interview, we learned that Rachel Nichols loves football, is low-maintenance, went to an Ivy League college, wants to meet even her goofiest fans, and fights dirty. She’s also extremely attractive, which we’d already figured out. All of which is to say, we are now even bigger fans of Rachel Nichols, who chatted with us while promoting her new movie, Conan the Barbarian.
Your character kicks ass in the movie. Can you kick ass in real life?
You know, I think I could. I’m not going to go around provoking people, but if I got mugged or something, I’d like to think I wouldn’t just back down. I’d be a dirty fighter. It wouldn’t be clean and beautiful, using high kicks and MMA stuff — I’d be going for the eyes and the groin.
So eye pokes and ball punches — is that pretty much how you trained for the movie?
Let’s just say it would have been really funny if someone in the apartment building next to mine had looked into my room and seen me in my underwear holding swords in front of the mirror.
Hmm. “Funny” isn’t really the word we’d use to describe that fantasy scenario. Do women like it when guys have a little barbarian in them?
I do! I’ve never been into guys who take more time getting ready than me. I like the animalistic, rough-around-the-edges, untamed parts.
What’s the best way for a guy to show his inner barbarian?
Other than in the bedroom? A little aggressiveness is nice. I’ve had a couple of guys come to my rescue with overly aggressive fans. No pushing or shoving, but just kind of having a presence. You don’t have to be a big guy to do it. You just have to have the look. That’s why I’m kind of in love with Dwayne Johnson. He has that look; he could be two feet tall and you’d still be intimidated.
Okay, but how much inner barbarian is too much?
I’m not attracted to men who pick fights. Anybody who’s a brawler or who has a temper is not for me. Some people might like the drama, but I don’t.
