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WRESTLING AND POKER: WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE

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It might not seem it at first glance, but professional wrestling and poker share quite a lot in common.  Wrestling is more physical and poker may be more cerebral, but we will discuss several traits that translate from one sport to the other.

Poker and wrestling are both showy sports, and they operate perfectly in a glitzy high-stakes environment.  Former wrestlers like Ric Flair seem ready-made to be a poker star in Las Vegas. Flash and glitz are a mainstay in both wrestling and poker.

Some wrestlers have even expressed interest in becoming professional poker players.  John Cena has been documented as a poker addict with aspirations to compete on the pro poker circuit.  Cena has yet to make the leap from wrestling to poker, but he has the personality and the sports mind to compete at the highest level.

Much like wrestling, poker skills need to be honed and trained.  Poker stars like Phil Ivey and Phil Helmuth did not wake up one day with the ability to win millions at a poker table.  Likewise becoming a professional wrestler takes years of training and commitment to the craft.

For wrestlers, the path is somewhat straightforward.  It logically makes sense that to become a professional wrestler the first step is to train your body and hit the gym every day.

However, many aspiring poker players fall in the trap of believing they can be a poker professional without fully understanding the game.  Wrestling fans have idols to look toward for examples, as do poker players. But wrestling fans can see what it takes to be a wrestler, physique, technique and skill.  On the other hand, when watching poker, it is less obvious what skills are required to become a pro.

Perhaps this is why John Cena has yet to transition into a professional poker player.  It is one thing to be an enthusiast and enjoy watching the game, and another to consistently compete on the highest level.

For aspiring poker professionals, it is key to hone and learn your craft, but what is the gym equivalent for a poker player?  Well, sitting at a poker table and playing is going to be the best way to learn the game.

However, many people do not live close to a physical casino, and they may not have other poker-playing friends.  Fortunately, online casinos and video poker have wildly grown in popularity and are available at every turn.

One can learn about poker and wager real money from the comfort of your own home.  Unlike wrestling, you do not even need to leave your home to train to be a professional.

John Cena might need to take up the practice of online video poker if he hopes to become the next Phil Ivey.  It will only be a matter of time before a big wrestler makes the full-fledged jump into the world of professional poker.

Other wrestling stars have also expressed interest in the world of professional poker, and the poker world might experience a shake-up if the pomp and circumstance of wrestling enter the fold.

Similar to video poker and online casinos, there is a variety of online learning material regarding poker.  Like nearly everything else one could want to learn, YouTube hosts a myriad of tutorials where you can learn how to become the next poker star.

Maybe poker viewership will increase if we see a Ric Flair-like character grace the professional stage and take the game to the next level of entertainment.  In a world of glamorous, shiny casinos, a wrestling character seems to fit right in.

 

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