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ATHLETES THAT CROSSED OVER TO PRO WRESTLING

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Pro Wrestling has a reputation for being a sport that goes above and beyond to sell storylines to keep the audience interested. When things go stale with their current stable of wrestlers, organizations like the WWE go above and beyond to get some crossover talent to create new exciting events. While pro wrestling may be scripted, the physical nature of the sport cannot be understated as it takes exceptional athletes to perform the necessary maneuvers. Here are some decorated athletes that have branched out to pro wrestling in their careers.

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Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey is one of the most famous female athletes in the world today. Single-handedly, she became one of the biggest fighters in UFC history and jump-started women’s MMA in the process. Without her, it’s unfathomable that every MMA organization would have a women’s division. 

After going on a massive winning streak in MMA with numerous first round finishes, she eventually branched out to many acting roles and sponsorship deals. When the WWE heard that she was now open to new contracts, they came knocking. 

 Reportedly signing a contract worth over $1.5 million a year plus a share of merchandise, Ronda became one of the most lucrative stars in the WWE, right alongside famous wrestlers like John Cena. She made her debut in 2018 at the Royal Rumble, eventually going on to win the Raw Women’s Championship after just a few matches. 

 For Rousey, the crossover was obvious and easy. Being a Judo Olympian, she has the grappling pedigree needed to sell the wrestling moves and understands the sport well. She brought with her enormous star power and was able to give more shine to women wrestlers. Above all else, Rousey has said she was always a pro wrestling fan and it was a dream for her. 

Kurt Angle

 When we talk about legitimate athletes making the transition to professional wrestling, we have to mention one of the biggest wrestling superstars of all time, Kurt Angle. All pro wrestling fans know by now that Kurt Angle is a decorated Olympic wrestler that is considered one of the greatest in his era. In 1996, Kurt won the gold medal at the Summer Olympics. The WWE has stated that they were very impressed by the way he quickly understood the business and theatrics side of professional wrestling and with his athletic skill he needed almost no training before starting live events. 

Kurt Angle is widely respected as one of the greatest pro wrestlers of all time. He is great on the microphone and has been part of some of the biggest feuds in WWE history. His titles include multiple World Championship wins, Intercontinental, Hardcore Championship, and Tag Team Championships. His legacy as one of the greatest is cemented in pro wrestling history as well as Olympic wrestling. In 2006 he was named as the greatest shoot wrestler ever by USA Wrestling. 

Pro Boxers Who Made a WWE Appearance

 While there have been many talented wrestlers that have made the switch over to the WWE, lesser known is the world famous boxers who have done the same. While these appearances may have been short lived, they will be remembered for the star power and fun factor they brought with them.

Floyd Mayweather 

 Floyd Mayweather’s middle name is Money. So naturally, when WWE had an idea for a big event starring the undefeated boxer, he was interested as long as they wrote him a big enough check. Fast forward to the event and we saw the short statured Floyd Mayweather face off against the enormous seven foot tall giant Big Show in a freak show-esque wrestling match. Floyd would finish the night by knocking out the Big Show with brass knuckles, ending a strange but eventful crossover experience.

Mike Tyson

 While suspended from boxing for two years for the infamous Holyfield incident, Tyson was a mega star with nothing to do. In 1998, the WWE (then WWF) had a great idea for a storyline that would bring the boxing champion in to help launch their new superstar, Steve Austin. The two would have a feud that would go back and forth before ultimately teaming up in a betrayal arc that wrestling fans fondly remember. Over the years, Tyson would make several appearances in the WWE, wrestling alongside the biggest names like Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho in 2010. He reportedly enjoyed his several appearances so there may be hope to see more of Tyson in the future.  

SOURCE: youtube

Cain Velasquez

Cain Velasquez is one of the most feared men in MMA history. The UFC heavyweight dominated in his time in the UFC and it was only injuries that could ultimately put him away. With a solid wrestling background to begin with, and the fearsome reputation he has, he will be a strong betting choice in his wrestling matches.

Known for being an extremely strong and aggressive wrestler, he has everything he needs to be a fan favorite and be involved in interesting story lines against the best wrestlers. Since making his debut in 2019, he has already had some high adrenaline matches, including a scuffle with former UFC rival Brock Lesnar. Growing up a fan of Mexican wrestling, Cain has always had an interest in becoming a pro wrestler and it looks like he has finally been given the opportunity. 

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