The world of professional wrestling has seen its fair share of larger-than-life personalities and incredible athletes. While many WWE superstars have backgrounds in amateur wrestling or other combat sports, there are those who took a different route to the squared circle. This article explores some of the remarkable individuals who began their careers in various sports before transitioning to the world of WWE.
WWE Superstars Who Started in Different Sports
- Brock Lesnar: Before becoming a dominant force in the WWE, Brock Lesnar made waves in the world of collegiate wrestling. He was an NCAA Division I Heavyweight Champion, known for his exceptional strength and athleticism. Lesnar’s amateur wrestling background undoubtedly contributed to his success in WWE, where he became a multiple-time World Champion and a true powerhouse.
- Kurt Angle: Kurt Angle’s journey to the WWE was rooted in his exceptional amateur wrestling career. He won a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 1996 Summer Olympics. Angle’s transition from amateur wrestling to professional wrestling was seamless, and he quickly rose to prominence, winning multiple WWE Championships and becoming known for his intense technical skills.
- Ronda Rousey: Ronda Rousey is a prime example of a crossover athlete who found success both in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) and professional wrestling. She became a trailblazer in MMA, reigning as the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion. Rousey’s charisma and combat skills earned her a spot in WWE, where she made a significant impact and even headlined WrestleMania.
- The Rock (Dwayne Johnson): Before becoming a Hollywood star and a wrestling icon, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had a background in football. He played college football for the University of Miami and even had a brief stint in the NFL. Johnson’s athleticism and charisma eventually led him to WWE, where he became one of the most electrifying and beloved figures in the history of the sport.
- Roman Reigns: Roman Reigns, a member of the illustrious Anoa’i wrestling family, initially pursued a career in professional football. He played for the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL before transitioning to the world of WWE. Reigns has since become a prominent figure in WWE, achieving numerous championship reigns and headlining major events.
- Shayna Baszler: Similar to Ronda Rousey, Shayna Baszler has a background in MMA. She competed in Invicta FC and UFC before making her way to WWE’s developmental territory, NXT. Baszler’s MMA skills translated well to the squared circle, where she became a dominant force and a multiple-time NXT Women’s Champion.
Conclusion: The WWE has welcomed a diverse array of superstars with various athletic backgrounds, showcasing the adaptability and determination of these individuals. Whether transitioning from amateur wrestling, MMA, football, or other sports, these WWE superstars prove that athleticism, dedication, and charisma can lead to success in the world of professional wrestling. Their unique journeys have left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring aspiring athletes and wrestling fans around the globe.
