WWE is a leading entertainment company that combines athletics and acting, often making sports stars ‘naturals’ in the organisation. Not only do athletes from other venues possess the physical attributes to excel in the WWE, but some also already have the star power. This star power enables the organisation to craft compelling storylines that captivate fans worldwide and produce some of the greatest wrestlers ever. BoyleSports, known as a leading destination for live casino UK players, examines some of the top WWE athletes who have transitioned into alternative careers or shown the potential to do so.
Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar grew up like many kids in the States, with the intention to play professional football in the NFL. Throughout high school, Lesnar played various defensive positions on his team in South Dakota before taking his talents to wrestling on a college scholarship at Bismarck State College. Lesnar spent two years here before transferring to the University of Minnesota, where he became a dominant wrestler and was labelled one of the country’s best.
Lesnar signed with the WWE in 2002 and was quickly dubbed the organisation’s next big thing due to his power and speed in the ring. He quickly impressed the wrestling world, earning a shot at the title by the age of 25. He emerged victorious, making him the youngest WWE champion at the time.
In 2004, Lesnar surprised the world by leaving the WWE to pursue his lifelong dream of playing in the NFL. He attended tryouts with the Minnesota Vikings, though he did not make the final roster, and was cut in pre-season. Despite not making it to the NFL, Lesnar conquered the Mixed Martial Arts scene, competing in the UFC, which is regarded as the highest MMA level in the world. In his fourth professional fight, Brock Lesnar was crowned the UFC Heavyweight Champion after defeating Randy Couture, making him one of the greatest crossover sports stars ever.
The Rock
Growing up, Dwayne Johnson, or The Rock, was born into a family that embraced the sport of wrestling, with his dad and grandad competing at a professional level. Despite being part of a wrestling family, The Rock excelled in high school football, earning him a scholarship to the University of Miami. During his time at college in Miami, The Rock played a part in the national championship-winning team in 1991. Many scouts tipped The Rock for a career in the NFL, which was his dream, though injuries ended that path, leading him to follow in his father’s footsteps with wrestling.
With a new dream of making it in the wrestling world, Dwayne Johnson joined the WWF in 1996, which is now known as the WWE. During his career in the organisation, The Rock became the world champion multiple times and participated in intensive rivalries, including notable ones with Triple H and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
After amassing huge popularity in the wrestling world, The Rock became a global superstar and transitioned to Hollywood acting. His first role was in the 2001 film The Mummy Returns, where he played the Scorpion King, officially launching his acting career.
The Undertaker
Many WWE fans are unaware of The Undertaker’s promising basketball career before his rise to dominance in the organisation. Before his wrestling persona, Mark Calaway was a highly regarded basketballer in the States, playing in high school and college. Calaway attended Waltrip High School in Houston, where he excelled in both football and basketball. After showcasing his athleticism and basketball skills on the high school level, he was offered a scholarship at Angelina College, where he played for two years before transferring. Mark Calaway joined Texas Wesleyan University, where he caught the attention of European scouts with offers for him to make it as a professional in basketball.
Despite a promising basketball career, Mark Calaway left college to pursue wrestling, fueled by his love for combat sports. After numerous identities in multiple promotions, The Undertaker arrived at the WWF in 1990, debuting at the Survivor Series. His mysterious aura immediately captivated audiences, matched with his eerie walkouts, which brought the organisation something new and unique. During his time in the industry, he engaged in a range of entertaining rivalries, including the notable clashes with his ‘brother’ Kane and Shawn Michaels. The Undertaker amassed an incredible career in the WWF and WWE, contributing to many iconic nights and being crowned champion numerous times.
The Undertaker remains one of the most iconic wrestlers of all time, not only for his exceptional performance but also for the captivating storylines his character created. Unlike other names on this list, The Undertaker has yet to embark on a new career path following his retirement from wrestling, and he remains a figure in the WWE as an ambassador.
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