Throughout its history, WWE has successfully engaged with prominent figures from various sports, leading to memorable crossover moments. From special appearances to even championship wins, celebrities from the likes of football have graced the WWE stage. For instance, NFL player Rob Gronkowski has not only appeared in the ring but even captured a title during his stint with the company.
Insights from a recent edition of Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard have unveiled that in 1991, there were discussions with NFL’s celebrated athlete Bo Jackson about a potential WWE appearance. Prichard detailed that WWE wanted Jackson for WrestleMania VII and initially, Jackson expressed interest.
Nevertheless, concerns about the possible repercussions on his NFL and baseball career led Jackson to ultimately opt out. According to Prichard, Jackson underestimated the demands of wrestling, thinking it would be straightforward due to the scripted nature of the sport. When confronted with the reality of the necessary training, he reevaluated.
“We were talking about Bo being a three-athlete star if he wanted to come in. But Bo was concerned as far as how that would jeopardize his football and baseball career. Any little thing, yeah, he just wasn’t interested. He was interested. But he thought, ‘Oh, wrestling’s fake. Yeah, I can do that.’ Then when he found out, no, man. You gotta be a hybrid athlete to do it. And Bo was a great athlete. I just don’t think Bo had any desire to learn how to take a bump or do any of the things required to get into the ring.”
Prichard’s commentary serves as a reminder of the misconceptions about professional wrestling’s ease and echoes the sentiment that the industry demands a unique blend of athleticism and performance art—requirements that remain elusive to many observers. For the latest WWE-related news, fans stay tuned to Ringside News.
Were you hoping to see Bo Jackson make his mark in the WWE? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
FAQ Section
Did Bo Jackson ever participate in any WWE events?
No, Bo Jackson never participated in WWE events. He showed initial interest in appearing at WrestleMania VII but ultimately declined.
What reason did Bo Jackson give for not joining WWE?
Bo Jackson was concerned that participating in WWE could jeopardize his football and baseball careers. He also realized that wrestling required more training and preparation than he initially thought.
Do other NFL players have a history with WWE?
Yes, other NFL players such as Rob Gronkowski have been involved with WWE. Gronkowski even won the WWE 24/7 Championship.
Conclusion
Bo Jackson’s potential entry into WWE represents one of the intriguing “what-if” scenarios in sports entertainment. His initial interest in joining the spectacle of WrestleMania VII evokes curiosity about what could have been had he transitioned into the ring. Despite this missed opportunity, his decision reflects the immense respect that must be accorded to the athletic and performative demands of professional wrestling. Fans can only speculate on the impact Jackson might have had in WWE, but his legend as a multi-sport athlete continues to inspire, both on and off the field.