The route from the league toss into the wrestling ring is really a lesser-trodden one, however, that hasnt defeated Luke Menzies out of working within the circle.
It is prior to leaving behind the sport he had been involved in for most of his 47, three years now since the clubs of the League whose , took his first steps.
Having amazed at November 2016 at a WWE try-out, the 31-year-old was signed up with the organisation this year and has now relocated to chase ambitions he has harboured.
I have been a fan of wrestling, even before I ended up baseball match, Menzies told Sky Sports. My dad , so clearly I have pushed in that way.
I got hurt and I thought,you know what, I have always wished to have a go at wrestling. I sent an email into some renowned wrestling mentor, Marty Jones, and I had been in my wrestling ring 2 days after.
Six months later I had a WWE try-out and here we are.
Menzies is not the first league specialist to make the transition. Most notably, Shirley Crabtree – better known to wrestling lovers as his in-ring character Big Daddy – has been about the books of both Bradford Northern and Halifax.
Now based at the WWE Performance Center at Orlando and going under the ring name of Ridge Holland, Menzies is in no doubt for pursuing a career as a 40, his past sporting lifestyle has set him up nicely.
It is worlds apart, but rugby league definitely served me well for the transition – the bumps, the lumps and everything you take from there, Menzies said.
Its also the grinding as well as the grafting, but soccer league has been definitely character-building and enabled me to put the ideal foot forward in my pursuit of a career here.
We might be in here five days per week and were on the road three days a week as well, so a few days we are doubling up.
It really is a mill but the men love it, we knuckle down and we make better to amuse the fans.
He hasnt lost contact with his other athletic interest along with Fridays Super League play-off clash between Wigan and Salford Warriors is one Menzies will soon probably be keeping a close eye on.
George Griffin and Greg Johnson are among those former Red Devils team-mates still playing at the AJ Bell Stadium that Menzies remains friendly with, and he has backed them to reach the Grand Final, together with hoping they can pull off a shock at Old Trafford against St Helens should they get there.
Ive got to move with Salford all of the way, Menzies said. Its something theyve worked hard to make it through the year and I believe it will unquestionably be a fairytale for Salford Red Devils.
I would love them to go all of the way, but Ive got people I know at St Helens such as Alex Walmsley, from his formative days at Batley Bulldogs.
But Ive got to choose the club I know. I have friends there and that I hope they can pull it from the bag and turn into Super League champions.
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