WWE Sign UK Rugby Star
Luke Menzies to make wrestling bow on its biggest stage.
UK Rugby league player Luke Menzies has reportedly signed a deal with WWE following a try-out.
The 28-year-old, whose CV includes spells at Hull Kingston Rovers and Oldham Roughyeds, has been preparing himself for a radical career shift, and appears to have won the opportunity at its most esteemed company after testing his wrestling mettle in front of WWE officials last November.
With little practical experience of which to speak, it will presumably be a few years before Menzies is considered anywhere near TV-ready - but the acquisition represents another European sports star trying his hand at wrestling.
Former Germany goalkeeper Tim Wiese caught the headlines when he signed a developmental deal with WWE back in 2014, and whilst we're yet to see the fruits of his training (outside a dark match alongside Sheamus and Cesaro in November), his efforts will not have gone unnoticed by other athletes with aspirations for the squared circle.
The company has long been known for offering lifelines to would-be NFL players chewed up and spat out by the college system, with Roman Reigns the most high profile former American football player currently on its books.
It also means yet another addition to the growing ranks of British performers on WWE's books, with the company seemingly intent on strengthening its grip on the UK market by shining the spotlight on native talent.
Whilst Menzies - who didn't quite reach the very top of his favoured sport - isn't exactly a household name, the prospect of a rugby player making the leap to WWE is sure to raise some intrigue, both in the UK and further afield.