5. Ken Shamrock Was UFC Champion
Being the UFC champion may not technically be considered a day job, but it is definitely one of the coolest professions that any WWE Superstar has ever had before entering Vince McMahon's company. While pro wrestlers engage in matches with the intention of protecting each other from serious harm, MMA fighting is all about hurting your opponent so you can get the win. In other words, Ken Shamrock took the fictionalized concepts of professional wrestling and legitimately used them in his sport. He also happened to do it better than anyone else, as he was the UFC champion long before he ever set foot in a WWE ring. Shamrock came in with respect and credibility and he brought that to his matches in WWE. When Ken crossed over, it was such a rare thing for fans to see. Many MMA fighters took issue with pro wrestling and did nothing but criticize it at every turn. However, Shamrock saw what WWE had to offer not only in terms of financial gain but also in entertainment value. Instead of sitting back and hating, he decided to try his hand in the business. Fans recognized the skill that Shamrock had and understood that despite who he was facing in WWE, he could legitimately shoot and pin practically everyone he stepped into the ring with. Shamrock did not go into business for himself however and when he left WWE, he went back to being one of the most dominant fighters in UFC.