Tough Enough History: Season One It was pretty obvious when watching season one that Harvard graduate Chris Nowinski was going to get a WWE deal whether he won the season or not. He finished third, but was signed by WWE developmental soon after. His in-ring career in WWE started in 2002 and they gave him the gimmick of a Harvard jock type character that bragged about how he was smarter than people as well as being more athletic. It was believable because as a 6'5" 260 pound guy he pulled off the gimmick well. He actually only wrestled for about a year and retired in 2003 due to concussion-like symptoms. The reason he's mentioned here is not necessarily because of his work as an on-air performer. It's what he did after WWE when he helped to form the Sports Legacy Institute that has done phenomenal research on head injuries for athletes. He's done a great job of raising awareness for this huge issue while also getting people in American football, hockey, pro wrestling and other sports to agree to donate brain tissue after death. It's not always about what you do on camera that makes a difference. Nowinski has had a huge impact in sports because of his work in dealing with those with head injuries. He's a huge Tough Enough success story or that reason.
John wrote at WhatCulture from December 2013 to December 2015. It was fun, but it's over for now. Follow him on Twitter @johnreport. You can also send an email to mrjohncanton@gmail.com with any questions or comments as well.
