10 Things You Need To Know About WWE's UK Tryout Wrestlers

5. The Giant Gonzales Got CJ Banks Into Wrestling

An interview with SLTD Wrestling in 2012 revealed that The Giant Gonzales was responsible for getting CJ Banks interested in the industry he now loves. Just before heading off to nursery aged 5, the young Englishman watched in awe as the much-maligned giant strolled onto WWF television. From that point on, Banks wanted to know more about wrestling.

Following a childhood spent avidly following the WWF (and moving on from Gonzales to better in-ring workers like Bret Hart and Chris Benoit), the Southport native decided to take the plunge and begin training when he was just 15 years old. Finding a nearby school in Wigan, CJ then began his journey into the ring, one that may never have happened had it not been for Giant Gonzales.

Still only 28, CJ Banks has every chance of getting a shot with WWE. Physical fitness and ring conditioning remain a huge part of his act, and he has shown ability to play both heel and babyface during his career in the UK.