7 Things WWE Fans Need To Know About Tyler Bate
The new WWE UK Champ is no normal 19 year old...
One Twitter user perhaps summed it all up by claiming that they could barely make their own bed at 19 years old, never mind win a WWE Title. When the teenage Tyler Bate defeated Pete Dunne to become the first ever WWE United Kingdom Champion, it felt like a huge moment.
Remarkably, the moment didn't only feel massive for Bate, it felt momentous for WWE. There was a time when someone with the small stature and quirky style of Tyler would never have been so successful in the juggernaut promotion. Those days are over, a real wrestler's wrestler has captured the new title.
Meet Tyler Bate in person and it becomes clear that the guy is bursting with personality. Just a few years removed from sitting behind a desk at school, he has achieved more than most thanks to natural talent, a strong work ethic and by staying true to himself.
That's truly wonderful, but what about the man behind the in-ring performer? In order to better understand how Bate reached this point, his upbringing and life beyond wrestling should be examined.
Here are 7 things you likely didn't know about WWE's latest champ...
7. Worked As A Forklift Operator
Most 'normal' 19 year old males spend their time figuring out what they want to do in life, hanging out in pubs with mates or using every waking hour they can to play FIFA. For Tyler Bate, 'normal' has never been the right path, his strong work ethic has extended beyond the pro wrestling ring.
Away from the industry he loves, Tyler has worked as a forklift operator. That's right, Bate manned the machine that many have witnessed on WWE television over the years. Remember when Daniel Bryan came to the ring with Kane stretched out on the vehicle's lift? How about all the times we've used one in WWE video games over the years?
Maybe that's what inspired Tyler, driving around in a forklift on SmackDown: Here Comes The Pain.
In all seriousness, the thought of penning a WWE contract and moving away from such labour must be exciting for Bate. Proving his dedication, he worked the forklift before and after wrestling training. That's at the same time as working out and maintaining his physique, don't forget.