WWE: 10 Superstars Who Ended Up With Surprising Jobs After Wrestling

2. Chris Nowinski, Respected Executive Director At Sports Legacy Institute

Chris Nowinski never really achieved much success as a pro wrestler. He seemed to have all the fundamentals of look, size and athleticism, but he never shined as a charismatic superstar. Unfortunately Chris ended up having to retire from the mat game early in 2004, problems with post concussion syndrome stopping him from ever competing again. It would serve as the inspiration for Chris to take on a new and noble cause.

The sports legacy institute is a respected foundation that was founded in 2004 by Nowinski and partners. It served as a reaction to increasing medical research that illustrated the damaging repercussions of brain trauma in sports. The group mission statement states that the aim is to "advance the study, treatment and prevention of the effects of brain trauma in athletes and other at-risk groups."

The effect of Nowinski's work has been staggering. Football teams, Ice hockey and even the WWE have got involved and worked with the SLI. Without doubt Nowinski has helped to expose the issue of head blows to athletes - which the SLI believes is at the level of a public health crisis. In addition to this founding role, Nowinski's personal development has been massive. He does public speaking across universities, sits on various sporting panels, and is a published author on the subject of brain trauma. This is one guy who has done really well for himself since leaving Vince McMahon.