WWE SmackDown Debut Wrestlers: Where Are They Now?

You can’t talk about the Attitude Era without bringing Ken Shamrock into the equation. A former UFC Champion, Shamrock started training as a professional wrestler in 1988, but spent most of his prime years focused on mixed martial arts. He eventually debuted for WWE in 1997, and his background in “real” fighting helped bring an air of legitimacy to WWE’s chaotic product at the time.

Shamrock is a former Intercontinental Champion, but he wasn’t long for the company by April 1999. He stayed for the duration of the Corporate Ministry angle, before feuding with Steve Blackman, Jeff Jarrett, and the debuting Chris Jericho, then leaving to resume his MMA career late in the year. Ken stayed active within wrestling, however, making a handful of TNA appearances over the next few years, even when his focus was elsewhere.

Unfortunately, Ken’s wrestling foray was disastrous for his MMA fortunes. He left the UFC with a credible 23-5-2 record, but has gone 5-12-2 since returning to the sport in 2000. Bizarrely, Shamrock continues to make the odd appearance for Bellator MMA, with his last fight coming in a losing effort to fellow UFC veteran Royce Gracie last February.

Aside from continuing his fighting career, Shamrock currently works as a bodyguard for a company called Pro-Tect Global. The World’s Most Wanted Man has worked on the security detail for the likes of 50 Cent and Vince Neil, and may still show up for one last Bellator fight.