On Monday, current St. Louis Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis told TheLantern.com that he would join the WWE if the NFL lockout continued. Laurinaitis is the son of legendary pro-wrestler Animal, who formed the Road Warriors with the late wrestler Hawk. James' uncle John is also a high ranking member of the WWE talent department. Laurnaitis said he would like to take on John Cena or Randy Orton if he joins the WWE.
"I should take up pro wrestling. It'd be a natural transition. I might have to try to get in the ring a little bit, take on John Cena or Randy Orton."
James' father Joe "Animal" Laurinaitis was just inducted into the WWE HOF on April 2nd along with Hawk and their manager Paul Ellering. Additionally, Animal just released a book last month about the Road Warriors who many wrestling fans and pundits consider the greatest of all-time. It would smooth transition for James into the WWE in regards to clearing all of the hurdles due to his father's and uncle's success with the company. Additionally, James did train in pro-wrestling when younger and is in great shape due to his football career.
However, later in the interview, James clarified how active he can envision himself in wrestling as he wouldn't want to risk his football career once the NFL is back in full-swing.
"I'd consider it. You don't want to mess around and get hurt. But if it's just a few run-downs here and there or something, I'd maybe at least get some of the training done."
In early February, the WWE had numerous members of the Super Bowl winning champions the Green Bay Packers participate in an episode of WWE SmackDown. In fact, star linebacker Clay Matthews Jr even got involved in one of Edge's matches as a referee. WWE has a long history of working with NFL stars. At WrestleMania 2, NFL players like William "Refrigerator" Perry participated in a battle royal. Lawrence Taylor main-evented at WrestleMania with Bam Bam Bigelow. Other football stars like Ben Roethlisberger even hosted an episode of RAW.
WWE's relationship with NFL players and the Laurinaitis family legacy in pro-wrestling makes this possibility a no-brainer. Additionally, James wouldn't be the only NFL player filling their free time during the lockout by pursuing other athletic ventures. Bengals WR Chad Johnson tried out for professional soccer and Ravens safety Tom Zibikowski has turned to pro-boxing.
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