Sonny Bill Williams in the WWE? It’s a thought I have been pondering for a while now. Suffice to say, it can only be another positive step in an already impressive sporting career for SBW.
Can any other athlete boast such a high physical performance tendency in everything they do?
I admit SBW only came to my attention a couple a years ago when he switched from league to union (but then again, so did rugby league). Another impressive attribute of his, I learned, is his boxing career. All of which could contribute to him becoming a world-famous sports renaissance man.
He has a Japanese adventure to endure for now and there’s reason to believe he will return to New Zealand after his time in the NRL with the Roosters expires. What should follow next is another adventure in the form of wrestling entertainment.
Moving to America and joining the WWE would be a genius move. Not only would it propel SBW to US superstardom and fortune, it would also promote rugby’s toughness to the American audience.
To my knowledge, the Uso twins from Samoa, Justin Gabriel and Leo Kruger from South Africa and Antonio Cesaro from Switzerland (going by ring names) are all current superstars within the WWE with minor rugby backgrounds.
However, the rugby factor isn’t emphasized by these wrestlers, except by Antonio. While SBW is already a main-even performer on the rugby field, no one really knew Antonio was a rugby player before stepping foot in the WWE.
As with any new venture certain pros and cons would have to be evaluated. The advantages SBW has are his physicality, warrior mind-set, age and dedication.
The only con I can think of is him being inexperienced. Given perhaps two or less years in a wrestling dojo before stepping into a ring could sort that out.
A mysterious storyline could be developed for SBW. The All Black-turned-pro wrestler with the Haka mystique could commence. Interesting wrestling gear and an attractive entrance by SBW could also be developed.
Other well-known wrestlers, such as The Mizz and The Great Kali, have no amateur wrestling backgrounds. The Mizz was recruited mainly for his charisma after appearing on a reality TV show, while Kali is an actor. So I see no reason why SBW couldn’t fit like a glove as well.
Admittedly I have no idea how good SBW is with a microphone in his hand, but all the in-ring performances and abilities such as moves, locks and finishers can be trained within a small period of time.
So what do the Roarers think of the idea? Should SBW become a WWE Superstar?
Seriously, Who says Oi?
Guest
Like I've said, according to what credible source? Post me some solid proof of anything and I'll respect what you have to say.
colvin
Guest
AIS, Sonny -Bill has big potential in Europe (France and Britain, at least) and apparently South Africa. After his stint in Japan who knows, maybe a Sumo wrestler. But I believe he is near his peak right now so you would think he needs to focus on what he is best at now rather than branching out into something else. On the other hand you seem pretty knowledgeable about wrestling. Do you come from a wrestling background?
Albo
Guest
I don't think he has the personality to be a heal or a face in the WWE, but I think that he is perfectly suited for the NFL. I think that he has the physique, strength and speed to be a dominant Tight End. Vikings? Are you listening? AP & SBW... Now that's a combination.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
According to UFC's declining ratings and falling buyrates and the coroner's report for Japanese MMA.
Seriously, Who says Oi?
Guest
Think about why Don King knows who he is. He's probably forgotten by now. What the local Australasian newspapers have portrayed is misleading information. King was just being nice when he made that comment.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Don King knows who SBW is.......take a seat.
Seriously, Who says Oi?
Guest
He didn't make mainstream news anywhere other than Australia and New Zealand. Who cares if he made the news on a Rugby website? He's a rugby player. You'll notice that the articles from Dubai, Taiwan, and Singapore newspaper websites were submitted via associated press from Australia and New Zealand every time. If you were to walk the streets and ask the many Thai (or even Japanese) people about him, you'd get nothing in return.
Seriously, Who says Oi?
Guest
According to what credible source?
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Not really. MMA is dead in Japan and the UFC's popularity is declining in the states.
GrecoRoman
Roar Guru
You need to have actual fighting skills to enter the UFC. SBW wouldn't last 1 round with even a journeyman fighter.
Richie
Guest
Why not. UFC and MMA are utterly running away with popularity. The UFC delivers entertaining close contests every month and has overtaken Boxing in credibility.
Sircoolalot
Guest
How about the UFC?!
Richie
Guest
I think he should give Sumo wrestling a go. Samoans Fiamalu Penitani and Salevaa Atisonoe, gave up football to take up sumo in Japan. They easily earned over a $1 million a year in salary and prize money. All Sonny Bill would have to do crash tackle his opponent out of the ring!
WQ
Guest
Fair enough AIS
GrecoRoman
Roar Guru
Why is this article tagged with "wrestling" when there is no wrestling in the WWE? They are stunt actors and circus clowns. Nothing more. SBW can barely string two sentences together. I really don't think he has the bombast to be a stunt actor in the WWE.
atlas
Guest
not a celebrity elsewhere? i live in thailand; i think the country is in the mid 50s in irb rankings (not second - should we sack the coach?) getting my news online, last weekend there were sbw articles in the thai newpapers, a quick browse found he also made the news in dubai, taiwan, singapore. expect he may have had a mention in japan too according to the asia ru website, 12% of the world's registered rugby players are within asia, but 80% of the world's youth. huge market. whether intentional or not, he is contributing to increasing publicity and participation in the sport
AIS
Guest
Are you serious? You know nothing about boxing.
AIS
Guest
No, he's good at rugby (both rugbies). He's just not good at anything else.
Shaun
Guest
Mate, you are just plain stupid. I think 'hater' is indeed the best description for you. On the wrestling front: i don't believe SBW would ever even have the time to venture there. I'd imagine his ultimate quest is a legitimate world boxing title...or knowing his tendency to aim for the highest, perhaps even unifying the heavyweight titles. In any event, i'd imagine that quest would occupy him into his mid to late 30's (if he won any of those any earlier that would just put him in the echelons of sporting greatness). By that time i doubt he would have any appetite for any new sporting adventure--either physically, mentally or monetarily. But that's just my opinion...because as my momma said, "SBW's like a box of chocalates...you never know what your gonna get".
ohtani's jacket
Guest
A lot of very good wrestlers came from an American football background, so his rugby and league background would put him in good stead, but it takes years to learn how to wrestle professionally and if you've ever heard him speak he doesn't exactly have the mic skills necessary to become a success in professional wrestling.