A.J. Francis is a former football player who transitioned to pro wrestling and is currently excelling in the sport. He played in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, and Washington Redskins before training to become a pro wrestler and eventually joining WWE. After his time with WWE, Francis landed with Major League Wrestling and Total Nonstop Action (TNA). He is now set to take on Alex Kane at Major League Wrestling’s War Chamber event in Tampa, Florida. Despite his success, Francis acknowledges the challenges of the wrestling lifestyle, which involves being on the road for most of the year and constantly traveling for shows.
Francis discussed the potential for other NFL players to try their hand at wrestling, suggesting that big names like Lawrence Taylor, Rob Gronkowski, and George Kittle have participated in WWE events in the past. WWE star The Miz even mentioned the possibility of Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce getting involved in WWE, potentially even participating in WrestleMania 40, which will take place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. However, Francis emphasized that the wrestling lifestyle requires a dedication and love for the sport that not all football players may be prepared for, as it involves constant travel and being on the road for a majority of the year.
While Francis believes that athletes like Kelce could potentially have a one-off appearance in WWE events, he emphasized the commitment and dedication required to be a full-time professional wrestler. He highlighted the difference in lifestyle between football players and wrestlers, pointing out the constant traveling and demanding schedule that comes with being a wrestler. Despite the excitement of potentially seeing NFL stars like the Kelces appear in WWE events, there is no guarantee that they would fully commit to the wrestling lifestyle beyond one-off appearances or special events.
The discussion surrounding NFL players transitioning to wrestling comes at a time when some former football players have found success in the wrestling world. Francis is among a handful of former football players who have made the transition and are currently thriving in the sport. While the potential for NFL stars like Kelce to make appearances in WWE events is exciting, the realities of the wrestling lifestyle, which involves constant travel and a demanding schedule, may deter some athletes from fully committing to the sport. Despite the challenges, Francis remains passionate about wrestling and is set to face off against Alex Kane at an upcoming Major League Wrestling event.
Overall, the conversation around NFL players potentially crossing over into wrestling highlights the unique challenges and lifestyle differences between football and professional wrestling. While the excitement of seeing big-name athletes in WWE events is undeniable, the commitment and dedication required to be a full-time professional wrestler should not be underestimated. Francis’s experience in transitioning from football to wrestling offers insight into the demands of the wrestling world and the passion required to thrive in the sport. As he continues to excel in Major League Wrestling, Francis’s journey serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and dedication necessary to succeed in the world of professional wrestling.
