WWE colides with NRL & Wests Tigers
June 16th 2008 05:32
WWE Superstars Batista and MVP were today given a Rugby League lesson by the Wests Tigers. They got a quick rundown on everything from passing, tackling and kicking - and then turned the tables inside the ring.
This is where these guys make a crust, and they took the Tigers through numerous grappling and wrestling techniques. .. Note, no chairs were used in these training drills!
It was Ironic really that the day after the Tigers pack looked small and overpowered that Batista came to the club. The 'Animal' is huge, he is a monster and how the Tigers could have used him against the Eels...
Although, MVP and Batista both had the worst grubber kicking technique you are ever likely to see.
Their conversions from straight in front were similar. Batista and ugly 1 from 2 and MVP a very ugly 1 from 3.
Wests Tigers today almost secured two of the world’s biggest heavyweights to help solve its front-row injury crisis.
WWE Superstars Batista and MVP took time out from their Smackdown/ECW live tour shows to be special guests of the Wests Tigers at Concord Oval.
They were each presented with their own Wests Tigers jersey – Batista fitting into a 4XL jersey and MVP a 3XL jersey.
Three time WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Batista, and former WWE Tag Team Champion and United States Champion, MVP, were shown some of the finer points of rugby league like passing, kicking and tackling by Wests Tigers Development Officer Clinton Hill.
The Superstars took a liking to the session with MVP more than happy to take over the goal-kicking duties from captain Brett Hodgson after a successful kick at goal. Batista also kicked a goal, raising his arms in triumph.
Following the league session, Batista and MVP entered the wrestling ring in the club’s gymnasium to show the players some of their moves with the assistance of Wests Tigers props Ryan O’Hara and Luke McInnes.
O’Hara, hoping to be back in the next few weeks from a broken jaw, said he enjoyed the opportunity to meet the WWE superstars.
“Batista is a big man. He could easily slip into the front row for us. They could do some damage,’’ O’Hara said.
“They were great guys and were really genuine.’’
When asked what Batista would bring to the Wests Tigers, the 6 foot 6 290 pound champion just smiled.
“Come on, look at me,’’ pointing to his massive frame.
“I’m ready to go. Sign me up now, I’d play for free.’’
MVP, the 252 pound 6 foot 3 champion, said he knows first hand what Batista could inflict on the opposition.
“I’ve been on the receiving end of a Batista spear,’’ MVP explained.
“My ribs are still not right, so he would be able to offer some pain and damage to the opposition.’’
MVP felt he could play rugby league once he did some strength and conditioning work at Wests Tigers.
“I may have to work on my conditioning to be able to run up and back down the field constantly but as far as the actual hitting part, not a problem,’’ he said, smiling.
After taking time out to sign autographs and pose for photographs with players and staff, Batista and MVP left Concord Oval proudly wearing their jerseys as new Wests Tigers supporters.
Profiles
Batista
Height: 6 foot 6
Weight: 290 pounds
From: Washington DC
Finishing Move: Batista Bomb
Career Highlights: World Heavyweight Champion; WWE Tag Team Champion; World Tag Team Champion; 2005 Royal Rumble Winner
MVP (Montel Vontavious Porter)
Height: 6 foot 3
Weight: 252 pounds
From: Miama, Florida
Signature Move: The Playmaker
Career Highlights: United States Champion (longest reigning in SmackDown history, WWE Tag Team Champion
WWE Debut: October 8, 2006
For a video clip of the event - log onto NRL.com this Thursday and watch NRL NEWS with Russell Barwick and Steve Mascord.
This is where these guys make a crust, and they took the Tigers through numerous grappling and wrestling techniques. .. Note, no chairs were used in these training drills!
It was Ironic really that the day after the Tigers pack looked small and overpowered that Batista came to the club. The 'Animal' is huge, he is a monster and how the Tigers could have used him against the Eels...
Although, MVP and Batista both had the worst grubber kicking technique you are ever likely to see.
Their conversions from straight in front were similar. Batista and ugly 1 from 2 and MVP a very ugly 1 from 3.
MVP and Batista in Wests Tigers gear
Wests Tigers today almost secured two of the world’s biggest heavyweights to help solve its front-row injury crisis.
WWE Superstars Batista and MVP took time out from their Smackdown/ECW live tour shows to be special guests of the Wests Tigers at Concord Oval.
They were each presented with their own Wests Tigers jersey – Batista fitting into a 4XL jersey and MVP a 3XL jersey.
Three time WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Batista, and former WWE Tag Team Champion and United States Champion, MVP, were shown some of the finer points of rugby league like passing, kicking and tackling by Wests Tigers Development Officer Clinton Hill.
The Superstars took a liking to the session with MVP more than happy to take over the goal-kicking duties from captain Brett Hodgson after a successful kick at goal. Batista also kicked a goal, raising his arms in triumph.
Following the league session, Batista and MVP entered the wrestling ring in the club’s gymnasium to show the players some of their moves with the assistance of Wests Tigers props Ryan O’Hara and Luke McInnes.
O’Hara, hoping to be back in the next few weeks from a broken jaw, said he enjoyed the opportunity to meet the WWE superstars.
“Batista is a big man. He could easily slip into the front row for us. They could do some damage,’’ O’Hara said.
“They were great guys and were really genuine.’’
When asked what Batista would bring to the Wests Tigers, the 6 foot 6 290 pound champion just smiled.
“Come on, look at me,’’ pointing to his massive frame.
“I’m ready to go. Sign me up now, I’d play for free.’’
MVP, the 252 pound 6 foot 3 champion, said he knows first hand what Batista could inflict on the opposition.
“I’ve been on the receiving end of a Batista spear,’’ MVP explained.
“My ribs are still not right, so he would be able to offer some pain and damage to the opposition.’’
MVP felt he could play rugby league once he did some strength and conditioning work at Wests Tigers.
“I may have to work on my conditioning to be able to run up and back down the field constantly but as far as the actual hitting part, not a problem,’’ he said, smiling.
After taking time out to sign autographs and pose for photographs with players and staff, Batista and MVP left Concord Oval proudly wearing their jerseys as new Wests Tigers supporters.
Profiles
Batista
Height: 6 foot 6
Weight: 290 pounds
From: Washington DC
Finishing Move: Batista Bomb
Career Highlights: World Heavyweight Champion; WWE Tag Team Champion; World Tag Team Champion; 2005 Royal Rumble Winner
MVP (Montel Vontavious Porter)
Height: 6 foot 3
Weight: 252 pounds
From: Miama, Florida
Signature Move: The Playmaker
Career Highlights: United States Champion (longest reigning in SmackDown history, WWE Tag Team Champion
WWE Debut: October 8, 2006
3rd Time lucky for MVP - its a good thing, the first two were woeful at best
For a video clip of the event - log onto NRL.com this Thursday and watch NRL NEWS with Russell Barwick and Steve Mascord.
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Comment by Two Guys Sports
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Maybe they can start up a WWE team and play a game for charity next time they return to Australia.
Were you actually at the event? I ask cause they seem like up close and personal (and great) pictures.
Gene
Comment by sportsbar
Sports Bar
Fret X
Batista is huge!
As for the athletes part – most Wrestlers start out in American Football, or College Football.
The Rock was a great linebacker in his junior days, before making the switch.
Brock Lesnar – (Remember him?) quit the WWE to attempt a career in the NFL.
They are remarkably fit athletes, built with explosive power. I’m not sure how they would go in the NRL trying to get back the 10 metres, but as a bench player… They would definitely be hard to stop!
And just watching them in the ring, their moves are so technical… They could definitely be used as wrestling coaches… Now we all know WWE is ‘fake’ but a lot of them start out in amateur wrestling – MVP obviously has some background in it. The way he talked about headlocks and positioning was a real eye opener.
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Baseball Slate
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While talking about amateurs making the switch I have to mention Olympic Gold Medailst Kurt Angle. He wont he Gold Medal with a broken neck, and has gone on to be a champion many many times as a pro, in both WWE and TNA.
Sadly for some of the ones coming from Pro/College Football they are often injured and can't continue with football. The Rock had a major knee injury. Although he was always destined to go into wrestling with his Dad (Rocky Johnson) and Grandfather (Peter Maivia) paving the way for him. Not to mentioned there are more than a dozen other members of his extended family in pro wrestling (Wild Samoans, Rakishi, Jimmy Snuka, Yokozuna, Umaga..too many more to list.).
i once stood in the general vicinity of Andre the Giant... now he was MASSIVE, even in comparison with Batista. although he too is huge lol. I still haven't seen The Big Show live yet, but he too is huge, he has a size 22 EEEEE shoe. I think half my leg might fit in that shoe.
Gene
Comment by sportsbar
Sports Bar
Fret X
Yes, Kurt Angle is well documented, but his TNA story line at the moment is ridiculous...
As for the Rock - it seems heaps of wrestlers are born into the industry. You always see a second generation or even 3rd or 4th running around - I guess it gives them a start... but then they have a hard time getting out of that shadow. To create their own name, not just to be called the son of legendary so and so...