Kelly Bryant is trying out for the WWE, as part of a promotion leading up to WrestleMania in Los Angeles. He is among a group of current and former college athletes who will be testing their wrestling skills this week.
Fifty participants, including thirteen football players, will be evaluated in the hopes of earning a contract with the sports entertainment giant. Bryant is a Wren High School alumnus who spent three seasons at Clemson from 2015-18, where he led the Tigers to an ACC title and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2017.
Despite his success, Bryant’s time at Clemson came to an abrupt end when he was replaced as the starter by Trevor Lawrence after four games in the 2018 season. He then transferred to Missouri, where he led the Tigers to a 6-6 record as the quarterback.
After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, Bryant has bounced around various professional football leagues, including the Canadian Football League and the Champions Indoor Football League. He also spent time as a volunteer assistant at Wren High School.
Now, the 25-year-old athlete is trying his hand at a new sport: professional wrestling. While it may seem like an unlikely transition, Bryant’s athleticism, strength, and experience in high-pressure situations could make him a strong candidate for success in the ring.
Of course, making it in the world of professional wrestling requires more than just physical prowess. It takes charisma, showmanship, and the ability to connect with an audience. While it remains to be seen how Bryant will fare in these areas, his experience in college football, where he played in front of thousands of fans every week, could certainly come in handy.
Bryant is not the first football player to try his hand at wrestling. Former NFL players like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Goldberg, and Roman Reigns all made successful transitions to the world of sports entertainment. In fact, many professional wrestlers have backgrounds in other sports, including football, basketball, and even Olympic weightlifting.
Of course, not every athlete who tries out for WWE will make it to the big stage. But for those who do, the rewards can be significant. Top WWE stars can earn millions of dollars per year, as well as enjoy worldwide fame and adoration from millions of fans.
For now, Bryant and the other tryout participants will have to focus on impressing WWE officials with their skills and charisma. But if he does make the cut, Bryant could find himself on the path to a successful career in professional wrestling.
Regardless of whether he ends up in the ring, however, one thing is clear: Kelly Bryant is a versatile and talented athlete who is willing to take risks and try new things. And in a world where success often requires adaptability and flexibility, that’s a quality that could serve him well in any field.
