5 Current WWE Superstars you may have forgotten played other sports

WWE Superstars are recognized across the world for their flamboyance, charisma, and in-ring skills. WWE's 1 billion+ following on social media aids these Superstars in garnering recognition in literally hundreds of countries. A large number of these Superstars have been fans from the very beginning, and always dreamt of becoming WWE Superstars someday. This isn't the case with a few though, who have tried their hands at other sports, with some going on to excel at the same.

WWE veteran Brock Lesnar left the company in 2004 to pursue his NFL goals, but an unfortunate road accident crushed his dreams. WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg had a brief stint in the NFL before he made it big in WCW. Fans have known about these two cases on various occasions. In this slideshow, we will take a look at five current WWE Superstars that you may have forgotten played other sports.

#5 King Corbin (American Football and Amateur boxing)

King Corbin is arguably one of the most hated heels on the WWE roster. He is someone who has divided the WWE Universe into two, with some stating that he has "go-away" heat, while others hailing him for being an excellent bad guy. Corbin has been a mainstay in WWE for around 8 years now. He debuted on the main roster in 2016, and has feuded with the very best WWE has to offer, including John Cena and Roman Reigns.

Corbin, whose real name is Thomas Pestock, was in the NFL as an offseason member, before taking up a career as a professional wrestler. He was undrafted in the 2009 NFL Draft, and went on to sign a contract with Indianapolis Colts. He later signed with Arizona Cardinals as well. While in college, Corbin played offensive guard at Northwest Missouri State University.

Additionally, Corbin has excelled in amateur boxing, and is a 3-time Golden Gloves Champion. After his NFL career was over, Corbin signed a contract with WWE in 2012 and made his way to NXT.

#4 Charlotte Flair (Volleyball)

The daughter of the legendary Ric Flair, Charlotte has carved her own legacy in the world of pro-wrestling while being under the WWE umbrella. The Queen made her main roster debut in 2015 and went on to become one of the most successful women's wrestlers of all time in a matter of five years. She is currently a 12-time Champion, and has headlined WrestleMania as well.

Before making a name for herself in Vince McMahon's promotion, Charlotte played Volleyball and did quite well for herself in the sport. While in Providence High School, Charlotte won the NCHSAA four A-State championships on two separate occasions, captained the team, and was the player of the year during the 2004-05 season.

Later, while attending Appalachian State University, she continued playing Volleyball during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Around six years later, she signed a contract with WWE and honed her skills in NXT for the next three years. Charlotte's arrival on the main roster, along with Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks, is dubbed as the beginning of the Women's Revolution.

#3 Titus O'Neil (American Football)

Titus O'Neil hasn't done anything much of note during his decade-long stint in WWE so far, but he has certainly managed to keep a spot secure for himself on the main roster for such a long time. O'Neil is a former WWE 24/7 Champion, and was actually the first Superstar to hold the belt. He has also won the Tag Team titles along with Darren Young, on one occasion. He garnered mainstream coverage, mostly courtesy of memes, when he botched his entrance during the Greatest Royal Rumble match in Saudi Arabia, back in 2018.

Before his stint in Florida Championship Wrestling in 2009, O'Neil played football for a long period of time. Back in the late 90s, he played for Florida Gators. After finishing college, he had a four-year stint in Arena Football League (2003-2007), and played for several major teams during his run, including Carolina Cobras, Utah Blaze, and Tampa Bay Storm. One wonders where would Titus be today if his football career had taken off back then.

#2 Chad Gable (Amateur wrestling)

Many fans consider Chad Gable to be one of the most underutilized performers in all of WWE. A majority of the WWE Universe wasn't happy back in 2019, when he was given the moniker of Shorty G. If you have watched the WWE career of Gable closely over the years, you must have noticed that his wrestling styles is quite similar to that of WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle. Both of these men have had careers in Amateur wrestling, before they made their way to the world of pro-wrestling.

Back in 2004, Gable was a state champion while he was in Minnesota. Most of the fans are aware that Kurt Angle won a gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Many might not be aware that Gable has competed in the Olympics as well. He was a part of the 2012 Olympics trials, where he defeated Jordan Holm in the 84 kg category. He advanced to the 2012 Olympics and won the qualifying round of the Greco-Roman style 84kg event, by defeating Keitani Graham. He lost to Cuba's Pablo Shorey in the next round, and was eliminated in the process.

#1 Big E (powerlifting)

Big E is one of the most beloved Superstars in the company (source: WWE)

When fans talk about some of the most hilarious characters in all of WWE, Big E's name is bound to come up. The New Day member has accomplished a lot during his 11-year run with the company, and his comedic timing has been a major factor in his success. Back when he was in NXT, Big E won the NXT title on one occasion. He is also a former Intercontinental Champion, and an eight-time Tag Team Champion.

Before he wowed the WWE Universe with his hilarious antics and wrestling skills, Big E made it big in powerlifting. He took part in the first USA Powerlifting meet in 2010, and emerged as the top lifter in the heavyweight category. In the process, Big E broke all four raw powerlifting records in the state of Florida, in the 275-pound category. Some personal records that Big E has registered in official competition are as follows: 711 lbs in squats, 529 lbs in bench press, and 799 lbs in deadlift.