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There is an assumption from many people who aren't fans of professional wrestling, that WWE Superstars are nothing more than dumb brutes, who merely beat each other up for a living as they have no other means of employment.
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Thankfully, most people know that WWE Superstars are just as smart as non-wrestlers, with many Superstars being even smarter. Over the years, the WWE Universe has seen countless competitors enter the company, some smarter than others.
In fact, there have been a select group of Superstars who could be referred to as geniuses for their skills, both mental and physical.
Here are five WWE Superstars who also happen to be geniuses.
#5. Matt Striker
Whilst he may have never held gold during his time in the WWE, fans will remember Matt Striker fondly for his incredible ability behind the commentary desk. A life-long wrestling fan, Striker joined the WWE in 2005, after working as a school teacher for many years.
Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in History, Striker would continue his academic prowess, gaining a Master's degree in Education Psychology.
After initially working as a temp, filling in for teachers who were unable to attend class, Striker was hired at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Queens, New York as a social studies teacher, though continued to compete on the indies on the side.
Eventually, the school found out, and after discovering Striker was using sick days to wrestle in Japan, he was forced to step down. Joining WWE as a caricature of an overbearing teacher, Striker would remain with the company until 2013 and has since joined Lucha Underground as a commentator.
#4. Kane
Standing 7-foot tall and decked in a red and black mask, Kane certainly made an impression with the fans when he debuted during the first Hell In A Cell match at Bad Blood 1997.
But beneath the mask, hid the mind of a genius, as Glenn Jacobs has often been cited as one of the smartest men in wrestling.
Earning a degree in English Literature from Northeast Missouri State University, Kane is also known for his knowledge on politics and hosted a podcast between 2007-2008 under the pseudonym Citizen X.
Entering politics himself in recent year, Jacobs was elected as the Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee, where he serves today when not touring with WWE. And when you factor in that he also won a special WWE edition for the Weakest Link, it's clear Kane has brains the match his brawn.
#3. Michelle McCool
The former Women's Champion Michelle McCool has admitted to being a life-long wrestling fan, even saying in an interview that she had perfected a figure-four leg lock at just seven years old.
What fans may not know about Mrs. Undertaker, is that she's one of the smartest Superstars to ever enter the WWE.
Studying at the University of Florida, McCool would receive her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, a degree that she would later put to use as a teacher.
After leaving teaching, McCool would join the WWE, initially as part of the 2004 Diva Search, which was won by Christy Hemme.
Despite coming up short, McCool would eventually be signed to WWE, winning both the Women's and Diva's Championships (the latter of which, she was the inaugural champion), before retiring from the ring in 2011.
#2. Dolph Ziggler
Years ago, Dolph Ziggler would have a catchphrase that said 'it's not showing off if you back it up'. Well, if anyone ever accused the former World Champion of showing off his intellect, then Ziggler could certainly back it up.
Also read: Dolph Ziggler wants to start his own faction on RAW?
A graduate of Kent State University, Ziggler majored in Political Science, with a minor in pre-law. Never one to be tied down, Ziggler also wrestled collegiately, setting what was then the record for most career wins in the team's history.
In fact, Ziggler is so smart, that he was accepted into law school at Arizona State University, but had his WWE tryout before the first semester. Joining the WWE in 2005, Ziggler originally worked as the caddy of Kerwin White, before being a member of the Spirit Squad, before finally finding himself in 2008 as Dolph Ziggler.
#1. Xavier Woods
One of the most popular Superstars in WWE today as a part of The New Day, Xavier Woods is the smartest of the group and maybe the smartest active superstar in WWE today.
Graduating high school in 2004, Woods would begin studying Psychology and Philosophy that same year at Furman University, where he would find his passion for competing.
In 2005, whilst still at Furman, Woods would begin wrestling part-time and was signed to TNA Impact in 2007.
Joining the WWE years later, the UpUpDownDown host would carry on his education, completing a Master's degree in Psychology and recently completed a PhD in Educational Psychology from the Capella University.
An avid video game and pop-culture fan, Woods has shown millions of fans around the world that it's cool to be smart.
