WWE stars are larger than life figures that are able to capture our collective imaginations. This makes it easy for fans to forget that even the world’s top pro wrestlers are just ordinary folks like the rest of us. In fact, before some of WWE biggest names got their break, they worked regular jobs.
With that in mind, we are going to take a look at 10 big named grapplers who worked everyday jobs to make ends meet – before they signed with the most successful wrestling promotion in the land.
10 10. Becky Lynch: Flight Attendant
Becky Lynch is the most popular wrestler in the business at the moment. The Irish-born superstar holds 2 championships and recently became one of the first females to headline WrestleMania. “The Man” is an outstanding performer who will likely be main eventing even more pay-per-view events in the years to come.
Lynch has had such an impressive run that it’s easy to forget her journey to the top wasn’t an easy one. At one point, she even quit wrestling altogether. During that stretch, she worked as a flight attendant for Aer Lingus – an airline based in Ireland. Her mother, who was also a flight attendant, got her the job.
9 9. AJ Styles: Water Delivery
AJ Styles has earned a reputation as one of the top in-ring performers in the business. The 41-year-old out of Gainesville, Georgia has held WWE’s top title on numerous occasions and is featured prominently on Monday Night Raw.
Those who have followed Styles career closely, know that he was paid his dues. The former champ spent decades working in the indies before signing with WWE in 2016. He also had a memorable run with TNA wrestling – where he established himself as of the company’s top draws. Before he entered the squared circle, “The Phenomenal One” delivered water for a living.
8 8. Kofi Kingston: Staples
Kofi Kingston has been with WWE since all the way back in 2006 – the year he signed his developmental contract. He is arguably best known as a member of The New Day – a faction that also features Xavier Wood and Big E. As a member of The New Day, Kingston held the tag titles on several occasions. He has recently become a singles performer and is the current WWE Champion.
After graduating from college, Kingston worked in the advertising department for the office supply company, Staples. As we now know, the reigning champ would eventually quit his day job and pursue his dream of becoming WWE star.
7 7. Trish Stratus: Receptionist
Toronto’s Trish Stratus is easily one of the most successful performers in WWE history. The Hall of Famer has held the WWE Women’s Championship 7 times over the course of her career. She and fellow Hall of Famer Lita made history by becoming the first females to headline Monday Night Raw.
During her time with WWE, commentators would often mention that Stratus was a former fitness model. However, that wasn’t the only job she had prior to her days with WWE. At one point Stratus worked as a receptionist at a local gym in Canada. While working the phones, she was asked to pose for a fitness magazine, and thus her modeling career began.
6 6. Sheamus: Body Guard
Sheamus originally signed with WWE back in 2006 and has been featured prominently over the years. The big man from Dublin, Ireland has held the world title on 4 separate occasions. These days, he is currently part of a tag team with his partner Cesaro – the two men are collectively known as The Bar.
At about 6-foot-4 and weighing somewhere around 267 pounds – Sheamus’ previous job as a bouncer probably won’t come as much of a surprise to anyone. However, it’s worth noting that he worked at a night club that several celebrities frequented. One of those celebs was U2 frontman, Bono.
5 5. John Cena: Limo Driver
In terms of star power, it doesn’t get much bigger than John Cena. The native of West Newbury, Massachusetts has seen and done it all over the course of what will almost certainly be a Hall of Fame career. Cena has captured the WWE World Championship an eye-popping 16 times during his tenure with the company. While he still appears on WWE television from time to time, Cena seems to be focused on becoming Hollywood’s next breakout star.
Before becoming a wrestling legend, John Cena was a limo driver. Back in those days – If you couldn’t “see him” – it’s probably because the windows were tinted.
4 4. The Great Khali: Police Officer
At 7-foot-1, The Great Khali is one of the tallest wrestlers to ever set foot inside a WWE ring. In 2007, Khali made history by becoming the 1st Indian-born WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Fans who witnessed the Giant’s reign of terror in World Wrestling Entertainment, won’t soon forget it.
Prior to becoming a professional wrestler, the native of Dhiraina, Himachal Pradesh, India worked in law enforcement. He started out as a security guard and eventually caught the attention of local police – who decided to make a member of the force in 1993. It must have been pants-wetting for criminals to see The Great Khali headed their way.
3 3. Hulk Hogan: Musician
Hulk Hogan is the most recognized named in sports entertainment. He has been involved in so many historic matches that it’s difficult to keep track at times. Hogan is perhaps best known for body slamming Andre The Giant at WrestleMania III, in one of wrestling’s most iconic match ups. The Hulkster has starred in several films over the years and even had his own hit reality televisions show on VH1 back in the day.
Before Hulkamania ran wild in the WWE, Hogan was a musician. He played bass for ban called Ruckus, but the group had little success – which turned out to be a good thing for the sport of professional wrestling.
2 2. TheBig Show: Bail Bondsman
He’s 7-feet tall and weighs just under 400 pounds, which is why the Big Show is often referred to as “The World’s Largest Athlete.” WCW fans may remember him by anonter ring name – The Giant. Between both WWE and WCW, The Big Show has won the world title and impressive 7 times.
Years before Big Show began his wrestling journey; he worked as a bail bondsman – acting as a sort of bounty hunter. In those days, he would drag folks to (or back to) jail for cash. We can safely assume that there weren’t many folks who tried to resist arrest once they got a glimpse of the big man.
1 1. Macho Man: Baseball Player
“Macho Man” Randy Savage is one of the greatest in-ring performers of his generation. Known for signature flying elbow and wild ring attire – Savage was truly one of a kind. He had a combined 6 world title reigns in WCW and WWE. The late Hall of Famer remains one of the most beloved figures in the industry.
Years before his wrestling debut, Savage had a noteworthy baseball career. He has in several major league farm systems for teams like the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox – though he never made a MLB roster. He last played baseball in 1974, as member of the Tampa Tarpons.