5 Athletes we'd love to see sign with WWE

Sometimes, people fall into the wrestling business after a career somewhere else.

Many, many times this other place is the NFL. The list of former gridiron players who made the transition is staggering, which includes the likes of Brian Pillman, Mojo Rawley, Baron Corbin, and Ernie Ladd, just to name a few.

However, American football isn't the only 'feeder' for the wrestling career. Perhaps the most unusual twist of fate leading to wrestling involved Dr. Sam Sheppard, who was wrongfully convicted of his wife's murder. After a retrial set Sheppard free, he couldn't attract patients to his business due to his ruined reputation. So, he entered the world of pro wrestling, and even created the Mandible Claw.

It seems there are no limits to how many paths one can take to the wrestling ring. Here are five men we'd love to see wrestle for the WWE (even on a temporary basis).

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#5 Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson

Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson

Better known to the world as Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane from mega-popular fantasy show Game of Thrones, Björnsson is also a strong man competitor and former basketball player.

In fact, Björnsson recently won the World's Strongest Man competition of 2018, proving his muscles are for more than just show.

Given his theater background, Björnsson certainly has the dramatic chops to be a great wrestler. His massive size and power would serve him well in a WWE ring, and his appearance would certainly draw a lot of media attention, which WWE craves.

Even on a one-off match or a part-time contract, Björnsson could be an impact player for WWE.

#4 Tony Jaa

If you're searching for the heir to Both Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan's thrones, then look no further than Tony Jaa.

The ripped Thai martial artist has already had a lucrative movie career. Putting him in a wrestling ring would be a no-brainer. He performs all his own stunts, a-la Jackie Chan, and is a legitimate badass martial artist, a-la Bruce Lee. With his presence and athletic acumen, we would love to see him take on some WWE talent.

#3 Miesha "Cupcake" Tate

In her early days in MMA, one of Ronda Rousey's first feuds was with Miesha Tate.

In a lot of ways, the two women parallel each other; they are both top tier athletes in a male-dominated sport who also happen to be physically gorgeous. While Rousey got the better of Tate in their cage fights, there is always the possibility of a rematch in a wrestling ring.

Tate could be a great 'spoiler' for Rousey, perhaps interfering in a match to give the Judo champion her first ring loss.

#2 Isaac Caldiero

The American Ninja Warrior champion technically is the second man to beat the US version of Mt. Midoriyama, but he had the better time.

With his hunky, boy next door looks and earnest disposition, he would make a fine celebrity challenger for the 205 Live division. As WWE looks to expand its cruiserweight roster and get more media attention for the 205 division, perhaps they should consider Caldiero for such a role.

#1 Chael Sonnen

"When you're the best fighter in the world, they have a name for you. They call you Chael Sonnen."

With such fantastic, off the cuff and natural delivery of lines like that, Chael Sonnen is a natural for the world of sports entertainment. Brash, talented, and a top-tier athlete, Chael could put 'butts in seats' in a way the WWE would find most appealing.

Chael has worked with GFW in a non-wrestling capacity for the most part, but this is a waste of his talents. The mouthy Sonnen could certainly build up a fight with the likes of Lesnar utilizing his great social media platform and mainstream appeal.

Who else do you think needs to wrestle for WWE? Comment and let us know!