5 WWE Superstars who started off as soccer players

#3 Stuart Tomlinson

Hugo Knox, or Stuart Tomlinson, played for Burton Albion FC (Picture: Chester Chronicle)

Stuart Tomlinson made his senior debut for Crewe Alexandra in a second-division match after having graduated from its youth ranks in 2003. Later in 2004, he was sent off on loan to Stafford Rangers.

His career after that took a minor hit as he suffered from injuries that kept him out of play. In 2006, he managed to secure a loan move to Burton Albion FC but the transfer was delayed after Tomlinson picked up a calf injury. A goalkeeper, he was especially known for defending penalties and he reportedly gave off an aura of confidence that helped him to succeed more than any average goalkeeper.

He could kick the ball with either foot and due to his muscular physique, he was nicknamed “The Tank”.

From 2014 to the present, Tomlinson has been a part of WWE's NXT which is principally a development division for WWE. He was assigned to the WWE Performance Center where he fought under the name Hugo Knox. In his own words, "Hugo Knox is a lively, high-energy and bubbly guy" with "the smallest polka dot pants possible." He made his in-ring debut in NXT in November 2014.