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| (Image Source: IMPACT Wrestling) |
On the late night of October 23rd (US time), Quinn "Moose" Ojinnaka shocked the professional wrestling world when he quickly cashed in the Call Your Shot trophy that he won in the gauntlet earlier after an epic main event encounter at IMPACT Wrestling's Bound For Glory PPV where "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander captured the IMPACT World Championship from All Elite Wrestling (AEW)'s Christian Cage. Minutes later, in dangerously dominant fashion, Moose decimated Alexander and went on to become the new IMPACT World Champion in front of a packed crowd inside the Sam's Town Hall and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Many professional wrestling fans were surprised by the outcome with some literally expressing their anger, frustration, shock and disappointment towards Moose and what has transpired in the final moments of this year's edition of IMPACT's flagship event. Regardless of the heavy criticism, Moose has solidified himself as the best NFL (National Football League) player in the modern era to have gone on to become a world champion in professional wrestling next to Bill Goldberg. Prior to his IMPACT Wrestling debut in July 2016, Moose played for four teams over seven seasons in the National Football League including the New England Patriots where he was teammates with modern American football legend Tom Brady while playing for one of the best coaches in NFL history, Bill Belichick. An offensive tackle/guard, Ojinnaka played in 62 NFL games, with 20 starts, after playing at Syracuse University. He was selected in the fifth-round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.
“There are so many former NFL players who had notable pro wrestling careers, including Brian Pillman, Steve McMichael, Monte Brown, Leo Nomellini, Wahoo McDaniel and Russ Francis, among others – but none of them became World Champion. Moose is among an exclusive list of only six former NFL players, including a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, to have become a pro wrestling World Champion," said IMPACT Wrestling Executive Vice President Scott D'Amore who helped Moose train during his transition from American football to pro wrestling. D'Amore added in a press release, “The term ‘generational talent’ is overused, but it is very apt for Moose. He would have been a formidable presence in wrestling just by being a 6-foot-5, 300-pound athlete, but the way he moves inside the ring, his freakish agility for a big man … he’s the next level of super-athlete.”
Other former NFL players who have gone to become a professional wrestling champion are Bronko Nagurski, Ernie Ladd, Dick The Bruiser and Gus Sonnenberg. In an interview with Sports Illustrated's Justin Barrasso, Moose shared the lessons he learned from Belichick and image development tips from former IMPACT World Champion EC3 which he utilized to become who he is today. He was also quick to address those who criticize how he managed to win the IMPACT World Championship which is understandable in my case considering that his villainous role is highly considered as one of the best stories to enjoy and look forward to during his time in IMPACT Wrestling. And now he is the IMPACT World Champion, he is ready to do the hardwork in order to become IMPACT's flagship major player.
