The WAR for Monday Nights: 8 NFL and WWE Villians Explode!

Families gather every Monday night in America and submerge themselves in cable-television combat.

Whether you tune in to the one-ring circus that is WWE Monday Night Raw or you join the hordes of viewers ritualistically flipping to Monday Night Football, there may be an unseen likeness between the two companies battling for control of your remote.

These iconic pairs may not realize they are looking into an unholy Monday Night mirror.

Mike Tomlin / Steve Austin

Following a 2009 loss to the Ravens, Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin prophesied that his team would “unleash hell” until seasons' end.

I could not help but notice that the Stone Cold T-shirt of that period had the same fiery phrase emblazoned across it. The steely-eyed badass leader of the NFL’s most fined franchise seems to give the Stone Cold salute to Commissioner Roger Goddell every time the NFL decrees that the Steelers' failure to conform to corporate expectations. Legendary crowd pop: Tomlin gives the Commissioner a Stunner on the 50-yard line of Heinz Field and toasts it with a Bud Light and a Primanti special. WHAT?

Rex Ryan / "The Miz"

“Because….I’mmmmm AWESOMMMMME”.

I could have guessed either of them coined this catchphrase. Beyond the obvious waistline disparity, there is an undeniable similarity in stratospheric self-confidence.

Rex never misses an opportunity to remind pundits of the success he has had as the Jets' head coach, and the Miz cannot seem to let five minutes pass without expounding his most must-see WWE title reign.

Both must improve before they are considered the best by anyone outside of their own ego, yet both might be on their way. I am sure they will be the first to let us know when they get there.

Brett Favre / Hulk Hogan

A beyond-aging idol from a bygone era throws his hat into the ring just one more time. Confident that his legend transcends any fading physical skills, he attempts to carry an entire organization on his back but ultimately learns that it's now much harder getting up when he’s slammed. His performance dwindles to such an embarrassing level that his employer decides to stop putting him in front of a crowd.

Reminiscing about the life that once was, he plans for the next opportunity to keep his name relevant (typically at the expense of the youth around him). Hmm, not sure which one I am referring to.

Tom Brady / John Cena

Oh how we love to hate the Beantown Boys. We hate those who have what we don’t and despise those who make it look so easy while achieving it. Whether it’s their popularity, success or fame, we enthusiastically wait for the eventual collapse of the two untouchables.

Brady and Cena consistently stand atop their respective sports with a long list of casualties who have failed to unseat them. Whether you love them (millions do) or hate them (millions do), the prodigal sons of the NFL and WWE have more in common beyond their Boston heritage.