NFL Stars We Would Like to See in the WWE
The NFL lockout is driving us all crazy—which is OK because it lets our minds race.
Today, we’re feeling crazy ourselves as we look up and down the NFL rosters and see which NFL superstars would fit right in the WWE universe Vince McMahon has created.
Both the NFL and WWE claim to have the greatest superstars on the planet, but now we’re going to see who would pair up well with each other from each universe. Which NFL players would we love to see battle it out inside the squared circle? Which players would make a great tag team or stable?
Who do we just want to see get beaten down by a WWE superstar? Who would stand a chance against former and current WWE champions?
I’ve compiled a list of NFL superstars we would love to see in the WWE.
40. Frank Gore
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Anybody with the last name Gore is the perfect fit for the WWE. With Frank’s determination, toughness and power, he would be a destructive force in the ring.
Pit Frank against former ECW and WWE superstar Rhyno and watch the demolition begin—two evenly matched powerhouses going at each other in the middle of the ring.
With his name and Rhyno’s finishing maneuver, ECW founder and former WWE commentator Paul Heyman would lose his mind.
Gore! Gore! Gore!
Heyman would go nuts with this matchup.
39. The Gate Keepers
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Nick Mangold, Jake Long, Joe Thomas, Gabe Carimi, Michael Oher, Tyron Smith, Robert Gallery, Chris Snee, Shaun O’Hara, Steve Hutchinson, Matt Birk, D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Logan Mankins and Jordan Gross.
Our first stable pits the powerhouses up front with the top offensive linemen in the league. These deceptive athletes have the agility, speed and, of course, devastating power to destroy everyone in their paths.
It would take true ring masters to counter "The Gate Keepers" abilities inside the squared circle. Like the Acolytes Protection Agency with Bradshaw and Farooq, "The Gate Keepers" would generally be used as protection for the cerebral assassins of the ring.
38. Supreme Grudge Match
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"DeMarcus “The Annihilator” Ware vs. "Super" Mario Williams"
You know you want to see these men in the ring.
Ware is a monster of a force in the NFL and would demolish everyone in his path. DeMarcus annihilates quarterbacks on the field with his immense speed and strength. We’d watch him bully people in the ring.
One man he wouldn't be able to bully around is "Super" Mario Williams. Williams is another premier pass rusher who excels in all phases of the game. He shares the unique abilities Ware possesses, which would make this one hell of a matchup.
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37. Calvin “Megatron” Johnson
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You can’t leave out Calvin Johnson with his immense size and athleticism—especially after Roy Williams nicknamed him Megatron in his rookie season for his dominance.
This decepticon is not deceptive at all, as he oozes with elite talent. With his athleticism, we can only expect the best of performances. Calvin would overpower them, but he would put on excellent matches with the likes of cruiserweights and technicians of the ring like Rob Van Dam or Kofi Kingston.
36. The Fight for Tennessee
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"“Texas Longhorn” Vince Young vs. “The Drunken Samurai” Kerry Collins
"
Vince Young and Kerry Collins have alternated back and forth for the Tennessee Titans’ starting job. Now they battle among themselves, without any coaches involved, to determine the man who should be leading the team.
Unfortunately for both, Vince was so busy in his own world and Kerry was too drunk so they didn’t realize Tennessee selected Jake Locker to be the franchise quarterback.
35. Adam “Pacman” Jones and Tank Johnson
6 of 41Your classic "fun" tag team, these two are all about joking around and don’t generally take care of their business in the ring. They care more about having fun outside of the ring and represent the typical powerhouse and high-flier partnership.
The perfect matchup and eventual stable pairing would be with “Cryme Tyme” JTG and Shad Gaspard.
Ron Killings, who is now in WWE and who is the former TNA Tag Team Champion, would obviously be there to guide them along the WWE.
34. Battle for the No. 2 Cape of Carolina
7 of 41"“Fighting Irish” Jimmy Clausen vs. “Winning” Cam Newton
"
John Fox is out in Carolina and Ron Rivera is the new head coach. Rivera selected Cam Newton to be his new franchise quarterback, leaving last year’s quarterback of the future, Jimmy Clausen, to pout in the shadows.
Now Clausen is prepared to take back the job he never had in the first place. The one thing he forgot: He’s a loser and Cam is a winner.
Newton wins in this classic squash match to take the starting job and Clausen's No. 2 jersey.
33. The Trojan Horses
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"Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, Mike Williams, LenDale White, Dwayne Jarrett, Joe McKnight, Fred Davis, Steve Smith, Lofa Tatupu, Shaun Cody, Ryan Kalil, Taylor Mays, Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga, Sam Baker and Brian Cushing managed by Pete Carroll
"
I would really like to see Pete Carroll bring some of his former players to Seattle to recreate his USC dynasty in the NFL, but I’ll settle for this WWE-universe fantasy.
Pete Carroll brings together his former superstar USC Trojans to create the "Trojan Horses" in the WWE. His mission is to bring all of them to championship success and create a D-Generation X, The Nexus, New World Order type dominance in and out of the squared circle.
32. Running Backs Battle
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"Adrian “The Purple People Eater” Peterson managed by Leslie Frazier vs. Maurice “Bowling Ball” Jones-Drew managed by Jack del Rio
"
Two of the top running backs in the league square off in one of the most even matchups on the list.
Adrian Peterson and Maurice Jones-Drew are two of the most talented, determined, respected and successful running backs in the league. With their leg strength, they can drive through any defender. This is a matchup that will leave fans wanting more as they will give everything they have to win.
31. The Raiders
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"Darren McFadden and Rolando McClain managed by Al Davis
"
“Crazy” Al Davis grabs his two best young talents and pairs them together to create a classic strength-and-speed tag team. His combination of McFadden and McClain, though, means they both have power and speed, which will make them a difficult tag team to stop. They are two equal competitors who will be able to stand toe-to-toe with just about any tag team in the league.
Of course, with Al Davis as their manager, nobody will ever know what to expect from the ring apron!
30. “The Champ and the Boss” Champ and Boss Bailey
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You know you’re destined for greatness when your parents name their sons Champ and Boss. These two had their ring names from birth.
OK, OK, so they aren’t their real birth names, but it is what they go by. Champ and Boss create the classic brotherly tag team. They may have their mommy and daddy at ringside, but we know these boys don’t need any assistance with their prolific names for success.
29. Buckin’ Bronco I Quit Match
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"Tim “The Savior” Tebow vs. Kyle “Neckbeard” Orton vs. Brady “Don’t Call Me Brady” Quinn
"
These three quarterbacks are currently locked in an offseason battle as they are all competing for the Denver Broncos’ starting quarterback job. It has been a difficult decision thus far for John Elway and John Fox as they continue to waver back and forth.
What better way for the decision to be made than to pit the three of them inside the squared circle to battle.
We’re going to see which man wants the job more in this “I Quit Match” where the only man to walk away with the job is the one who refuses to quit. Now that’s dedication.
28. Anquan “Metal Face” Boldin
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After seeing Anquan Boldin have his face destroyed against the New York Jets a few years back and refuse pain killers following facial surgery—which included a metal plate put in his face—Boldin is a prime candidate for the squared circle.
Boldin returned from that injury in less than a month. Somebody please put this man in a hardcore match and see him take chair shots to the face like they were nothing! The Sandman? Tommy Dreamer? Cactus Jack? Terry Funk? This is your new hardcore legend right here!
27. JaMarcus “Purple Sizzurp” Russell
14 of 41If you’re like me, you wanted to see JaMarcus Russell become a bust because he never deserved to be the No. 1 overall selection. He then ballooned to almost 300 pounds and was finally arrested for possession of codeine syrup.
That’s the way to do it, JaMarcus!
It would be fun to see Mark Henry squash him.
26. Divas Match
15 of 41"Jay “Can’t Cut It” Cutler vs. Philip “Cocky Not Confident” Rivers
"
After watching the above video live, I remember wanting to see these two battle it out off the football field. Let these two former first-round selections and now franchise quarterbacks cry and yell at each other in the ring before finally attempting to smack each other around. It may not be pretty, but it would be funny.
Knowing the way these two act, anyone else think this would turn into one of those WWE Divas hair-pulling matches?
25. Battle of the Twins
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"“The Pouncey Twins” Maurkice and Mike Pouncey vs. “The Barber Twins” Tiki and Ronde Barber
"
Every wrestling promotion needs its fair share of tag teams to fill out the midcard and even main event a few live shows. We always adore the chemistry and connection among tag teams, and we like it even more when they are family members.
This time, we get two pairs of twin brothers battling it out for supremacy. This is your classic strength and power against speed and agility matchup, with the offensive linemen Pouncey twins battling the speedy running and cornerbacks Ronde and Tiki. Maurkice and Mike have the youth, but Tiki and Ronde have the experience. We’ll get to see which ring style reigns supreme in this battle.
24. “Awesome Shutdown Corners”
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"Nnamdi Asomugha, Charles Woodson and Darrelle Revis managed by Deion Sanders
"
Arguably the greatest and most charismatic defensive back in league history, Deion Sanders puts together the greatest trio possible of complete shutdown corners in today’s game.
Nnamdi Asomugha, Charles Woodson and Darrelle Revis are three of the best-rounded athletes in the league. Under Sanders’ tutelage, he hones their skills further to create a dominant trio. As they vie for the WWE Tag Team championships, their opponents never know which two performers are going to enter the ring as they mix-and-match from day to day to stay on top of their opponents.
Sorry Miz, but these guys are "awesome!"
23. “Crazy” Jared Allen
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Jared Allen is your typical country boy who just loves to play the game. He is a charismatic individual who has the size, nonstop motor and strength to back up his antics.
He would become an instant fan favorite with his beloved off-field antics and love-for-life nature.
He would be a great candidate to take down the annoying Wade Barrett.
22. Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman
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Shawne Merriman used to be one of the best pass rushers in the league, until he suffered setbacks due to injuries.
Still, he is one of the more charismatic players on the field, highlighted by his “Lights Out” dance.
He would pick up instant heat from the crowd for his cocky, no-nonsense demeanor and “Lights Out” taunt.
Who wouldn't want to see The Undertaker or John Cena destroy "Lights Out?"
21. Immovable Forces vs. Unstoppable Objects
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"“The Williams Wall” Pat and Kevin Williams vs. Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley
"
The most dominant defensive-tackle duo over the past few years takes on the next unstoppable force, as Pat and Kevin Williams battle Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley.
This is the classic strength-versus-strength matchup, where every fan is on the edge of their seats to see which team will budge first.
You thought the power struggle between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant was fun? We haven’t seen anything yet!
20. New York Street Fight
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"Brandon “B-Train” Jacobs vs. “The Terminator” Jon Conner
"
Two of the most bruising runners in the NFL, they square off in an old-fashioned street fight for the rights of New York. We saw Triple H and Cactus Jack put on one of the most memorable street fights in wrestling history in New York at Madison Square Garden during the Royal Rumble 2000 event. “B-Train” and “The Terminator” square off in this no-holds barred match to determine the true king of New York football.
19. Patrick “Gold Rush” Willis
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Patrick Willis is currently one of the top-five defensive players in the league. He has incredible instincts, sideline-to-sideline speed, work ethic, motivation and strength.
He is one of the finest warriors in the NFL and would become one of the very best in the WWE ring.
Ezekiel Jackson? Michael Tarver? These guys wouldn’t stand a chance.
18. Chicago Bears
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"Julius “Red Hot” Peppers, Brian “The Big White Machine” Urlacher and Lance “Sergeant” Briggs
"
Three elite defenders of their positions on one squad—it rarely gets better than that in the NFL.
These are three of the most respected and talented players in the entire league, and they stick together as they venture into the WWE universe. The Nexus has nothing on these three supremely intense and gifted men.
17. “The New York Giants”
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"Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora managed by Michael Strahan
"
Michael Strahan is one of the most vibrant personalities in league history. Next to Lawrence Taylor, he is the greatest New York Giant of all-time. His protégés Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora are not far off on my list given their remarkable physical gifts and on-field abilities. They are two of the best defensive ends in the league with their extreme combination of size, speed, strength and quickness.
Michael Strahan keeps the tandem together to manage them to the top of the WWE Tag Team division.
With Strahan guiding them, they can take down any team standing in their way. Jimmy and Jey Uso? Who!?
16. Peyton “The Cleveland Caveman” Hillis
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The guys love his relentless nature, competitive nature and powerful running.
The girls love his looks and muscles.
For that, Peyton Hillis is a prime candidate to become a WWE superstar. He is the typical strong-man fan favorite as he simply never gives up and keeps on truckin’ no matter the task at hand.
15. Clay "Thor" Matthews
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Very few have the ideal look of a WWE wrestler, but Clay Matthews has it. He could have played “Thor” in the upcoming superhero movie, so he adopts the moniker for his ring name.
He has the nonstop motor, work ethic and natural physical abilities to be a God-like monster in the ring.
Everyone would want to see him go against “The Game” Triple H.
14. AFC North Grudge Match
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"“The Grim Raper” Ben Roethlisberger managed by Mike Tomlin vs. “Mean” Joe Flacco managed by John Harbaugh
"
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have arguably the most intense rivalry in all of sports. These teams and fans simply hate each other.
It is only fitting for the two captains of the offense to square off in the classic one-on-one grudge match for the rights to the AFC North crown.
Ben Roethlisberger—aka “The Grim Raper” in the WWE for his off-field antics—is one of the main NFL players women want to see destroyed. Is Joe Flacco their savior?
13. Fan Gauntlet
28 of 41"Donovan McNabb managed by Momma McNabb vs. Philadelphia Eagles Fans managed by Rush Limbaugh
"
You either love him or you hate him—Donovan McNabb has been one of the most controversial NFL superstars over the past decade. He’s been a leader and winner in Philadelphia, but that was never enough for Rush Limbaugh and Philadelphia Eagles fans. Limbaugh brings together the biggest McNabb haters from Philly to challenge McNabb to a fan gauntlet.
Of course, Donovan can’t go anywhere without Momma McNabb beside him. She accompanies her son ringside and uses her Campbell’s Chunky Soup can as her weapon of choice.
12. AFC South Steel Cage Match
29 of 41"Cortland Finnegan vs. Andre Johnson
"
In the greatest NFL fight ever, one of the best antagonizers in the league, Cortland Finnegan, instigates a fight with one of the most soft-spoken men in the game, Andre Johnson.
Following their brawl, the only fitting place to finish it off is in the WWE ring—inside the unforgiving steel cage. Finnegan will have nowhere to run from Andre as these two battle it out for AFC South supremacy.
11. “The Road Warrior” James Laurinaitis
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James Laurinaitis follows in the path of his father, Animal, who was half of one of the greatest tag teams in wrestling history, “The Road Warriors.”
Although Road Warrior Hawk is no longer with us, James steps in to assist his father in the ring to form the new father-and-son version of “The Road Warriors.”
If you’ve ever seen James on the field, he has the charisma of a professional wrestler and would fill Hawk’s shoes with flying colors as the newest Road Warrior.
10. Brian “Weapon X” Dawkins
31 of 41If you’ve ever seen Brian Dawkins erupt from the smoke and perform his patented “Wolverine Weapon X” taunt, then you know this extremely charismatic individual has every making of a WWE champion.
With his ability to fly around the field with his speed and then crush ball carriers with his incredible power, Dawkins would quickly become one of the most dominant superstars in the WWE ring.
From John Morrison to Randy Orton to the Miz, the real threat in the WWE would be “Weapon X.”
9. “The Whole F’n Show”
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"Randy Moss, Chad Ochocinco, Terrell Owens, Brandon Marshall, DeSean Jackson, Dez Bryant, Michael Crabtree and Brandon Lloyd managed by Michael Irvin
"
Michael Irvin brings in the top "diva" wide receivers in the game. These ultra-athletic talents speed around the squared circle and perform the most dazzling high-flying maneuvers possible.
They are excellent at the mic and know how to get under the fans’ skins. They are the ultimate heels as they feel everything should be thrown their way and rarely want to go get it for themselves.
"Straight cash, homie!"
8. “The Predators”
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"Chris Johnson, Steven Jackson, Larry Fitzgerald, Julio Jones, Bob Sanders, Asante Samuel, Marion ‘The Barbarian’ Barber, Devin Hester, Vernon Davis, Rashean Mathis, Laurence Maroney, Sidney Rice, Joshua Cribbs, Marshawn Lynch, Reggie Nelson, Tramon Williams, Michael Griffin, Jamaal Charles, Cedric Griffin, Al Harris, Atari Bigby, Davone Bess, DeAngelo Williams, BenJarvus “Law Firm” Green-Ellis, Joseph Addai, Tim Hightower, Cedric Benson, Edgerrin James and Brandon Meriweather
"
Step aside DX, Four Horseman, Nexus, Alliance and New World Order—all of the top dread-locked NFL superstars form together to create the biggest and most dominant stable of all-time.
Charismatic and dynamic, Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson brings together the best “Predator” lookalikes in their attempts to destroy everyone in their path and take over the entire wrestling universe. From America to Europe to Japan, no wrestling promotion is safe—especially the WWE.
7. The People’s Super Bowl-Champ Ladder Match
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""
The champs are here!
It seems difficult to find two more beloved recent Super Bowl champions. Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers seem to have taken the hearts of Americans even more than Tom Brady and Peyton Manning did when they first won their rings.
Now, in a Super Bowl Championship Ladder Match, Rodgers and Brees battle it out in the ring to see who walks away with the belt. These two climbed to the top over the past two years to put down the critics and reign supreme over the football universe—now they have to do it again in the WWE universe to see who is the true People’s Super Bowl Champion.
Will The Rock or John Cena make a cameo appearance?
6. “Super Manning Bros.”
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"Peyton and Eli Manning managed by Archie Manning
"
Of course we have to have the ultimate brotherly tag team high on the list. Father Archie Manning brings his two Super Bowl-winning sons together to win multiple Tag Team Championships in the WWE. Of course, it is their mission to become the greatest tag team of all-time, jumping past Edge and Christian, The Dudley Boyz, The Outlawz and the Hardy Boyz.
As Peyton talks his opponents' ears off, Eli throws the double-stuffed Oreos at their face while Archie distracts the referee from his son’s trouble-making shenanigans.
5. “The Steel Curtain”
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"Troy Polamalu, LaMarr Woodley, James Farrior and Lawrence Timmons led by “The Executioner” James Harrison
"
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” defense is the best and most consistent defense in the entire NFL. This brotherhood sticks together in the WWE, as they do in Pittsburgh to destroy everyone in their paths.
Led by the headhunter and "Executioner" James Harrison, who bulldozes and concusses his opponents, “The Steel Curtain” becomes one of the most dominant stables in WWE history. They push aside The Nexus and represent the only power that can stand up to the Predators.
4. AFC East Showdown
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"Tom “Golden Boy” Brady managed by Bill Belichick vs. Mark “Dirty” Sanchez managed by Rex Ryan
"
Ever since Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez came to New York to lead the Jets, the Patriots-Jets rivalry has heated up like never before. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have had enough of their shenanigans. After videotaping Ryan and Sanchez’ every step, Tom and Bill feel like they finally have the upper hand to take down these fighter-jet pilots in this ultimate AFC East showdown.
The time has finally come when we get to see these football giants square off for the rights to call themselves the kings of the AFC East division.
Can the "Golden Boy" Tom Brady overcome the "Dirty" Sanchez? How will Bill Belichick cheat Tom to a victory with Rex Ryan gobbling up everything in sight?
3. Kennel from Hell Match
38 of 41"Matt “Matty Ice” Ryan managed by Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank vs. Michael “Dawg Pound” Vick managed by Tony Dungy and Andy Reid
"
In one of the most anticipated matchups of all-time, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank unleashes his current franchise quarterback, Matt Ryan, on Michael Vick—the former franchise quarterback who wronged him.
The Kennel from Hell Match is the perfect event for this one-time dog murderer as vicious dogs surround the two participants.
Arthur Blank and his creepy look can stand in the corner laughing like a madman as he sicks Ryan on Vick. Does “Matty Ice” have what it takes to stand toe-to-toe against the “Dawg Pound” Mike Vick?
2. “The Wrangler” Brett Favre Managed by Brett Favre
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After wavering every offseason for the past five years or so, it seems just about every fan wants to punch Brett Favre in the face.
Still, Favre is the ultimate iron-man warrior of the NFL, playing in almost every game of his career despite devastating injuries that would sideline most men. The immortal Favre has the will to play through just about every injury—except the shoulder injury that cost him his consecutive-start streak this past season.
Yet we still know this iron man has something left in the tank—just like “Hulkamania” Hulk Hogan.
Will Favre’s cortisone shots out-muscle Hulk’s vitamins and prayers?
Two of the biggest and most dominant forces of each world collide in this epic past-their-prime showdown!
1. “Team Murder”
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"Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs managed by Ed Reed
"
Finally, the top defensive duo in the NFL takes down the No. 1 spot on our rankings. Ray Lewis, the man who can kill and get away with it, and Terrell Suggs, the man you’d probably first accuse if something went down but would never talk about it, come together to form the most bruising and bone-shattering tag team of all-time. “Brothers of Destruction” Undertaker and Kane, “Acolytes” Bradshaw and Farooq and “The Natural Disasters” Typhoon and Earthquake have nothing on these two.
With the pimp master himself Ed Reed as their manager, the ultra-charismatic and menacing Lewis and Suggs come together to destroy every single talent in the WWE.
NFL vs WWE Power Trip Battle
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"NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell vs. WWE Chairman Vince McMahon
"
If this match doesn’t speak for itself, you simply have not been paying attention.
These are two powerful, well-spoken individuals who command an audience with their presence. They currently lead two of the biggest industries in the world and battle it out for the sole rights of both organizations.
Of course, after taking down ECW, WCW and so forth, the XFL founder Vince McMahon would demolish Roger Goodell inside the squared circle. McMahon knows the tricks of the trade better than anybody and still has the brute strength to demolish the NFL commish.
In the battle of WWE vs. NFL, Vince McMahon reigns supreme.
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