Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Trey Smith remains a diehard pro wrestling fan. Believe it or not, football and professional wrestling maintain a deep historical relationship. For example, Hall of Famer Bronko Nagurski held the National Wrestling Association World Heavyweight title during the 1939 offseason while playing for the Chicago Bears.
Since then, thousands of football players have transitioned to the squared circle, hoping to continue their athletic careers and enhance their wallets. Football is a pipeline for wrestling. In Smith’s opinion, one non-football player would helm his wrestling fantasy team.
Chiefs’ Trey Smith Names CM Punk as QB of Fantasy Wrestling Football Team
You can already read the comment section, losing their collective minds, proclaiming that pro wrestling is fake and not a sport. While predetermined, professional wrestling is an activity that takes a high degree of athleticism, timing, and articulation. In front of thousands in attendance and millions watching at home, the best-known of these professionals entertain fans across the globe.
Smith, a long-time fan, grew up watching the sport and sitting on a couch on Monday nights. As a result, he carried that fandom into adulthood, using the ability to suspend belief and allow the show to entertain without judgment. In a recent episode of the “New Heights” podcast, the Chiefs’ starting right guard ran down his list of who he believed should begin on his mythical team. His answers will bring chuckles to those who listen.
“For QB, this is going to surprise people. Go ahead and give me CM Punk. Let’s start with lineman. Give me the Mark Henry at one of the guard spots. Give me the Big Show.”
Punk, known for his verbosity, became a fan favorite due to his distinctive style. Even in his late 40s, he continues to draw fans to a production seen by the world. While all in jest, two of the three people Smith mentioned in the quote possessed serious athletic backgrounds. Mark Henry represented the United States in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics as a member of the weightlifting team.
In addition, Henry won two national championships, surpassed only by winning a world title in 1995. The “Big Show,” whose real name is Paul Wight, played basketball at Wichita State and Southern Illinois-Edwardsville.
Ironically, one of the “New Heights” hosts, former Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro center Jason Kelce, participated in a match at WrestleMania. He joined a long line of professional football players who entered the ring.
With his football career in full bloom and owning a couple of Super Bowls, Smith could make the transition himself and appear on television and premium live events.