Henry Roldán
While his NBA career is nearing its end, Dwight Howard is trying to plan his future off the boards and this Thursday he gave us a little taste of what he might do once he retires as a professional player.
The 36-year-old, who remains a free agent, made a surprise appearance at the WWE SummerSlam Tryout held in Nashville, where he participated in in-ring drills and made an appearance starring as Sho’nuff, the villain from the 1985 movie “The Last Dragon,” whom Howard had previously dressed up as on Halloween.
According to ESPN’s Arash Markazi, the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year also met with the legendary Triple H, as well as other industry executives, who were charged with running the pro wrestling circuit’s recruiting event.
I love WWE. I love wrestling… I am grateful for the opportunity to be here and witness the tryouts and the whole event. Hopefully, someday in the future, I will actually be in the ring fighting and holding the belt. That would be amazing.
Dwight Howard, to ESPN, about his future in WWE
Markazi added that Howard was seen around several WWE trainers asking questions and learning how to throw some punches in the ring, and is expected to be around the ring on Saturday during the SummerSlam main event.
The center is close friends with wrestler Titus O’Neil, and has previously been seen at several WWE events, including the 2015 Smackdown at the Houston Toyota Center when he was the Rockets’ star center and where he shared behind-the-camera time with Triple H himself.
Dwight Howard Can’t Forget the NBA, Even if He Has WWE on His Mind
Despite his clear intentions to become a professional wrestler soon, the eight-time All-Star Game participant stated that he is still looking for a contract for the next NBA season, to finish his successful career in the best way possible.
I love basketball, it’s my passion. I still have years to go. I would definitely love to play and just end my career on a high note, a great note, and then transition to the best business in the world, the WWE.
Dwight Howard, to ESPN, on his NBA career
Although injuries have dampened the end of his journey through the best basketball in the world, in 18 seasons he averaged 15.7 points per game, 11.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, was a two-time blocking champion, five-time rebounding champion, five-time All-Defensive and 2020 champion with the Lakers.
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