DUBAI // Wrestling fans are being given the chance to prove their worth in the squared circle during a series of tryouts that could lead to a career with the WWE.
Dubai Opera is hosting the four-day talent search, where 40 men and women from across the Middle East and India will be put through their paces.
Those who prove their mettle will be recruited into the WWE’s performance centre in the United States.
“WWE is dedicated to finding the most talented athletes and entertainers from around the world,” said Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE executive vice president of talent, live events and creative.
“Not only are the Middle East and India important markets to grow our business and reach new fans but they are also key regions from which to recruit premier athletes who want to pursue the dream of becoming a WWE superstar.”
The talent pool will comprise performers with a diverse background in sports and athletics, including power lifters, body builders, martial artists and fitness experts. The Dubai tryout is the latest example of WWE’s global talent recruiting efforts.
In recent years, WWE has scouted rugby and football players from Europe, kabaddi and kusti athletes from India, and martial artists and boxers from China.
Last year, WWE held a talent tryout in Shanghai, which resulted in the signing of eight Chinese recruits, including Tian Bing, the company’s first Chinese superstar.
Bing is now signed to the NXT brand and competed at Wrestlemania 33 this month.
The Dubai tryouts started yesterday and will end on Saturday.
nhanif@thenational.ae
