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WCW Training Center "POWER PLANET"
I actually played in the NFL for four years (for the Minnesota Vikings), then I went to pro wrestling for WCW. There, I befriended Tank Abbott, who was a mixed-martial arts fighter as well, and Sam Greco, who was a K-1 championship kickboxer. There they trained me for an FX "Tough Man" show, where I fought William "The Refrigerator" Perry and ended up being victorious over him with a TKO in the second round. From there, K-1 took notice, saying, "You're a big guy. You've got good stamina. You can't fight worth a lick, but we think we can train you to be a fighter. Are you interested?" I said, "OK, let's see what it's all about." On my way to Japan, I stopped in Seattle, since I have roots there, playing for the University of Washington. I met Maurice Smith, a K-1 championship fighter and former UFC heavyweight champion, who introduced me to several champions around the Northwest like Josh, Matt Hume and Randy Couture. K-1 said, "Hey, we like what you're doing! We like who you're training with. Keep it up. Why don't you stay there instead of moving to Japan?" Josh, Matt and Randy took me under their wing・nd it was a smelly wing, I might add. The rest is history!
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