TIM WIESE IS preparing to make his debut in the ring on Thursday night in Munich, as he completes the unusual transformation from international goalkeeper to WWE wrestler.
The 34-year-old will star in a tag-team match in his first appearance in World Wrestling Entertainment when he teams up with Irish star Sheamus and Swiss wrestler Cesaro.
It is a rather drastic career change, but Wiese, who won six caps for Germany between 2008 and 2012 and was part of the squad for the 2010 World Cup, isn’t fazed about his new hard-hitting job.
In fact, he claims he will be “unbeatable” and has likened the WWE to Champions League football.
“This is Champions League. WWE is the biggest thing in wrestling, so I’m fully focused and blending out everything else around me,” he said.
I think I’ll be playing the role of the bad guy – I’m being pushed in that direction, but that’s OK.
“In football, I was already the bad guy who opposition fans would insult. It doesn’t bother me. They can all hate me.”
At 1.93m (6ft 4in) and weighing about 130kg (20st 6lb), Wiese says he is not afraid of injuries in the ring.
He has been on a strict diet and training regime, packing on 40kg (88lb) of muscle.
I don’t care. I will hurt them, they won’t hurt me. Anyone can have a go: I’m going to be unbeatable,” he said.
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