Among the WWE roster, there are some superstars that have gained popularity in other industries too. For most, it’s within the acting world. However, for a select few, it’s among poker communities that they’ve made another name for themselves.
By engaging in high-stakes games, wrestlers actually utilize some of the same psychological techniques employed in wrestling. Although these two activities might seem very different from one another, these wrestlers have weaved a common thread between them by famously taking part in both.
How Poker and Wrestling are Actually Similar
For many wrestlers, poker is a great way to blow off steam. Though it might not seem like it, Wrestling and poker do share some similarities. For example, the importance of timing is present and necessary in both activities.
On the other hand, the WWE also has high stakes like poker. These days, the accessibility of various types of poker sites also provides a range of options for wrestlers (and ordinary players to indulge in). Among them, modern advancements currently see crypto casinos trending among players all over the world.
These are becoming more popular than ever as they offer crypto as a payment method, meaning they also cater to fast payouts, unique bonus offerings, and anonymous play, according to casino expert Gary McLellan (source: https://bestcryptocasinos.ltd/).
For wrestlers who enjoy poker as a niche interest, it doesn’t matter where or how they play. What matters for them is how well they do and how much their wrestling skill sets can help them in games. To that end, although elements like reading body language aren’t easy in online casinos, players can still bluff which is something that’s also important in wrestling as wrestlers often use feints and misdirection to catch opponents off-guard.
Of course, the entire sport of wrestling is also geared toward being one large bluff that acts as a form of entertainment based on athleticism, strength, and physical endurance. Body language is therefore also a core tenet as wrestlers often need to communicate in the ring by reading their opponent’s body language and anticipating their moves to better coordinate the match.
WWE Stars Who Shine at Poker
There are plenty of WWE superstars who have made headlines for their skills in poker, in addition to their fame in the ring. Here are some of the most notable wrestling figures who are well-known for their involvement in high-stakes poker games and tournaments over the years:
Daniel Bryan
Tournaments like the World Series of Poker require a strong understanding of the dynamics of poker since only the best players make it to larger prize pools. Daniel Bryan, known for his technical wrestling skills and resilience, has proven to be one of the best wrestlers who can also play poker, by virtue of the fact that he made it into and competed in the WSOP.
His competitive spirit translated to some great gameplay coupled with good strategic thinking and patience. Throughout his time in the tournament, he was lauded for cultivating a calm demeanor and an ability to read opponents.
The Miz
The Miz has a large personality and plenty of charisma, which works in his favor for high-stakes poker games too. He’s often drawn a crowd to observe him taking on his opponents at poker tables in high-end casinos.
His charismatic personality comes in very handy with bluffing and manipulating the odds in his favor. With many fans still speculating over his future in WWE, the Miz often seems just at home at a poker table.
John Cena
One of the most popular WWE personalities of all time, John Cena is known for avid participation in both online and in-person poker games. Although this wrestler is modest about his involvement with poker, he has played thousands of online games over the years and has come out on top in a lot of them.
John Cena’s participation can be dated back to 2012 when he made 908 appearances in online games — a hobby he mentioned began after watching the World Series of Poker on TV. Thereafter, he tried his hand at it himself, and nowadays as he gets ready for retirement from the ring, it’s since become one of his favorite pastimes.
Rey Mysterio
Rey Mysterio’s performance in the ring is at great variance with his approach on the tables. The famous masked wrestler is known for a risk-taking, high-flying wrestling style but in poker, he keeps his composure and is known to carefully read his opponents.
As a result, this WWE superstar has managed to remain a mystery with a level of unpredictability that often confuses those he plays against as he adjusts his strategies on the fly.
Natalya Neidhart
As a member of the Hart wrestling family, Natalya Neidhar, who recently re-signed with the WWE, is one of the most popular female wrestlers in the WWE and is known for her competitive spirit. She’s also been known to carry that competitiveness to the poker table and became known for her aggressive approach to the game. She’s managed to balance it out with laser focus which allows her to strategically play against opponents on the tables.
Conclusion
The similarities between wrestling and poker are profound and many wrestlers have managed to leverage their unique skills and abilities to gain a lot of popularity within poker communities. From WWE stars like Rey Mysterio and even John Cena, a fair few well-known wrestlers have been known to spend time at the table.
Participation in renowned tournaments like the World Series of Poker shows that the competitiveness of these wrestlers isn’t just limited to the ring only but extends to other aspects of their lives.
