Former NBA star Dwight Howard took part in a WWE tryout in Nashville, Tenn. for SummerSlam weekend.
WWE is in Nashville, Tenn. this week for SummerSlam, which takes place on Saturday, July 30. In the days ahead of the premium live event, WWE hosted tryouts for athletes interested in making the jump into the professional wrestling/sports entertainment industry.
There was one surprise appearance at the tryouts, and it was none other than former Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers star Dwight Howard. Take a look at the promo that went viral, courtesy of Arash Markazi of The Mightier 1090 ESPN Radio.
Dwight Howard was a surprise participant at the WWE Tryout in Nashville today. He told me he legit wants to join the WWE one day. pic.twitter.com/LiUnNqPsdv
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) July 28, 2022
Dwight Howard attends WWE tryouts in Nashville
After cutting his promo, he met with Paul “Triple H” Levesque. Triple H is the current Executive Vice President of talent relations and now head of WWE creative following the retirement of Vince McMahon.
When speaking with Markazi, Howard said that while he wants to play in the NBA this upcoming season, he is interested in joining WWE one day.
Dwight Howard said he would like to play in the NBA next season but is ready to transition and join the WWE if that does not happen. His NBA career began in Orlando and he said he’s open to beginning his WWE career in Orlando where the WWE Performance Center is located. pic.twitter.com/VnT0bA1LCB
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) July 28, 2022
Howard was also in attendance for the tryouts on July 29. One of the tryouts “took a shot” at Howard for not being able to get the Lakers to the playoffs last year, leading to him cutting another promo. Of course, the Lakers finished 11th in the Western Conference, and failed to make the play-in tournament.
One of the WWE Tryout finalists tried to roast Dwight Howard for not being able to help the Lakers make the playoffs last year. Let’s just say Dwight got the last laugh. 😂 pic.twitter.com/RSx7Sx7OzB
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) July 29, 2022
Howard, the former 2004 first-overall pick by the Magic, spent this past season with the Lakers, his third stint with the team. Through 60 games, Howard averaged 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds, while putting up a field goal percentage of 61.2.
Could we see Howard in a WWE ring? Whenever his NBA career ends, it could be a possibility.