ORLANDO, Fla. – Who’s the strongest, who’s the fastest? No matter the sport or event, those are the questions fans are asking.
And to find out the answer when it comes to big-time wrestling, retired NFL player and former WWE superstar Dean “Mojo” Muhtadi, who’s the co-host of TMZ Sports and owner of The Paragon Talent Group, joined News 6 anchor Julie Broughton on Take 6 to promote BLP Crowning Glory.
The event, described by Muhtadi as the NFL Combine for pro wrestlers, will take place Wednesday night at Logan Square Auditorium in Chicago.
“It’s an event that we’re partnering with DraftKings on to launch the NFL season,” Muhtadi said. “We’ve got some heavy hitters. All athletes who formerly played in the MMA, NFL, all kind of sports: fitness competitors, body builders. We’re going to put everyone in the same place with a bunch of strength and speed contests, in addition to eight big-time wrestling matches.”
The event will feature about 40 wrestlers and will be streamed live on Chris Van Vliet’s YouTube channel.
“This is going to be 100% legit,” Muhtadi said. “For the pro wrestling world, instead of doing the 40-yard dash, we’re going to see who can run the ropes the fastest. Instead of the bench press, we’re gonna bring back arm wrestling.”
He also hinted about a special tug-of-war event.
“We’re going to leave that one as a surprise. It might be the most intense event of the entire thing,” he said.
Broughton delved into the background of Rawley, who left the WWE in 2021, a year after he contracted COVID.
“I couldn’t get my lungs back to a competitive state,” he said. “There were certain days I couldn’t speak.”
Muhtadi said he then turned to Plan B, starting The Paragon Talent Group to represent sports entertainers and personalities and putting his business degree from Maryland to work.
Muhtadi said his interest in business started when he was 11 years old when his aunt took him to work at Morgan Stanley.
“I got to sit in on a lot of meetings and learn some things,” he said. “It was very valuable, something I’m grateful for.”