Shawne Merriman, who used to play linebacker for the Chargers and Buffalo Bills, signed a contract to officially become part of the World Wrestling Entertainment or WWE. According to CBS Sports, news circulated that someone called "Lights Out" will join the WWE family. The announcement was made via Michael Cole and John Layfield's podcast.
The masked Rey Mysterio uploaded a photo of himself posing with Merriman on Instagram with the hashtag #futurewwesuperstar! to increase the excitement among wrestling and NFL fans. The ex-NFL player appeared at the pre-match show of Wrestlemania 2014 on April 12, 2014. He initially joined the tryouts at the WWE Performance Center in November 2013, but failed to land a contract on that occasion.
It is still unknown what his character will be like in the upcoming WWE episodes. According to WrestleChat.net, Merriman will undergo wrestling training, at the same time announcing for matches.
Merriman was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2005. According to ESPN, he was drafted in the first round by the San Diego Chargers in 2005. During his initial three seasons, he achieved 39.5 sacks and earned the alias "Lights Out" because of his aggressiveness and powerful hits on the field. The Chargers waived Merriman in the 2010 season after he was plagued by different injuries, especially a sore right Achilles tendon. He made three consecutive Pro Bowls during his initial seasons with the Chargers.
Yahoo! Sports writes that Merriman retired in 2012 and finished his NFL career with 45.5 career sacks in 75 games, where he started in 59 games.
Merriman definitely has the background and controversial nature that will suit his new role in the WWE. He has been featured in various newspapers and magazines after being suspended by the NFL after being found positive for steroids. He was also arrested after Tila Tequila, a reality TV actress, charged him with false imprisonment and battery.
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