Mississipi middleweight Jeremiah “Big Rig” Riggs will follow in the footsteps of other MMA fighters, guys like Frank Trigg and Josh Barnett, who have crossed over into the world of professional wrestling.
On April 4, Riggs (7-5) will appear on USA Network’s “Tough Enough”, a pro wrestling reality show where 14 contestants receive pro wrestling training under the guidance of WWE legends like Booker T and Trish Stratus and compete for a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment.
It is very interesting that back in January, in an interview with ProMMAnow.com, we asked Riggs if he had ever thought about a career in pro wrestling. At that time, he said he had thought about it and even had some meetings with some of the organizations.
Riggs admitted he is a huge wrestling fan and has been watching since he was a kid. He also said he believes he has what it takes to cross over into pro wrestling. And anyone who has been around Riggs any length of time would likely agree.
“Tough Enough” will not be Riggs’ first reality show rodeo. In 2008, Riggs was cast for season seven of Spike TV’s “The Ultimate Fighter”, but unfortunately lost a decision against Dan Cramer in the elimination round.
Then in 2009, Riggs showed he was more than a fighter, and had a tender side as he was cast for VH1’s “Daisy of Love”. Riggs finished fifth on the show and was given the nickname “Big Rig” by the show’s star Daisy de la Hoya, due to his truck-driving background.
This, the fifth season of “Tough Enough”, premieres the night after Wrestlemania XXVII, Monday, April 4, immediately following Raw at 11 p.m. ET, then moves to its regular timeslot: Mondays at 8 p.m. ET starting on April 11th.
Stone Cold Steve Austin will serve as host of “Tough Enough”. And Miss USA, Rima Fakih, will also be a contestant. Check out Jeremiah Riggs’ profile on the “Tough Enough” website.