The next time Tyson Fury steps into the ring it will be against Braun Strowman, not Deontay Wilder. The “Gypsy King” is taking his supersized talents and charisma to the world of professional wrestling where he will square off against the WWE superstar at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Oct. 31.
The wacky showdown (err, publicity stunt) culminates a weeklong back and forth between the two giants that started a week ago at Fox’s SmackDown when Strowman called out the lineal heavyweight champ from the crowd. The angry exchange turned to fisticuffs when both threw hands at each other in the following Monday Night Raw episode.
While some, including Fury’s own team, would question why he would risk injury “wrasslin'” with a 6-foot-8-inch dude nicknamed “Monster Among Men,” it makes perfect sense for a born showman who does things his way.
“Apparently my promoter, my trainer, my manager, my family and everybody at home has been saying ‘Don’t take this fight because that guy is going to rip that cut open!’” Fury told DAZN News, referring to a nasty gash he received from his Sept. 14th bout with Otto Wallin. “But I’m quite quick and it’s really up to me to not allow him to rip that cut open. It’s worrying moments for the Wilder rematch, but I’m living in the moment.” In other words, he knows that he could bring in a whole new legion of fans for Fury-Wilder II.
It seems like a win-win in a “business” sense. Strowman vs. Fury will take place at WWE Crown Jewel on October 31 live on the WWE Network.
