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Tim Wiese wins first match as pro wrestler

November 3, 2016

The 34-year-old former goalkeeper has gained almost 40 kilograms of muscle since leaving Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in 2014. Now he has made a winning start as a professional wrestler in the WWE.

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Deutschland Tim Wiese "The Machine"
Image: imago/J. Huebner

Former Kaiserslautern and Werder Bremen goalkeeper Tim Wiese made his WWE wrestling debut on Thursday, winning in Munich's Olympiahalle.

Using the wrestling name "The Machine," alongside teammates Cesaro and Sheamus, the 34-year-old athlete claimed top spot in a six-man tag-team bout after providing the winning pin to overcome a team featuring Shining Stars and Bo Dallas.

Following minimal appearances at Hoffenheim in 2014, Wiese has enjoyed a huge amount of publicity after opting to retire from the sport and instead make the unusual transition from the Bundesliga to the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Group.

Since then, the former Germany international, who was part of the 2010 World Cup squad, has gained 40 kilograms (88 pounts) of weight and muscle.

"Football is long finished for me," Wiese said ahead of Thursday's contest. "I'll be 35 (in December). I think that's the best age for wrestling. I am not going with any fear into the ring. The others have to be scared.”