(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Andrew Flintoff Reveals He Nearly Joined WWE as “Big Fred” After Cricket Career
Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff, one of England’s most iconic all-rounders, has shared the fascinating story of how he came close to trading cricket for the world of professional wrestling with WWE.
💬 From Cricket Legend to Potential WWE Star
Speaking on the Stick To Cricket podcast, the 47-year-old former cricketer revealed that after his retirement in 2010, he was offered what he called “obscene money” to sign a three-year WWE contract and perform under the ring name “Big Fred.”
Flintoff, who battled injuries throughout his career, said he began exploring new paths while living in Dubai after stepping away from international cricket.
“I loved WWE as a kid,” Flintoff recalled. “I was unfit, had put on weight, and needed something to motivate me. So, while filming A League Of Their Own, I pitched an idea to wrestle The Undertaker in Manchester.”
🤝 Talks with Vince McMahon and WWE Training
The pitch, originally meant for television, quickly escalated. With Sky Sports backing the concept, Flintoff found himself in serious discussions with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
He began training sessions to prepare for life inside the ring, describing the experience as intense and physically demanding.
“I feared I’d broken a rib,” he said. “I had lashes on my back and was getting battered all over. It was real, brutal work.”
Despite the challenges, WWE was reportedly impressed with Flintoff’s commitment and offered him a fast-tracked deal to perform at major events like WrestleMania and the Royal Rumble within 18 months.
❌ Turning Down WWE for Family and Boxing
Ultimately, Flintoff turned down the offer, citing family reasons.
“The money was great, but we wanted to move back from Dubai. The kids were into cricket and didn’t want to live in America. So, I turned it down.”
Instead, Flintoff fulfilled his competitive itch through boxing, winning his only professional fight in 2012 against American Richard Dawson.
🏏 Return to Cricket and Coaching
Today, Flintoff remains closely connected to cricket. He has built a successful media career and is now contributing to player development as a coach with the England Lions.
Though his WWE dream never materialized, Andrew Flintoff’s story shows the surprising directions a sports career can take—and how family priorities can shape life after the spotlight.
