Nick White
In a thrilling announcement for both wrestling and basketball fans, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) revealed that Chicago Bulls legend and Basketball Hall of Famer, Dennis Rodman, will make his much-anticipated return to the world of professional wrestling. The 62-year-old sports icon is set to step back into the ring on Saturday’s episode of “Collision in Chicago,” bringing a wave of excitement to the Windy City.
Dennis Rodman’s illustrious career spans two distinct realms: basketball and professional wrestling. With 14 NBA seasons under his belt, Rodman solidified his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players and rebounders the league has ever seen. His accomplishments include two All-Star selections, seven rebounding titles, and an impressive five NBA championships, all leading to his well-deserved induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
However, Rodman’s journey extended beyond the basketball court and into the squared circle of professional wrestling. Nicknamed “The Worm,” Rodman made his wrestling debut at “Bash at the Beach 1997,” partnering with “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan in a tag team match against Lex Luger and The Giant. While the duo didn’t secure the victory, it marked the beginning of Rodman’s memorable wrestling adventure.
One year later, at “Bash at the Beach 1998,” Rodman engaged in perhaps the most notable wrestling bout of his career. Once again, he teamed up with Hogan, this time facing off against Diamond Dallas Page (DDP) and none other than Utah Jazz superstar and fellow Hall of Famer, Karl Malone. The clash of two basketball titans in the wrestling ring added an extra layer of excitement, given their prior face-off in the NBA Finals.
The Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz had squared off in the NBA Finals just months before Rodman’s wrestling showdown with Malone. Rodman’s presence in the wrestling world had even caused a stir during that NBA season when he famously missed a practice to appear on an episode of Nitro. Despite the controversy, Rodman and the Bulls emerged victorious in the NBA Finals, securing their third consecutive championship.
Although his last WCW match was a loss to “Macho Man” Randy Savage at “Road Wild 1999,” Dennis Rodman’s wrestling journey continued, including appearances on Hulk Hogan’s “Celebrity Championship Wrestling” reality show in 2008. His larger-than-life persona and unique crossover appeal made him a memorable figure in both the NBA and the wrestling world.
While Dennis Rodman’s wrestling career had taken a hiatus for several years, the wait is finally over. His comeback on “Collision in Chicago” is set to ignite the fervor of fans in the Windy City as they eagerly anticipate his appearance. With AEW’s “All Out” pay-per-view scheduled for the following Sunday in Chicago, Rodman’s return promises to set the tone for an unforgettable weekend of sports entertainment.
Dennis Rodman’s return to professional wrestling is not just a momentous event for fans of the sport but also a celebration of a Chicago icon’s enduring legacy. His career, which straddles the worlds of basketball and wrestling, has left an indelible mark in both realms. As Rodman steps back into the ring on “Collision in Chicago,” he reminds us that his charisma and presence are timeless, and he continues to captivate audiences in whichever arena he chooses to grace.
