On the June 6th edition of TNA Wrestling’s IMPACT, a huge name from UFC made his public debut with TNA Wrestling: Quentin “Rampage” Jackson. During the in-ring segment where his arrival was officially announced to world-wide viewers, Rampage was met by former World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, which you’ll see below. Though the confrontation was much more civil than when Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe met face to face for the first time in a TNA ring, there was certainly quite a bit of tension between the two.
TNA Wrestling has a history of involving MMA stars into their show. Last year, former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Muhammed Lawal appeared in a similar segment on TNA Impact. Aside from a handful of appearances and serving as special guest enforcer in a high profile match at TNA’s “Bound For Glory” pay per view event, King Mo Lawal’s involvement in professional wrestling has been limited to learning his craft in TNA’s developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling. Similar involvement can be expected from Rampage Jackson, though with Rampage’s fighting style and public speaking skills, he’s likely to spend less time in OVW than King Mo.
Rampage is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and Pride Middleweight Champion. His other accolades include being named Fighter Of The Year and Most Outstanding Fighter for 2007; Fight Of The Year in 2004 and 2008; Fight Of The Night three times and Knockout Of The Night twice.
On the seventh season of UFC’s THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER, viewers got to see more of the personality and public speaking talents of Rampage Jackson. The interactions between he and opposing coach Forrest Griffin were highly entertaining, showing both the sense of humor and competitive intensity from Rampage. He was again featured as a coach on the show for the tenth season, this time opposite Rashad Evans.
In the 2010 film “The A-Team”, Rampage starred in the role made popular on television by Mr. T. The role is just one of about a dozen on his acting resume. He also served as a host of WWE’s Monday Night RAW three years ago today, June 7th, 2010.
Jim Ross, former Executive Vice President of Talent Relations for the WWF/WWE for the better part of a decade, reacted to TNA’s signing of Rampage Jackson:
“Hope it works for all involved but training a 35 year old to be a pro wrestler isn’t easy and takes a full time effort.”
Given his personality, public speaking prowess and physical gifts, I would be surprised if Quentin “Rampage” Jackson isn’t a success in the world of professional wrestling.
