In light of all the mock draft and free agent pieces, we are taking a step back and going for a more laid back approach.
With WWE on the road to WrestleMania, we are taking a collection of current, and former, Bears players and giving them their professional wrestling comparisons.
From Justin Fields to Walter Payton to Charles “Peanut” Tillman, here’s a look:
1
Justin Fields = Montez Ford
Those who watched Elimination Chamber know what a breakout performance Montez Ford had. His dive from the top of the chamber was the equivalent of a Justin Fields long touchdown run. Ford is poised to have a big push as a single’s star for the first time in his career. Both Fields, and the former WWE Tag Team Champion, will look to show they are stars that can be built around.
2
Chase Claypool = Big Bill
Like the man formerly known as W. Morrissey, Chase Claypool is a physical specimen that just hasn’t put it all together quite yet. Each have had their moments where glaring potential has peaked its head around the corner, but it’s clear both need more defined roles to achieve more success.
3
Charles "Peanut" Tillman = Petey Williams
Both Tillman and Williams patented a move that is a mainstay in their respective professions. Tillman’s “Peanut Punch” to force fumbles helped the former Bears defensive back force 44 fumbles over his career, including 10 in 2012. Williams created the Canadian Destroyer, a move that can be seen almost weekly on AEW television and across independent promotions across the world. Both have been incredibly influential in their respective sports, and left their signature in the form of maneuvers that will forever be mimicked.
4
Walter Payton = Bret Hart
The best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be. Whether or not you believe Payton or Hart are the greatest of all time in their respective sports, there is no denying that both are in the conversation, at minimum. Each were ahead of their time. Watch any of Bret Hart’s best matches- they all hold up and would be classics in any era of wrestling. Payton would be a star in 1960 or 2023. Each we’re transcendent talents that moved their sports forward.
5
Gale Sayers = Jushin Thunder Liger
Sayers was one of the first, if not the first great return man in history. Liger was one of the best-known masked wrestlers of all time, and inspired a generation of masked wrestlers to make their look as creative as possible. While several wrestlers, such as Rey Fenix and Penta El Zero have masks that are synonymous with who they are, but Liger’s look has transcended generations. There is nothing quite like an original look that never gets old. And like Liger, Sayers is somewhat of an originator himself. While a great running back, his star power as a return man made him stand apart.
6
Devin Hester = Sabu
Sabu is the king of the deathmatch- Hester is the king of kick returns (King of Kick Returns would also be a great wrestling-style nickname). Sabu and Hester are both the greatest of all time in their specific niche.
7
Brian Urlacher = Brock Lesnar
Specifically, Urlacher is a young Brock Lesnar. 2002-04 Brock Lesnar that came onto the scene and was an immediate star. Urlacher was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro in the first four years of his career. He was an athlete unlike we have seen for a middle linebacker at that point. Lesnar was doing moonsaults at over 250 pounds. The athletic prowess both men possessed at such a young age was unheard of at that time.
8
Dick Butkus = Dax Harwood
Is there a better slogan for FTR than “No Flips, Just Fists?” Their tribute to classic tag team wrestling can also be attributed to the play of Dick Butkus- no flash, no dancing, he’d just hit you in the mouth.
9
Mike Singletary = Cash Wheeler
Singletary mirrors Butkus in the same way that Wheeler mirrors his FTR tag team partner. Pure dominance and smashmouth style of play is what embodies all four men. Both Singletary and Butkus played in eras where that style was the norm. Harwood and Wheeler exist in an era of wrestling where that style of wrestling has become the rarity, which makes them that much more special. They are the best tag team in the world, the same way Butkus and Singletary were the best linebackers of their day.
10
Mike Ditka = Tully Blanchard
We complete the throwback trifecta in a poetic and perfect fashion. Ditka was a cowboy in his playing days. He made defenders fear him with his bullish style of running, and he’d light a cigar once the day’s work was done. Blanchard, and his tag partner Arn Anderson, were the epitome of tag team wrestling in the golden era. Plus, like Ditka coached Singletary, Blanchard managed FTR.
