WITH almost 300 Bundesliga appearances to your name and a trip to a World Cup on your resume, you’d think you’re at the top.
But one German star embarked on a shocking career change, seemingly at the peak of his abilities, at the age of 32.
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The goalkeeper spent ten years in Germany’s top flight with Kaiserlautern, Werder Bremen and Hoffenheim – and played regularly in the Champions League.
He even joined Manuel Neuer in the squad for the 2010 World Cup.
Although he never made the starting eleven in South Africa – as Germany knocked England out and reached the semi-finals, losing to eventual champions Spain – the 6ft 4in stopper was a giant among the sticks.
The number 1 won the German version of the FA Cup and the League Cup once each and finished as one Bundesliga second twice.
And yet, in 2014, he made the bold decision to hang up and retract his gloves WWE.
The man in question? None other than Tim Wiese.
In September 2014, Wiese revealed that he was awarded a developmental contract by WWE to join their NXT division.
Less than two years later, in June 2016, the German was invited by legendary wrestler Triple H to train at WWE’s Florida development facility.
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At the time, Wiese revealed: “I trained hard for this and I am excited about the opportunity.
“Whatever it takes, my goal is to be in that WWE ring by November. I want that game.”
Ex-world champion Triple H said: “Tim is tenacious.
“He remains very outspoken in his desire to prove he has what it takes,
“He has shown tremendous resilience and determination to create an opportunity for himself.
“This is his break to give his speech. If everything goes well in Florida, he will get his chance in the ring.”
In November he teamed up with Sheamus and Cesaro defeat The Shining Stars and Bo Dallas at a star-studded live event in Munich.
Leading up to the fight, Swiss legend Cesaro revealed that he had been working with Wiese – referred to as “The Machine” in the wrestling world.
Cesaro claimed: “I wanted to see what he was made of and he moved pretty well.
“It’s a big change from football – the real football, as Americans read it – to wrestling, but he certainly has the aptitude for it.
“I’ve given him some tips, but he’s going to have to go through some adjustments – WWE isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle, and it’s not for everyone.
“He says he wants it, so now he has a chance to prove it – it’s all up to him.”
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However, by 2017, Wiese had left WWE – and was dusting off his goalkeeper gloves for a while shocking return to football.
Aged 35, he played between the posts for eighth division German side Dillingen – who averaged 60 fans per game.
Before his debut – a 2-1 defeat at the hands of TSV Haunsheim – 2,000 supporters were eager to watch the former international star.
At the time, he pledged to work his way back to the Bundesliga and admitted regretting his decision to turn his back on football.
Wiese claimed, “I wonder why I gave up all this.
“Given it was my first game, I think it went well.
“Now I think about the future. I will no longer play in the sixth series.
“I think I’m still good enough for the Bundesliga.”
Wiese never played football again.
As for his WWE career? He never wrestled again.