Ex-MMA Fighter Reports To WWE Performance Center, WWE Star Hurt After Raw Main Event, Gangrel

WWE announced Friday that Nicolai Salchow, a former MMA fighter, is the latest recruit to begin training under the WWE Performance Center coaching staff in Orlando, Florida.

Hailing from Dusseldorf, Germany, Salchow stands 6 feet tall and weighs 230 pounds. He holds a 6-1 record in professional fights, with three of his wins coming via first-round TKOs. Salchow was previously a member of the Blackzilians camp, which was once among the most prolific teams in mixed martial arts, training alongside the likes of former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans and former UFC light heavyweight Anthony Johnson.

In addition to holding brown belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and the Brazilian martial art of Luta Livre, Salchow has won championships in grappling and Thai boxing competitions.

Salchow captured the attention of WWE scouts while attending a tryout at the WWE Performance Center last June. He cites Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Vader as two of his biggest influences in professional wrestling.

– In the main event of Raw last Monday, Seth Rollins, Finn Bálor, “Woken” Matt Hardy, Apollo Crews, and Bray Wyatt battled for the final spot in the Men’s Elimination Chamber Match. Crews was a little banged up after the match as he was seen with heavy ice backstage.

– Gangrel celebrates his birthday on Friday as the former WWE Superstar turns 49 years old.