“Very Rugged”: Mr. Olympia Icon, Not Arnold Schwarzenegger, Was Offered a Deal by Former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s contribution to the bodybuilding world is evident to all. The seven-time Mr. Olympia champion never failed his fans and showcased his dominance every time he participated in bodybuilding competitions. Bodybuilding asks for a suitable personality alongside a willingness to undergo strenuous exercises. There were many muscle-building enthusiasts besides Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Dorian Yates was one of them.

Back in time, the former chairperson and CEO of WWE, Vince McMahon, once approached Dorian Yates and recruited him.

 Was Dorian Yates recruited for WWE? 

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dorian Yates were from separate bodybuilding eras. Despite that, the two kinds had disagreements regarding modern bodybuilding. Nonetheless, they had and continue to have masses idolizing them.

Nicknamed “The Shadow”, the bodybuilder won every single event he participated in from 1992 to 1997. His first pro bodybuilding contest was in 1990, where he secured a second position. The competition “The Night of Champions” took place in New York. For his incredible performance, Yates received prize money of $7,000. 

Following that, he received an offer from WWE legend Vince McMahon. His ideal Tom Platz joined hands with Vinci and approached Yates for further negotiation.

“And then Vince McMahon from WWE, he started a bodybuilding Federation and Tom Platz, who was one of my heroes, was like reaping,” the bodybuilder said. “They contacted me because they liked my look that it was very rugged and you know I had a different look.”

They came up to the six-time Mr. Olympia winner with a proposal to join WWE. It would earn him around 47 USD per year, which was a big deal during their time. 

He continued, “I had this look that was mean and they flew me out there to Connecticut, where their headquarters is, and give me a whole tour around and had a meeting with Vince McMahon’s wife and they offered me something like 170 grand a year to go.”

READ MORE: $450 Million Worth Arnold Schwarzenegger Spent Whopping $250,000 to Buy This Truck for His Beast-Like Body in 2012

After six consecutive big wins, Dorian Yates took retirement in 1997 on account of several injuries, both chronic and acute. Nevertheless, his offerings to bodybuilding will never fade away from history.

Yates talks about Arnold Schwarzenegger

Mass monster Dorian Yates once revealed his honest opinion about legendary bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger. Even though they’ve had conflicts regarding certain points of view, Yates acknowledges Arnold’s significance in the bodybuilding world.

“I mean, let’s be serious. Arnold has done more than any individual to bring attention to bodybuilding through first through pumping iron and then through big mainstream movies and everything,” said Yates. “So, he gave the sport a big boost through that. So, we have to be thankful for that.”

Watch This Story: Arnold Schwarzenegger vs eight-time Mr. Olympia winner Ronnie Coleman: Who’s wealthier in 2022?

Both the bodybuilders have had their share of difficulties and then reached their peak. They left footprints that fans, followers, and muscle-building enthusiasts follow even today.