Did Former WWE Champions Consider Quitting on Their First Night at Raw?

This article explores the journey of Gzim Selmani, formerly part of the tag team AOP, as he transitions from WWE wrestling back to his combat sports roots. Gzim reflects on his experiences in WWE, the creative challenges faced, and his return to boxing, highlighting the impact of his early training and the aspirations he holds for the future.

Last updated: 20 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Gzim Selmani, known from AOP, is refocusing on combat sports after leaving WWE.
• Creative challenges in WWE led to frustrations regarding team dynamics and storylines.
• Gzim has a rich background in martial arts, starting judo at a young age.
• He calls out Eddie Hall, expressing his desire for fair matchups in boxing.
• A return to wrestling remains a possibility for Gzim in the future.

From AOP to Combat Sports

Gzim Selmani, once part of the acclaimed tag team AOP (Authors of Pain), has recently made headlines with his decision to step back into the world of combat sports. After a tumultuous period in WWE, where he felt creatively stifled, Gzim is returning to his roots in boxing. This transition highlights not only his athletic versatility but also the challenges faced by professional wrestlers in aligning personal ambitions with corporate expectations.

The Struggles in WWE

During his time in the WWE, Gzim, alongside his partner Akam, experienced a creative disconnect that left them feeling unfulfilled. They collaborated with Drake Maverick, who took on a more comedic role, but Gzim felt that a piece of their essence was missing without Paul Ellering, their original manager. “Drake Maverick is a creative genius, man. He knows the wrestling business inside and out,” Gzim acknowledged, but the duo longed for a return to their roots.

Rumours circulated about the potential splitting of AOP, with some backstage members suggesting Gzim could shine as a solo star. However, he rejected these notions, stating, “I made my name in a tag team. I don’t go behind someone’s back.” His commitment to the team dynamic illustrated his loyalty and dedication to their original vision.

The Creative Challenges

After their release in 2020, AOP faced a long hiatus from wrestling, highlighting the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling careers. Gzim explained that while there were numerous creative pitches, many did not resonate with the vision the team had, leading to a sense of lost opportunity. They were eager to return to the ring, yet the timing was not right for the storylines being proposed.

Reflecting on their time, Gzim expressed his disappointment in how they, and particularly Karrion Kross, were managed. “Kross has all the talent in the world to become a WWE Champion and be the face of WWE,” he stated, lamenting the missed opportunities for Kross to flourish under the spotlight.

The Return to Combat Sports

Following their second release in February 2023, Gzim decided to pursue a return to combat sports, a realm where he initially made his mark. Starting judo at just four years old, he quickly rose to become a national champion in the Netherlands for both the under-12 and under-16 categories. His journey continued through boxing and kickboxing, eventually leading him to mixed martial arts (MMA), where he signed with Bellator and headlined a BAMMA card.

Back to Boxing: A Callout

Now weighing 292 lbs, down from 350 during his WWE tenure, Gzim is ready to make waves in boxing again. He recently made headlines by calling out Eddie Hall, a well-known figure in the boxing community. “I saw him getting in the ring and calling out Dylan Dennis after his fight. And that’s just absurd to me,” Gzim exclaimed. His frustrations lie in the perceived unfairness of weight mismatches, urging Hall to take on opponents of equal size and skill. “If you’re a scared little p***y, then you go fight a guy a quarter of your size,” he challenged.

The Influence of Early Mentors

Gzim’s journey in professional wrestling was significantly shaped by veteran figures such as William Regal and Robbie Brookside, who scouted him and mentored him during his formative years. “Those two really took me under their wing,” he recalled fondly, attributing much of his early learning and understanding of the wrestling business to their guidance.

Future Aspirations

Despite his current focus on boxing, Gzim is not closing the door on a possible return to wrestling. He remains in close contact with Akam and Ellering, indicating that the bonds formed during their time together are still strong. “If I want to get into wrestling in six to ten years, I will do it,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to both fighting and wrestling.

The Importance of Staying Sharp

Through all the ups and downs of his career, Gzim has maintained a rigorous training regimen. “I was always staying sharp,” he mentioned, reflecting on how important it is for athletes to remain in peak condition, regardless of the sport. This dedication to fitness has enabled him to transition seamlessly between different forms of combat sports.

Conclusion

Gzim Selmani’s journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of professional sports. From the heights of WWE fame to grappling with creative challenges and returning to his fighting roots, Gzim exemplifies resilience and determination. As he prepares to step back into the boxing ring, fans eagerly await to see how this next chapter unfolds. Will he secure the matches he desires, or will he continue to advocate for fairness in the sport? Only time will tell.

For now, Gzim is focused on winning and making his mark in combat sports once more. His story is a reminder that the path of an athlete is rarely straightforward, but with passion and perseverance, anything is possible. #GzimSelmani #CombatSports #Wrestling

FAQs

What is Gzim Selmani known for?

Gzim Selmani is known as a former member of the tag team Authors of Pain (AOP) in WWE and for his extensive background in various combat sports, including judo, boxing, and MMA.

Why did Gzim Selmani leave WWE?

Gzim left WWE due to creative differences and feeling creatively stifled, as he and his partner felt unable to perform to their potential without their original manager, Paul Ellering.

What combat sports has Gzim Selmani participated in?

Gzim has participated in judo, boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA), where he has competed at high levels, including main events in Bellator and BAMMA.

Who are Gzim Selmani's mentors in wrestling?

Gzim's mentors include veteran wrestlers William Regal and Robbie Brookside, who played significant roles in his early training and understanding of the wrestling business.

What are Gzim Selmani's future plans?

Gzim plans to focus on boxing for the immediate future but is open to returning to wrestling in the next few years, maintaining strong connections with his former AOP teammates.