Undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft, AJ Francis, known in the wrestling world as Top Dolla, spent his NFL career playing for six different football teams from 2013 to 2018. After being released from the New York Giants, fate led him to transition into a wrestling career, which he discussed during his recent appearance on the "Good Brother Gaming" podcast.
In 2018, Francis was working to re-enter the NFL as a free agent when a friend invited him to a wrestling match at a Halloween party. Despite having no prior training or experience, Francis attended and emerged victorious in the Battle Royal.
His natural talent left party attendees under the impression that he had previous wrestling experience, which ultimately spurred his career change. Francis joined the Team 3D Academy to train with Dudley Boyz, where he fully committed to his newfound wrestling passion.
While training, he received calls from the Cleveland Browns and the Oakland Raiders but declined their offers to pursue wrestling. His dedication paid off; within five months, he landed a WWE tryout, which led to a contract offer just six months later.
Top Dolla's WWE Comeback
Despite Top Dolla and his group, Hit Row, parting ways with WWE in 2021, their journey was far from over. In a surprising turn of events, Top Dolla returned to the wrestling giant in August, following the appointment of Paul "Triple H" Levesque as the company's Chief Content Officer and head of creative.
This new chapter in Top Dolla's career highlights his resilience and determination as he continues to impact the world of professional wrestling. From an NFL free agent to a WWE superstar, Top Dolla's journey is a testament to the power of following one's passion and embracing unexpected opportunities.
His rapid rise to fame in the wrestling world showcases his undeniable talent and determination, proving that sometimes the best career moves are the ones we never see coming.