In preparation for his return to the boxing ring, Mike Tyson returned to the world of pro wrestling this past weekend. What nobody expected was that he would be the highlight during and after the show.
All Elite Wrestling announced that Tyson (50-6, 2NC), who announced his return to boxing for exhibition bouts, would be helping crown the new TNT Champion at the promotions Double or Nothing PPV. Nobody knew what role he would have on the show. The former undisputed heavyweight champion walked down the ramp, looking as fit as the other competitors in the ring.
.@MikeTyson has arrived and is ready to present the #TNTChampionship to either @CodyRhodes or @LanceHoyt.
Who takes the win?Order Double or Nothing NOW on all major cable & satellite providers / @BRLive / @FITETV (Intl Fans Only) #AEWDoN pic.twitter.com/QQG0OvoCEb
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEWrestling) May 24, 2020
Tyson would then be sitting ringside as Cody Rhodes and Lance Archer squared off in the ring. With legendary wrestlers Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Arn Anderson at ringside, you know something interesting was going to happen. The camera turned to Tyson multiple times, with “Iron” Mike either cheering during the action or yawning at Archer, who was the heel (bad guy) throughout the bout.
After several minutes of wrestling, Roberts attempted to interfere. With his signature snake in a bag, Roberts had an idea, but Tyson stopped any plan he had. He took off his shirt, revealing his new look, and distracted Archer long enough for Cody, the son of Dusty Rhodes, to get the win.
.@miketyson has seen enough!
Order Double or Nothing NOW on all major cable & satellite providers / @BRLive / @FITETV (Intl Fans Only) #AEWDoN pic.twitter.com/M26AzLAVFR— All Elite Wrestling (@AEWrestling) May 24, 2020
It was later announced that Tyson will be returning to AEW programming this Wednesday during an episode of AEW Dynamite.
Following Saturday’s event, Tyson, 53, was seen working out with some exclusive guests of AEW. Vitor Belfort, a former Cage Rage and UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, was at the PPV enjoying the event. Now signed with ONE Championship, Belfort (26-14, 1NC), 43, was with Tyson in a gym, along with Henry Cejudo.
Iron Mike is looking absolutely shredded at 53 years old 💪
(via @HenryCejudo | h/t @espnmma) pic.twitter.com/qfRwivR6xL
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) May 25, 2020
When he first announced his comeback, Tyson was seen training with MMA coach Rafael Cordeiro, who works with Kings MMA.
In an Instagram post, Belfort praised Tyson, stating: “Mike, was my motivation to becoming the KINGÂ & record hold of most K.O in @ufc history since 1993.”