That’s German goalkeeper Tim Wiese. As he is now, anyway. As far as we know, his muscles may be sentient aliens reproducing until he’s the size of Denmark. We may never have an answer.
Wiese played in the Bundesliga for 15 years, most notably as Werder Bremen’s top option between the pipes from 2005-2012. He was also named as a backup to the German World Cup roster in 2010. He only just fell out of soccer at the ripe age of 32 because, in an effort to cope with the attendant pressure that accompanies top level goalkeeping, he turned to bodybuilding. And, in something of a sad turn, he couldn’t stop himself.
In any case, Wiese told German news outlet Bild that he’s received an offer from the WWE (that’s American professional wrestling for you neophytes) and is seriously mulling it over. The WWE apparently had its interest piqued initially when Wiese pushed out this muscle-bound selfie last year. It appears his fall from grace in the soccer realm coincided neatly with his rise as a lifter of very heavy objects.
Wiese hasn’t yet accepted the offer, but it sounds like there’s a legitimate chance the nation’s fine network of professional wrestling fans will soon have a former international soccer player to cheer (or despise, depending on the script. Hopefully they don’t dress him up in a Nazi goalkeeper kit). On the topic, Wiese told Bild, “Why should I say no right away? Wrestling is very popular, especially in the United States. I will discuss the request in the next few weeks with my advisor.”
Why is it strange that Wiese looks like this? We’ll leave you with his former look. It’s like Captain America’s transformation, but… more German. Take the gig, Tim. YouTube begs you.