Daniel Vidot's extraordinary journey from the NRL to WWE pro wrestling

Daniel Vidot has the word “believe” tattooed on the side of his neck.

It’s both a declaration and a motto, which has served him well over his 29 years. 

As an NRL winger, Vidot was an exciting talent.

He had an ability to score and showed that off most successfully during stints at the Canberra Raiders, St George Illawarra Dragons and Brisbane Broncos.

But in 2015, while representing Samoa in a Pacific Test, he had a conversation that changed his life.

A colleague with contacts at World Wrestling Entertainment asked if Vidot would be interesting in trying out as a professional wrestler.

He was.

WATCH SEBASTIAN COSTELLO'S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DANIEL VIDOT TONIGHT ON NINE NEWS FROM 6PM (AEST)!

But he had just signed a two-year contract to play in the English Super League.

When that contract was finished, Vidot packed his bags and moved to America to tackle a new career.

“It’s awesome mate. I’m really loving it. It’s an awesome opportunity,” says Vidot, as we chat in the lobby of New York hotel. 

“Lots of things that I did in rugby, turned over [nicely] into wrestling, so I took it with two hands and yeah mate, I’m here.”

How he got to the WWE is quite a remarkable story in itself and stars a remarkable woman.

Daniel’s mother, Mabel, raised five kids in Brisbane. Times were tough, but she kept her clan together, despite some significant health issues in the family. 

Mabel is a hero to her youngest son, Daniel.

“She is a special lady, someone I miss,” he tells 9News. 

“It’s been six months since I’ve seen her, definitely someone I miss.”

He might be 192cm and 100kg+ but Vidot doesn’t mind showing his emotions, which makes him a very watchable performer.

The WWE is wrestling's most successful company and takes in an annual revenue of close to $1 billion.

Pro wrestling is entertainment but that doesn’t mean it’s not physical. It’s a live-action stunt show and Vidot says it’s just as hard as the NRL.

“It’s crazy, the bumps and the bruises. It’s like being in a car crash 20 times a day,” he says.

The physicality is a regular topic of discussion for Vidot during his regular chats with fellow NRL alumni Valentine Holmes, who is trying to start an NFL career.

“We’re trying to make an impact here in the States and we hope it goes well,” a determined Vidot says.

Vidot is in New York to attend WrestleMania. This is the biggest wrestling event on the calendar.

He’s too green to perform at the big show at Metlife Stadium, just outside New York, but he’s been booked to perform at the fan festival in Brooklyn.

Close to 100-devoted WWE fans are on hand to watch him and they quickly get behind the Australian.

His character is that of 'The Untamed' wildman. It's quite a departure from the thoughtful and articulate person that we meet in New York.

But there’s no doubt that Vidot has all the tools to be a star in the world of professional wrestling.

He’s handsome, built like the proverbial brick outhouse, and can be very entertaining.

But he’s not just motivated by his own success. Vidot wants to inspire others.

The WWE is very keen to recruit ex-NRL players and Vidot does not want to be the last.

“My dream is to influence people to live their dreams and go for whatever they desire,” he says.

As we stroll through a brisk-April in New York, Vidot plays a harmless joke by asking a local for unnecessary directions.

It’s a clear example of his sense of fun and skill as an entertainer. We stop outside the Barclays Arena and stare up at a massive poster of WWE star Roman Reigns.

Like Vidot, Reigns is of Samoan heritage. Vidot points up at Reigns and smiles.

This is his motivation. Vidot wants to make it to WrestleMania.

By leaving rugby league in the prime of his life, Daniel Vidot took a huge risk.

His wrestling character might untamed, but based on his skills, his decision to lace up the boots wasn’t reckless at all.