Former St George Illawarra Dragons winger Daniel Vidot is making a highly anticipated return to Wollongong this weekend, marking his first visit to the city in over a decade. However, this time, he is not here for rugby league duties but to showcase his talents in the wrestling ring.
From Rugby League to WWE Stardom
The 35-year-old athlete, who played 114 first-grade games and scored 55 tries across clubs like the Canberra Raiders, Dragons, Brisbane Broncos, and Gold Coast Titans, made a dramatic career shift in 2018. After a stint with the Titans, Vidot transitioned to WWE, adopting the stage name Xyon Quinn. This weekend, he will perform in the Rock and Roll Wrestling spectacle, bringing his new persona back to Red V territory for the first time since his move.
"It's been like 14 years that I haven't really returned, so it'll be really nice to come and see the old Gong again and hopefully we get a nice turnout for the match," Vidot said. He expressed fond memories of Wollongong, noting, "It's got a place in my heart. It was home for a while for me, and it's one of the places that I enjoyed [living in] the most."
The Journey to Wrestling: A Unique Transition
Vidot is among a select group of athletes who have successfully pivoted from professional sports to wrestling. While gridiron players have made similar moves, he stands out as one of the most prominent figures from the NRL world to do so. His transition began unexpectedly during a Samoan rugby league camp while he was with the Brisbane Broncos.
"My manager came up to me and said there was a scout looking for a rugby player to come over to WWE," Vidot recalled. "They ended up seeing me and saying that they wanted me, and I ended up flying over to the United States and I did the tryout and everything."
The tryout involved 51 participants from various backgrounds, including football, basketball, and UFC. Vidot, wearing armband number seven, described the process as a "monkey-see monkey-do system" where candidates copied manoeuvres and learned promo work. "You've got to have the look as well as skill to fit into what they're looking for and be coachable," he emphasised.
Embracing a New Challenge
Vidot's tryout was successful, and he was promptly offered a position. He accepted after fulfilling his rugby league contracts, driven by a desire for something different. "At the time, I think it was clear for me that I wanted to do something different," he said. "My purpose in rugby was met. I felt like I'd already found what I wanted."
He spent eight years in the United States with WWE before moving to Japan, where he continues to wrestle and reinvent his character. Reflecting on his journey, Vidot said, "I was fortunate enough, I was the only one from that whole group that got picked. It was a crazy experience, and very cutthroat." He added, "I don't think my journey is finished with WWE, so far, but I'm now just reinventing my character in Japan and adding to my arsenal."
Family-Friendly Entertainment in Wollongong
Vidot is eager to reconnect with St George Illawarra fans in Wollongong, hoping they will see him in a new light. "I'm looking forward to showcasing that to St George fans in the Gong that used to watch me when I was playing down there. Hopefully they rock up and see me in a different light," he said.
The Rock and Roll Wrestling events are designed as family-friendly entertainment. "Wrestling is an awesome event for people of all ages and sizes to come and have a watch, all genders as well," Vidot noted. "It's pure entertainment. We're putting on a show and the endgame is to leave everyone happy and satisfied."
The events will take place on Saturday, January 24, at the Wollongong Academy and on Sunday, January 25, at the Campbelltown RSL Club. Tickets start at $20, with doors opening at 2:30pm and shows beginning at 3pm. Vidot encourages fans to pack out both venues for an unforgettable experience.
