“The Ultimate Fighter 7” cast member Jeremiah Riggs (7-5), who also fought professionally under the Strikeforce and Bellator Fighting Championships banners, was recently announced as one of 14 contestants on USA Network’s “Tough Enough” series bidding for a shot as a professional wrestler in the WWE.
The series debuts on April 4.
Riggs is no stranger to reality TV. Following his sting on “The Ultimate Fighter 7,” in which he lost a preliminary round matchup via decision to Dan Cramer, Riggs appeared on VH1’s “Daisy of Love,” where he vied for the affection of show lead Daisy De La Hoya, who dubbed him “Big Rig” based on his time working as a truck driver in his native Mississippi.
Riggs was victorious in his Strikeforce and Bellator appearances. The 28 year old currently carries a five-fight win streak and is being billed by “Tough Enough” brass as “trying to become the first legitimate MMA fighter to crossover into WWE.”
“Tough Enough” debuted in 2001 on MTV. After three seasons, the show was moved to UPN for a fourth and apparently final season, which aired in 2004. “Tough Enough” remained dormant until WWE elected to revive the series this year for its USA Network debut.
