Olympian Ana Da Silva Has Fascinating Tryout With WWE

The path from amateur athletics to professional wrestling is a common road to success. Certain legends like Kurt Angle, Mark Henry, Ronda Rousey, and many more went to WWE and succeeded. Now, a new name is looking to make that leap. Ana Da Silva, the 27-year-old Brazilian powerhouse who competed in the shot put at the 2024 Paris Olympics, had a tryout with WWE.

Trading the Shot Put for the Squared Circle

The news broke when Da Silva took to Instagram to share her next career move with her followers. In a post that was equal parts confident and playful, she announced her invitation to the WWE’s Orlando testing sessions. Her caption, “From the Olympic shot put ring to the WWE ring… Soon to be ur fav Brazillian on the WWE tryout ring next week,” suggests she isn’t just testing the waters—she’s diving in headfirst.

For those who followed her track and field career, the transition is intriguing. Da Silva finished 23rd in the women’s shot put in Paris, cementing her status as a world-class competitor.

Why WWE Covets Olympic Talent

To the uninitiated, shot put and pro wrestling might seem like worlds apart. But to WWE scouts, Da Silva fits a specific, highly coveted profile. The company has spent the last few years overhauling its recruitment strategy, focusing heavily on “NIL” (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and collegiate or Olympic athletes rather than strictly hiring independent wrestlers.

Why does a shot-putter make sense for WWE? It comes down to physics and discipline. Especially if the athlete has the explosiveness, body control, durability, and coachability, they can succeed in WWE.

The Challenge: Athleticism vs. Entertainment

While Da Silva possesses the raw tools, the WWE Performance Center in Orlando is where the real test begins. The tryout won’t just measure how high she can jump or how much she can lift. WWE coaches will be looking for the “X-factor”—charisma.

Success in WWE is a 50/50 split between athletics and storytelling. Da Silva will need to prove she can connect with a crowd, cut a promo (speak on a microphone), and display a larger-than-life personality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Ana Da Silva wrestled professionally before?

No. There is no public record of Da Silva having any prior professional wrestling experience. Her background is strictly in elite track and field, specifically the Olympic shot put. She is entering the industry as a “blank slate,” which WWE often prefers so they can train athletes in their specific style from day one.

Do Olympians usually succeed in WWE?

History is on her side, but it’s not a guarantee. For every Kurt Angle or Chad Gable who successfully transitions, there are many athletes who wash out. Remember the whole Gable Steveson saga that will go down as the biggest flop in WWE History.

When will we know if she has been signed?

WWE rarely announces signings the moment they happen. The company typically waits until after the tryouts and initial Performance Center evaluations are complete. If Da Silva impresses the coaches in Orlando, expect an official announcement regarding a developmental contract in the weeks following the sessions.

A Power Move in the Making

Ana Da Silva’s journey from the Paris Olympics to a WWE tryout is a classic example of the modern sports-to-entertainment pipeline. It is a move full of unknowns but high on potential.

If she can translate her Olympic-level discipline and explosive power into the unique craft of professional wrestling, WWE may have found its next international star. For now, all eyes are on Orlando to see if this shot-putter can survive the school of hard knocks.