Mike Tyson, lounge act

Back then, though, it was different. Athletes would tour vaudeville even while they were active to get good money and to keep their name in the spotlight.

Baseball players (like Turkey Mike Donlin), would tour vaudeville in the offseason, then play during the season.

It wasn't like they were doing it while they were totally washed up.

 

Yeah, it's not like's had to turn to rasslin' like Joe Louis....



Oh, hang on a minute....

 

Sort of my point.

That there's nothing inherently sad about fighters on stage.

In fact, as stated, it's the normal course of things, in or out of retirement.

 

Tyson though, has only made a couple of appearances in wrestling, both for the money and for publicity.

Louis did it full time for a little while in the early 1950s because he was totally broke.

 

Yes, I know. Dempsey reffed wrestling matches as well when he retired.