A veritable NFL legend poised to take the mixed martial arts world by storm, Herschel Walker felt right at home rubbing elbows with WWE’s Superstars when he visited Monday Night Raw on March 7 in Dallas as a guest of WWE Superstar and fellow Texas sports standout, Mark Henry.

“I’ve been a fan of WWE for years,” the former running back told WWE.com. “I watched wrestling before I even knew what football was. In fact, I always wanted to be a wrestler. That’s the way I got to be around my father a lot on Saturdays: My younger brother and I sitting at his feet watching Rocky Johnson and all of those guys.”

Inspired by the athletic feats of in-ring icons like Johnson – a WWE Hall of Famer and father of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Walker would go on to forge an incredible career on the gridiron, playing for the Dallas Cowboys, the Minnesota Vikings, the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants. From 1986 through 1997, the year he retired as a Cowboy, Walker rushed for an impressive 8,225 yards and 61 touchdowns.

In spite of Walker’s longtime attachment to the sport, when it comes to Monday night games, he has other plans.

“Even today during football season, I’m watching Raw instead of Monday Night Football,” Walker said with a laugh.

When he isn’t following the exploits of his favorite Superstars – namely John Cena, Triple H and The Undertaker – Walker is preparing for his next MMA fight. Following a 12-week training camp at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Calif., Walker made his MMA debut in early 2010. With two technical knockout wins under his belt, the heavyweight fighter is undefeated.

Walker, 49, attributes his ability to stay in peak fighting form after all these years to his uncompromising training schedule. “You have to put your time in everyday,” he said. “As you get older, it’s going to get harder. But that’s how you beat time.”

As a longtime member of the WWE Universe, Walker will surely be paying close attention to WrestleMania on April 3, where Cena battles The Miz for the WWE Championship, Triple H aims to end The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at The Show of Shows and The Rock takes the reins as host.

“Everybody’s got to love The Rock,” Walker said. “I love the way he talks and I love his confidence, so I’m a big fan of his.”

However, with the recent war of words between The Great One and The Cenation Commander-in-Chief, Walker’s loyalty is no doubt divided.

“John Cena is showing that he’s the cat out there to beat,” he said. But after conquering football and dominating the MMA scene, does Walker see a future in the WWE ring for himself to perhaps put Cena to the test?

“I’ve watched these guys for a long time and I respect them a great deal,” Walker said. “If Vince McMahon wants me in there, then maybe I could do it.”