2 former Big Brother houseguests who starred in pro wrestling

Big Brother houseguests have had their moment in the limelight, attracting an audience after close to 100 days in the house to watch the drama unfold. Some former houseguests are still best known for Big Brother, while others went on to see more public success after their moment on the reality show. We talk about two particular former houseguests who have had massive success in one particular avenue.

These two houseguests, Austin Matelson and Jessie Godderz, took advantage of the reality show and showcased their skills in a different environment of pro wrestling. Both have grabbed the spotlight in their respective promotions and have taken it to another level. Matelson currently wrestles for All-Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Godderz is main-eventing with the Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) promotion. Preparing for Big Brother is like preparing for a big wrestling event in that it takes a mentally sharp individual to be on top for more than a moment. Pro wrestling and Big Brother are two different environments but still draw big audiences.

Matelson, from Woodland Hills, California, made his Big Brother debut in season 17. He was the most athletic and a threat from the beginning because of his size and athletic frame. While in the house, he would play the same mental game that pro wrestlers would. He would eventually go far in the house but was evicted and finished fifth in the competition.

During his tenure in the house, he was a have-not in weeks 1, 6, and 11. He was part of two alliances, the Sixth Sense and the Scamper Squad. His gameplay paid off as he was not up for eviction for the first time until week 11. After his eviction, he became the seventh member of the jury, but he received criticism for his poor attitude after being voted out.

Matelson has a master's degree in medieval history. That degree may have played a part in his wrestling success. He began his wrestling career in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and the Lucha Underground (wrestling based in Mexico) brand. After those promotions did not work out, he signed with AEW on May 29, 2019 under the name Luchasaurus. He is currently still in AEW but under the name of KIllswitch, which he has wrestled under since Nov. 22, 2023. He has held the AEW World Tag-Team Championship and the AEW TNT Championship.

Godderz, known as Mr. Pec-tacular because of his arm size, finished in 10th place in Big Brother season 10. He would participate in Big Brother seasons 10 and 11, combining for 71 days in the house. In season 10, he won Head of Household (HoH) in week two and the Veto in week one. He finished ninth in season 11, winning the HoH in weeks 1 and 3. He was part of Jessie's alliance and was also part of the Athlete's clique. He would also appear on Big Brother in seasons 12, 13, and 14 and Celebrity Big Brother season 1.

Godderz currently competes for OVW. He has been a two-time OVW National Heavyweight Champion, an OVW Television Champion, and a seven-time OVW Southern Tag-Team Champion.

Matelson and Godderz were two different imposing figures in the Big Brother house, but it did not suit them well in competitions. While they had some success, this reality show was not for them as they pursued other avenues. Their success on the CBS show was minimal, but they managed to have much more success away from it. That time away has served them well and they are enjoying what they do now for a living.