Wrestling Career Next For NBA's Dwight Howard?

Houston Rockets star Dwight Howard was the latest celebrity in attendance during the taping of "WWE Smackdown" in Houston -- and his appearance triggered the possibility of the polarizing NBA big man using his physique in the wrestling ring. Triple H, chief operating officer of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), gave the open invite to Howard.

This was the second time that Howard was a spectator for one of the weekly WWE shows. His first stint was Jan. 19, when he even entered the ring to pump up the crowd. Later on, he got into a back-and-forth with top heel Rusev and his colorful cohort Lana, with Howard gesturing to the pair that he might get into the ring to settle the score.

If Howard does get into the ring, he would follow the example of former Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O’Neal, who hosted a "Monday Night Raw" event in Washington, D.C., in 2009. Shaq held his own against Chris Jericho and Big Show, one of the more physically imposing talents in boss Vince McMahon’s wrestling outfit.

Howard still has a contract with the Rockets, which may prevent any forays in the ring -- out of fear of potential injury. In the meantime, Howard is using his free time staying visible in the Houston community. With the way he has been attaching himself to the WWE, the 6-foot-11 behemoth’s name being called out during RAW or Smackdown may be in the cards sometime soon.