Dean Muhtadi Dean Muhtadi ( born July 17 , 1986 ) is a professional wrestler currently signed to WWE , where he is working in their developmental territory NXT Wrestling as Mojo Rawley , and a former American football defensive tackle who was most recently on the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League . Muhtadi was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2009 . He played college football for the Christopher Newport Captains , and upon transferring , for the Maryland Terrapins . Early years . At T . C . Williams High School in Alexandria , Virginia , Muhtadi was a four - year starter along the defensive and offensive lines . He also was the team ' s punter during his last two years . He finished second in the Patriot District in sacks in 2004 , and broke the school ' s all - time punting record with a long of 76 yards against West Springfield High School . Throughout his high school playing career , Muhtadi started games at defensive tackle , end , nose guard , and outside linebacker on defense , and at offensive tackle , guard , center , and tight end on offense . He was also the team ’ s punter and kicker . Oftentimes his position changed every week to shadow the opposing team ’ s best player . Muhtadi was an All - District choice at both defensive line and punter , as well as the team MVP . College career . In 2004 and 2005 , Muhtadi played college football for Division III Christopher Newport University in Newport News , Virginia . After redshirting his freshman season due to mononucleosis , Muhtadi started at defensive tackle for the Captains his sophomore year . He then transferred to the University of Maryland in the Atlantic Coast Conference where he earned a scholarship , and a starting position . In 2008 , Muhtadi finished third in sacks for the Terrapins . He was also only the second player in the past 15 years to play all defensive line positions in a game for the Terrapins . Muhtadi currently owns several of Maryland ' s all time records for strength and speed : 225 lb . Bench Press Test : 36 repetitions ( Team Record ) 40 Yard Dash : 4 . 78 ( Defensive Tackle Record ) Power Clean : 390 lbs . ( Defensive Line Record ) Vertical Jump : 36 . 5 inches ( Defensive Line Record ) Pro Agility ( 20 yard shuttle ) : 4 . 37 ( Defensive Line Record ) Academics . In his three years at Maryland , Muhtadi was one of the top student - athletes in the Atlantic Coast Conference . In 2008 , Muhtadi won the Jim and Pat Thacker Postgraduate Scholarship for being one of the top student - athletes in the ACC for all sports and all schools . In 2007 and 2008 , Muhtadi also received the George Boutselis Memorial Award for being the letterman with the highest academic average on the football team . He also was named to the All - ACC Academic Team in 2008 and was a three - time Dean ’ s List student . Muhtadi is currently enrolled in the Smith Business School MBA Program . At Christopher Newport , Muhtadi was awarded a full academic scholarship . While also being named the top student - athlete on the team , Muhtadi was a two - time All USA South Athletic Conference All - Academic Selection , a member of the President ’ s Leadership Program , Honors Program , and Student Executive Board of the Business School . He also received the Edith McMurran Honors Scholarship for the student who best demonstrates the balance of leadership , public service , and academic excellence . Professional career . Green Bay Packers . Muhtadi was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent following the 2009 NFL Draft on May 4 , 2009 . He earned his contract on a tryout basis by being one of three players signed out of 25 trying out for the team . Muhtadi was the only player on the depth chart listed at both Defensive End and Nose Guard . On September 3 , 2009 against the Tennessee Titans , Muhtadi finished third on the team with 5 tackles , 1 for loss , and a forced fumble in a spectacular performance . Toward the end of the game , Muhtadi forced a fumble to save a touchdown . He was waived on September 4 , 2009 . Arizona Cardinals . Muhtadi was signed by the Arizona Cardinals on January 20 , 2010 to play defensive line . He was given the nickname " The Iron Sheik " by coaches and teammates due to his freakish strength as he was the strongest player on the team . Muhtadi became training partners with Darnell Dockett as the two competed against one another every day in workouts . He was injured during training camp and placed on Injured Reserve . World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE ( 2012 - present ) . NXT Wrestling ( 2012 - present ) . In summer 2012 , Muhtadi signed a developmental deal with WWE and was assigned to their developmental territory NXT Wrestling for further training . Muhtadi then later on was given the name Mojo Rawley . Personal . Since he was in 7th grade , Muhtadi has worked with the financial services firm Morgan Stanley . Beginning as an internship and branching into employment , Muhtadi worked after school and in the summer for several branches throughout Northern Virginia . Dean Muhtadi currently resides in Tampa , Florida but his hometown is in Alexandria , Virginia . Muhtadi is the son of T . J . and Maria Muhtadi and has 4 siblings : Lena ( 28 ) , Casey ( 24 ) , Tammy ( 22 ) , and Garrett ( 13 ) .