In the past few weeks, it's been tough for Ireland fans not to get carried away with the potential of Tom Cannon. The Ireland U21 international has been one of the standout players in the Championship since moving to Preston North End on loan from Everton in January.
Since then, Cannon has been prolific in front of goal, scoring six times in his last six games. Ireland fans are relishing the prospect of a potential strike partnership between the Liverpool born striker and Evan Ferguson for years to come and it's difficult not to be excited over the idea.
The 20-year-old is almost single handedly leading a late playoff push for the Deepdale outfit with his form in front of goal, and Preston fans seem to have the same buzz around the striker as Irish fans do.
Tom Cannon gets a shoutout on WWE
On Saturday morning, a clip from last night's Friday Night Smackdown started to circulate on Irish football Twitter.
Not often would WWE videos be associated with Irish football, but that all changed today.
The commentator during the bout compared wrestler Xavier Woods' athleticism to that of Tom Cannon.
Tom cannon being mentioned in WWE, we are massive. #pnefc pic.twitter.com/8Pru6z1qqc
— Gareth 🦜🇪🇸 (@GarethPNE_) April 15, 2023
Like many, you could be surprised as to how the Irish youngster managed to get a mention, but co-commentator on Friday Night Smackdown was English wrestler Stu Bennett, A.KA. Wade Barrett.
Barrett is a native of Preston and a huge North End fan, who has likely raised Tom Cannon's reputation in the United States.
The Englishman must speak very highly of Tom Cannon off-air, considering it was commentator Michael Cole who made the comparison between Woods and the Preston North End striker.
It's safe to say that Cannon's mention on the WWE sparked both Irish football fans and Preston supporters into overdrive on social media.
Mentions in the WWE;
Pendu: 0
Messi: 0
TOM CANNON: 1THE GOAT https://t.co/kkHxT6z4k7
— Lexus 💢🇮🇪 (@MANTHELEXUS) April 15, 2023
🇮🇪| Tom Cannon being mentioned in a WWE match is the most random thing I’ve seen in a long time
— IrishPropaganda🇮🇪⚽️ (@IrishPropaganda) April 15, 2023
I love you @MichaelCole and @StuBennett for mentioning pne plus Tom cannon @tomcannon_ woah
— Jacob (@PNEuptates) April 15, 2023
Should Cannon continue his fine form in the Championship, Stephen Kenny could include him in his squad for June's qualifiers against Gibralter and Greece, in what could be the birth of Ireland's next strike partnership for the next decade.
SEE ALSO: A Republic Of Ireland XI That Also Excelled In Other Sports
