WWE wrestlers to make Olympic bow? Don't count on it

USA Wrestling have revealed they will award $250,000 to anyone who wins a gold medal at London 2012.

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As part of the inspirationally named scheme ‘Living the Dream Medal Fund' and as a knee-jerk reaction to the USA's poor grappling at Beijing 2008 which saw Russia dominate with six golds, silver medallists will also receive $50,000 and bronze medallists $25,000.

Whatever happened to the Olympic values?

The Olympic motto, set in stone by IOC founder Pierre de Coubertin is Citius, Altius, Fortius - Faster, Higher, Stronger.

It was not, surprisingly enough coined by ABBA, despite their propensity to let us know that ‘Money, Money, Money' must indeed by funny, in a rich man's world.

For the record, the IOC does not dole out a penny to competitors win, lose or draw as de Coubertin stated in the Olympic creed.

"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."

The initiative has apparently been designed to strengthen the sport from grassroots to elite level and keep the premier athletes from joining the professional ranks of similar sports.

True World Wrestling Entertainment attracts oodles more viewers and has truckloads more money on offer but the dream has long since been crushed - it's just not real.

But then again, perhaps WWE and Olympic wrestling should be amalgamated in some kind of East versus West Cold War renaissance.

I know WWE has got a bit out of hand recently but there would be no need for missiles and Cuba would be too busy in the boxing ring to get involved anyway.