Long before becoming one of Italy's most recognizable wrestling commentators, Luca Franchini, better known as “Godzilla,” was already a passionate motorcyclist. Speaking to Moto.it, the WWE commentator shared his motorcycle memories, adventures, and a few entertaining connections between motorcycles and wrestling.

It all began in 1978, when his father gave him a Malaguti Cavalcone HF at the age of 13. He spent his early riding years exploring the woods around Varese, dreaming of becoming a motocross racer.

Unfortunately, a serious crash during practice in 1981, riding a Beta 125 CR, resulted in a severe femur injury and ended his racing ambitions.

But his passion survived. At 21, he bought a Suzuki DR 600 S, still his favorite motorcycle, representing the golden age of big enduro bikes inspired by the Paris-Dakar Rally.

After experiencing several motorcycles, including a KTM 640 LC4, Franchini discovered Harley-Davidson around the age of 40. He bought a Sportster 883, covering an impressive 60,000 kilometers in five years, before moving on to a Breakout and a Low Rider S.

One of his most memorable adventures came in 2017, when he rode 3,200 kilometers in eight days across the American Southwest on a rented Street Glide, visiting iconic destinations such as the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley.

Today, he rides a Harley-Davidson Pan America Special and has recently purchased a Suzuki DR-Z400S through Moto.it, marking his return to off-road riding.

This new chapter is particularly meaningful after his experience with prostate cancer, which led him to emphasize the importance of preventive health checks.

Naturally, the conversation also brought his two passions together.

In a playful comparison, Harley-Davidson became The Undertaker in his American Badass persona, BMW was the powerful Brock Lesnar, Ducati the agile Rey Mysterio, Honda the legendary Antonio Inoki, and KTM the iconic Hulk Hogan.

Between wrestling anecdotes, late-night commentary sessions, and motorcycle adventures, one thing became clear: Franchini remains a genuine motorcycle enthusiast.

Wrestling gave Luca Franchini an extraordinary career, but motorcycles have been part of his life for much longer.