20, 2016, in a MMA match for the upstart URFight promotion. However, Shamrock claimed to have been injured during his bout with Royce Gracie at Bellator 149, and was later suspended after his pre-fight blood sample tested positive for banned substances. Tank Abbott was brought in as a late replacement but failed a pre-fight physical and the bout was scrapped altogether. Severn later appeared at the event and articulated his plans to continue his fighting career and his hopes to fight at a future URFight event. Severn later released a statement condemning Shamrock's actions and casting doubt upon his injury claims. Professional wrestling career Early career As Severn is accomplished in amateur wrestling, he is also an accomplished professional wrestler, having competed in shoot style wrestling for UWF International in Japan, as well as the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the US. Severn claims Lou Thesz as an influence to professional wrestling. Thesz would later become a fan of Severn after watching him compete in UWFi and UFC, praising Severn's wrestling skills. Severn originally started competing in professional wrestling in 1992 for UWF-I (Universal Wrestling Federation International) under the Union Of Professional Wrestling Force. This is the international version and not to be confused with UWF-J which is the Japanese version. In his debut match on November 25, 1992, he defeated Yuko Miyato. (also known as Shigeo Miyato) He then defeated the likes of Yoji Anjo, and Kiyoshi Tamura, which lead to 1993. On February 14, 1993, Dan Severn was defeated by Nobuhiko Takada. This was Severn's first official loss in professional wrestling. On January 28, 1994, Severn began to wrestle for All American Pro Wrestling (AAPW) and faced Shinobi in a winning effort. One day later he beat his former trainer, Al Snow on an AAPW show. Severn began to branch out to other promotions such as Border City Wrestling (BCW) and Continental Championship Wrestling (CCW). On August 13, 1993, in UWF-I, Severn and Gary Albright defeated Kiyoshi Tamura and Nobuhiko Takada. This was Severn's first tag team match, thus beginning his tag team career. 1993 was the first year that Severn made the Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500, at No. 389. During his time with the Union Of Professional Wrestling Force International, Severn participated in the Best Of The World 1994 tournament, Dan finished before the semi-finals. On January 6, 1995, at NWA