Fighters crossing over to the WWE isn’t something new. In fact, the world of professional prize fighting has long been a source of talent for the promotion.
To date, it counts Ken Shamrock, Dan Severn, and Sean O’Haire as among its notable MMA imports. Even boxing superstars Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson dabbled in WWE, with both making appearances at WrestleMania. With that in mind, we picked 5 fighters from the fight game across disciplines we’d love to see in the WWE. Check them out:
Conor McGregor
Four years ago, McGregor was on the cusp of immortality. He was an emerging PPV king with a fan-friendly style, the gift of gab, and flair nonpareil. Now, Mystic Mac is supposedly retired. But at 32 years young, he’s due for a second act — in the WWE, perhaps?
The brash Irishman would be a natural fit, especially as a heel opposite, say, Daniel Bryan or John Cena. The WWE is in need of personalities, and McGregor’s is as outsized as they come.
Tony Jaa
Jaa can slot right in as the WWE’s next big star from the East, following the footsteps of Shinusuki Nakamura, Funaki, and Kenta.
He’d be bringing world-class Muay Thai to the WWE, as well as his massive star power. He is, after all, one of Asia’s most popular action heroes — launched to stardom by the film Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior. Expatbets calls Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior one of the best Muay Thai films ever made, and it even spawned two prequels with Jaa as lead star and director. With Jaa, the WWE will have a star from the get-go who knows how to fight and how to entertain.
Colby Covington
Having over-the-top personalities translates well in the WWE, and Covington’s is as over the top as it gets. He’s teased jumping ship to McMahon’s stable of stars, with ESPN reporting that the Californian’s plans to pursue a WWE career in 2021.
In fact, the quick-talking UFC welterweight is looking to “make the biggest splash possible,” noting how he’s coming not to make friends, but to make money. Covington already sounds like the perfect heel. 2021 can’t come soon enough!
Paige VanZant
VanZant belongs to the WWE’s roster of Divas. She ticks all the boxes: looks, fighting ability, and charisma. She’s even willing to give the WWE a try, teasing a crossover as early as 2018. VanZant, by her own admission, is “a big fan” of the promotion, though her focus remains on the UFC.
Unfortunately, the 26-year-old Oregonian has won only 2 of her last 5 fights — exactly the kind of tailspin that preceded Ronda Rousey’s WWE transfer. The McMahons are waiting.
Sage Northcutt
Northcutt has the looks and personality to be the next Randy Orton. At the very least, he’s Cody Rhodes — brash and bold, only with more brute and brawn. Like McGregor and Covington, Northcutt would make a perfect heel with his cocksure personality. But he can be a babyface, too, with his almost-boyish, All-American vibe. Currently, the 24-year-old Texan is fighting halfway around the world in ONE, which means jumping ship to the WWE would be a homecoming of sorts.
