An ongoing batch of WWE rumors continues to focus on which UFC stars may make the transition from mixed martial arts to the professor wrestling world. Some of the latest rumors are focused on two of the biggest names in the sport, with Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey’s names both floating around the WWE rumor mill. A recent appearance by Triple H at the UFC pay-per-view has also added to the speculation, as have betting odds that are available online. Could the rumors prove true with either Conor McGregor or Ronda Rousey appearing at next year’s WrestleMania 33 pay-per-view?
It’s been reported via WWE Leaks that Wrestling Observer Radio focused on these UFC and WWE rumors this past Monday, just days after McGregor captured a second championship belt. WWE’s Triple H, who has been visibly off television lately, was in attendance at the UFC 205 event in New York, which also included women’s fighter Miesha Tate announcing her retirement. Another former women’s champion, Ronda Rousey was also tied into the event, mostly to promote her upcoming fight scheduled for the UFC 207 pay-per-view.
Triple H Spotted In Attendance at Madison Square Garden For UFC 205 https://t.co/v2cxlblABf pic.twitter.com/e4jBTcemkV
— SEScoops (@sescoops) November 13, 2016
WWE loves to go big when it comes to its major pay-per-view events, and WrestleMania 33 already is building up months in advance. While just one match is known so far involving Big Show and Shaquille O’Neal, last night’s Undertaker SmackDown appearance has fans speculating on what could be his final match. Adding in either Ronda Rousey or Conor McGregor to the list of those in attendance could really help boost the event. In particular, both would play right into former storylines or headlines.
At a previous WrestleMania , Rousey was in attendance front row and got involved in the ring. She came to the aid of her Fast & Furious co-star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and shoved down Stephanie McMahon. That moment had fans excited for Rousey’s possible transition to the wrestling ring. As of right now, she still seems intent on reclaiming the Women’s Bantamweight title. She’ll fight for that at UFC 207 against Amanda Nunes.
McGregor has never been involved in any sort of WWE event, but he certainly made waves throughout the professional wrestling world. Months ago, his comments made to call out wrestlers as not as talented as UFC fighters really shook up plenty of WWE stars. That has led to some fans believing it was a “work” by McGregor and WWE, whereas others simply feel it was McGregor doing his best to get some publicity for himself and his fight. As of right now, it’s unknown if Triple H had any sort of discussion with McGregor or Rousey at the event, but it’s being speculated he wants one of the major stars at Mania .
There are betting odds floating around about who could make a WrestleMania 33 appearance. The WWE Leaks website notes that Kambi Oddsmakers are giving 3 to 1 odds that McGregor will show up at “any WWE live broadcast before the end of WrestleMania 33 .” So that could include a Raw , SmackDown , WrestleMania, or any other pay-per-view from now until then. They also note that Betfair is offering 8 to 1 odds for McGregor to actually participate in a match at WrestleMania .
Ronda Rousey could be the more likely choice to wager on for a Mania appearance. It’s probable because she’s got a friendship with The Rock that would help get her involved. Rock is always rumored to be making some sort of appearance at the big events, and that could very well happen at WrestleMania 33 . If WWE continues to build up its champion Charlotte, or the unstoppable force Nia Jax, it could also provide Rousey a great opponent. WWE might also go the route of having Rousey as a guest referee or teaming up with another women’s wrestler for a tag match.
The biggest factor to aid a McGregor appearance is whether or not enough wrestlers would be on board with him being a part of their world. He certainly ruffled plenty of feathers with his comments towards the industry, which is just what he wanted. It’s still believed that this wasn’t a “work” and in fact was Conor just being himself. When it comes down to it, though, WWE is all about making big money and betting big on the hottest stars outside of the wrestling ring. That would certainly make Conor a smart target for a future appearance.
Right now, the smart money seems better off with Ronda Rousey as a potential WrestleMania surprise, but with Shaquille O’Neal already participating, it would almost seem WWE might overdo things with too many random stars there.
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