WWE News: UFC Star Potentially Closer To A WWE Debut — ‘Can’t Wait To See What I Accomplish Next’
The relationship between WWE and UFC has been a very peculiar one. While there is an undermining competitive nature from Vince McMahon to Dana White, the two compared is really apples and oranges in its simplest form. However, both have taken components from each other’s promotion and made it their own.
For UFC, their influence on characters has increased substantially over the past few years. For names such as Connor McGregor and Cyborg, using their charisma has attracted more viewers, embracing the entertainment element to increase the box office whenever they compete.
For WWE, the “big fight feel” has also been embraced. Most recently, Survivor Series saw a colossal match between Bill Goldberg and Brock Lesnar. Set up to have an MMA-style feel to it, Goldberg shockingly destroyed “The Beast” in under two minutes, which is a complete contrast from other matches performed by Lesnar.
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According to IBT UK, an MMA match was in the works for the two competitors.
“According to reports, Goldberg first signed a one-match deal with the WWE and the plan was for the wrestler to lose the rematch against Lesnar. Moreover, the WWE’s original plan was to build the Goldberg vs Lesnar match as a real fight which included Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) manoeuvres. But after he signed the deal a week or so before Survivor Series, the initial plan was replaced and Goldberg emerged victorious in the fight.”
UFC Star Rondy Rousey has been in conversations of competing in the WWE for quite some time. In fact, Rousey even had a major segment at WrestleMania 31 with The Rock, Stephanie McMahon, and Triple H. Daily Mail recently reported that Rousey in the WWE may happen sooner than later, with Triple H stating, “Never say never with us. Ronda’s done things with us in the past. She’s a huge fan. She had a blast when she did it. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if, as she begins to wrap up her UFC career, as she’s looking to do other things, if we’re a part of that conversation for her.”
Based on a recent interview for Maxim, another female UFC star just may be on the list of UFC exports as well. Twenty-two-year-old UFC Strawweight and Dancing with the Stars runner-up Paige VanZant entertained a future with WWE during the interview.
“The WWE is an amazing organization. I’m a UFC fighter right now, but my future has no limits. Can’t wait to see what I accomplish next. I am a huge wrestling fan. I would say The Rock is my favorite person to watch for obvious reasons.”
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With 10 MMA fights on her resume and a 7-3 record, VanZant has become a star for UFC at such a young age. This has propelled her to a mainstream media celebrity and a person high on the radar for WWE.
Just recently, FOX Sports reported that VanZant was offered an opportunity to appear at SummerSlam, but declined in order to focus on her UFC bout with Bec Rawlings. However, she expressed that she is very interested in working with the company.
“I would love to participate in anything the WWE has to offer when the timing’s right as long as it works with my fight schedule. I love WWE and if they ever reached out to me again I think I would definitely love to work with them.”
VanZant is certainly at an age where she could explore both UFC and WWE before she decides to wrap up her combat sports career. Already having four and a half years of MMA experience, she understands the rigorous training that comes with this career path. Subsequently, this will help her if she decides to endeavor in a career inside the squared circle.
[Featured Image By Julio Cortez/AP Images]
