Name a professional wrestler you would like to see make a transition to MMA
Frank Hyden, Columnist – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The only guy that really springs to mind would have been Kurt Angle. Obviously, that ship has sailed but it would have to be someone similar, someone with a collegiate wrestling background and a desire to make the transition. No one wants to see a pro wrestler transition over just because, the same way that no one wants to see an MMA fighter transition to pro wrestling just because. If they have the desire and at least a fundamental foundation to build off of, I would be fine with anyone crossing sports.
Sean Covington, Columnist – Covington’s Corner
How about four?
Braun Strowman- He’s a really big strong guy that would be very difficult to control
Chad Gable- An Olympic wrestler. Khabib would have a tremendous amount of trouble if not just flat out get dominated the entire fight.
Jason Jordan- Chad Gable’s former tag team partner, every bit as athletic as Chad Gable.
Tommaso Ciampa- I just wanna see what he would do as a personality.
Aleister Black- a background in Pencak Silat, kickboxing and has been in various martial arts competitions. I’ve seen him live, his finished black mast is extremely quick and would knock ANY person out regardless of weight class.
Gary Meigs, MMATorch Contributor
If you took current age out of the question I would definitely pick The Undertaker. For a younger active pic,k I would choose Randy Orton. Very athletic with good size. Has good microphone skills to talk trash ie The Notorious One.
David McGrath, Host – MMATorch Today Podcast
I don’t know much wrestling but my money would be on Braun Strowman he’s so physically imposing and seemingly athletic. Old school pick? Legendary bar brawler and tough guy: Meng.
Christian Moore, MMATorch Contributor
I find myself contemplating the choices, as I myself am a very big wrestling fan, and while some people may pick someone like the Undertaker, Randy Orton, or John Cena, they simply aren’t legitimate options, now, or even 10 years ago. I look at current, or slightly older wrestlers in WWE, and the 2 that come to mind are Nic Nemeth, aka Dolph Ziggler, or Stu Bennett, aka Wade Barrett. They really are two of the most qualified, with one being a very good amateur wrestler from so many years back, and the other being a famous Bare Knuckle Brawler in the UK. Even now though, I don’t see them succeeding. Outside of WWE, there are MANY more options, that being in ROH/NJPW’s Jeff Cobb. A former Olympian, who has more strength then I have ever seen in another pro wrestler. Companies such as NJPW, NOAH, AJPW, and Dragon Gate are full of wrestlers who would fair miles more than almost any American wrestler because that is part of the culture. If you have the mindset that someone like a John Cena or Randy Orton could compete in WWE, just look at CM Punk. Many American wrestlers especially in WWE, are too old to start MMA, as most are in the 35-45 range, and the few that have experience, couldn’t use it. Age is important, as charisma, and athleticism are irrelevant compared to age when trying to start an MMA career. The only person who could do well with his age would be the baddest Mofo on the planet, Minoru Suzuki, and he already had a lengthy MMA stint.
Michael Hiscoe, MMATorch Managing Editor
I’d be really intrigued by seeing someone like Daniel Bryan make the move to MMA, but at 37 years of age, it’s just not realistic. Another option would be Becky Lynch. She doesn’t have any athletic background to speak of that would translate to MMA, but I still like the idea. She’s got the personality, and she did date UFC fighter Luke Sanders so she at least has some exposure to the sport.
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A more realistic choice would have to be Chad Gable. He has legitimate amateur wrestling credentials and at 32, still has a (short) window where he could make the move. That said, if you’re a mid-level or WWE performer you are likely going to earn a much better living than a similarly positioned UFC fighter. Anyone considering making the move should be prepared for a downgrade in their paycheque unless they feel they can reach the top of the sport.
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