5 pro wrestlers who would succeed in MMA and 5 who would fail

In September 2016, CM Punk slipped out of the squared circle and into a UFC cage. The results were as one-sided as they were decisive; Punk was punked by journeyman prospect in Mickey Gall.

With other wrestlers like Kurt Angle giving lip service to an MMA run, we thought it would be interesting to take a look at some pro wrestlers who would do well in the UFC... and some that wouldn't. So, Without further ado, here is our list of 5 pro wrestlers who would succeed in MMA and 5 who would fail.

Would succeed: Jack Swagger

Jack Hager has signed with Bellator MMA.

The former All American amateur wrestler and WWE world champion has often considered himself the 'legit toughest guy' in the locker room.

Having recently signed to Bellator MMA, he stands poised to follow the same path blazed by Brock Lesnar. With insane reach and a strong ground game, Swagger could be the dark horse heavyweight MMA needs to stay relevant.

With the UFC's heavyweight division plagued by scandal, Bellator could make great strides with a figurehead like Jack Swagger. He has to win, however, and if he doesn't, it won't bode well for other pro wrestlers to enter the cage.

Would Fail: Ryback

Ryback looks tough but lacks combat experience.

He's built like a brick house, but Ryback should stay far, far away from the octagon.

While he obviously possesses strength, Ryback has little to offer in terms of flexibility, agility, or conditioning. He would have to cut weight to meet the 265 pound limit, which would reduce his power but might improve other aspects of his game.

The most important thing holding him back is any sort of combat sports experience; While he looks great, Ryback doesn't have anything to back up his look. Best stick to bitter tweets and the indie circuit, Ryback!

Would Succeed: Kyle O'Reilly

Forget about two sport athletes; Kyle O'Reilly is an EIGHT sport athlete.

Despite having type I Diabetes, Kyle O'Reilly is one of the most gifted athletes to ever lace up a pair of wrestling boots.

With a sports background that includes amateur wrestling, ice hockey, football, lacrosse, kickboxing, Jiu-jitsu, rugby, and snowboarding, Kyle has the athletic chops and combat sports experience to do well in MMA. At just under 200 pounds, he's perfect for either the light heavyweight or super middleweight divisions.

With his kickboxing and Jiu-Jitsu and amateur wrestling resume, Kyle already seems primed for MMA. While he is dedicated to pro wrestling currently, if he chooses to switch careers we see a golden future for him.

Would Fail: the Undertaker

Could the Deadman be a success in the world of MMA?

We love the Undertaker with an adoration that borders on worship. He is one of the greatest performers to ever enter a wrestling ring, and his long undefeated streak at Wrestlemania is a testament to that fact.

However, in spite of using MMA inspired moves in the ring, we don't think he would do well to transition. For one thing, his advanced age is a great hindrance. He just doesn't have the conditioning to go for fifteen minutes with a guy in his twenties or thirties.

Also, Taker is a combat sports hobbyist, at best. He has little to no actual combat sports training and would have to rely on his--admittedly impressive--physical prowess to succeed. Taker would also need to cut nearly forty pounds of weight to enter the heavyweight division, and that just wouldn't be healthy.

Would Succeed: Samoa Joe

Samoa Joe started his career in combat sports early, training in Judo and Ju Jitsu at a young age. The proud Samoan is also an accomplished Polynesian dancer, which has improved his footwork and agility.

With both grappling and striking styles at his command, Joe would make a fabulous MMA competitor. His speed is shocking for a heavyweight, and if he were to cut down to the 265 pound limit, he might be unstoppable.

The only thing holding Joe back would be his weight. Joe would have to drop thirty pounds to meet the MMA weight limit for heavyweights, which would cost him some of his power.

Would Fail: Steve Austin

While Steve Austin can make a strong case he is wrestling's G.O.A.T., he would not be served well to step into an mma cage.

Steve Austin was a tremendous professional wrestler, trained by no less than ring general Chris Adams. But his actual combat sport experience is non existent. As much as we love the toughest S.O.B. on the planet, we'd have to say he wouldn't do well in MMA.

And that's not even factoring in his numerous injuries accumulated throughout his illustrious career. Everyone can see the knee braces, but his neck was also injured by Owen Hart's botched piledriver. Steve Austin has no business in an MMA cage, and he knows it.

Would Succeed: Ernest "the Cat" Miller

When you're a two time world kickboxing champion, you can definitely hold your own in a legitimate fight. Ernest Miller may not have been a tremendous wrestler, but his entertaining antics and personality won over legions of fans.

Eric Bischoff's personal Karate instructor was asked to join WCW to try and enhance its Mortal-Kombatesque unnamed masked wrestlers division. Glacier was the first, and then Mortis and Wrath were developed to give the 'hero' someone to fight. But Glacier needed backup, and they picked Ernest Miller.

Mostly remembered as a comedy act or a joke, Ernest Miller would be a good candidate for the MMA cage. His striking would already be among the best in the world, and if he developed a ground game he would be great for an exhibition fight, even at his advanced age.

Would Fail: Baron Corbin

We all know Baron Corbin likes to fight. He was kicked out of the NFL....twice...for his brutality with his own teammates.

But liking to fight is just the first step to being an MMA competitor, and Corbin lacks any boxing, wrestling, or formal combat training. While he might be the toughest guy at the Bar B Que, he just doesn't have the chops or skills to be a cage fighter.

As big of fans as we are of Corbin and his wicked End of Days finisher, we think he should stick to wrestling--and stay out of the MMA cage.

Would Succeed: Kurt Angle

Kurt Angle, currently the WWE's only Olympic Gold Medalist

Kurt Angle is possibly the most elite athlete to ever step into the wrestling ring. No one else can claim Olympic gold medal caliber ability.

Though he's aged out of full time MMA competition, Angle would be an ideal 'dream match' opponent for men like Randy Couture or Rich Franklin, whose MMA careers are over but could draw huge numbers on a special attraction fight.

Kurt's real life combat sport experience would be invaluable in MMA. His ground game is obviously solid; He once beat a man nearly a hundred pounds heavier--Brock Lesnar--in shoot amateur wrestling match, with a surgically repaired neck. Angle would have been dominant in MMA had he made that his career choice, but he could still be a top draw just based on his reputation alone, and his fighting skills would keep him from being embarrassed like CM Punk.

Would Fail: John Cena

John Cena is, obviously, in tremendous physical condition. His cardio and strength would not be in question in an MMA ring.

However, he has no real life combat sports experience. None! He played football in college and worked as a bodybuilder before transitioning to wrestling.

While John Cena in the UFC would no doubt sell a lot of pay per view buys and tickets, it's hard to imagine him doing very well with no practical fighting experience. Also,at a billed weight of 251 pounds (he's actually closer to 235-240) he's a bit undersized for the heavyweight division, but would have trouble cutting weight to be a light heavyweight. On the cusp competitors have done well--like Cain Valasquez--but that is due to their skills and experience in combat sports Without such experience, Cena would likely struggle against even an MMA novice. His legacy as one of the all time greats in wrestling is secure, but Cena should remain outside the MMA cage as a spectator.

Five wrestlers who would do well in MMA, and five who should stick to the sidelines.