After two years of anticipation, the long awaited UFC debut for CM Punk, all came down to a two-minute self-destruction. Punk was a heavy talker in the days leading up to his showdown with Mickey Gall, but once the fight started, Gall showed him it was not the world he thought it was and he was clearly not prepared.
Losing in such a one-sided fashion only brought out more WWE critics, slamming the sport and claiming that our "fake fighters" should stay in the squared circle. Needless to say, Punk’s loss did not make the wrestling industry look good despite the fact that he is no longer being affiliated with professional wrestling.
Following the debacle, I started thinking of which WWE Superstars would, in fact, do a better job in the octagon. Sure, the WWE has some downright tough guys, but it takes a unique person to step into the cage and prepare for an all-out war, with another man who wants to do nothing except hurt you.
Looking at the current WWE, as well as NXT roster, I found the following list of ten men who I feel would be capable of doing a better job than CM Punk, with the proper training.
#10 Sin Cara
Sin Cara may not seem like a top choice to throw into a live fight situation, but one quick survey around a WWE locker room may very well change your entire perception about the high flying luchador, formerly known as Hunico.
Over the past few years, there's been rumours of a number of real-life backstage altercations and to be honest, it's expected in an area where big, strong men are forced to practically live together, in a confined space, night after night, show after show. There's a lot of testosterone floating around in those arena bowels.
Well, one name in particular, has come up in a number of those occasions and yes, it is indeed Sin Cara. Allegedly, Sin Cara was involved in an altercation with both Simon Gotch of The Vaudevillains, as well as Sheamus, both on two separate occasions. The interesting part is that Sin Cara was reportedly the one who got the best in both situations.
There’s not a whole lot known about the superstar who currently dawns a teal blue mask and jumps all over the place, other than the fact that he's obviously a pretty tough fella.
Anyone who can one-up someone with the size and stature of a guy like Sheamus, would have to be someone who is capable of holding their own. No, he doesn't have the mouth that CM Punk has, but when the cage door shuts, the talking stops.
#9 Rusev
Rusev is someone who, at first sight just looks intimidating. He's a big, strong guy with a very intimidating presence. Rusev has also shown signs of some sort of martial arts background during his matches, especially with those strong, swift kicks and his solid ground work.
Growing up in Bulgaria, Rusev was active in sports such as rowing and power lifting.
These are activities that undoubtedly have helped him over time with his strength and blunt striking ability. With his big 6 foot, 300 plus pound frame, Rusev is deceptively fast and incredibly agile. Both are traits and skills that would surely help him in an MMA fight.
#8 Jack Swagger
Jack Swagger is a pure corn-fed, brute strong country boy. Growing up in the plains of Oklahoma, Jack was a multi-sport athlete, focused on football and wrestling. In 1999, Swagger was ranked number 5 in the country by Wrestling USA.
It was that same year that he won the state championship, a year after being runner-up in his 215-pound division.
Swagger went on to compete in collegiate wrestling at the University of Oklahoma, where he eventually became an All-American and set a single-season record at the University, for most pins, with 30 in one season.
It was at Oklahoma that he was introduced to another famous alumnus, Jim Ross. Soon after, Jack set his sights on a future in professional wrestling.
#7 Cesaro
If you were to survey a WWE locker room, I have little doubt whatsoever that anyone would argue with Cesaro being the strongest superstar currently with the company.
Cesaro is a unique specimen. His strength has been compared to Mark Henry during his early 90's prime. His strength is evident during his matches when he executes the famous Cesaro Swing, which he's done to everyone from Kalisto, to Big Show.
Cesaro is someone who just has not only the strength but the confidence needed to excel in the octagon. Cesaro also keeps a weekly workout regimen which includes CrossFit and Olympic style weightlifting. These reoccurring activities have contributed to his unparalleled strength and shear power in the ring.
#6 Samoa Joe
There's no way I could create this list and not include the Samoan Submission Machine, Samoa Joe. Ironically, Joe and Punk are very close friends in real life.
However, when it comes down to which is more capable of succeeding in a mixed martial arts situation, it's Samoa Joe, hands down. Joe is a wrestler who displays a clear-cut knowledge of the martial arts, as displayed in his ring work, with his striking and match work. Once Joe gets his opponent on the ground, it's usually game over.
Joe also trains actively in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as well as Muay Thai at LA Boxing, in his native Southern California region.
#5 Jason Jordan
Jason Jordan is one of the current exciting up and coming superstars of the new era. While he's currently in a tag team with Chad Gable, Jordan has the potential of one day being a top singles competitor as well.
While attending the University of Indiana, Jordan excelled in collegiate wrestling, while in route to being a three-time, division one national qualifier. While in college, Jason remained in the top 15 nationally, nearly his entire time in wrestling. Jordan got as high as number two nationally in the 285 pound weight class, while weighing only 225.
Jordan is a strong, fundamentally sound athlete, with high intensity and superior presence. His training and background would make him a great candidate for the cage.
#4 Chad Gable
Like his tag team partner, Chad Gable has a great deal of amateur wrestling experience.
While only 5'8", Gable might be low to the ground, but that comes as an advantage in the Octagon, especially during ground situations. Gable also competed in high school and collegiate wrestling, but he took it a step further when he made it to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
Gable has evolved into a top-tier in-ring performer, with his tremendous submission work and great defensive presence. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in heart and determination. Gable would be very difficult to contain in a real fight situation.
#3 Finn Bálor
While he's currently on the shelf, nursing his labrum tear, which will likely keep him out a total of up to six months, Bálor is one of the most technically gifted wrestlers anywhere in the world.
Finn has been able to succeed anywhere and everywhere he's performed. His arsenal of maneuvers is uniquely stockpiled with moves ranging from basic holds, to match ending submissions.
Bálor is the perfect example of someone who has incorporated styles and techniques from all over the world, into one unique package, which has propelled him to the top of the WWE ladder.
One contributing factor to Bálors toughness, is the fact that not only is he a great sports entertainer, but he also holds a first degree black belt in submission wrestling.
#2 Shinsuke Nakamura
Nakamura was one of the greatest signings in recent memory. He brings a very unorthodox, strong style to the company, unlike ever seen before. But, some don't realize that Shinsuke is also an accomplished mix martial artist himself.
Nakamura has already compiled five MMA fights to his credit. He holds a record of 3 wins, 1 loss and 1 no contest. From 2002, through 2004, Nakamura competed for several Japanese MMA promotions. His strength has always been submission ground work, which is what earned him his 3 wins.
#1 Rezar
Some...okay, most of my readers are scratching their heads about right now. I'm sure you're wondering, "who is this Rezar guy?" Well, in due time, the entire wresting world will know his name.
Rezar is one half of one of the most promising tag teams in NXT, The Authors of Pain. They are under the guidance of legendary manager Paul Ellering, the same guy who happened to manage the greatest tag team of all time, The Road Warriors.
Rezar is a monster, pure and simple. He's massive, strong and scary. Rezar is a Kosovo Albanian, who grew up in the Netherlands.
While growing up, Rezar became obsessed with practicing and mastering the art of Judo. He eventually practiced kickboxing, as well as mixed martial arts. Rezar would go on to have a pretty successful run in professional MMA.
He competed at the highest level, with promotions such as Bellator. It wasn't long before the WWE noticed his talents and brought him to the WWE Performance Center. At only 22 years old, this guy has a high ceiling and plenty of time to make it to the top.
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