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At the core of it all, both WWE and UFC deal with combat sports. One happens to be in a scripted environment and the other certainly isn't. However, there are Championships, heated promo battles, winners and losers in both worlds. Is it any surprise then that so many UFC stars are heading to WWE?
Ronda Rousey certainly isn't the first superstar to make the transition. Ken Shamrock and Dan 'The Beast' Severn had done so back in the day. Matt Riddle too has made the jump quite successfully.
Let's look at some of the reasons that make UFC superstars want to make the jump from MMA to pro wrestling in this article. Be sure to let me know your thoughts and your views.
Why do you think so many UFC superstars make the jump to WWE?
#5 To reduce the damage they take while competing
It takes a lot of guts to go up against another trained fighter who's looking to inflict damage. The injuries that one sustains in the octagon can have long term consequences on one's health and well being. And this is not a slight on sports entertainment which is very physically demanding as well.
History is full of tragic cases from WWE's history who've suffered irreparable damage to their body, mind and spirit, but the fact remains that it's still scripted combat. The amount of damage that one sustains in the ring is not as much as one sustains inside the Octagon. UFC fighters who're sick of getting punched in the face may think of WWE as a better alternative.
Once again, let me just say both pro wrestlers and MMA fighters are warriors through and through. It's just that a wrestling ring may be a less demanding environment to potentially step into.
#4 To prolong their careers
Any competitive sport has the next generation of talent biting on the heels of those who preceded them. One can only compete at the highest level up to a certain age. And following this, they have to hang up their boots or risk the embarrassment of performing at less than 100%.
This is only true to a certain extent for sports entertainment. Superstars like The Undertaker still compete at the highest level, despite the fact that they are well over 50 years of age. Triple H, Kane, Goldust and even Shawn Michaels are WWE superstars who haven't hung up their boots yet.
UFC superstars come to WWE to live their dreams of performing in front of a live audience for a longer period of time. Let's hope that Ronda Rousey and others that follow can achieve this goal.
#3 Pro wrestling incorporates many MMA style moves these days
The popularity of UFC has led to a lot more eyes on MMA. As a result, pro wrestling has incorporated various elements from Mixed Martial Arts into its repertoire. Just like MMA has borrowed elements from pro wrestling like trash talking to make its product even better. One just needs to look at the NXT Women's Champion Shayna Baszler to know what I mean.
Her entire offensive arsenal consists of variations of MMA moves, changed up for a professional wrestling environment. There are others like Matt Riddle who have incorporated similar moves in their arsenal too.
Sonya Deville and Samoa Joe and even Daniel Bryan have a move set that is inspired by Mixed Martial Arts. As a result, the transition is now easier than ever before!
Is it any wonder then that UFC fighters cross over to WWE?
#2 Many of them are lifelong WWE fans as well
I had a chance to interact with Arjan Singh Bhullar not long ago, and he expressed how everyone starts out as a WWE fan. We all know about Ronda Rousey's love for sports entertainment. She pays tribute to Roddy Piper's memory through her ring gear, whenever she steps out to compete in the ring.
I am sure this is the case with many other UFC fighters. Conor McGregor has spoken about his admiration for Ric Flair and Vince McMahon in the past. Daniel Cormier too is a big WWE fan and even follows the current product.
Therefore, a lot of UFC fighters do not see a WWE run as a demotion but as a chance to live their dreams out to the fullest. And this is precisely why the allure of WWE is enough to draw them in.
#1 Lucrative deals and contracts
There is a big crossover audience that watches both WWE and UFC. So, if you're an established UFC star or even an MMA star for a smaller promotion, there's a chance that WWE will actively be seeking you out. Therefore, you do not start at the bottom of the pyramid in WWE. You can get a pretty good share of the pie.
Moreover, WWE superstars earn a lot through merchandise deals. This is yet source of revenue for many UFC fighters, that they would not have had otherwise. Both of the reasons contribute to many UFC stars making the jump to WWE.
Both companies are huge and like it or not, provide several opportunities for performers to compete at the highest level. There will be many more crossovers in years to come.
Which WWE superstar do you think, could compete in UFC someday?
