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The relationship between wrestling in WWE and fighting in MMA appears to be a close one, given the amount of wrestlers who have fought professionally and vice versa. However, the amount of athletes who have been able to do both successfully has been very slim. For every Brock Lesnar, there is a CM Punk.
The notorious world of combat sports is one that is extremely unforgiving—for every mighty high, there is a disheartening low.
Regardless, upon close examination, one simply cannot deny that the world of professional wrestling and sports-entertainment does comprise several notable athletes, who just so happen to be more than willing to put their reputation and brand value on the line, in the world of legitimate combat.
This list counts down five current WWE superstars who could make a splash in MMA or former MMA athletes under WWE contract who could still be successful in legitimate combat sports competition.
#5 Jason Jordan
Jason Jordan appeared destined for super-stardom in WWE earlier this year before he was struck down by a neck injury in a severe case of unfortunate timing.
Jordan was rumored to be wrestling either former WWE Champion Seth Rollins or his legendary storyline father, former Olympic Gold medalist, Kurt Angle at Wrestlemania 34.
Jordan must be wondering as he readies for a WWE return, as to whether or not he’ll retain the featured spot he possessed before he was put on the shelf.
If his WWE return doesn't work out, there is always MMA.
Jordan began wrestling as an amateur at the age of seven. In his senior year at university he was ranked as the number two heavyweight wrestler in the country, after going 35 matches unbeaten.
Jordan is a rather intriguing case in the world of sports-entertainment, so to speak, especially because the man seems to be more comfortable in the wrestling department—light years ahead of most peers—while he noticeably struggles with promos.
Perhaps a shift to MMA, where actual combat means more than promo skills, may benefit this talented youngster.
With a strong amateur wrestling background and youth still on his side at 29 years of age, Jordan could definitely make an impact in MMA if he chose to do so.
#4 Chad Gable
Jason Jordan's former American Alpha team-mate Chad Gable, has a much lower on-screen presence than his former Tag Team partner, but has the greater upside when it comes to a potential MMA career.
Chad Gable competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London in amateur wrestling competition. He was also a state runner up at university. Gable's wrestling credentials are exemplary and he has stated previously that he had considered a career in MMA prior to joining WWE.
Presently, Gable is of such little relevance on the WWE roster, that greater career prospects may lie in the MMA arena.
#3 Bobby Lashley
Recently returning to WWE after a decade absence. Lashley spent most of the intervening years wrestling for TNA/Impact Wrestling or competing in MMA.
Lashley most notably fought for Strikeforce and Bellator and racked up a very respectable 15-2 win record.
However, Lashley for some reason never found his way to the UFC. Would a raised profile in WWE attract UFC president Dana White to bring in Lashley for a few high profile fights? Possibly.
Despite his advancing age, Lashley possesses overwhelming power and was a National Champion in wrestling as an amateur.
Lashley versus Brock Lesnar in the Octagon would no doubt be of significant mainstream appeal.
#2 Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey is a veteran of MMA and the UFC and is currently considered to be retired from MMA competition, working instead for WWE.
Her MMA career ended in ugly fashion with two decisive defeats to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes.
However, Rousey remains an extremely accomplished fighter and athlete, and could no doubt make a success of a return to MMA. There is no reason to believe that she cannot fight for UFC whilst under contract with WWE, much like Brock Lesnar has and intends to do again.
At 31 years of age, Rousey has plenty of opportunity to dip her toe back into the world of professional fighting if she wished to do so.
#1 Brock Lesnar
One of the greatest MMA/WWE crossover stars of all time, Brock Lesnar looks likely to return to the Octagon in early 2019.
However, can the reigning WWE Universal Champion make a success of a return to the Octagon?
Yes, he can. Lesnar last competed for the UFC at UFC 200 in July of 2016, where he defeated Mark Hunt, showing no signs of the diverticulitis, which had severely hampered his performances in his previous three UFC bouts.
Prior to his illness, Lesnar was an imperious competitor, impressively dispatching the likes of Randy Couture and Frank Mir with relative ease. Despite failing a drug test in his fight with Hunt which overturned the result from a Lesnar win to a No Contest, Lesnar demonstrated he was still a force to be reckoned with.
Lesnar could become the next UFC Heavyweight Champion, should he defeat Daniel Cormier in their highly-awaited bout in 2019. That would be the ultimate splash of all.
