WrestleMania 33 is right around the corner and as such, it's about that time of year where rumoured matches start to come to fruition. One of the big candidates to be on the card in Orlando is a bout between AJ Styles and Shane McMahon, and ever since it hit the dirtsheets, members of the WWE Universe have collectively sighed and groaned at the prospect.
It's not as though Shane isn't capable of putting on a solid match, as his performances at WM32 and Survivor Series 2016 were decent. However, a man of AJ Styles' stature deserves more than what would essentially be a gimmick match, and to be honest, we aren't 100% certain that Shane could keep up with The Phenomenal One.
Ptting him against UFC fighters wouldn't be much better, but at least you'd gather some of that mainstream appeal. We aren't suggesting that this is any less degrading for Styles, but instead, we're attempting to illustrate just how little we want to see Styles take on McMahon at the biggest show of the year.
Come on WWE, give us something else - anything else.
#1 Conor McGregor
In terms of sizing Conor McGregor up against anyone in the world of professional wrestling, AJ Styles may be the best bet. It's no secret that the Irishman has been rumoured to make the move over to the squared circle, however, a lot of people have been questioning who he would face upon arrival. Never fear - because we have the answer, and it's quite clearly the former WWE Champion.
The two men would match up brilliantly as the classic “try picking on someone your own size” could be constructed as more of an insult on behalf of Styles than anything else. AJ would definitely be able to drag Conor to a great match, however, given his dedication in everything he does it seems likely that McGregor would be more than capable of training himself in the art of pro wrestling.
We move on to a man who has had a run-in or two with Conor in the past.
#2 Jose Aldo
Jose Aldo isn't doing himself any favours when it comes to maintaining a strong fanbase. His actions over the last twelve months or so, whilst being a direct result of his confrontations with McGregor, haven't painted him in the best light. If he wants to revitalise his career then a stint in the WWE could be a smart move, and the most important factor behind this is that he doesn't actually need to say anything.
If you give him a manager that can talk for him throughout his time in the company, it'll make him seem like even more of a silent killer. Aldo could be portrayed as the heel in the scenario, meanwhile, Styles can transition into a babyface role, stating that he won't allow the integrity of the industry he knows and loves to be compromised.
From the Featherweight champion to a Heavyweight contender.
#3 Alistair Overeem
Alistair Overeem is one of the most intimidating figures in all of mixed martial arts, and he's one of the most accomplished athletes too. The Dutchman has been able to thrive under a number of different scenarios and always knows how to put on a show, which opens the door for a fascinating match up with Styles at WrestleMania.
There is a sizable difference in size but when has that ever stopped Vince McMahon in the past? We've seen the likes of Big Show and Floyd Mayweather square off, coincidentally in the same stadium that WM33 will be held in. It's an unorthodox choice, but it's one that just might pay off so long as there opens up the possibility to implement the David vs Goliath idea scenario.
We move back down a few divisions now to one of the hottest stars in all of the UFC.
#4 Cody Garbrandt
Right now, Cody Garbrandt seems unstoppable. His convincing victory over Dominick Cruz has left many people thinking he is the future face of the UFC, and if he can get past TJ Dillashaw then there won't be many people debating that fact anymore. So, why not have Cody try his hand at of pro wrestling? After all, he's certainly got the marketable look for it.
Garbrandt could come in and state that he's always wanted to give wrestling a try, which could lead to Styles feeling personally insulted about the fact that this guy can just walk into the company and demand to be given a chance. The verbal back and forths between the two men would be one thing, but their combined athletic abilities would take this to a whole new level.
We conclude with yet another mismatch in the weight department.
#5 Daniel Cormier
No matter how hard he tries, Daniel Cormier just cannot seem to get away from his heel persona that he has been given by fans around the world. His feud with Jon Jones led many to believe he was a bad guy, when in reality DC is the one who has been consistently performing on a regular basis.
However, with that being said - the world of pro wrestling would likely require him to turn to the dark side once again.
Cormier is a known fan of the business and could state that it's gone down hill over the last twelve months, inciting rage within AJ Styles as he's been the man who has carried the company for a good portion of the year. Cormier could laugh off the challenge of AJ, leading to a number of heated confrontations that would go a long way to thrusting Styles into the mainstream limelight.
