While most MMA-pro wrestling crossover articles take the WWE into prime perspective, the WCW is often seen as a disregarded entity. Lest people forget, had it not been for the WCW, the Monday Night Wars wouldn’t have happened.
WrestleMania was originally a concept taken from Starcade and Nitro inspired Raw (despite Raw predating Nitro), which affirms the WCW’s ascent to the top spot in this constant tug of war.
The WCW gave us some of the most amazing storylines and promising Superstars (most of them who would cross-over to the WWE later, following Vince’s acquisition), but could some of them have crossed over to mixed martial arts and made it big there? Here are five possible contenders:
#5 Chris Jericho
The Ayatollah of Rock n’ Rolla was one of the most celebrated Superstars in the World Championship Wrestling before switching alliances to the WWE.
Having an acumen for technical wrestling, in addition to possessing the gift of gab that spawned some of the most memorable promos (mocking Chris “Ben-oyt” and Kurt “Angel”), Chris Jericho would have definitely been one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts, notably the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Having a repertoire that makes him one of the most versatile Superstars, Jericho would have effortlessly blended in and succeeded in mixed martial arts. Jericho knows how to work his way to the top, he is also proficient in executing high-flying moves that require a lot of grit.
Added to that, his longevity in the professional wrestling business speaks volumes about his fitness. Chris Jericho doesn’t fear taking risks and is adept at groundwork, which would have made him one of the most proficient fighters inside the Octagon. Submission moves are his forte and equally impressive is his counter-attack style of fighting.
#4 Bret Hart
Talk of technicality, speed, in-ring dominance and having a ‘heart’ for competition, the name Bret Hart froths to the top of the brew immediately. All the praises showered on this man’s illustrious career stand testimony to the magic he weaved inside the ring.
Unlike one of Vince’s ‘big, hefty’ brawlers, Bret Hart was akin to pro wrestling’s Pernell Whitaker, relying more on skill and technique to destroy the opposition. Had Bret Hart pursued an alternative career inside the Octagon, he would have amassed similar adoration and admiration.
Having an MVP status throughout his professional wrestling career, Bret Hart along with the other members of the Hart foundation, helped define the neo wave of professional wrestling, giving it a whole new paradigm shift. Inside the octagon, Hart would have been much of the same, relying on quick movement and Brazilian jiu-jitsu takedowns and submissions.
Hart wouldn’t have been renowned for striking his opponents and knocking them down, but he would have relied on body mechanics and submission holds to make them tap out. The greatest there ever was, the greatest there ever will be.
#3 Dean Malenko
This list would be rendered incomplete without the mention of Dean Malenko, the man who not only dominated the ring with his own exploits but also helped shape the careers of future wrestlers, including big names like Brock Lesnar and Ken Shamrock!
Hailing from a predominantly wrestling background, it didn’t take long before Dean Malenko decided to sport the tights and start training under the aegis of his old man Boris Malenko. He would go on to become one of the most prominent wrestlers of all time, despite not being a ripped Demogorgon.
Malenko’s prowess inside the ring made him one of the most advanced wrestlers of his time. His technicality spoke volumes about his proficiency as a trained professional. Malenko definitely had the capability and the calibre to step inside the Octagon and work his way up the ranks.
With a bag full of tricks and surprises, Malenko could conjure armbars, leglocks and various other submission moves at will, something that would have made him an instant success as a fighter from the mixed martial arts oeuvre. Notable also was the multiple variants of the suplex that he could manoeuvre!
#2 Chris Benoit
After Malenko, it is the time for his fellow ‘Radical’ to be inducted into this honorary list. The Rabid Wolverine would have been one hell of a competitor inside the confines of the steel cage.
Fans of Chris Benoit would recall some of the greatest matches in which he featured, displaying top-notch in-ring ability that lay the framework for most of the reformed ‘Four Horsemen’. Revered for his amazing technical ability and the proximate-combat style of administering his attack, Benoit would have been one of the most ferocious competitors in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
With a skill-set that was replete with jiu-jitsu takedowns and high-flying manoeuvres on equal offering, Benoit would have been near-perfect as a Light Heavyweight. Benoit’s biggest strength was the ease with which he put his opponent into a submission move, notably the Crippler’s Crossface!
A Light Heavyweight with superior groundwork, forcing others to submit would have been his bio in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
#1 Bill Goldberg
Do you wish to know who’s next?
The martial industrial rhythmic drone of the drum and the constant chant of ‘Goldberg’ would alone send shivers down the spine of the hapless opponent trapped inside the Octagon, waiting to face the wrath of this 6 foot 4 physically dominant specimen.
Bill Goldberg is a gifted athlete, having the heart of a warrior and the roar of a lion. He spears and jackhammers people at will, establishing his dominance inside the squared circle.
If the Ultimate Fighting Championship had secured his signature prior to his move to professional wrestling, he would have been an ascendant competitor in the realm of mixed martial arts. Known for his agility and the magnitude of strength he possesses, Bill Goldberg would have wreaked havoc inside the steel structure and would have amassed a streak similar to his WCW one!
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