When CM Punk took the risk of transitioning into the world of mixed martial arts, not many people gave him a chance. Many critics believed that he would flop considering his lack of experience in the sport, and whilst he did lose his first fight, Punk has proven that he has the guts to step inside the octagon and prove people wrong.
Which begs the age old question again of - what if? What if numerous other WWE wrestlers decided to make the leap of faith over into MMA? Some are much more qualified than others, but they would likely receive the same kind of reaction when you consider what happened to Punk. It makes sense, but they should be given a chance to prove themselves as opposed to being instantly written off.
The men on this list have different levels of experience, but in this world, everyone has a plan until they get hit in the mouth. If they possess the power, precision and composure, then the training required to thrive in UFC becomes that much easier.
So with that being said, let's take a look a five WWE superstars that could follow CM Punk into the UFC.
#1 Mojo Rawley
The overly optimistic "get hyped" guy, Mojo Rawley, has been treading water for a long time in WWE since transitioning from a career in the National Football League. During his time in American football, and more specifically the Arizona Cardinals, he was often seen as the strongest member of the team, which is an attribute he carried over into the world of sports entertainment.
Mojo may not be destined for a Hall of Fame career in the WWE, but perhaps mixed martial arts could be a better fit for him. He has all the attributes necessary to thrive and if he was thrust into the Heavyweight division of any promotion, there aren't many competitors that would be able to keep up with his power and speed.
Say what you will about Mr. Hype, he has a lot of potential to cut it in the world of UFC.
#2 Braun Strowman
Most athletes who compete in the Arnold Strongman Classic have a reputation of being menacing in the wrestling ring, and Braun Strowman is one such athlete. The American is an absolute monster, and seems to thrive under any circumstance, whether it be strongman competitions or professional wrestling.
He's one of the most intimidating figures to have walked through the doors of WWE in recent years, and they look set to capitalise on that.
But how long can this monster heel run really last? There's an expiry date on these characters, and whilst Braun is doing phenomenal work right now, the question remains as to how long he can sustain that momentum.
It's likely that absolutely nobody would want to stand across from the man mountain in the octagon, and with his past it's easy to see him making the move in the future.
#3 Chad Gable
Chad Gable looks set to be one of the breakout stars of 2017 in WWE, and rightly so. The 30-year-old has worked extremely hard to get to the point that he's at now, and it appears that the only way is up, as far as his career trajectory is concerned. However, if things don’t work out, there are always a few other options out there for Mr. ‘Ready, Willing and Gable’.
If you didn't already know, Gable competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics in amateur wrestling. Whilst he didn't exactly get on the podium, it shows that he has a solid background of mat work that could bode well in MMA.
His speed and durability makes for a great foundation on which Gable could build quite a legacy.
#4 Baron Corbin
Baron Corbin truly is one of the most dangerous men in the WWE right now, and his seemingly meteoric rise to the top is no surprise. Ever since arriving in NXT, Corbin has been on a path of destruction with one goal in mind - success. Given his position on SmackDown Live it seems as if he's well on his way to achieving that, but could he move away from professional wrestling one day?
It seems likely, considering that he's had a number of career moves to his name in the past. Having played in the NFL for Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals, Corbin is also a former grappling champion as well as a three-time Golden Gloves champion.
What those credentials mean is that the American wrestler is tough as nails.
#5 Drew Gulak
Drew Gulak may not be seen as a serious option on this list, but he makes it purely down on merit as he is a pretty fierce guy. The 29-year-old was formerly a member of the CZW roster and if you've heard of that promotion before, it's because they are famous for their death match wrestling.
That may not be seen as much of an accomplishment, but if Gulak can withstand that then he can withstand pretty much anything thrown at him.
He has got a determined mentality and is young enough to make a strong run in the world of MMA, in addition to being versatile enough within the sport. Gulak’s wrestling arsenal includes various submission moves, and if he can get guys down to the ground and start tightening those holds then nothing is impossible.
