5 WWE main event Superstars who almost joined the UFC

#4 Daniel Bryan

In an alternate universe, perhaps?

Once again we delve into the realm of speculation as to whether this actually happened but when Daniel Bryan was indefinitely put on the shelf amidst contrasting reports from the WWE doctors about him being cleared to compete, there was a pretty strong rumour that he was mulling over a switch in career paths.

Being a legitimate BJJ blue belt, Bryan apparently redoubled his MMA training to “keep his fitness levels up” in the time that he wasn’t allowed to step foot into a WWE ring.

And former UFC Lightweight Champion, Benson Henderson, even had words of praise for his gumption and skill.

“He was out with some injuries in WWE. He came to our gym and moved up to blue belt in jiu-jitsu under my coach John Crouch. Every time I go in there, he’s working his butt off.

I heard he was pretty strong and actually surprised me with how technical he is. A lot of guys have a hard time learning all those techniques. I heard he was really great at being able to use his technique and not relying on his strength. He’s smooth and does jiu-jitsu really well.”

As the injury crisis played out during the peak of his popularity, I’m sure the UFC would have swooped in to sign him up without a moment's hesitation had he been medically cleared.

Did Daniel Bryan actually consider giving up his WWE career to pursue MMA though?

For a man who was willing to embrace the Bingo Halls just to get off the shelf, I don’t think it would have been too much of a stretch to think so.