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WWE, the pioneering professional wrestling promotion, is undoubtedly the biggest platform of sports entertainment. However, WWE doesn't like to slow when it comes to garner new audiences and to serve that purpose they have often brought in personalities from other sports and professions. Although there has been animosity between the WWE Universe and the fans of combat sports like MMA, boxing and others, Superstars from these organizations never hesitated for crossover appearances.
While some eminent stars had a one-off stint, others even signed a performing deal with WWE and appeared in multiple wrestling matches.
Today, we look back at some of the top MMA fighters who not only joined the promotion but also left their mark as a reputed WWE wrestler. The list also consists of performers who are still working for WWE in the top-tier of their respective brands.
Also read: 5 Boxers who have appeared in WWE
Honorable mention: Shayna Baszler
The current NXT Women's Champion Shayna Baszler has been dominating the female division of WWE's black-and-gold brand for the past few years now. The Queen of Spades first appeared in WWE at WrestleMania 31, where she was seated ringside alongside Ronda Rousey. She went on to join NXT in 2017 and her prior MMA experience helped her to quickly catapult to the title picture. After Asuka, Baszler is the second-longest reigning NXT Women's Champion of all time with her current reign about to touch the one-year mark.
Her personality and in-ring skills are nothing but references to Baszler's previous stint as a mixed martial artist. Her accomplices, Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke share a similar MMA background as well.
Despite possessing 15 victories throughout her MMA career, Baszler didn't see much success during her time in major promotions like UFC and that's the only reason she missed out on a spot in this Top 5 list.
#5 Matt Riddle
One of the brightest prospects of NXT, Matt Riddle, had an impressive MMA career prior to signing with WWE. Riddle came to prominence with his performance in The Ultimate Fighter in 2007 and the consequent UFC tenure. A five-year run in the UFC saw Riddle face off against the likes of Dante Rivera, Steve Bruno, DanMarques Johnson, Lance Benoist, Chris Clements, and others.
Following the culmination of his association with UFC, Matt Riddle decided to make a transition to pro-wrestling which resulted in him working with House of Glory, PWG, CZW, and other notable independent promotions. In 2018, The King of Bros joined WWE's NXT and since then he has evolved to be a household name of the black-and-gold brand.
#4 Dan Severn
'The Beast' Dan Severn was one of the premier mixed martial artists in the 90s. His amateur wrestling experience led him to sign with UFC during the initial years of the eminent MMA promotion. It was at the peak of his UFC career when Severn started to work with pro-wrestling companies simultaneously.
He won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1995 and went on to retain the title for four years. As the first and only person to hold Championships in pro-wrestling and MMA at the same time, Severn debuted in WWE during an NWA invasion storyline in early 1998.
He asked for his release from WWE in 1999 due to creative differences but in the short span of time, the UFC Hall of Famer entertained the WWE Universe with performances against Ken Shamrock, D'Lo Brown, Owen Hart, Steve Blackman, and The Rock among others.
#3 Cain Velasquez
Cain Velasquez made his UFC debut in 2008 and left the promotion earlier this year as a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion. Throughout this decade-long career in mixed martial arts, Velasquez became one of the biggest stars in the heavyweight division of UFC, with victories over the likes of Brock Lesnar, Junior dos Santos, Antonio Silva, Travis Browne, and other reputed UFC fighters.
The decisive win over The Beast Incarnate at UFC 121 not only earned Velasquez worldwide acclamation but also his first UFC Heavyweight Title. With him signing with WWE, the promotion looks to reignite this feud yet again. The scenario is almost the same, with Brock Lesnar holding the WWE World Championship and Cain Velasquez looking to make a lasting impression on the WWE Universe.
Will the result of this title defense be the same? We will have to wait till the upcoming Crown Jewel pay-per-view to get the answers.
#2 Ken Shamrock
One of the biggest stars in MMA history, Ken Shamrock, also had a noteworthy run as a pro-wrestler. Shamrock impressed the fans owing to his performances at the first few events promoted by UFC and the feuds he had with Royce Gracie, Dan Severn, Tito Ortiz, and others put him on the map. His dominant fighting style earned him the nickname of 'The World's Most Dangerous Man' as well.
Ken Shamrock joined WWE in 1997. In his wrestling debut, he defeated Vernon White and in the span of a few months, he wrestled the likes of Bret Hart, Owen Hart, The Rock, Vader and members of D-Generation X. In 1998, Shamrock made history by becoming the only UFC fighter who transitioned into pro-wrestling and won WWE's coveted King of the Ring tournament. He also claimed the vacated Intercontinental Championship that year by defeating X-Pac.
Ken Shamrock was also one of the pivotal performers during the era of the Ministry of Darkness and The Corporation. Along with Big Show, Mankind and Test, he debuted The Union stable as well.
Shamrock left WWE in 1999 to focus on his MMA career but briefly joined Impact Wrestling in 2002 and had a run as the NWA World Heavyweight Champion. The UFC Hall of Famer is now an active member of the Impact roster.
#1 Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey remained one of the top draws during her tenure in UFC. The former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion was known for decimating her opponents in a short period, earning her the accolade of 'The Baddest Woman on the Planet'. To add her legitimacy as a top-tier fighter, Ronda Rousey also owns an Olympic bronze medalist.
She made her presence felt in WWE at WrestleMania 31 where Rousey assisted The Rock to take out Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. When she signed with the promotion in 2018, the rivalry was refueled and Ronda Rousey teamed up with Kurt Angle to defeat Stephanie McMahon and Triple H at WrestleMania 34.
Rousey's match at WrestleMania not only marked her WWE debut but also the very first performance inside a wrestling ring. Within a few months, she defeated Alexa Bliss to win the RAW Women's Championship and went on an undefeated streak till this year's WrestleMania. Although she lost her title to Becky Lynch, Rousey is yet to suffer a pinfall or submission loss in WWE.
Currently, Ronda Rousey is recuperating from a hand injury and we wish her a speedy recovery.
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