WWE Wants a UFC Star for Wrestlemania
The WWE is always looking to bring in talent that has established name recognition, and it's no [...]
The WWE is always looking to bring in talent that has established name recognition, and it's no secret that Rhonda Rousey has been at their top of their want list for quite some time, but she's not the only star of the octagon they're interested in.
The latest reports from the Wrestling Observer (subscription required but recommended) state that the company brass is looking to add a UFC star to the roster, and they are keeping their options open.
"There is talk about trying to work a deal for a UFC star. Obviously, Ronda Rousey would be choice No. 1. Conor McGregor might be but he's got heat with a lot of the talent, but it's not ruled out. Paige VanZant, who was originally booked for something at SummerSlam before she pulled out to do a fight on the Vancouver show, is another time being talked about."
A partnership with Rousey would be the best case scenario, as she's a big fan of the brand anyway, and has already built some goodwill with the company thanks to her spot at Wrestlemania 30 alongside the Rock, Triple H, and Stephanie McMahon. It would also give her a chance to do something a bit different after her next fight, and Lesnar's success shows that moving from one to the other has its benefits.
While Rousey would be the easiest fit, McGregor would probably be the biggest deal promotion wise, just because his natural personal already fits in with the characters WWE presents week in and week out. Unfortunately, McGregor has taken the stars of WWE to task quite often, and there would be more than a few backstage who would take issue with him getting their TV time. There are so many talented workers backstage that having someone come in who has blasted the WWE time and time again and taking a spot that they feel is theirs would be an easy way to split the locker room.
As for VanZant, that deal is also a favorable possibility, as they've already worked with her before. Either way, someone will probably me making their way from the octagon to the ring at some point, and it will most likely be Rousey.