MMA to WWE?

[PhD]

In response to the thread posted on the front page of wrestle zone:

http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/article/exclusive-major-mma-star-eyeing-pro-wrestling-132427

"But a major, charismatic MMA star currently signed with Strikeforce is considering announcing his retirement, and getting into the sports entertainment business.

"I've always been a fan, and now it's WWE. TNA does not appeal to me right now, even though I will watch them on TV," the fighter told us exclusively."

Anyone care to speculate on who this may be?

My guess is Josh Barnett. Barnett has continually interspersed his career as a real fighter with pro-wrestling in Japan. The build-up and aftermath of his recent fight with Brett Rogers showed top-notch promo skills, and he obviously has the skills to go in the ring. He's also the right size, 6-3, 250, to get a look from the WWE. To top it off, Barnett has had a rocky relationship with UFC management, and it's not clear that he will be able to be relicensed in either Nevada or California as a pro fighter following his second positive test for steroids; his last fight was in Texas, which holds notoriously lax standards for combat sports.

Honestly, I'd be surprised if it turns out to be anyone but Barnett. Thoughts?

 

[The Bearded One]

I can't think of a single person other than Barnett as well. He always cuts "wrestling" style promos before and after his matches and it is well known he is a wrestling fan. He has even wrestled in Japan before if I'm not mistaken. Barnett seems like a natural fit to be the fighter the main page is talking about, and I think he will be a good person for the WWE to have and they can build him up as the new Ken Shamrock type. I would be shocked if it turned out to be anyone other than him.

But he can't retire just yet because he is still in the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. Depending on how long he lasts in it, I see him signing in the WWE some time early next year. That is if the WWE wants him, of course.

 

[donutman]

It's pretty obvious that it's King Mo. He said he grew up wanting to be in the WWE. He already has pro wrestling-esque entrances. Yes, I'm breaking it before wrestlezone. This said MMA star is King Mo!!!

 

[PhD]

Good call, donut. The only other possibly would be Cyborg, but they seem to be clearly referring to a man in the story.

 

[wrestlingfan]

Chances are they won't be big in Pro Wrestling in terms of companieike WWE and TNA, Sure pro wrestlers who became MMA Fighters usually don't end up having bad careers but usually the other way around they do. Take Ken Shamrock for example. Sure he had his little 15 minutes of fame doing submission holds but after a while he got played out and became a jobber.