One of the most important names in pro wrestling history is none other than “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. The WWE Hall of Famer has displayed his adulation for mixed martial arts (MMA) on many occasions. Moreover, the merger between the UFC and WWE to become a part of TKO brings him closer to the promotions he adores. Recently he named a few UFC stars that he thinks could make the jump to WWE.
Since WWE and the UFC merged into TKO, there has been talk about cross-promotion and athletes moving from MMA to WWE.
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin picks UFC fighters who can thrive in WWE
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Under the TKO name, the UFC and WWE have engaged in various collaborative efforts. Their working relationship was clear on Monday’s WWE RAW when UFC fighter Michael Chandler called out Conor McGregor from ringside. Steve Austin lists possible crossovers of other MMA stars. Marc Raimondi of ESPN asked Steve Austin who he thinks could move from the UFC to WWE. Sean Strickland was one of the most prominent UFC fighters that Austin thinks could make the jump to WWE. He claimed, “If I am going right now, I am going, Sean Strickland and I like Sean Strickland. Boy, he stays economic in the ring right now – in the octagon. But what a promo.
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin thinks two UFC fighters could cross over successfully into WWE. His answers may or may not surprise you pic.twitter.com/7XrCzbl9Qh
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) February 20, 2024
He also outlined another notable figure from the UFC realm who has displayed heel tendencies ever since he attained mainstream appeal. “And so then I go Colby Covington all the trash talk, all the athletic ability guy never runs out of gas. He is always in shape talks a mean streak and can back it up he is very exciting. He has that X-factor that you always look for. He is double tough,” said The Texas Rattlesnake.
Strickland, who used to be the UFC Middleweight Champion, has said offensive things in the past and carries a very brash, rough-around-the-edge persona. Covington, who was once the Interim UFC Welterweight Champion, publicly backs Donald Trump and has called himself a “super villain” and pulls no punches while attacking opponents personally.
But can the aforementioned UFC stars
Sean Strickland and Colby Covington: Pro Wrestlers down the line?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It’s easy to see why Sean Strickland would fit into professional wrestling if you listen to any conversation with him. When Strickland feels like it, he can say whatever comes to mind. He often makes fun of people who are in the same room as him. His effortless charisma and wacky rants might just translate well into wrestling as it has for wrestlers like Dean Ambrose/Jon Moxley in the past.
Coming over to Colby Covington, he is the perfect example of a professional wrestler who plays the heel. The welterweight star has shown a penchant for attracting controversies during his time in the promotion. His below-the-belt comments aimed at his opponents have made sure that he stays in the headlines regardless of the outcome of his fights. The American has also incorporated real-life politics as part of his act. His act is a unique blend of an internet troll, old-school Ric Flair, and a leader who gets a lot of attention in Western media.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Do you also think that the UFC fighters that Steve Austin chose would do well in WWE? Share your thoughts with us, in the comment section below.
Watch This Story: All We Know So Far About Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz $15 Million MMA Fight Offer