5 reasons it's tougher to be a WWE superstar than a UFC fighter

Let me begin by saying that I do like mixed martial arts. I'm a comparatively new fan, but have absolutely fallen in love with the sport. I can say with pride that I've watched every single UFC pay-per-view for the last two years. In fact, I've watched most of them live.

But it really gets my goat when I'm told that because I've started watching mixed martial arts, I should stop watching professional wrestling altogether. Even though it is a scripted sport, there are aspects to professional wrestling that are incredibly difficult to master and perfect. I shall detail a few of them in this article.

When I was asked to do this article and list the aspects of wrestling that are tougher to master than MMA, I lapped up the opportunity. By all means, leave a comment and let me know if I make sense or am just ranting and raving.

Here are 5 things that make it tougher to be a WWE superstar than a UFC fighter.

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#5 The gruelling schedule

A WWE superstar has to make a lot more dates than even the top fighters do

You may only see your favourite WWE superstar on TV once a week, or at most, twice a week, if your name is John Cena. Actually, in his particular case, you may not see him at all.

A WWE superstar also has a vast number of live events to do during the week. A top WWE superstar may have to work as many as 200 days a year. And this is not even counting the media appearances and the reality shows like Total Divas, that some of them are currently involved in.

A UFC superstar rarely fights more than a mere handful of times a year. Even a 100 scripted fights can be incredibly difficult to participate in.

#4 Remembering the scripts

Remembering every single word can be quite a task

We've heard so many heartfelt speeches by UFC fighters. They are delivered with passion and connect with fans worldwide. They showcase the drive and determination of the superstar to compete at the highest level. WWE Superstars work with a lot more restrictions.

There is a team of writers scripting every word for them, that has to be recited verbatim before the WWE Universe. This is because the objective, in such a case, is to further a storyline, within the guidelines of WWE's family-oriented product. Imagine if Conor McGregor was asked to recite every single word from a script.

While many may consider this aspect of WWE's programming a negative, because it comes across as a lot less genuine than a UFC promo, the fact is that memorising lines is not easy. In fact, it's incredibly difficult to say something someone has written for you, and make the audience buy into what you are saying.

#3 The long-term physical toll on the body

The Undertaker has taken a lot of physical damage over the years

Sure, you are not taking a punch to the face. But at the same time, you're being slammed on the mat, over a thousand times a year, and this happens year after year. The long-term toll on one's body is absolutely torturous. So many WWE superstars are absolutely banged up.

A lot of times, when a UFC fighter is on the mat and the opponent has the match won, the referee puts an end to the fight before he can incur any further damage.

Sometimes, WWE superstars have to continue the match even after they've been grievously injured because they have a story to tell.

This is not to undermine the kind of effort UFC fighters put in. I know just how tough they have to train, day after day, to compete at a high level.

#2 The travel

Ronda Rousey is constantly on the road with WWE

Not only is the WWE schedule gruelling, but it also takes place across the world. Before you can get accustomed to a new time zone, you have to get into the ring and compete. And then, fly to a brand new time zone again.

I've personally seen a whole bunch of WWE superstars jet-lagged and exhausted during their India visits, barely struggling to keep their eyes open. And only minutes after they arrive, they have to lace up their boots and perform before a packed arena in front of many screaming fans. While the UFC has a fan base all across the world, the travel is a lot less trying.

Even though it's the dream of many a performer to get a chance to perform across the world, I wonder if sometimes the travel doesn't get to them. In some ways, it is absolutely inhuman.

#1 Working safely

WWE have to go the extra mile to not injure their opponents

Wrestling has actually incorporated many elements from Mixed Martial Arts so as to make the combat seem realistic. However, at the same time, they have to take care to not cause a real injury during the match. There's always the next town to go to. Where thousands of fans are in attendance, to watch these two men or women tear it up again.

It is incredibly difficult to fight inside an octagon. It is as difficult to simulate combat and make an audience buy into the action. It takes a lot of skill and a lot of psychology to be able to achieve this.

This was just a fun article. Like I said at the very beginning, even though I may be known as a 'wrestling guy', I love mixed martial arts to death.

Which discipline do you find more difficult, folks?