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#2. Ken Shamrock made it possible for MMA fighters to successfuly transition to pro wrestling
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Another way Shamrock impacted MMA was that he made it possible for MMA fighters to successfully transition to pro wrestling. In 1997, Shamrock decided to take a break from MMA in hopes of a more lucrative deal in pro wrestling.
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'The World's Most Dangerous Man' signed with WWE, then known as WWF, and became a solid in-ring performer. Shamrock was involved in programs with many top superstars including Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, and The Rock.
Shamrock was no stranger to pro wrestling as he had experience wrestling on the independent scene from 1988 to 1993. However, it was under different circumstances in 1997 as Shamrock joined WWE when they were going head-to-head with rivals WCW.
Although it's understandable why Shamrock would accept a lucrative offer to join WWE at age 33, it was still a massive risk. Shamrock risked the reputation of MMA fighters because WWE may've turned other fighters away had he not been successful. The former UFC superfight champion thrived in the WWE. Some of his accomplishments include being King of the Ring winner, WWE Tag Team Champion, and WWE Intercontinental Champion.
Since Shamrock's successful transition to pro wrestling, many other MMA fighters have made the move as well. Ronda Rousey, Shayna Baszler and Matt Riddle have been recent examples of UFC fighters who've had successful WWE careers.
#1. Ken Shamrock brought mainstream attention to the UFC
Topping this list of ways Ken Shamrock impacted MMA is that he brought mainstream attention to the UFC. After 6 years since he last competed in the UFC, Shamrock agreed to return to the promotion. Shamrock returned to MMA in 2000, and racked up a 2-2 record since making his comeback.
It was clear Shamrock helped turn things around as both he and Tito Ortiz received mainstream attention for UFC 40. The two were guests on The Best Damn Sports Show, where it was clear they disliked one another. There was also the pre-fight press conference where things got heated between the two. Shamrock told Ortiz that he was going to beat him into a living death. Ortiz burst out laughing, which enraged Shamrock.
Looking back, UFC 40 is one of the promotion's most significant events. Prior to the show, the UFC had been struggling. That all changed when Shamrock was back in the fold. The event generated 150,000 pay-per-view buys and was considered a turning point for the promotion. With Shamrock being such a recognizable figure in MMA and a former WWE superstar, his popularity was at an all-time high.
In a past interview, referee 'Big' John McCarthy spoke on the importance of UFC 40. McCarthy noted that the event changed his opinion on the direction the sport was heading in:
"Before that there were many times when I thought it was going to die. This sport is going to die, it's not catching on. At UFC 40 I remember standing in the ring and looking around feeling the electricity that I thought it was going to make it," John McCarthy told Bleacher Report.
