5 big-name fighters who are WWE fans

Brock Lesnar has bridged the gap between WWE and mixed martial arts.For obvious reasons, the worlds of professional wrestling and combat sports like boxing and mixed martial arts will always be intertwined. Even though elements of professional wrestling are scripted, some of the same skills are required, and many athletes – like Brock Lesnar and CM Punk – have made the transition between the different sports.But even though Lesnar has done both mixed martial arts and pro wrestling, he didn’t consider himself a pro wrestling fan. That isn’t the case for other fighters, and here are five who have expressed their appreciation for the WWE product.

#5 Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson has made multiple appearances on WWE programming.

Perhaps no combat athlete has as much of a tie to the WWE as Mike Tyson. The former boxing world heavyweight champion appeared at Wrestlemania XIV for a match between Shawn Michaels and Stone Cold Steve Austin and has made return appearances since then, including in-ring work.

During that time he worked with Austin, Michaels, Triple H and Chris Jericho, and he was even a member of D-Generation X.

That earned him an induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2012, which will forever cement his connection to the WWE.

#4 Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey joined WWE legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson for a segment at Wrestlemania 31.

Cormier may have been in the crowd for WWE’s Wrestlemania 31, but another MMA star took it one step further. UFC Women’s Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey already had a front-row seat for the event but got even closer when she joined Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the ring for a segment with The Authority.

She even put Stephanie McMahon in a submission-type hold and hip tossed Triple H!

What’s more, she’s talked about wanting to join the WWE for future events, and media reports indicate she’d like to be Divas Champion one day. If only she could get out of that pesky UFC contract.

#3 Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier is the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.

Of all the mixed martial artists to have as a fan, a champion in a major promotion would be a good one, and WWE has just that in Daniel Cormier. Hes among the top pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC and currently holds the companys Light Heavyweight title.

Not only does Cormier appreciate the scripted art of pro wrestling, but hes a full-on fan. He was in attendance for Wrestlemania 31, and reportedly he was very enthusiastic about Seth Rollins cash-in victory for the WWE World Heavyweight title. One champion approves of another, it seems.

#2 Josh Barnett

Josh The Warmaster Barnett shows a little WWE attitude.

Josh Barnett is not only a pro wrestling fan, but he has dabbled in the sport himself. The Warmaster went overseas to fight in New Japan Pro Wrestling a decade ago, and now he calls matches for NJPWs American broadcasts.

In other media reports, hes indicated that he grew up a fan of the WWE during its World Wrestling Federation days, following the likes of Iron Shiek. At the age of 37, hes past his prime to really make a WWE run, but with a name like The Warmaster, I dont think Id tell him that.

#1 Chael Sonnen

Chael Sonnen has been a controversial star in mixed martial arts.

Chael Sonnen’s brash style and tendency to trash talk have often led to suggestions that he would be ideal for the world of professional wrestling. Further, there were rumors earlier this year that he had conversations with WWE brass about some sort of deal with the company, which indicates he has an appreciation for the sport.

But the same issues that have cost Sonnen in UFC, despite competing at a championship level at multiple weight-classes, would also be a hindrance to a WWE career. On multiple occasions, he’s failed drug tests or had suspicous reesults, and WWE can’t tolerate that these days.