5 MMA stars who can transition well into the WWE

There is a good chance that WrestleMania 31 would be the last time we ever get to see Brock Lesnar in a WWE or a wrestling ring. With rumors of a potential return to the UFC growing every day, Brock is set to leave the WWE once again, and join the UFC later this year. Lesnar also has some unfinished business, and would like to set the record straight by avenging his loss to Alistair Overeem from his last UFC fight.Lesnar will be joining CM Punk, and the two would undoubtedly generate more gates and revenues than most of the current fighters on the UFC roster. But when we talk about MMA stars making it big in the WWE, the only name that comes to mind is Ken Shamrock. Shamrock entered the WWE during the Attitude Era, and was billed as the “world’s most dangerous man”, due to his exploits in the world of MMA.However, there are other stars in the UFC and MMA who are big fans of professional wrestling, and in this article, we look at 5 stars that can join the WWE in the near future.

#1 Chael Sonnen

The “King of trash talk” has mouthed his way to many bouts, including the iconic Silva – Sonnen feud which saw “The American Gangster” get into a war of words with arguably the greatest mixed martial artist in the history of the sport. Chael Sonnen can only be described as the greatest trash talker in the history of UFC, and ever since his forced retirement from the sport, he has indicated at a possible run with the WWE.

During one show, Sonnen gave out the phone number of Stephanie McMahon on – air, and has since alleged that the WWE wanted to have talks with him for a possible stint with the organization. Recently, Sonnen also mentioned that the WWE invited him to watch WrestleMania 31, and hinted at signing up with the global juggernaut by the end of the year.

Sonnen, as controversial as he is, can bring in many eyeballs to the WWE product, and his fans along with the ardent followers of MMA will undoubtedly tune in if that happens to be what’s next in store for Chael.

#2 Wanderlei Silva

The former PRIDE champion and UFC veteran was also banned from fighting by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, and was released by the UFC last year. The controversial fighter also refused to undergo a random drug test, leading to him being blacklisted from the world of mixed martial arts. His opponent for the scheduled fight was none other than Chael Sonnen.

Silva recently announced that the WWE had invited him as well to attend WrestleMania 31, and were interested in holding talks with the “Axe Murderer”. It was also rumored that the WWE would be interested in doing a Silva – Sonnen showdown in the organization, although it won’t be an MMA bout, but in a wrestling match of some sorts. Only time will tell if WWE does indeed go ahead as planned, as they look to capitalize on UFC’s lost opportunity.

#3 Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey is a house hold name, and is one of the most popular MMA stars in the sport today. The current UFC women’s Bantamweight champion has also starred in Expendables 3 and Fast and Furious 7, and has also been a life – long fan of professional wrestling and the WWE. The “Rowdy” in her name is also a tribute to the WWE hall of famer, and former WWE Intercontinental champion, Rowdy Roddy Piper.

Ronda has also previously appeared on WWE TV, as she was in attendance during SummerSlam 2014, and was backstage along with the other three members of the Four Horsewomen. She also met Stephanie McMahon, and has gone or record on more than one occasion stating that she would be interested in joining the WWE when the time is right. With Ronda cleaning the UFC women’s division and with no other competitor in sight, one would feel that the time is fast approaching when Ronda would want to take up a new challenge – possibly in the WWE.

#4 Daniel Cormier

The former number one contender for the UFC Light Heavyweight title, much like Ronda has been an ardent fan of professional wrestling from a young age. Cormier headlined UFC 182 PPV along with Jon “Bones” Jones, which was hyped as one of the most anticipated bouts in UFC’s history. With Cormier also having a wrestling background, his story is similar to Kurt Angle’s, although Cormier came close to winning a medal in the 2004 Olympics, but couldn’t get his hands on the bronze medal.

Cormier also won the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament, and was undefeated in his career until his fight with Jon Jones earlier this year. With Cormier being an avid professional wrestling fan, he might consider trying his hand in the WWE sooner rather than later.

#5 Quinton Rampage Jackson

If there ever was a fighter born to entertain the fans, it has to be “Rampage” Jackson. Although Rampage appeared for TNA while Spike was trying to promote Bellator FC (This was at a time when Spike was still the official broadcasting partner of TNA), he has since left Bellator and has re – signed with the UFC, ending his affiliation with TNA.

After his stint with the UFC, Rampage would ideally want to try his hand in the WWE, with him already being an established star, and can make sporadic appearances for the WWE. With his verbal skills and his menacing presence, one can believe that Rampage will be a good addition to the WWE for making special appearances.