What WWE Wrestler Went to MMA?

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has always been known for its larger-than-life characters and intense in-ring action. Over the years, several WWE wrestlers have made the transition from professional wrestling to mixed martial arts (MMA), seeking new challenges and opportunities. Let’s take a closer look at some notable WWE superstars who ventured into the world of MMA.

Brock Lesnar: The Beast Incarnate

Brock Lesnar is perhaps the most well-known WWE superstar to make the jump to MMA. With his imposing physique and incredible athleticism, Lesnar quickly became a force to be reckoned with inside the octagon. After leaving WWE in 2004, Lesnar signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and made his debut in 2008.

Lesnar’s MMA career was nothing short of impressive.

He won the UFC Heavyweight Championship in just his fourth professional fight, defeating Randy Couture at UFC 91. Lesnar defended his title successfully against Frank Mir and Shane Carwin before eventually losing it to Cain Velasquez.

Despite battling health issues throughout his MMA career, including diverticulitis, Lesnar’s impact on both WWE and MMA cannot be denied. His crossover success paved the way for other wrestlers to consider stepping into the cage.

CM Punk: The Straight-Edge Superstar

Phil Brooks, better known by his ring name CM Punk, enjoyed a successful career in WWE before pursuing a career in MMA. Known for his unapologetic straight-edge lifestyle and outspoken nature, CM Punk brought his passion and determination into the world of mixed martial arts.

Punk signed with UFC in December 2014 and made his debut on September 10, 2016, at UFC 203 against Mickey Gall. Despite being dominated by Gall and losing the fight via submission in the first round, Punk’s courage to step into the cage earned him respect from both fans and fellow athletes.

While CM Punk’s MMA career may not have been as successful as his WWE career, his willingness to take risks and chase his dreams serves as an inspiration to many aspiring fighters.

Ronda Rousey: The Rowdy One

Ronda Rousey is a name synonymous with dominance in combat sports. Before making her mark in WWE, Rousey was a trailblazer in women’s MMA.

With her judo background and relentless aggression, she quickly became one of the most feared fighters in the world.

After an impressive run as the Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion, Rousey joined UFC and became its inaugural Women’s Bantamweight Champion. She defended her title multiple times before suffering her first loss against Holly Holm in 2015.

Following her successful MMA career, Rousey transitioned to WWE in 2018 and quickly made an impact. Her crossover appeal brought new eyes to professional wrestling, and she became one of the biggest draws in the industry.

Conclusion

The world of professional wrestling has always shared a close bond with combat sports like MMA. Whether it’s Brock Lesnar’s dominance, CM Punk’s bravery, or Ronda Rousey’s trailblazing success, these WWE superstars have left their mark on both industries. Their journeys serve as a reminder that athletes can continue to evolve and seek new challenges beyond their initial fields of expertise.

As fans, we can only anticipate who will be the next WWE superstar to make the leap into MMA and what impact they will have on both worlds.