From the Ring to the Cage: Athletes Who Conquered Both WWE and MMA

Professional wrestling and mixed martial arts (MMA) are two of the most physically demanding sports in the world. While the WWE presents itself as a more scripted, entertainment-driven spectacle, MMA is a real combat sport with the ultimate goal to incapacitate your opponent. Despite their apparent differences, a few athletes have made a name for themselves in both disciplines, even becoming world champions in both arenas. This article looks at some athletes who successfully transitioned from WWE to MMA– and, in some cases, the other way around.

Ken Shamrock: The World’s Most Dangerous Man

Image courtesy of Ben Kevan

Ken Shamrock helped put MMA on the map and competed in the very first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in 1993. Shamrock initially thought the UFC was a professional wrestling event but ultimately signed up anyway. He became the UFC Superfight Champion, a precursor to the modern heavyweight championship. During his time in the UFC, Shamrock became known for his toughness, grappling skills, and intense fighting style.

In 1997, while his MMA career was taking off, almost a decade before the first Android and iOS UFC bet app were released, Shamrock made the surprising move of joining the WWE. His real-life fighting credentials gave him credibility and made him a unique figure in WWE history. While in the WWE, Shamrock won the Intercontinental Championship, the Tag Team Championship, and the 1998 King of the Ring tournament.

Shamrock returned to MMA and fought well into his 40s, finally hanging up his gloves in 2016 after three consecutive losses by knockout.

Brock Lesnar: The Beast of Both Worlds

Any article discussing professional wrestling and MMA in the same breath has to feature Brock Lesnar. Although Lesnar’s personal life has been fraught with controversy, there is no denying that he is the most successful crossover athlete between the WWE and MMA.

His wrestling career began in 2002, and he quickly became a star, winning the WWE Championship only five months after his debut. Nicknamed “The Beast” due to his enormous size and impressive athleticism, Lesnar was a dominant figure in the wrestling ring and, unsurprisingly, became a multi-time world champion in WWE.

Lesnar was a decorated collegiate wrestler, so it wasn’t a huge shock when he announced his intention to join the UFC in 2008. What was surprising was how easily Lesnar adapted to his new surroundings. Although he lost to Frank Mir on his UFC debut, Lesnar defeated Heath Herring and knocked out Randy Couture to become the UFC Heavyweight champion. Lesnar successfully defended his title twice but lost his title to Cain Velasquez at UFC 121.

Lesnar returned to WWE and was active throughout the 2010s and early 2020s. However, the Wall Street Journal identified Lesnar as the unnamed athlete, cited in a lawsuit involving Vince McMahon, and he was subsequently dropped from the WWE’s creative plans.

Ronda Rousey: From the Octagon to WWE Star

Whether you are a fan of WWE or MMA, there is no denying Ronda Rousey was a superstar in both arenas. After becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in judo, winning bronze at the 2008 Summer Olympics, it was apparent Rousey would turn her attention to professional combat sports.

The California native turned pro in MMA in March 2011. Her victory over Ediane Gomes was the first in a string of 12 consecutive victories. Rousey won the Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Championship in March 2012 and was promoted to the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion in December of that year.

Rousey defended her title six times, a record that stood until 2022. However, two high-profile defeats against Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes resulted in Rousey stepping away from MMA in late December 2016. Nobody knew what Rousey would do next, and a few eyebrows were raised when she signed a contract with the WWE in 2017 and began training at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando.

She made her in-ring WWE debut at WrestleMania 34. She won the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship twice, the WWE Raw Women’s Championship, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, and the 2022 edition of the Women’s Royal Rumble.

Rousey announced her WWE retirement on her Instagram in October 2023 but has since appeared in a Wrestling Revolver independent event in late 2023.

CM Punk: A Challenging Transition

Not all WWE and MMA crossovers end in success; CM Punk’s challenging transition is a testament to that. CM Punk signed with the WWE in 2005 and spent the best part of a decade. He won 11 championships during his professional wrestling career, including the World Heavyweight Championship three times. His 434-day WWE Championship reign remains the seventh longest in history.

CM Punk signed a multi-fight contract with the UFC in December 2014, but his MMA career only lasted two fights. He trained hard for two years before debuting at UFC 203 in September 2016. He fought fellow UFC newcomer Mickey Gall, who forced CM Punk to submit early into the first round.

CM Punk fought Mike Jackson almost two years later, with Jackson initially winning by unanimous decision. However, the result was overturned and ruled a non-contest after Jackson tested positive for marijuana. That was the last time CM Punk stepped into the octagon.

Conclusion

The crossover between WWE and MMA is challenging, even if Ken Shamrock, Brock Lesnar, and Ronda Rousey made it look so. Those three athletes are living proof that it is possible to make a name for yourself in any discipline you wish if you are determined to succeed and are dedicated to your craft.

While CM Punk’s journey did not go to plan, he should be applauded for stepping out of his comfort zone, trying something new, and putting his neck on the line. At least he can say he tried and have no regrets come the end of his career.

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