5 MMA fighters who could join AEW
All Elite Wrestling generated some huge buzz as 2018 rolled over into 2019. That buzz was not least of all for the reveal of their billionaire financier, the promotional success of Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks at All In, and the news that they had signed top talents like Chris Jericho and the former Neville. The group also secured Billy Gunn in a producer role.
The question quickly turned to whom they might recruit next, with a number of underutilized WWE talents immediately entering the conversation, as well as top tier talents from smaller promotions.
But what about the world of mixed martial arts?
Pro wrestling and MMA have been linked more or less since the latter started gathering steam in the US, for overlapping talents and fan bases.
With Ronda Rousey having made the jump to WWE, CM Punk having fought in UFC, and Brock Lesnar hopping between the two - just to name some of the highest profile crossovers - it’s reasonable to think AEW might draw some talent from the MMA world next.
#5 Ken Shamrock
Ken Shamrock was one of the earliest stars to make a big name both in MMA and pro wrestling. After emerging as one of UFC’s original top guys, Shamrock had a good run in WWE that segued to also being an early champion for Impact Wrestling.
Shamrock has explicitly indicated an interest in getting back into the WWE ring in interviews over the last couple years. He has also hinted that Triple H may be responsible for heading off a comeback, implying The Game may still harbor jealousies and resentment from when they were both up and comers in the WWE ranks. Whether or not Helmsley actually feels that way, Shamrock’s talk probably isn’t helping him.
Working with AEW may be an ideal fit for Shamrock. It’s a company he can walk into without baggage, has the resources to pay him well, and book him opposite worthy opponents, all while working in competition with WWE - after they apparently shunned him.