WWE/MMA News: Former UFC star reveals why he couldn't appear at Wrestlemania 32
What’s the story?
Mixed Martial Arts veteran and former UFC star Chael Sonnen was recently a guest on CBS Sports' In This Corner podcast in order to promote his return at the Bellator 192 event. During his interview, Sonnen also opened up about WWE management being upset with him after he had turned down an offer to appear at Wrestlemania 32.
In case you didn’t know…
Former UFC star and Lightheavyweight Champion Chael Sonnen was originally scheduled to appear at Wrestlemania 32 at the AT&T Stadium last year in Arlington, Texas. Apparently, the original plans for Sonnen were to enter and participate in the Andre the Giant Battle Royal, however, ‘The American Gangster’ had seemingly turned down the offer made by the WWE.
The heart of the matter
While speaking with CBS Sports’ In This Corner podcast, Sonnen stated that the WWE management was kind of upset with him after he rejected the offer to appear at WWE’s Wrestlemania 32 event, in order to take part in the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.
Sonnen also revealed that he was apparently not against WWE’s offer but just couldn't get the date. Additionally, the 40-year-old Bellator star also said that he had actually worked hard and tried to clear the date in order to appear at WM 32, but couldn’t get the deal done and WWE had seemingly assumed that he had turned down their offer.
“I tried to do it but [WWE] thought I blew them off. I haven't really heard back and whenever they come down, they invite me and give me and some friends some really good tickets and we have a real blast."- Chael Sonnen stated.
What’s next?
Following his latest win over Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson at the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament, Chael Sonnen is now on course to become the first ever Bellator Heavyweight Champion. However, it was also noted that after Sonnen’s win over Jackson he had called out Fedor Emelianenko meaning that a fight between the two men could be on the cards in the near future.
Author’s Take
In my personal opinion, a marquee name like Chael Sonnen should stay away from the WWE for a while and shouldn’t enter the Pro Wrestling business, until he fully retires from the sport of MMA.