Pro Wrestlers who could make it in MMA

In the last few years, pro wrestlers have been making a move to mixed martial arts.  For some the transition has not gone well. 

For others, they have been able to adapt  to the sport for a number of reasons.

The rigorous training regiment they put themselves through to get there.  The determination to be taken serious in the sport and not seen as some one trick pony. Their ability to adapt to a big-time pay per view format and the stage put on by big time MMA organizations, which is something they learned from pro wrestling.

UFC Heavyweight champion is the prime example of how a wrestler can make it big in MMA while Strikeforce fighter Bobby Lashley is someone who start out good and get a loss handed to them that is so devastating, they may never be seen in the ring again.

Although there are few pro wrestlers who compete in MMA that stand out, here are some that may have a bright future.

Daniel Bryan

Weight class: Middleweight

Recent WWE returnee, Daniel Bryan is regarded as the best wrestler around the world.  If he wanted to leave for the world of MMA, he would probably be one of the few wrestlers embraced with open arms by MMA fans all around the world.

In addition to his worldwide fame, he currently trains at Xtreme Couture.  He also has a number of submissions in his bag that could work well with his already impressive ground game.

C.M. Punk

Weight class: Heavyweight

A former three time world heavyweight champion, Punk is regarded in the WWE as a Muy Thai master.  He also has a ground game that could be improved with some training. 

As with wrestling fans, Punk’s Straight Edge lifestyle could also be an inspiration to MMA fans who want to look up to a fighter who does not drink, smoke, or do drugs.




Samoa Joe

Weight class: Heavyweight/Super Heavyweight

Joe is regarded as a beast in the ring, beating many of his opponents to a bloody pulp with his raw power and in-ring technique.  He also toured the independent circuit for a number of years, which may give him a fan following.

Joe also trains with Tito Ortiz and Team Punishment.  With Ortiz’s guidance, Joe could be brought in as a big star.








Kurt Angle

Weight class: Heavyweight

Since 2006, Angle has talked about entering in mixed martial arts.  From his “dealings” with Dana White to his trash talking of how he could beat UFC Legends Chuck Liddell and Matt Hughes, the Olympic gold medalist has teased about getting into the cage.

There is no doubt that Angle’s sheer wrestling ability would make him a formable foe for anyone to face.  However his body has been injured several times over the years and fighters like Brock Lesnar who know-and were probably involved in creating-those injures could easily use them to their advantage. 




Eve Torres

Weight class: Women’s Welterweight

Torres has a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and currently trains with the Gracie family.  She has also demonstrated some flexibility in the squared circle, which combined with her jiu-jitsu training, makes her a formidable asset in the ring.

Aside from her in-ring abilities Torres does many outside appearances for WWE.  With women’s mixed martial arts on the rise, Torres may be someone who could bring new fans to the women’s divisions.



Kaval

Weight class: Welterweight

Like Bryan, Kaval (formerly known as Low-Ki and Senshi) has starred in numerous wrestling promotions around the world.  His recent win on WWE’s season two of NXT is giving him momentum going into the main roster.  A couple early wins in MMA may give him momentum to push to the top. 

Although he not have an extensive ground game as Bryan, Kaval has uncanny speed, and kicks similar to Mirko “CroCop” Filipovic‘s  deadly left kicks.





The Undertaker

Weight class: Super Heavyweight
The Undertaker has one of the most enduring gimmicks in the WWE.  For being as large as he is, Taker has grace and agility that is unmatched by most men his size.  He is also known as the WWE’s best pure striker.  In real life, Taker is also a mixed martial arts fan and his knowledge and love for the sport could help him.

Although Taker has sustained injuries over the years, he could still draw viewers to any fight card.



Tara

Weight class: Women’s Middleweight

Another wrestler who could help evolve women’s MMA.  Since her days with the WWE, Tara has been training to debut in mixed martial arts.  She has practiced jiu-jitsu

At one point there was a confrontation with women’s MMA fighter Kim Couture, however this fight never happened.  Despite never debuting, she is still a fan of the sport.



Jack Swagger

Weight class: Heavyweight

Swagger is one of the WWE’s home grown rising stars and a two-time All-American (American) in colligate wrestling and football.  Like Angle, his mat skills could keep opponents on the mat.  He has also been working on his submission skills as of late.

His cocky attitude is similar to guys like Brock Lesnar, Rampage Jackson, and Tito Ortiz. 


Other wrestlers who could make it:

Rob Van Dam - flexibility, great kicks, yet there is a good chance he would fail a drug test

Nattie Neidhart - comes from a well-known wrestling family

John Morrison - great speed, flexibility, and articulate in the ring.

Shelton Benjamin - a great pure athlete

Santino Marella - beware the Cobra!

Note: the links for the featured wrestlers click to their official website, company profile, or myspace pages.


Are there any wrestlers you think should be featured on this list.  Shoot me an email and let me know.