Three-time UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen is known for seeing what he wants, when he wants, and that characteristic was easily identifiable in one of his latest TV interviews.
In an appearance on Michael Landsberg’s Off The Record, transcription via Damon Martin of FOX Sports, “The American Gangster” revealed the phone number of Stephanie McMahon, the daughter of WWE’s CEO, in hopes of getting his friend CM Punk a high-profile matchup at WrestleMania:
“I don’t know if Punk’s going to wrestle at Wrestlemania, but I know who does. You want to know who knows? Stephanie McMahon — and if you want the answer to that question viewers, call her on her personal and private cell phone number,” Sonnen said. “There’s no 555, this is her personal cell phone number. And have her tell Triple H I just played the game.”
Landsberg allegedly called the number at the conclusion of the show, and it was indeed Stephanie’s real cell phone number.
Furthermore, Triple H—birth name, Paul Levesque—is McMahon’s husband, and his pro wrestling persona goes by the nickname “The Game.”
Punk, a former WWE heavyweight champion, whose real name is Phil Brooks, has not appeared on WWE programming since January’s Royal Rumble and was rumored to be considering a career in MMA, also per FOX Sports.
The 35-year-old does not have an extensive background in combat sports, though he does have a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Rener Gracie.
Punk, a good friend of Sonnen, was set to accompany The American Gangster to the Octagon during his UFC on FOX 2 bout with Michael Bisping in January 2012.
However, according to Punk, Vince McMahon nixed the move at the last minute, per MMA Fighting.
Sonnen recently stated that the recent ban of testosterone replacement therapy may lead him to retire, and his upcoming bout with Wanderlei Silva is currently in limbo, per Shaun Al-Shatti of MMA Fighting.
When the 36-year-old hangs up the gloves, it seems pretty safe to say a transition to the WWE would be a natural one.
John Heinis is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA editor for eDraft.com.
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