Tag: AEW

Paige VanZant Explains Why She Prefers Wrestling Fans Over MMA Fans

Recently signed to AEW, former UFC veteran Paige VanZant favors the wrestling crowd over an MMA audience. Last September, VanZant made her first appearance in AEW. The crowd went wild for her surprise cameo, and after a few more shows, VanZant officially signed to the wrestling platform in March. Wrestling is known to have some…

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Recently signed to AEW, former UFC veteran Paige VanZant favors the wrestling crowd over an MMA audience.

Last September, VanZant made her first appearance in AEW. The crowd went wild for her surprise cameo, and after a few more shows, VanZant officially signed to the wrestling platform in March.

Paige VanZant
Paige VanZant signing AEW contract

Wrestling is known to have some of the most hardcore fans. VanZant has experienced their massive energy every time she’s stepped in the ring.

In an interview with MMAFightingonSBN, she described the intensity she first felt from the AEW crowd and the advantage she believes wrestling fans have over MMA fans.

“The first moment we showed up to the arena, I could feel the energy from the fans, just how amazing the fans of pro wrestling are. They’re obsessed with it. And I thought that was just the coolest thing, to be in front of so much energy, people who are so passionate.

“And pro fighting fans are great. But sometimes they love you when they’re up, and they hate you when they’re down. Whereas I feel like the pro wrestling fans, they’re in for the long haul. They’re diehard. And I wanted to be a part of it.”

The hype surrounding a pro fighter can come crashing down once that first loss happens. At 8 wins and 5 losses as an MMA fighter, VanZant has certainly felt the sting of ridicule from angry fans.

But now, VanZant is looking onward. She has found a lot of happiness since leaving the UFC, both creatively and monetarily.

Although she is still contractually obligated to the BKFC, VanZant plans to make a strong push as a professional wrestler. She is currently training for her official in-ring debut and is excited to once again wow the fans.

What are your thoughts on Paige VanZant’s comparison of pro wrestling fans to MMA fans?

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Paige VanZant Signs With AEW

Paige VanZant is All Elite. After weeks of casual involvement with the pro wrestling promotion All Elite Wrestling, Paige VanZant put pen to paper and officially joined the promotion’s roster during a segment on AEW Dynamite Wednesday. During the segment, VanZant landed a roundhouse kick to wrestler Tay Conti and then signed the AEW contract….

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Paige VanZant is All Elite.

After weeks of casual involvement with the pro wrestling promotion All Elite Wrestling, Paige VanZant put pen to paper and officially joined the promotion’s roster during a segment on AEW Dynamite Wednesday.

During the segment, VanZant landed a roundhouse kick to wrestler Tay Conti and then signed the AEW contract. You can check out the tail end of this segment below.

And if you’re wondering if the contract is “kayfabe,” company president Tony Khan confirmed on Twitter that “12 Gauge” is indeed now a part of the AEW roster.

Paige VanZant will continue working on her pro wrestling skills at Coastal Championship Wrestling in Pompano Beach, Florida, according to Marc Raimondi. She will train under coach David Heath, best known as Gangrel from WWE’s Attitude Era.

There is currently no word on how long the contract is for or whether VanZant will work in a full-time capacity.

VanZant began making appearances in All Elite Wrestling last year along with the start of her BKFC run, where she went 0-2. Since the UFC, VanZant has continued to see financial success, and she is now committed to the colorful world of professional wrestling.

She joins the growing list of UFC fighters to appear on AEW. Notable names such as former UFC champions Vitor Belfort, Junior dos Santos, and Andrei Arlovski have appeared on AEW programming as well. She is the first, however, to formally join the promotion’s roster.

AEW signing notwithstanding, VanZant is still a part of the BKFC roster as well. Company president David Feldman expects the former Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model to compete before the end of summer. It is unclear who will be her opponent, but he has already deemed the fight to be a must-win for the 0-2 VanZant.

What are your thoughts on Paige VanZant storming the ring at AEW Dynamite?

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Junior dos Santos Lost Major Sponsorships While Under UFC Contract

Former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos shared on social media that he lost major sponsorships and endorsements during his time in the UFC. In 2011, Junior dos Santos captured the heavyweight title against American Kickboxing Academy’s Cain Velasquez. The two went on to have one of the most legendary trilogies in UFC history. After losing […]

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Former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos shared on social media that he lost major sponsorships and endorsements during his time in the UFC.

In 2011, Junior dos Santos captured the heavyweight title against American Kickboxing Academy’s Cain Velasquez. The two went on to have one of the most legendary trilogies in UFC history. After losing four consecutive contests, “Cigano” was released from the promotion in March of 2021.

While many wondered what venture would be next for the former UFC heavyweight, it appears we have our answer. On Oct. 15, 2021, Junior Dos Santos made his professional wrestling debut. The former UFC champion came accompanied by Jorge ‘Gamebred’ Masvidal in his corner for his AEW Rampage debut.

Following his pro wrestling appearance, “Cigano” confirmed a story as true that detailed him losing sponsorship deals during his time as a UFC fighter, this after he was allowed to wear blue Nike shoes in his wrestling debut.

“True story” dos Santos confirmed when a Twitter user stated he lost many endorsements, including Nike, as a result of the UFC/Reebok deal.

UFC 260 marked the end of the Reebok era. The deal between Reebok and the UFC began in 2014. According to some reports, the six-year deal was estimated at roughly $70 million. Even though Venum took over fight kits and uniforms, combat athletes are still prohibited from wearing ‘outside’ sponsors on their uniforms during any UFC event.

Fighter pay has become a major issue in combat sports. Certainly, the extra money made from sponsorships/endorsements is a definite advantage, especially for young fighters who have yet to establish their name in the MMA landscape.

Fighters in the UFC remain unable to wear sponsorship patches on their shorts/trunks. Recently, the premier fighting organization signed a massive deal with Crypto.com as an official sponsorship partner for all UFC athletes. With endorsements already appearing on Venum fight kits, it will be interesting to see if the UFC adds more.

Do you agree with how the UFC handles endorsement/sponsorship deals?

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Junior dos Santos Makes Pro Wrestling Debut Tonight On AEW Rampage

Former UFC heavyweight Champion Junior dos Santos makes his pro wrestling debut at Friday’s edition of AEW Rampage from Miami, FL. The event airs live on TNT at 10pm (Eastern). dos Santos will team up with the Men of the Year tag team to face Chris Jericho, Jake Hager, and Sammy Guevara of the Inner […]

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Former UFC heavyweight Champion Junior dos Santos makes his pro wrestling debut at Friday’s edition of AEW Rampage from Miami, FL. The event airs live on TNT at 10pm (Eastern).

dos Santos will team up with the Men of the Year tag team to face Chris Jericho, Jake Hager, and Sammy Guevara of the Inner Circle.

Junior Dos Santos AEW Debut

dos Santos has been appearing on AEW TV as part of ATT President Dan Lambert’s faction of MMA fighters. Jorge Masvidal, Paige VanZant, Andrei Arlovski, and other MMA legends have also appeared with Lambert.

Junior dos Santos Hypes AEW Debut

Junior dos Santos shared some thoughts ahead of tonight’s big debut. When asked if he’s considering a future in pro wrestling, he didn’t mince words.

“Of course,” dos Santos told ESPN. “I’ve been enjoying everything I’m doing and to get in the ring to be fighting again, to be performing, to give my best performance for everybody to watch is amazing. I’m very excited about this. I’m a combat sportsman. I’ve been training my whole life. No doubts, I know how to fight and I’m going to go there to fight.

“I’m gonna go there to finish these guys. I know it’s not a joke. You’re going to go there, put on a good show, and give your best. I’m ready for that. I’ve been training some good skills with King Mo and many guys from the gym. Everybody is willing to go in the ring and represent our gym and defend our name. I’m privileged to be in this position and I’m going to do my best.”

dos Santos joins a long line of MMA fighters who have crossed over to the world of pro wrestling. Names like Ronda Rousey, Cain Velasquez, Ken Shamrock, Dan Severn, and a host of others have had stints in the rasslin’ business at varying degrees.

What will the future hold for dos Santos? We’ll get our first glimpse tonight.

Masvidal’s Take

One of dos Santos’ opposing team members, Chris Jericho, has already gotten acquainted with American Top Team after Masvidal baptized him with a flying knee last month. Masvidal is expected to be at AEW Rampage again tonight.

Although it’s nothing personal between him and Jericho, “Gamebred” finds the violence to be super necessary when they are between battle lines.

“I respect the f— out of Chris Jericho,” Masvidal told Sports Illustrated this week. “He’s done this at the highest level for 30 years. If I see him anywhere else, I’m buying him drinks all night. But I only have one speed. When I see him in the ring, it’s a different story.”

Keep it locked on MMANews.com as we will be sure to bring you the instant highlights from JDS’s big debut.

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Former UFC ‘Champ-Champ’ Henry Cejudo Says He’s Been In Contact With AEW

Former UFC bantamweight and flyweight champion Henry Cejudo says he’s been in touch with top American wrestling promotion, AEW. Cejudo last competed in MMA back in May. He successfully defended the bantamweight championship against Dominick Cruz …

Former UFC bantamweight and flyweight champion Henry Cejudo says he’s been in touch with top American wrestling promotion, AEW. Cejudo last competed in MMA back in May. He successfully defended the bantamweight championship against Dominick Cruz via second-round TKO. After the bout, Cejudo announced his retirement from MMA competition. While Cejudo has been saying he […]

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