Tag: WWE

Seth Rollins says UFC fighters — like Ronda Rousey — can’t hack WWE’s rigorous road schedule

Seth Rollins on Ronda Rousey and UFC fightersSeth Rollins doesn’t think UFC fighters could handle the rigorous travel schedule required to become a bonafide WWE Superstar….

Seth Rollins on Ronda Rousey and UFC fighters

Seth Rollins doesn’t think UFC fighters could handle the rigorous travel schedule required to become a bonafide WWE Superstar.

Last year, UFC’s parent company — TKO Group — announced a blockbuster deal to acquire World Wrestling Entertainment, bringing the two entities under one umbrella. Following the news, rumors immediately began to fly about potential crossovers between the two beloved brands. Asked about their universes potentially merging like something out of a Marvel movie, Rollins was quick to suggest that UFC fighters would struggle with the hectic work schedule of a WWE Superstar.

Rolling specifically referenced former UFC women’s world champion Ronda Rousey who walked away from the WWE in October nearly two years removed from her return at the 2022 Royal Rumble.

“I don’t want to knock Ronda Rousey because I love Ronda,” Rollins told ESPN’s Marc Raimondi. “She did a lot for our industry, for women in our industry, and the fight industry in general, but it was tough for Ronda. She tried her damnedest and it was hard for her.

“But I don’t know, I’d love for somebody to come over and take a crack if you think you can hang. But it’s hard.”

While it is true that professional fighters typically train year-round, they may only step inside the Octagon 2-3 times per year whereas a WWE Superstar will wrestle in front of a live crowd more than 100 times over a 365 day period. fighters also get the privilege of staying and training in one spot whereas wrestlers are required to be on the road 3-4 days per week, traveling cross country and oftentimes overseas.

And don’t even get Rollins started on all the media obligations that come with being a WWE Superstar.

“They don’t have the stamina for it,” Rollins said. “They don’t fight every single weekend. This championship goes everywhere. It goes everywhere. It goes to like Biloxi, [Miss.]. And especially the top stars over there, they’re catered to a certain way, and that’s great. That’s their style. That’s what works for them. You fight maybe once, twice a year. You’re crazy, you’re fighting three times a year.

“But to fight over 100 times a year, make all those towns, still be able to train, still be able to do all the media, it’s an exhausting industry.”

Seth Rollins throws shade at CM Punk’s UFC Run

Rollins made it clear that he has the utmost respect for professional fighters, admitting that he’d probably get smoked stepping into the cage with any one of them, though he’d still probably fare better than Chi-Town’s favorite Second City Saint did in his brief UFC run.

“I call them all out. I don’t care. Try it out,” Rollins said. “I can’t do what they do. I’d go in there and get knocked out and choked out in two seconds. I’d probably do better than [CM] Punk, but I still would lose most likely.

“They can’t come and do what we do either. They’re the same umbrella but two totally different worlds.”

After cutting his teeth in indie promotions like SCW Pro, NWA No Limits, and IWA Mid-South, Rollins — known as Tyler Black back then — has emerged as one of the biggest names in all of sports entertainment. Currently, he is closing in on a year as the promotion’s World Heavyweight Champion and is expected to play a pivotal role in this year’s 40th edition of WrestleMania.

Former WWE Superstar Matt Riddle open to making UFC return: ‘I can communicate with anybody’

Matt RiddleFormer UFC fighter turned professional wrestler Matt Riddle is open to making a move back to the Octagon. Riddle,…

Matt Riddle

Former UFC fighter turned professional wrestler Matt Riddle is open to making a move back to the Octagon.

Riddle, who made his UFC debut as part of The Ultimate Fighter 7 in 2008, went on to have a fairly successful career in mixed martial arts, amassing an 8-3 record with all, but one of his fights coming under the UFC banner. Unfortunately, Riddle found himself in a bit of hot water with the Nevada State Athletic Commission on more than one occasion.

Following a submission victory of Chris Clements in July 2012, the bout was overturned after Riddle tested positive for marijuana. Less than a year later, a split decision win in his favor was also changed to a no-contest after he once again tested positive for marijuana. Riddle was subsequently released from the promotion.

Without positive marijuana tests, Riddle would have held a record of 10-3 with a five-fight win streak.

After one fight with Titan FC, Riddle closed the book on his combat sports career and made the move to sports entertainment. Developing a massive fan following on the indie scene, he signed with the WWE in 2018 and spent five years with the promotion before parting ways in late 2023.

Matt Riddle Doesn’t See Dana White Taking His Call

During a sit-down interview with Chris Van Vliet, Riddle revealed that he would be more than willing to speak with Dana White regarding a return to the Octagon, but he can’t realistically see the UFC CEO taking his call at this point.

“I mean, I can communicate with anybody,” Riddle said. “I’ll talk to anybody, I don’t mind. I don’t think he would take my call and I don’t blame him. I mean, he’s got a lot going on and if I fought 10 times or maybe five times, I knocked out five people in a row right now, and I’m like the best in the world I might get a call.

“But if I’m not fighting top talent and beating top talent, he runs the UFC, he runs the best fighting organization in the world and he’s not in it for, per se, money fights. They have been in the past, but I don’t think that’s his objective. I think his objective is to add the top-ranked fighters and see who the best in the world is, and by default, you’re probably gonna get entertainment out of that” (h/t MMA Knockout).

Riddle added that he is also open to potentially competing in the Professional Fighters League, so long as they come correct with their offer.

WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes interested in crossing over to the UFC: ‘I told my wife I wanted to do one fight’

Cody Rhodes WWE star to UFCCody Rhodes has toyed with the idea of making the move from sports entertainment to MMA. On Saturday (January…

Cody Rhodes WWE star to UFC

Cody Rhodes has toyed with the idea of making the move from sports entertainment to MMA.

On Saturday (January 27) Rhodes became the first WWE Superstar to win back-to-back Royal Rumble matches since ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin accomplished the feat 25 years ago. Days ahead of his history-making performance, ‘The American Nightmare’ spoke with ESPN’s Marc Raimondi where the topic of a potential crossover into the UFC came up.

With both WWE and the UFC residing under the TKO Group banner following last year’s groundbreaking merger, fans have been chomping at the bit to see stars from the two organizations interact. In the past, professional fighters like Ken Shamrock, Dan Severn, and Matt Riddle have made the successful move from MMA to pro wrestling.

Seeing a WWE Superstar strap on the four-ounce gloves is far less common, but it’s something the former AEW star would love to see.

“What would be funny to me is if anyone could crossover from here,” Rhodes said. “We have legitimately very tough guys like Bobby Lashley. I’m always very curious to see how one of us would do. I know in the past it’s not always worked out for everybody, but I am curious to see who is the first to take that jump.”

Asked if he could be the guy to move from the ring to the Octagon, Cody Rhodes revealed that he had mentioned the idea to his wife — Brandi Rhodes — a couple of years ago, but she promptly shut down the conversation.

“I actually told my wife. I told my wife I wanted to do one fight,” Rhodes revealed. “I told her this two years ago. I think I was looking for some sort of massive financial windfall, I don’t know what it was, but I told her I wanted to do one fight and she absolutely let me know that would not be happening. Unless you convince her, it’s not going to happen. Maybe it’s for the best.”

Brock Lesnar is the most notable WWE star to cross over, making his UFC debut in 2008. He captured the promotion’s heavyweight title in just his third fight, defeating Octagon legend Randy Couture. He defended the belt against Frank Mir and Shane Carwin before surrendering the strap to Cain Velasquez in 2010. Following a five-year layoff, ‘The Beast Incarnate’ returned for a UFC 200 fight with Mark Hunt. Lesnar won via unanimous decision, but the result was later overturned after he tested positive for a banned substance.

Ex-UFC heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar pulled from WWE Royal Rumble amid McMahon lawsuit controversy

Brock LesnarBrock Lesnar is not expected to appear at tonight’s WWE Royal Rumble according to a report from PWInsider. The…

Brock Lesnar

Brock Lesnar is not expected to appear at tonight’s WWE Royal Rumble according to a report from PWInsider.

The outlet reported that as of Saturday morning, Lesnar had not traveled to Tampa, Florida where the event is scheduled to take place. One source is said to have revealed that the former UFC champion had been withdrawn from the event and would be replaced by an unnamed wrestler from the NXT brand.

The sports entertainment juggernaut intended on having Lesnar appear at the promotion’s annual showcase of the immortals, Wrestlemania, later this year, but those plans appear to be up in the air after the ‘Beast Incarnate’ was implicated in a lawsuit against WWE founder and former chairman Vince McMahon.

Brock Lesnar Was Promised Sex with plaintiff in exchange for signing a new contract

On Thursday, The Wall Street Journal reported that McMahon was the subject of a federal lawsuit after he had allegedly sexually assaulted and trafficked a former WWE employee on multiple occasions over their multi-year relationship. The plaintiff — Janel Grant — claims that McMahon not only abused her sexually, but he also forced to her have sex with other executives and WWE Superstars.

Though Lesnar is not explicitly named in the lawsuit, it was reported that he received multiple sexually explicit photos of Grant from McMahon. The complaint also alleges that Lesnar was offered the opportunity to have sex with Grant as part of his signing a new contract with the company. After Lesnar inked the new deal, McMahon allegedly texted Grant “that part of the deal was f*cking U.”

According to the lawsuit:

“That December, McMahon gave Grant’s personal cellphone number to the WWE star, the lawsuit said. The wrestler asked her to send a video of herself urinating, the suit said, and after she did, he called her a “b*tch.” That same month, the suit said, the star expressed a desire to “set a play date,” but a snowstorm disrupted his travel plans.”

Vince McMahon has since resigned from TKO Group and WWE and vehemently denied the allegations being levied against him.

Brock Lesnar has not yet addressed his alleged role in the report.

Vince McMahon resigns from TKO Group and WWE amid assault and trafficking allegations, issues statement

Vince McMahon resigns from WWEVince McMahon, executive chairman of the board of TKO Group Holdings and founder of sports entertainment juggernaut World Wrestling Entertainment, has…

Vince McMahon resigns from WWE

Vince McMahon, executive chairman of the board of TKO Group Holdings and founder of sports entertainment juggernaut World Wrestling Entertainment, has resigned from his position at both companies.

The news comes according to an internal memo obtained and confirmed by CNBC.

“Vince McMahon has tendered his resignation from his positions as TKO Executive Chairman and on the TKO Board of Directors. He will no longer have a role with TKO Group Holdings or WWE,” said Nick Khan, president of the WWE.

On Thursday, The Wall Street Journal revealed that McMahon was the subject of a federal lawsuit after a former employee had accused him of sexual assault and trafficking her to other executives and WWE Superstars within the company.

Vince McMahon Issues Statement on Resignation

McMahon vehemently denied the allegations in a statement where he also announced his exit from all executive roles with TKO Group and WWE.

“I stand by my prior statement that Ms. Grant’s lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and is a vindictive distortion of the truth,” McMahon said in response to the allegations. “I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name.”

“However, out of respect for the WWE Universe, the extraordinary TKO business and its board members and shareholders, partners and constituents, and all of the employees and Superstars who helped make WWE into the global leader it is today, I have decided to resign from my executive chairmanship and the TKO board of directors, effective immediately,” the former Chairman of the Board added.

The lawsuit filed by Janel Grant alleges that McMahon directed her to have sex with a WWE Superstar and other men, including John Laurinaitis, the company’s former head of talent relations and general manager.

After her release from the company in January 2022, McMahon had Grant sign an NDA promising to pay her $3 million to keep quiet about their relationship but only made an initial payment of $1 million. Grant’s suit seeks to void a nondisclosure agreement.

In July 2022, it was revealed that McMahon had paid out $12 million to four women over 16 years to suppress allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity. He resigned from WWE leadership posts in mid-2022 amid an internal investigation but returned in early 2023.

Former WWE employee accuses Vince McMahon of abuse and trafficking in federal lawsuit

Vince McMahon of WWEAn ex-WWE employee filed a federal lawsuit on Thursday accusing Vince McMahon and another former executive of sexual misconduct…

Vince McMahon of WWE

An ex-WWE employee filed a federal lawsuit on Thursday accusing Vince McMahon and another former executive of sexual misconduct and trafficking.

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Janel Grant, who worked in the company’s legal and talent departments, alleges that McMahon had forced her into a sexual relationship for her to get and keep her job with the sports entertainment juggernaut. McMahon is said to have distributed pornographic photos and videos of her to members of his staff and roster, including former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar.

Per the lawsuit, McMahon lived in the same building as Grant in 2019 and agreed to give her a job after her parents had died. One of the caveats of the job was a physical relationship with McMahon and later John Laurinaitis, the company’s former head of talent relations and general manager.

Over the next few years, Grant alleges that she was forced into multiple “acts of extreme cruelty and degradation” including an incident where McMahon defecated on her during a threesome and commanded “her to continue pleasuring his ‘friend’ with feces in her hair.”

She also claimed that McMahon and Laurinaitis “sexually assaulted” her when they “cornered” her behind a locked door and “forcibly touched her” with one of them saying, “No means yes” during the encounter.

In 2021, Grant was used as a bargaining chip during negotiations with Lesnar who reportedly asked for a video of her urinating.

“WWE benefited financially from the commercial sex act venture orchestrated by McMahon, including by having wrestling talent, such as WWE Superstar, sign new contracts with WWE after McMahon presented Plaintiff as a sexual commodity for their use,” the lawsuit states.

Vince McMahon attempted to traffic Grant to a WWE star months after her release firing

In the complaint, Grant says that McMahon had “ordered” her to keep their relationship a secret, but was ultimately let go from the company after his wife found out about the relationship in January 2022. Despite that, McMahon attempted to “traffic” her to a WWE star who was scheduled to visit New York City for a “live event and TV taping in March 2022.”

She said McMahon had her sign an NDA shortly after her release “in exchange for payments,” which he later stopped making. 

“Ms. Grant hopes that her lawsuit will prevent other women from being victimized,” her attorney, Ann Callis, said in a statement. “The organization is well aware of Mr. McMahon’s history of depraved behavior, and it’s time that they take responsibility for the misconduct of its leadership.”

A spokesman for Vince McMahon released a statement responding to the allegations. “This lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and a vindictive distortion of the truth,” the spokesman said.

The parent company of WWE (and the UFC), TKO Group, released a statement addressing McMahon’s status with the organization and the allegations being made against the former chairman.

“Mr. McMahon does not control TKO nor does he oversee the day-to-day operations of WWE,” TKO Group said. “While this matter pre-dates our TKO executive team’s tenure at the company, we take Ms. Grant’s horrific allegations very seriously and are addressing this matter internally.”

In June 2022, it was revealed that McMahon had paid more than $12 million to four women to cover up “allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity” over 16 years.