Is Daniel Cormier destined for WWE?
The newly retired UFC champion could be WWE bound. Would he be an effective attraction for WWE?
The scene is set for the “Daddest man on the planet” to make a WWE run now that his UFC career is complete. Daniel Cormier is a WWE superfan and hasn’t shied away from trading the Octagon for the Squared Circle. Although he didn’t get the UFC exit he hoped for, there’s plenty of reason a WWE stint could be successful. Now that he is officially retired, here are a few reasons why you should be hype, and why DC to WWE will certainly not flop.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEkUxiJHNL4/
Olympic Background
Olympic pedigree is only earned by the best athletes in the world. Some former Olympians have parlayed that into Hall Of Fame careers. Looking at you Kurt Angle. This honor holds so much weight when entering any new arena. As if DC needs any more credibility, he’s not just a former Olympian, but a StrikeForce Grand Prix winner and one of the few two division champs the sport has ever seen. He’s achieved feats athletes may never reach, this is just another way to get him over in WWE. The former Olympian schtick is revered by all.
Despite Chad Gable donning the “Shorty G” name tag, it’s never lacking on anyone’s mind the man was an Olympian. Crossover superstars are often defined by their past, for example, Shayna Baszler being called the “cage fighter,” or Mark Henry being the “world’s strongest man.” Painting DC as the Olympic wrestler on top of his UFC background could lead to his WWE appearances being more than just a one-off. Which would be a dream scenario for DC.
“That’s not my retirement,” says Cormier. “That would be a vacation.”
Broadcasting experience
Daniel Cormier is one of the premier voices of the UFC. He’s been commentating fights all while being an active fighter. Imagine if he took those same chops to the WWE. There’s no doubt he could be as entertaining as CM Punk, Chris Jericho, Kevin Owens, Or Samoa Joe if given the opportunity on the mic. For the most part, the crossover experiments for WWE have no middle ground. They either go extremely well or laughably bad. Having the ability to speak for yourself and sound believable is a nice feather in the cap for anyone entering this world. Pat Mcafee had the speech part down, then absolutely shocked the world at NXT TakeOver XXX.
Cormier being able to speak fighting fluently will translate to a hot mic. It would also behoove WWE to utilize DC in backstage interviews or at the commentary table when not involved in angles. Cormier’s love for the sport shines through his voice when commentating. That type of energy would be welcomed with open arms.
Built-in rivalries
The WWE writing team will have the easiest time of their careers curating storylines for DC. They’re practically built-in upon arrival. Cormier entering WWE to challenge Brock Lesnar could be the perfect Wrestlemania matchup. On top of the history being there from UFC, this feud accomplishes two things. This heavyweight bout will garner the mainstream appeal WWE often seeks and gives fans the big match feel. This could also play off long-term storytelling having Cormier avenge his training partner, Cain Velasquez, and the loss suffered at Crown Jewel last year.
Lesnar works a light schedule, but his Royal Rumble showing earlier this year showed he can perform when he’s motivated. Have Lesnar start the 2021 Royal Rumble again only to be met by Cormier early on. I am sure that’s a moment Cormier would love:
“I’d love a Royal Rumble moment where I throw a dude into the ropes and I clothesline his ass over the top, or I dropkick somebody over the top rope,” says Cormier. “And I’ll take my bump and get thrown out.
“Let me chase somebody down, clothesline him with a Bradshaw-Layfield clothesline from hell and eliminate somebody from the Royal Rumble, then throw me over the top. Pro wrestling? I’m all in.”
Marketability
Honestly, what’s there not to like about Daniel Cormier? Even the purist of MMA fans who may have griped about his fighting style can appreciate DC. The man is universally beloved. He’s the epitome of a good fighter and an even better man. During his time in UFC, he was also typically at the top of the sport which makes him a household name. When Cain Velasquez appeared at the Friday Night SmackDown premier, the moment felt flat and didn’t generate the pop WWE had hoped. As an MMA fan, you were likely hip to the back story. But the WWE fan’s expressions told a different story.
Next. Sasha Banks and Bayley moving forward. dark
Daniel Cormier has an established following outside of WWE. Whether it be from the UFC, Olympics, or his many media projects. A jump to WWE would be mutually beneficial for both parties. A marquee matchup with Brock Lesnar makes a lot of sense, but there are natural parings throughout the WWE roster. Names like Bobby Lashley, Braun Strowman, Keith Lee, and Cesaro would be all fun tests of strength battles on paper. While Tyson Fury still has a relationship with the company, you could book the ultimate Boxing vs MMA showdown between the two. Or better yet Cormier could be a perennial victor in Raw Underground. Bottom line the day Daniel Cormier steps foot in a WWE ring he’s a star.