Chuck Liddell talks possible WWE run.
Over the years, plenty of UFC superstars have made the jump to WWE or teased a run in WWE. One of the biggest draws in UFC history, Ronda Rousey left her MMA career behind to help propel the women in WWE to the main event of WrestleMania. Ken Shamrock was a UFC-to-WWE pioneer, joining the promotion in the late '90s after a successful UFC run that saw him become the second biggest star in the Octagon behind Royce Gracie.
Chuck Liddell was the first superstar in the UFC, leading the company to their first one million buy pay-per-view when he battled Tito Ortiz at UFC 66. Save for an ill-advised fight against Ortiz in November 2018, Liddell hasn't actively fought since 2010. Speaking to Comic Book, "The Iceman" was asked if he would potentially join WWE like some of his peers.
"Actually, I used to hang out with Shane McMahon every once in a while, we would go out and party sometimes. Good dude," said Liddell. "And he said 'If you're ever seriously interested about coming over we should talk.' But, you know I never really... I love fighting and I love being in real fighting and I mean I got nothing against WWE. I wouldn't mind doing that now too. It's just acting, going out and doing the acting. That's more like acting. Those guys, they're very, it's a lot of training for those guys. Those guys do some pretty impressive things in the ring as far as... I mean it's all staged, but it's still you know, it's not easy.
"One of the things I've always had with that sport too, is... the difference between my sport and their things, see you're putting your trust in the other guy not to hurt you. Surrendering your body to him. Like, throw you and hope he doesn't hurt you. In my sport, I'm responsible for you not hurting me. I like having the responsibility on my end not yours."
Despite an informal offer from Shane McMahon, Liddell revealed that Vince McMahon never reached out with an actual offer.
When asked why UFC fighters have so much success with the transition, Liddell said, "I think you bring the fan base with you. And then, if you can get out there and perform and do your [stuff], it's a little more over the top. I mean you see a lot of that with the fighters nowadays in the UFC. Seems like they're taking a cue from the WWE guys, some of them. You just get a little more over the top with the guys. Some things you've done before. You've faced-off with people, you've talked s? to guys. There's a lot of going back and forth. I think to do that it's just setting if you're willing to get out there and perform."
Current fighters such as Daniel Cormier and Conor McGregor have teased joining WWE over the last year, but there is no indication that they will appear on WWE TV. Cain Velasquez is currently making waves with Lucha Libre AAA and has been in talks with WWE.