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WHICH SPORTS STARS WILL MAKE THE LEAP TO WWE?

The WWE has enjoyed a crossover with many of the leading sports in the United States, which has allowed a number of top names to make the jump into the ring. Two of the most notable names to have made the transition are the NFL’s Rob Gronkowski and UFC fighter Ronda Rousey.

Gronk made a few appearances during his year away from the NFL after retiring in 2019, only for him to return to the NFL one year later with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to rekindle his connection with Tom Brady. Gronk has not returned to the ring since, despite retiring for a second time.

Rousey made her move permanent after a stellar career in UFC. She signed for the WWE in 2017 after appearing sporadically for three years. Rousey established a dominant streak of form and held the Raw Women’s Championship belt for 231 days before losing her crown. She remains a core part of the WWE following a move to SmackDown. Gronk and Rousey are two examples of athletes that have made the move, but who could be the next stars to join them in the WWE?

Travis Kelce

Kelce has just won Super Bowl 57 with the Kansas City Chiefs, taking his tally to two Vince Lombardi Trophies. He is challenging Gronk’s reputation as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history due to his outstanding performances on the field. Kelce finished the 2022 season as an All-Pro for the fourth time in his career. He and Patrick Mahomes surpassed Brady and Gronkowski’s post-season stats by connecting for their 16 touchdowns together in the Chiefs’ win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl.

The Chiefs are the leading contenders in the Super Bowl odds for the 2023 season at a price of 11/2 as of 15th February, so it would be a surprise to see Kelce make the move. He will be 34 next season, which may give him a nudge to think about his career beyond the NFL. Kelce is a larger-than-life figure in the mould of Gronk and certainly does not disappoint whenever he’s interviewed on the field. Kelce could certainly handle his responsibilities on the mic. He has managed to remain injury-free for the majority of his career, avoiding the devastating back problems that Gronk suffered during his time in the NFL. It might raise the possibility that Kelce could be more active in the ring.

Kelce also has his brother Jason, who is approaching the end of his NFL career. Travis beat his brother in the Super Bowl in the first match of siblings. The two are fairly similar in their outgoing approach to life. It could raise a dream possibility of a Kelce Brothers tag team that would be box-office entertainment. It might not happen in the short term, but give it a couple of years!

Conor McGregor

Surprisingly, McGregor has not entered the world of WWE yet. He has made the transition from UFC to the boxing ring, where he fought Floyd Mayweather Jr. McGregor was the clear underdog against the unbeaten American and duly lost in 10 rounds in 2017. The Irishman has yet to return to the ring, although he could be tempted back for one last rematch against Mayweather. Before his bout against Mayweather, McGregor was a dominant force in MMA, boasting a 21-3 record after defeating Eddie Alvarez in 2016. However, he has lost three out of his last four fights, including back-to-back bouts with Dustin Poirier, both of which came in 2021.

McGregor is poised to return to the UFC in 2023 to take on Michael Chandler. It could be the start of a permanent comeback, but the Irishman may still have eyes on the world of entertainment beyond UFC. McGregor has all the attributes needed to thrive in WWE. He alleged that he was not invited to Wrestlemania in 2022 and has been linked in the past. So, there appears to be a willingness on his part to make an appearance. McGregor is extremely outspoken and would relish the limelight of the mic, and all the drama in and around the ring. He has the skill set to be able to compete, having avoided major injuries during his career, and his toughness is not in doubt. McGregor could be a versatile option for the WWE if they were to take the gamble of adding him either sporadically or permanently to their roster of talent.

 

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