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The world of professional wrestling has always thrived on larger-than-life personalities and unforgettable moments. The crossover between WWE and professional boxing has resulted in some of the most iconic events in sports entertainment history. From hard-hitting legends to surprising showdowns, these boxing stars have left their mark in the squared circle. Below is a ranking of the most significant appearances by pro boxers in WWE.
In 1998, WWE faced fierce competition from WCW during the “Monday Night Wars,” but the arrival of Mike Tyson turned the tide. Known as the “Baddest Man on the Planet,” Tyson's introduction to WWE wasn’t just a celebrity cameo—it was a pivotal moment in wrestling history. Tyson first appeared on WWE television in an unforgettable segment with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, which ended in a chaotic brawl that electrified fans.
Tyson, already a global icon from his historic boxing events, brought more than just name recognition. His presence captivated a new audience, blending the excitement of professional wrestling with the intensity of the boxing world. His role as the special enforcer for the WWE Championship match between Austin and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 14 brought mainstream attention back to WWE. The pay-per-view drew hundreds of thousands of additional viewers, cementing Tyson’s importance in the company's eventual victory over WCW. Tyson’s involvement played a major role in reviving WWE's fortunes and solidified his place as a crossover superstar in both boxing and professional wrestling.
Floyd “Money” Mayweather’s WWE appearance in 2008 wasn’t just an experiment in celebrity booking—it was a spectacle. The undefeated welterweight champion shocked the world when he stepped into a WWE ring to face off against the 7-foot-tall Big Show at WrestleMania 24. Leading up to the event, Mayweather embraced the drama of professional wrestling, including legitimately breaking Big Show’s nose in a previous encounter at No Way Out.
The WrestleMania match itself exceeded expectations, with Mayweather playing the underdog role against the towering Big Show. The fight was full of energy, physicality, and Mayweather’s signature brass-knuckle punch, which secured him the victory. Mayweather’s involvement in WWE remains one of the most entertaining celebrity appearances in WrestleMania history, showcasing his ability to perform in both the boxing ring and the world of sports entertainment.
Muhammad Ali’s connection with professional wrestling goes beyond his brief stint as a special guest referee at the first WrestleMania in 1985. Ali was heavily influenced by professional wrestling, particularly by the flamboyant Gorgeous George, whom Ali credited with inspiring his persona and trash-talking style. In 1976, Ali participated in one of the first high-profile boxer-versus-wrestler matches when he fought Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki.
This bout garnered international attention, cementing Ali as a figure willing to push the boundaries between professional boxing and wrestling. Ali's impact on WWE went beyond the matches themselves—his persona, charisma, and ability to work an audience shaped generations of both boxers and wrestlers alike. His influence on the sport remains undeniable.
Tyson Fury’s entrance into WWE in 2019 was nothing short of spectacular. The “Gypsy King” first appeared on WWE's SmackDown during a confrontation with Braun Strowman, igniting a feud that culminated in a match at WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia. Fury’s WWE stint wasn’t just about promotion—it was about embracing the showmanship of professional wrestling.
At Crown Jewel, Fury defeated Strowman in a match filled with theatrics and intensity. Fury’s charisma and ability to perform in a wrestling ring impressed fans and critics alike, marking him as one of the most successful boxers to cross over into WWE. His involvement helped WWE gain more international attention, especially in the UK, while also boosting Fury’s appeal in the U.S. boxing market.
Mr. T’s appearance in WWE may be remembered more for his acting career than his boxing skills, but his contributions to WWE’s early success are undeniable. Partnering with Hulk Hogan at the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985, Mr. T brought mainstream attention to the fledgling wrestling promotion. While his most notable WWE moments involve his tag-team match against “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff, Mr. T’s boxing background played a key role in a subsequent match against Piper at WrestleMania 2.
Although the match didn’t receive critical acclaim, Mr. T's involvement in the early days of WrestleMania helped legitimize WWE’s brand as a global entertainment force. His place in WWE’s Hall of Fame is a testament to his significance in both wrestling and pop culture.
Eric “Butterbean” Esch’s match at WrestleMania 15 is perhaps the most brutal and unexpected display of a boxer’s dominance in WWE. Facing Bart Gunn in a legitimate boxing match, Butterbean knocked out the WWE star in less than a minute, putting an end to Gunn’s WWE career in the process.
The match was shocking not just because of its quick conclusion, but because it showed the stark difference between the scripted world of professional wrestling and the real physicality of boxing. Butterbean’s knockout punch at WrestleMania remains a defining moment of crossover boxing matches in WWE history.
Boxers appearing in WWE have created unforgettable moments that transcend sports and entertainment. From Mike Tyson turning the tide in WWE’s favor during the Monday Night Wars to Floyd Mayweather and Tyson Fury delivering high-energy showdowns, these boxers have left an indelible mark on the wrestling world. Whether for the spectacle, promotion, or sheer athleticism, these crossover moments continue to shape both WWE and the broader sports landscape.
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