It seems like more and more figures from the past and present of MMA are trying to break into professional wrestling. This time it is UFC Legend Tito Ortiz. Ortiz is a Hall of Famer and was one of the biggest names in MMA throughout the mid 2000’s as part of the Light Heavyweight division. He still fights for Combate Americas, which keeps him in shape.
This news was first reported by Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, saying “Tito Ortiz is training to be a professional wrestler at the Performance Center … He was there all week and I heard great things about his work ethic and his enthusiasm.”
Tito Ortiz Will Not Be A Full Time Talent
While having a strong work ethic and being passionate about wrestling is good, his body is broken down due to his years in the octagon. He is 45 years old is coming into the ring with a bad back and neck. Should he complete his training, he will have to be used as a special attraction, and even then he might be past his prime for that role. While MMA fans will recognize him, he hasn’t been relevant in the bigger picture of sports since the 2000’s.
This wouldn’t be his first wrestling appearance, having done some work for Impact Wrestling as a special guest referee on a few different occasions. He also appeared during the Aces & Eights storyline, but most fans would rather forget that ordeal.
Why So Much MMA Crossover?
While people like Brock Lesnar & Bobby Lashley have done both MMA & professional wrestling for a while now, there has been a flood of MMA fighters stepping into the ring in the last few years. The best examples are Ronda Rousey, Matt Riddle & Shayna Baszler, who have all been finding great success in WWE. Cain Valesquez also made his WWE debut and signed a major contract before getting injured. Jon Jones recently also said him working alongside WWE was inevitable.
While transition from the octogon to wrestling isn’t hard, as having a combat sports background means training will be smoother, it isn’t a proven path to success. While fighters with great name value can be brought in on that alone, eventually slots will run out. Wrestling fans didn’t react as planned to Cain showing up, with most not having an idea who he is. This will likely be the same for Ortiz. There simply isn’t as much crossover between the two worlds as one would assume.
Do you think Tito Ortiz can make an impact in WWE at his age? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.
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