Former UFC star Jorge Masvidal is on the short list of MMA fighters with a persona seemingly ready made for pro wrestling. He’s already dipped his toes into those waters with AEW, but he’s willing to give it another try with WWE — if the money is right.
That’s what Masvidal told Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso. While he said his primary focus for the time being is his Gamebred Bareknuckle promotion — Masvidal retired from active MMA competition following his loss to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 in April — he certainly sounds willing to give WWE a shot.
“If the shoe fits, wear it,” Masvidal said to Barrasso. “I’m very busy, but if the compensation makes sense, then let’s do it.”
Masvidal played a small part in the AEW storyline that saw American Top Team head Dan Lambert unleash some of his fighters on that company in 2021, even hitting a flying knee on Chris Jericho at AEW Grand Slam that September.
He also has some ongoing legal issues from his his alleged assault on his one-time UFC rival Colby Covington last March. The charges from that incident are still hanging over him, and his trial could be held later this year or drag on into 2024.
Still, there’s no question that Masvidal has already mastered the art of cutting promos, and he’s not even working with WWE yet.
“I love fighting,” Masvidal said. “If I go to WWE, I’ll put a hurting on them every night. I’ll torture them, make life f—ing hell for all of them. No one over there can beat me.”
WWE has had successes both large (Brock Lesnar) and small (Ronda Rousey, at least compared to expectations when she arrived) in bringing in fighters with UFC experience. Could Masvidal follow in that tradition? At least we know he’s open to the idea.
This story first appeared on Wrestling Junkie, USA Today Sports Media Group’s professional wrestling hub.
Ex-UFC star Jorge Masvidal open to WWE work ‘if the compensation makes sense’
