Ariel Helwani On Daniel Cormier Potentially Transitioning To Pro Wrestling
MMA journalist Ariel Helwani has discussed the possibility of UFC legend Daniel Cormier transitioning into the world of professional wrestling.
Appearing on Oral Sessions with Renee Paquette, Helwani said that Cormier would be a perfect fit for WWE, but his age and a back injury are counting against him.
“DC [Daniel Cormier] would kill it in that world [WWE], unfortunately his back is messed up. I think there would have been a time where he could have actually been a pro wrestler but his back is too messed up and he’s also in his early 40s – it’s not a great time to start, as we’ve learnt from a lot of MMA fighters. But I do think he would kill it on the broadcast side, but UFC treats him very very well and they love that guy so..”
While Cormier is best known for his mixed martial arts career, he also has a notable amateur wrestling background. The Lafayette, Louisiana native competed at the 2004 Olympic Games where he eventually came 4th, while also enjoying a great deal of success at national and international level.
Daniel Cormier transitioned into MMA in 2008, making his professional debut in 2009 after training with the likes of Cain Velasquez. After spending time in Strikeforce, Cormier debuted with UFC in 2013.
Cormier later went on to win the Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Championships before retiring in 2020.
The multi-weight UFC Champion’s name has been mentioned in conjunction with WWE on numerous occasions in recent years. Most recently in April of this year after Cormier got into an online spat with Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman.