One big thing: UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad was slated to appear at WWE SummerSlam
Belal Muhammad, the newly crowned UFC Welterweight Champion, disclosed in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated that he was originally scheduled to attend WWE SummerSlam but had to change plans due to a UFC fight in Abu Dhabi.
Why it matters:
• This revelation highlights the growing crossover appeal between UFC and WWE, potentially opening doors for future collaborations.
• It also underscores WWE’s strategy of incorporating mainstream sports figures to boost its appeal and reach.
Key details:
• Muhammad expressed disappointment at missing CM Punk’s WWE comeback at SummerSlam.
• He jokingly mentioned seeing Jelly Roll in the ring, thinking, “Hey, that could have been me!”
• Muhammad and Punk share a friendship, having trained together at Roufusport Milwaukee.
By the numbers:
• CM Punk returned to WWE after a 9-year absence.
• SummerSlam 2023 took place on August 5, attracting a record-breaking crowd of 59,194 at Ford Field in Detroit.
What they’re saying:
Muhammad on Punk: “He’s truly a genuine, good person. Seeing him give me that shout-out on Raw, that was epic. He’s always wanted to see me succeed.”
The big picture:
The potential appearance of a UFC champion at a major WWE event signifies the blurring lines between combat sports and sports entertainment. This cross-pollination could lead to increased viewership and fan engagement for both organizations.
What’s next:
While Muhammad’s SummerSlam appearance didn’t materialize, his friendship with CM Punk and interest in WWE could pave the way for future collaborations. He even expressed interest in forming a tag team with Punk.
What do you think about the potential crossover between UFC and WWE? Would you like to see more MMA fighters make appearances in professional wrestling? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
