UFC fighters Alexander Volkanovski and Robert Whittaker may be considering a switch to professional wrestling following Endeavor’s acquisition of a majority share in WWE.
Alexander Volkanovski and Robert Whittaker may be gearing up to make a transition to professional wrestling. On Monday, the UFC’s parent company, Endeavor, closed a deal to acquire a majority share in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). The plan is to merge the two promotions into one publicly traded sports and entertainment entity. Although the two companies are expected to continue operating independently of one another, several UFC fighters have expressed interest in participating in a crossover event. Volkanovski and Whittaker took the idea a step further on Wednesday by dressing up as WWE icons “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Hulk Hogan for a skit on FOX Sports Australia.
With the @ufc and @WWE merger we were privileged to have super stars Hulk Hogan and Steve Austin on set. Unreal.@NikoPajarillo @alexvolkanovski @FOXSportsAUS @MainEventTV
— Robert Whittaker (@robwhittakermma)
During the skit, Whittaker, impersonating Hogan, said, “Brother, I want you to listen to me and listen to me good. Brother, when I’m speaking, you look me in my eyes. I’m already in the WWE.” Volkanovski chimed in, “And that’s the bottom line! Because Stone Cold and the Hulk said so.” The conversation shifted to the UFC-WWE merger, and when the host asked which fighters could do well in the WWE, the two UFC fighters responded with confidence.
“How about the disrespect?” Volkanovski exclaimed. “We’re standing right here, in your presence, outfits and all, and you’re going to ask me who is going to be the best [in the] WWE? I’m going to tell you we’re going to be the best. And that’s the bottom line, because Stone Cold said so!” Whittaker continued, “Listen to me good, brother. I’ve been asking all the Hulkamaniacs out there, ‘Who would be the best?’ Robert Whittaker! That’s what they said, brother. They looked me in my eye and they said, Robert Whittaker!”
To end the skit, Volkanovski said, “And that’s not all, because the Hulk has got something else for y’all.” Whittaker then stood up and tore off his shirt in true Hulk Hogan style, while Volkanovski walked around giving the double bird salute. The entire performance was done in good fun and could be an indication of what’s to come in the new world order of combat sports and entertainment.