Ryback, as we have previously mentioned, has been keeping busy since parting ways with WWE. The latest development in the life of The Big Guy — whose legal name is now literally Ryback — is that he is reportedly thinking of following in the footsteps of his old buddy CM Punk and getting into the MMA game.
When this MMA scuttlebutt first began, Bellator‘s CEO Scott Coker confirmed that he had engaged in preliminary talks with Ryback. On the latest episode of Eric Bischoff’s podcast, Coker shed a lot more light on the situation and exactly how far along those talks are. Spoiler: not very.
“I can comment on it and really it’s a very short conversation because their management did reach out. We had a very brief conversation. I’m not sure where it’s at but I don’t think it went very far. If they don’t have some type of background in either jiu-jitsu or collegiate wrestling or tai boxing or a combat sports background… it’s tough for them. It’s like someone from a martial arts background trying to be a pro wrestler. If you’re not schooled and don’t go through the education process of how to do it then you’re going to have a hard time. I think that’s what you saw with the CM Punk situation.”
And regarding that whole “CM Punk situation,” Coker was also asked about UFC President Dana White’s comments suggesting Punk’s next MMA fight probably shouldn’t be in the UFC.
“I think he’s in a tough situation. He fought on a pretty big card and fought a pretty tough kid. It’s back to the drawing board in my opinion. He’s going to have to go back and really think about whether he wants to continue fighting. If he does he’s got to stay at Duke’s gym and keep training. Maybe another year from now or eighteen months from now he can try it again. To think it’s going to be any other outcome fighting a guy of that caliber in any league I think is irresponsible.”
It certainly sounds like Ryback’s potential MMA career is a long shot. Still, a heavyweight bout for Ryback would be at bare minimum just as entertaining as the prospect of Punk’s debut MMA fight, so let’s all continue to root for that.
(h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription)
