UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier has never been shy about his affinity for pro wrestling.
Currently working as an analyst for the UFC—Cormier did outstanding work on the broadcast Saturday during UFC 285—he will fuse his two passions next month during WWE’s signature event.
“I’m going to WrestleMania,” says Cormier. “The first week of April for ESPN, I’ll be leading the coverage for WrestleMania. I’m so excited about it.”
No stranger to WWE, Cormier served as the special guest referee in a highly entertaining Fight Pit match that saw Matt Riddle defeat Seth Rollins at Extreme Rules in October. He would make a compelling choice for a surprise Royal Rumble entry or even in a tag-team match—and it helps that he is so well versed with the product. Cormier could also add value to NXT, where a match against Grayson Waller would be high-profile exposure for one of the company’s rising stars.
Cormier is open to wrestling, but his priority right now is commentary. He has brought a distinct voice to the UFC’s heralded three-man broadcast booth that also features Jon Anik and Joe Rogan, and the chance to lead the WrestleMania coverage for ESPN is a strong sign that the company believes in him.
“I’m getting more opportunities for ESPN, and I’m so thankful for that,” says Cormier. “So I’ll be at WrestleMania, just in a different capacity, and we’ll see what the future holds down the line.”
An exciting element to Cormier’s WWE coverage is that he could have some fascinating interviews with talent that have combat sports roots. A one-on-one with Ronda Rousey or Brock Lesnar could be extremely interesting. And, Cormier joked, he wouldn’t back down if Lesnar attempts to get physical with him.
“If Brock steps in my way?” Cormier asks with a laugh. “I’ll smack him upside his head.”
Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.
