Michael Chandler’s unexpected appearance and call-out of Conor McGregor on WWE Raw took the wrestling and MMA world by storm, igniting speculation about potential collaborations between the two sports. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Chandler provided insights into the impromptu nature of his WWE debut, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics leading up to the memorable moment.
Chandler revealed that the decision to deliver the promo was made mere minutes before the segment aired live. Recounting the spontaneous turn of events, he stated, “Two minutes before, they said, ‘Hey, they’re going to put the camera on you.’ I said, ‘Why don’t you give me that microphone?’ And they said, ‘Hold on, let me run it up the flagpole real quick.’ And then about a minute later, they said, ‘Hey, you’re going on in a minute and you’re going to get the microphone if you want the microphone,’ and then magic happened…less than five minutes [of notice]. There was nothing prepared. Nothing. I was thrown into the fire.”
Despite the lack of preparation, Chandler’s on-screen presence and confident delivery captivated audiences, showcasing his ability to adapt to the unpredictable nature of live television. WWE officials were reportedly impressed with his performance, signaling the potential for future collaborations between MMA and professional wrestling.
In the aftermath of his WWE appearance, Chandler expressed openness to exploring further opportunities for crossover between the two sports. He emphasized the mutual respect shared between MMA fighters and WWE wrestlers, hinting at the possibility of collaboration between his TKO Group and WWE.
“We will see,” Chandler remarked. “Obviously there’s a crossover there. Ton of respect for the wrestlers, the brass there. They have a ton of respect for the UFC… There’s a lot of synergy there and the sky’s the limit when it comes to TKO Group and what we can do in the crossover, and yeah, man, it’s probably just the very beginning.”
Chandler’s remarks have sparked excitement among fans, who eagerly anticipate future developments in the burgeoning relationship between MMA and WWE. With his WWE debut serving as a catalyst, the potential for crossover events and collaborations between the two sports has never been more promising.
In related news, UFC President Dana White recently discussed Conor McGregor’s potential return to the octagon, offering hope for a comeback by the end of 2024. McGregor, who last fought in July 2021, has been sidelined due to a tibia injury sustained during his loss to Dustin Poirier.
As speculation continues to swirl about the future of MMA-WWE crossovers, Chandler’s WWE Raw call-out and subsequent interview have added fuel to the fire, leaving fans eager to witness the next chapter in this evolving narrative. Whether it’s inside the octagon or the squared circle, the worlds of MMA and professional wrestling are poised for an exciting collision of talent and spectacle.