Knockout artist Derrick Lewis remains an outstanding entertainer in the UFC. Amid talks with the WWE, Lewis proved once again he belonged in the octagon with a spectacular finish over Rodrigo Nascimento. While he’s an essential part of the UFC product, his future elsewhere has begged many questions. It has captured the attention of former champions Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo.
In the fallout of UFC St. Louis, Lewis said he’s in his prime at 39 years. “The Black Beast” drew massive responses, mooning the St. Louis crowd in his winning act. Amidst such activities, his future in entertainment wrestling has become quite a topic of interest. As such, Henry Cejudo believed a transition would happen in the not-too-distant future.
Crazy to see him freaking in the Sumo Tho*g, but yeah! I think there’s a lot of opportunities, especially when people start talking about this thing…and you get the approval from the boss…from Dana White…it lets you know ‘hey, there’s a transition coming.’ We saw Ronda Rousey do it…we saw Frank Shamrock back in the day…
Henry Cejudo via the “Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru Usman & Henry Cejudo” Podcast
During his UFC St. Louis post-fight presser, Derrick Lewis expressed he wants to dibble-dabble in WWE. Soon after in the night, top honcho Dana White gave his co-sign to the side hustle as a possible future opportunity. Lewis has quite an entertaining personality. As such, Cejudo thought the same.
Former pound-for-pound king Usman mentions that his brother tried out for the WWE NXT brand. Knowing their entertainment grind and how entertaining Lewis is with his antics and bizarre quips, the duo thinks Lewis would fit right in. They even promote a ring moniker for Lewis, given one gets past the hilarious, profane innuendo in it.
Kamaru Usman & Henry Cejudo think WWE is the perfect platform for entertaining ‘personas’
Derrick Lewis got what he wanted and more. With his third-round knockout of Rodrigo Nascimento, Lewis rectified his 1-2 streak of 2023. He last lost to Jailton Almeida during last November’s Fight Night event. The win not only put him back in the win column, but it also extended his lead at the top of UFC’s most knockout list in the process. The future looks bright for the knockout record holder.
WWE can be the best bet to hedge on the entertaining Derrick Lewis (Source: UFC.go.com)Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo discussed the possibility of entertaining UFC stars one day joining the WWE. Cejudo felt UFC stars crossing over to WWE would find more success than the other way around. As such, ‘Triple C’ felt all that is required are some character works.
I like it…I think Derrick Lewis understands he’s playing it, he [even] got a response from the boss…[I think] probably the mixed martial artist going over to WWE [would be way easier] just for the simple fact that, you know, we all kind of carry a Persona…we like to put a little bit more cream on the tacos and that’s just for the WWE…you might want to add a little bit more of that as a fighter…like you can still be who you are create that character but times twenty!
Henry Cejudo via the “Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru Usman & Henry Cejudo” Podcast
Both Usman and ‘Triple C’ agree that, other than the certain aspect of learning the choreography of letting the damage happen, the WWE grind is quite beneficial. Specifically to those with an entertaining personality, such as the 39-year-old heavyweight. It lets a fighter build on a ‘persona’ exponentially. Prime instances include Ronda Rousey and Brock Lesnar, both genetic athletes who went as successful heels in the industry sporting their rugged demeanor ten-folds. Lewis can bring something different compared to Lesnar and Rousey.
