Tito Ortiz Still Wants To Wrestle For WWE

Tito Ortiz is considered one of the best UFC fighters in the history of the world of MMA. The former UFC Champion earned the respect of his peers and fans alike as well. He also still wants a match in WWE.

In fact, his UFC 40 fight against Ken Shamrock was the highest gate in the history of the UFC at the time. His UFC 66 fight against Chuck Liddell was the highest buy rate in UFC history at the time as well.

There was also interest from WWE’s side. While speaking with Chris Van Vliet on Insight, Tito Ortiz recalled how WWE was interested in him back in 2000 and then 2019. Ortiz then made it clear he still wants a match in WWE.

“I went to WrestleMania, they came through Anaheim, I was champion at the time. It was 2000. I went and did…I thought it was going to be a normal interview like this, sit down and talk, but they were looking to see what kind of personality and character I had. I didn’t know that. I wish I would have known that because I would have sold myself way better. I was too mellow [mild] mannered. They wanted to see the crazy Huntington Beach Boy, and no one told me anything or said a word to me. I went and was being polite and respectful. Never heard anything back.

Advertising

Advertising

2019, Shane McMahon reached out to me and said, ‘What do you think about coming in and trying out?’ I went and did it and, once again, I didn’t think about this, ‘that’s why they didn’t do it.’ I wasn’t over the top. They want someone over the top and be, not crazy, but be an eye-catcher. I went to [The Performance Center], and went and trained with Norman Smiley, an amazing teacher. I was learning stuff that it took some guys six months to learn. he was like, ‘Wow, you really got this.’ Then COVID came and I never heard anything.

I would like to do some matches. I think I have what it takes. It would take a lot of hard work, I get it, but it’d be fun. It’s a lot of training, but I did it. I did the two weeks, training twice a day. I put myself through it and it was hard, but it was like being in college wrestling again. My body is subdued, no problem at all. I had no pain. After I was done, I thought I’d have neck problems, I’ve had four neck surgeries, but I didn’t have any problems. It was good.”

Ortiz last entered the octagon back in 2019, where he ended up beating former WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio. We’ll have to see if he does compete in WWE once or not.

What’s your take on this story? Sound off in the comments!