Bas Rutten recently shared why he turned down an offer from WWE. The UFC legend is well known for his charismatic personality, a valuable trait in pro wrestling.
Rutten, 60, once held the King of Pancrase title. After a successful tenure with the Japanese promotion, he joined the UFC and became heavyweight champion. Unfortunately, injuries shortened his fighting career, so he transitioned to broadcasting and worked as a color commentator for PRIDE FC.
Even though he shifted to coaching and commentating, WWE gave him an opportunity to join their company. This move wasn’t unusual at all.
WWE had already signed Ken Shamrock and Dan Severn. Both had pro wrestling experience and like Rutten, were former UFC champions.
During a recent interview with Heavy Sports, Rutten recalled WWE approaching him with an offer. At first, he was excited about the idea. However, once he learned that it was a full-time schedule, he had second thoughts.
“I was contacted by the WWE one time and my daughter was just born,” Rutten said. “I thought it was maybe 20 shows a year or something. I was like, ‘Oh, sign me up.’ No, 220 [shows] and that’s without the traveling. So I go, ‘Yeah, I decline that,’”
Rutten admitted that the decision was tough. The offer could have brought financial stability, but his family life meant more.
“[It] was bad at that time because I needed the money, trust me. But, family time you can’t get back. It’s one of those things that once it’s gone, it’s gone, so I decided not to do it.”
Bas Rutten Respects Pro Wrestlers
Even though he turned WWE down, Bas Rutten still holds pro wrestlers in very high regard. He acknowledged the brutal nature of their job, both physically and mentally.
Speaking to Heavy Sports, Rutten discussed the sacrifices wrestlers make. He praised their dedication and compared them to MMA fighters. ‘El Guapo’ believes both share a similar work ethic.
“I had the utmost respect for all these pro wrestlers for what they’re doing. If you hear these crazy stories, eating raw potatoes like Stone Cold Steve Austin because it was the only thing they could afford, driving to the next state, that’s crazy,” Rutten said. “I always think there’s been this connection between the pro wrestlers and the fighters.”
The connection between WWE and UFC is more apparent, especially now that they are owned by TKO.
Rutten Recalls His Time in Pro Wrestling
Rutten didn’t enjoy the same pro wrestling career that Shamrock or Severn had. However, he gained valuable experience in Japan. His time there gave him a better understanding of the industry’s demands.
Japanese wrestling promotions often push for a realistic stiff, physical style. That can lead to injuries if things go wrong.
Rutten admitted he suffered more injuries wrestling than he did in MMA.
“I did a little bit of pro wrestling in Japan ,” Rutten told Heavy Sports. “I had way more injuries in pro wrestling than I did in real [fighting].”
The UFC Hall of Famer added injuries led to his wife even urging him to stop and return to MMA.
“My wife was literally telling me to go back to real fighting because [I] never had so many injuries. That’s how hard it is. And those guys do 220 shows a year.”