10 Best MMA Wrestling Crossovers

10. Alberto Del Rio

A staple of pro-wrestling for over a decade, it may come as a surprise to learn Alberto Del Rio first made his name in MMA.

Del Rio made his MMA debut in 2001 for the Japanese promotion DEEP, where he immediately caused a stir by breaking his opponent's arm during a throw attempt. The move made Del Rio a notable figure in Japanese MMA, leading to a short spell with Pride Fighting Championships where he took on MMA legend Mirko Cro Cop.

Del Rio played out the remainder of his career in regional promotions in Central America, amassing a six-fight winning streak before calling time on his career with a credible 9-5 record.

It was in the squared circle however that Del Rio would find his true calling. After a successful tenure with the Mexican CMLL promotion, Del Rio signed for WWE in 2009, where he became a four time WWE and World Heavyweight Champion as well as winning the 2011 Royal Rumble. Del Rio's gimmick of an arrogant rich Mexican aristocrat was one of the most effective heel characters at the time, one he'd continue to utilize in spells with Impact Wrestling and the regional circuit.

Despite his wrestling success, Del Rio has not forgotten his MMA roots, with the 42 year old set to face UFC legend Tito Ortiz for the Combate Americas promotion in December.