10 Reasons Conor McGregor Would Become WWE's Franchise Player

8. The Roster Already Hate Him

Conor McGregor WWE
WWE/UFC

Conor McGregor launched into an extraordinary series of attacks on pro-wrestling back in August. Referring to the WWE roster as a bunch of “messed up p******,” McGregor singled-out John Cena (“he’s a big, fat, 40 year old failed Mr Olympia”) and Brock Lesnar (“he was juiced up to the eyeballs: how can I respect that?”), then threatened to “slap the head off your entire roster.”

The wrestling world responded in predictable fashion. Ric Flair accusing him of copying his persona, and Kurt Angle told McGregor to take his head out of Dana White’s ass. JBL, meanwhile, told him to put on some weight and make the Cruiserweight Division, and his your/you’re confusion aside, Roman Reigns shut Conor down spectacularly:-

Regardless of whether or not this was legit or a promotional tactic, Conor had WWE’s attention. He whipped the wrestling world into a frenzy with just a few sentences, and there’s immediate ill will for him to capitalise on should he appear on Raw or SmackDown. Reigns aside, the likes of Kofi Kingston and Chris Jericho also responded directly, and would relish the opportunity to do so again on live television.

Whatever WWE had planned for McGregor, they certainly wouldn’t be short of potential opponents.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.