8 Major Ways MMA Is Influencing WWE
7. Brock Lesnar's Schedule
MMA's influence in WWE can be seen right the way to the top of the card. Brock Lesnar, one of the biggest draws in all of wrestling right now, is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion - and this summer flirted with a return to the organisation to fight Jon Jones (before the latter failed a test for banned substances).
Lesnar's booking as Universal Champion is more akin to a top MMA star than a professional wrestler. He turns up only on occasion, doesn't stick around for long, and usually saves the all of action for the eventual match itself (save for the occasional pull-apart brawl).
In fact, the question of Brock returning to the UFC could have potentially derailed WrestleMania at one stage. Many are predicting a Lesnar vs. Reigns showdown in the main event of 'Mania 34, and had Dana White convinced him back into the octagon quickly, WWE's likely plans could well have been scuppered.