Conor McGregor In WWE WrestleMania 33 Talks?
Don't count him out just yet.
Despite it being widely reported late this week that Conor McGregor had rejected a deal to appear at WrestleMania 33 this year, don't count him out of the event just yet!
Appearing in front of 5,000 fans in Manchester (with more tuning in to order the event via PPV) Saturday, McGregor told host Ariel Helwani to "never say never" in regards to a WrestleMania moment.
McGregor, who also stated that he will appear in a boxing ring next, and wants to face Floyd Mayweather, suggested that talks were ongoing with the WWE. The timing would be right, as the Irish superstar has taken time off from his UFC duties while awaiting the birth of his first child. In particular, he noted that girlfriend Dee Devlin gets nervous when he fights - but that likely wouldn't happen at a pro wrestling appearance.
Just days ago, The Sun reported that McGregor had turned down a "hefty fee" for such an appearance. It appears, however, that he may simply be holding out for an evening heftier fee.
In regards to Mayweather, meanwhile, McGregor suggested that America's Ali Act, which ensures coercive contracts are kept out of the boxing world and generally protects fights competing in the sweet science, may allow him to take the fight without the UFC's involvement. Such a move would likely spark a protracted legal war, however, as UFC contracts have generally forbid competing in other sports. MMA is not currently covered by the Ali Act, although there has been a recent push to expand it there.
If McGregor does reach a deal with the WWE, it's likely to be an appearance similar to that of Ronda Rousey's, rather than a full-fledged match. However, McGregor has historically refused to rule out an eventual run in the WWE at some point.