Slip a Conor McGregor interview into an episode of “WWE Raw,” and wrestling fans might not bat an eye. That doesn’t mean the UFC featherweight champ is particularly interested in a career as a pro wrestler.
McGregor (19-3 MMA, 7-1 UFC) is focused on his Aug. 20 pay-per-view headlining rematch with Nate Diaz (19-10 MMA, 14-8 UFC) at UFC 202, which takes place at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. But some mutual Twitter follows between the Irishman and WWE Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative Triple H – and his wife, WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon – previously sparked rumors of a future crossover.
When asked about a future in pro wrestling during the media call for UFC 202, McGregor was dismissive of “sports entertainers.”
“I have thought about it,” McGregor said. “For the most part, I think these guys are (expletives), to be honest. They’re messed up (expletives) if you ask me. Fair play to Brock (Lesnar); he got in and fought, but at the end of the day, he was juiced up to the (expletive) eyeballs. How can I respect that? The other guy (CM Punk) hasn’t fought yet, so I don’t know about him yet.”
McGregor’s shot at Lesnar following multiple potential doping violations surrounding his UFC 200 return to the octagon against Mark Hunt was hardly a surprise.
Earlier in the call, McGregor made his feelings on the UFC roster clear, saying, “They (expletive) all are on steroids.”
Despite his strong feelings, McGregor did give credit to some of the biggest names in the game and credited the McMahon family, Triple H and wrestler-turned Hollywood star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as “Dons.”
“There’s some Dons in that wrestling game,” McGregor said. “The McMahons are Dons. Triple H is a Don. The Rock is a Don. But the rest of them are (expletives). I haven’t thought about that, to be honest. It’s a little more show business and this is the fight business.”
