Ryback just based on his appearance is a truly intimidating figure, thankfully the man seems to be a nice and mellow guy in person, a stark contrast to his professional wrestling persona. Having left the world of WWE behind him as contract talks broke down he ventured out into the independent scene with a charge of $5,000 per appearance.

The 34-year-old has already been approached regarding a dramatic career change that is similar to a path one of his ex-rivals took but how likely is this to happen?

Is Ryback entering MMA?

Could Ryback be joining CM Punk in the world of MMA? (image: rollingstone.com)
Could Ryback be joining CM Punk in the world of MMA? (image: rollingstone.com)

CM Punk will be turning over in his grave bed at the prospect of his arch nemesis Ryback stepping foot in the world he currently calls home. The former Intercontinental Champion has already jumped straight into life on the indie scene but could he be set for a change of scenery as he replaced ring ropes with a steel cage?

Bellator CEO Scott Coker spoke recently and confirmed that there has been contact between himself and Ryback although he gave nothing away at this early stage. He said they "spoke, but nothing else" also it would not be wise to confirm anything yet before a deal has been signed with one not close as of yet.

Those closest to the professional wrestler have said that he is tempted by the offer which would mean a good payday for the 34-year-old.

'Feed me more' before it is too late

If Ryback was having second thoughts about stepping foot inside the world of MMA he should look no further than CM Punk. The former WWE Champion was 37-years-old before he eventually fought in a losing effort against Mickey Gall with many feeling he left it too late to forge a career in MMA.

Ryback however, is three years younger and possesses a unique muscle bound body not truly common in the world of mixed martial arts. This could be a huge advantage if he was to be a straight stand-up fighter looking to overpower opponents but he should decide very quickly if this is the career for him.

Wrestlers in MMA

Brock Lesnar has had a very successful UFC/MMA career (image: lowkickmma.com)
Brock Lesnar has had a very successful UFC/MMA career (image: lowkickmma.com)

Ryback is not the only wrestlers tempted into the cage as a number of performers have already made the leap from scripted to real fighting including;

Brock Lesnar: Probably the most high profile fighter on this list as the 39-year-old acquired the UFC Heavyweight Championship defeating Randy Couture in only his fourth fight in the promotion.

Alberto Del Rio: The Mexican left following a breakdown with WWE earlier this month and is already making a name for himself on the independent scene, but he has in the past ventured into the MMA world as he boasts a record of nine wins and five losses with his last fight occurring in 2010.

Bobby Lashley: The most active fighter on the list as the 40-year-old is set to fight later this month in the promotion Ryback is rumored to be interested in; Bellator. He has an impressive record of 14 wins to just two losses and is currently on a seven-fight win streak.

Batista: The Animal has only had one fight in the world of MMA as he wanted to test his fighting ability in the real world. The 47-year-old fought in 2012 against Vince Lucero and defeated him via TKO in the first round.

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About the author
Joel Lampkin
Sports Journalist from Chester University, Professional wrestling writer. Contact [email protected]