WWE is facing criticism from fans for replicating a UFC promo. Fans claim that the Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier incident from UFC 182 served as the inspiration for the segment between Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins during the buildup to their battle at Extreme Rules.
It was a clear rip off of Jon Jones & DC in their wild build up to their fight but this was well done & showed a new wrinkle in Riddle’s character. I’ve no idea why they completely backtracked & now 100% back to the giggly stoner bit. It’s cool but let him keep the intensity
— G Sta❌❌ 🍻👊🏻🩺 (@geomerlo) December 12, 2022
The segment between Riddle and Rollins was a banger. When Rollins brought up Riddle’s issues in his personal life, the fans were completely stunned. When Riddle then dropped the F-bomb, it was an “I don’t even know if that’s PG” moment.
This is still one of the wildest moments of the year pic.twitter.com/Znvfqvz2sk
— Roman Reigns SZN 💥 (@reigns_era) December 12, 2022
Even though viewers enjoyed the segment, few of them immediately noticed how similar it was to the infamous incident with Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier. Jones punched Cormier on the stage during their standoff for their fight at UFC 182, and as a result, it was decided that the remaining segment would be conducted via video conference.
In contrast to WWE, where the majority of the promos are pre-written, the UFC is entirely unscripted, meaning that whatever the fighter says or does is 100 percent legit. Therefore, it is quite possible that the Jones-DC incident served as the inspiration for the Riddle-Rollins segment.
Daniel Cormier made his WWE debut in 2022
At the Extreme Rules event on 8 October 2022, Daniel Cormier made his WWE debut as a guest referee for the “Fight Pit” main event between Seth Rollins and fellow former MMA fighter Matt Riddle.
Breaking:
Daniel Cormier will serve as guest referee for next Saturday’s Fight Pit Match between Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins at WWE’s Extreme Rules in Philly. Oct. 8.
No, seriously. It’s really happening. Oct. 8.
Incredible. pic.twitter.com/Ri8tHOTcU1
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 2, 2022
Although Cormier had very less involvement in the event, he added his dominating presence to the ‘Fight Pit’ stipulation’s debut on the WWE main roster. In pro wrestling matches, it’s common for special guest referees to become physically engaged with the wrestlers, and Cormier continued that tradition by having to straighten out Rollins at one point.
Since 2018, Daniel Cormier has been discussed in line with a switch to professional wrestling. After making his debut, the mixed-martial arts heavyweight made friends with Triple H and is expected to make further appearances.