Wrestling phenom Bo Nickal floats unorthodox career shift plans, amidst debate of next billing after UFC 300

Rhodes winning the WWE Universal Champion strap at WrestleMania XL after a legendary run had garnered many ecstatic responses. Hence, Bo Nickal’s reaction is justifiable, but a sudden move to professional entertainment wrestling is a problematic notion. Just 6-0 MMA, & 3-0 UFC, Nickal was a -1450 bettor’s favorite ahead of UFC 300. His skills or PPV draw was never in question. However, his double thumbs-down does curb the enthusiasm.

In the Pound 4 Pound Podcast, Henry Cejudo urged him not to put such pressure on himself. Cejudo says Nickal is far from the top 10 with such an unrefined skillset, as does Robert Whittaker. In the “Show Me the Money” Podcast, Gilbert Burns said his collegiate wrestling doesn’t compare to MMA wrestling. In the face of such criticism, it must be asked whether he will fare better at WWE.

UFC or WWE: Where will Bo Nickal fit the best?

3-time NCAA Division I National Champ Bo Nickal ran through Cody Brundage at UFC 300 with a second-round rear naked choke submission. However, he expected to fare better and pace himself more aggressively. As a result, he booed himself after the win. He has teased that he might just transition to WWE at some point in his career.

Brock Lesnar was a NCAA Division I heavyweight and a genetic beast. It worked out well for Lesnar in the WWE. On a similar line, Kurt Angle also came from a college wrestling background and transitioned well into professional wrestling. However, Angle had incredible microphone skills and promo skills. Lesnar was a physical specimen and had the assistance of Paul Heyman to deliver incredible promos.

Nickal is not known for his trash-talks or promo skills in the UFC. Anyone transitioning from other sports to WWE will need excellent microphone skills to remain relevant in the WWE. Ronda Rousey is another curious example. She had the athletic gift, and her Judo background and submission skill set translated well into the WWE. However, her lack of microphone skills eventually started to cause disinterest among fans. Nickal falls in the same category and would have a better time in the UFC, where skillset means more than promo skills.