UPDATE: The Wrestling Observer is adding to reports that Bellator is looking to sign professional wrestlers to fighter contracts. The site notes that Alberto Del Rio is one of their targets of interest. As previously reported, WWE tried to include MMA in their no-compete clause when he was let go from the company. Del Rio reportedly agreed to certain parts of the no-compete clause; it isn’t known whether MMA was part of that. FOX Sports writer Damon Martin posted the following to Twitter, claiming that Del Rio is “itching for a fight”:
Alberto El Patron ✔ @VivaDelRio
Follow
Donde puedo ver @UFCEspanol #ppv en Guadalajara ? En donde las pasan?
Where can I watch #UFC #ppv in #Guadalajara ?
7:39 PM - 6 Dec 2014
ORIGINAL: PWInsider has confirmed with sources in Spike TV and those close to Bellator MMA that the promotion has a plan to bring in professional wrestlers as MMA fighters. The company has what is described as a “gameplan” to bring in current and former wrestlers to bolster their roster. Bobby Lashley is currently part of the promotion.
The plan is to utilize wrestlers’ mic skills to build off potential “storylines” and create more media attention for them. No wrestlers are confirmed as being contacted but the company was previously reported as being interested in Brock Lesnar, and PWInsider says that he and Alberto Del Rio are the style and level of talent being looked at. Del Rio has fought in MMA before and has a career record of 9 – 5, with his last fight having taken place in 2010.