Josh Barnett has long been attached to the marriage of pro wrestling and MMA. Currently competing on TNA television, he's also the NJPW on AXS color commentator while he awaits any possible disciplinary action from USADA for a potential violation in relation to his UFC career.
During an interview with Wrestlezone Radio, the former UFC Heavyweight Champion was asked about the possibility of WWE adding an MMA promotion to their Network. With UFC Fight Pass, Fite and FloCombat, Barnett thinks it's possible, but it would cost money.
"That would be a big financial investment for them. I think they have a lot of built in resources that could make it happen. Here’s the thing, there have been companies before, in my opinion, that had money. Had money, had backing and had the in-roads to do some really massive stuff. Ego really destroyed all of them. People wouldn’t listen. Other folks didn’t really believe. So I’ve seen some companies just get bled dry by guys that were just like, “Eh, I am not willing to treat it as legitimately and professionally as I think it should be. I just figure it’s going to fail anyway so I’m just going to bleed it dry until it’s done.” I’ve seen that. I could easily write a book about the mismanagement and the misappropriation of funds and talent that I have seen. That’s something that is a potential anywhere. That’s not a new story," said Barnett.
Barnett noted that he thinks WWE could pull it off, but patience and money often turn people off from running MMA companies.
"If the WWE wanted to make an MMA product I don’t doubt they could. It’s an investment, a big investment, and it’s a thing that takes time, patience and you’ve got to have the right people managing it. Not just managing how the money is spent but cultivating that environment to create those break out stars and get that interest. It’s the same as pro wrestling or any other product," said Barnett.
You can hear the full interview at this link.
