Fox will become the new home of WWE Smackdown in 2019 and they would reportedly like to see some changes made to the broadcast once it is on the network. Fox has already announced it will move Smackdown to Fridays, but they would also like to see each week’s show presented more like a traditional, competitive sport than sports entertainment.
That may be why Fox is pushing the WWE to give UFC Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Champ Daniel Cormier a shot in the broadcast booth. He revealed that he has an audition during a round of interviews last week to promote his fight at UFC 230.
Daniel Cormier reveals to @sportingnews that we may see him in WWE soon when he tries out for a commentary position. Also, he explains what would happen in a WWE match between him and Brock Lesnar (hilarious). pic.twitter.com/PCzlTF9of4
— Andreas Hale (@AndreasHale) October 19, 2018
Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio says the audition is the result of Fox’s lobbying.
The Cormier thing is, Fox wants Cormier. That’s the deal. That’s where that (news) comes from. Vince isn’t yelling as much at the guys on Smackdown every week, because Vince doesn’t go to Smackdown that much anymore. And they want him (Cormier) for Smackdown. Although when Smackdown’s on Fox on Friday, that may all change. He (Vince) may be at every Smackdown again. But Fox wants Cormier, that’s the deal with Cormier. Because number one, they want more of a sports presentation, and number two, they love Cormier from the UFC, and they don’t want to lose him. So that’s what that is about.
It could make sense for everyone involved. It would give the 40-year-old Cormier work after his MMA career is over, and it gives Fox the ability to hang onto one of the MMA world’s biggest stars even after the UFC moves to ESPN.
Assuming Vince McMahon and WWE executives don’t push back on a directive from their new broadcast partner, it is the WWE that could get the most out of this move. First, Cormier isn’t shy about letting people know that he is a lifelong WWE fan. That will be a new element in the broadcast booth. Next, Cormier knows how to sell a fight. If he or the company wanted to see Cormier move into the ring, he has the skills necessary to be successful. He also has a history with fellow WWE/UFC hybrid Brock Lesnar to create a new rivalry if both men want to be a part of the company’s headline battles in the future.
