Josh Barnett Explains Why Joining WWE Was Never an Option

Josh Barnett might run with pro wrestlers now, but the former UFC Champion just confirmed he was never even close to joining WWE — and it was entirely by choice.

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Barnett was asked if he ever had any serious talks with WWE about competing under their banner. His response was blunt and honest: not even once.

“No. Not once, ever. It’s not surprising. I don’t think I was ever a fit for that company. Now, who knows what someone like Paul or Nick might think—I don’t know. I never brought that up with them.”

Barnett explained that, at the time, he was all in on his MMA career and wasn’t willing to compromise his fighting identity for a shot at WWE. Even if they had offered him a contract, it would’ve meant giving up the one thing he truly cared about — being a real fighter.

“Back in the day, I was definitely a hard no. I was way more focused on fighting. So if WWE had offered me a contract and said, ‘We love this, let’s do it,’ that would’ve meant giving up everything related to fighting. I wouldn’t have been willing to do that, so I don’t see how it could’ve worked out.”

Despite never stepping foot in a WWE ring, Barnett has remained adjacent to the wrestling world — especially through his Bloodsport promotion, which has become a popular destination for wrestlers wanting to show off their toughness in a no-ropes, fight-first environment.

Today, Barnett says he’s totally fine letting WWE Superstars enter his world — and with top talent reportedly lining up to work Bloodsport shows, it looks like the door only opens one way.

Josh Barnett stayed loyal to who he is: a real fighter. And while fans may never see him in a WWE match, most seem to respect that decision.

Do you think Barnett would’ve made a good fit in WWE? Or was he always better off doing things his own way? Sound off in the comments.

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