Former MMA fighter Anthony Taylor has opened up about his dream move into WWE’s world of sports entertainment, which includes getting a tryout for the organisation.
In an exclusive interview with Esports Insider, the Misfits fighter, who has faced off against Tommy Fury, Salt Papi and Daren Till has WWE in his sights with the 36-year-old preparing to prove himself for the right to enter the squared circle.
However, he doesn’t want to make the move alone. Taylor plans to learn from how Logan Paul has emerged as a legit performer in WWE, and he wants Logan’s brother, Jake Paul, as his future tag team partner based on their chemistry sparring in the gym together.
I Can’t Wait to be in WWE 2K26
“I’ve just found out I’ve been given a WWE tryout,” Taylor told Esports Insider. “I’m fired up like never before.
“This is the moment I’ve been working towards my whole career. Every fight, every show, every crowd I’ve entertained has led to this.
“To even get the chance to prove myself on the WWE stage is huge, but I’m coming in with the mindset to not just impress, but to earn my spot. I know what I bring to the table, and I’m ready to show the world that Anthony Taylor belongs in WWE.”
According to Taylor, his dream of joining WWE wasn’t only born from watching wrestling on TV but also playing the official WWE game, now published by 2K.
“It would be a childhood dream fulfilled,” he added. “Can you imagine it, this time next year you load up WWE 2K26 and Anthony Taylor is a playable character, that would be a pinch me moment.”
I’ve Already Brought the Showmanship
“Before I ever stepped inside an MMA cage or boxing ring, my dream was to be a professional wrestler. As a kid, I was hooked on the larger-than-life characters, the drama, and the showmanship,” he said.
Taylor continued: “I’ve tried to bring a bit of that WWE showmanship to my fights over the years. And I’ve made the most of every opportunity put in front of me. Whether that was fighting in MMA, making noise in Misfits, or going toe-to-toe with world-class boxers. Every fight, every moment in the spotlight has built me into the performer I am today.
“Now I’d love to take all that experience, all that charisma, and bring it to WWE, the biggest stage in sports entertainment.”
Logan Paul has Shown the Way
When looking at the world of WWE, many athletes have transitioned into the world of sport entertainment. However, perhaps one of the more recent, high-profile transitions was from that of YouTube personality Logan Paul. In 2023, following sporadic appearances for the WWE, Paul signed a multi-year contract with the wrestling promotion.
“What Logan Paul has done in WWE is nothing short of incredible,” said Taylor. “He’s proved that if you have the athletic ability, the dedication, and the personality to connect with the fans, you can walk in from another sport and earn respect in the wrestling world.
“I look at his journey and see a blueprint but I also see an opportunity to put my own twist on it. I’ve built my name in combat sports through skill, confidence, and entertainment, and I know that combination is exactly what WWE is all about. I’m not just coming to follow Logan’s path but to create my own.”
I was Jake Paul’s Sparring Partner — He can be my WWE Tag Team Partner
In the interview, Taylor also discussed the possibility of teaming up with Logan Paul’s brother, Jake Paul, who has gone on to compete in various boxing exhibitions. This included going toe-to-toe with boxing legend Mike Tyson in November last year.
Taylor said: “People forget that before all the bright lights and big events, I was Jake Paul’s sparring partner.
“I was there in the gym, putting in the rounds, helping him sharpen the tools that made him a star in boxing. We’ve always had a competitive edge with each other, but there’s also a real respect and chemistry there.
“One day, I’d love to bring that energy into WWE as a tag team. Imagine the two of us — both with fight experience, both with the ability to hype a crowd — walking down that ramp. We wouldn’t just compete; we’d take over the tag division.”
