Conor McGregor just ticked off pretty much the entire world of professional wrestling.
McGregor blasted Brock Lesnar and most of WWE on Friday during a conference call ahead of his UFC 202 fight with Nate Diaz. The UFC featherweight champion used a derogatory term to describe WWE’s stable of superstars and criticized Lesnar for allegedly using performance-enhancing drugs.
“I haven’t really thought about it. For the most part, those WWE guys are (expletives),” McGregor said, according to FOXSports.com, of the possibility of someday making a WWE cameo. “To be honest, they’re messed up (expletives), if you ask me.
“Fair play to Brock, he got in a fight (in UFC). But at the end of the day, he’s juiced up to the (expletive) eyeballs, so how can I respect that?”
McGregor did praise some prominent WWE figures, including the McMahon family, The Rock and Triple H. But he clearly doesn’t think too highly of everyone else, at least as it pertains to them putting up a legitimate fight inside the octagon, where things aren’t scripted like in WWE.
“I haven’t really thought of that. Again, that’s a little bit more show business,” McGregor said of WWE. “This is the fight business.”
McGregor offered an apology of sorts on Twitter to those WWE fans he offended with his criticism. He also doubled down on the WWE roster, though, drawing a surplus of responses from those within the sports entertainment industry.
I didn't mean no disrespect to the @wwe fans. What I meant to say was that I'd slap the head off your entire roster. And twice on Sunday's.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 7, 2016
Coming from a guy who built a career copying my persona, I expected the type of class we get from Ronda or Anderson. pic.twitter.com/iVoC0Xva5g
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 7, 2016
After Diaz finishes you again, I dare you to try guys like Dolph, Brock, or Fit.
Oh you're welcome for your gimmick pic.twitter.com/0qziVjlMav
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 7, 2016
If anyone doubts whether or not Doloh could tie Conor in a knot, do yourself a favor and Google his accomplishments pic.twitter.com/h7mitMeBXn
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 7, 2016
Sorry pal no disrespect to u, but my fights are legit, unlike the fixed fights u have in @UFC. I’ll embarrass u. https://t.co/X5WCyeHYbf
— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) August 7, 2016
Your the size of my leg. Shut up. https://t.co/fBVEdf8hE1
— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) August 7, 2016
very funny little guy. Why don't you get your head out of Dana White's ass
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) August 7, 2016
Would you prefer to find us individually or have us all line up at once? I know your time is valuable, sir. https://t.co/XPnKhWAlza
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) August 7, 2016
I think McGregor could do well in the featherweight division……if the WWE had one. https://t.co/90XGpSICS9
— AJ Styles (@AJStylesOrg) August 7, 2016
I'll stand aside…. Seeing as I've already beat you……@TheNotoriousMMA pic.twitter.com/mshAMquu7O
— Rebecca Quin (@BeckyLynchWWE) August 7, 2016
As is the case anytime you talk professional wrestling, it’s entirely possible all the drama is a work designed to create tension that ultimately leads up to a WWE storyline featuring McGregor. It sure sounds like there’s some actual beef, though.
McGregor sure knows how to get people talking.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
