In 2019, boxer Tyson Fury fulfilled a dream by featuring in WWE, not just as a guest, but also competing at a PPV event against Braun Strowman. The world heavyweight champion's full personality shone through, making him a big hit with the WWE Universe.
With Fury now retired from boxing, according to a statement released by the Gypsy King, could we see him make a return to WWE in a cameo role or even a long-term deal with the organisation?
Rumors have been rampant for the past few years that he would return. Fury himself has even stated multiple times that he wishes to do that, specifically to face Drew McIntyre, who has also spoke on wanting that fight to take place at some point.
With WWE Clash at the Castle coming up this weekend in Cardiff, Wales, speculation is at an all time high that Fury will interfere in Drew McIntyre's match against Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. As a follow-up, McIntyre vs. Fury could be the plan for the WWE Crown Jewel event coming later this fall.
What Has Tyson Fury Been Up to Since We Last Saw Him in WWE?
Fury was last inside the boxing ring back in April when he defeated Dillian Whyte to defend his WBC crown. He will have been keeping a close eye on the world title fight in the division where Oleksandr Usyk put his WBA (Super), IBF and WBO crowns on the line. The defending champion was the 1/2 favourite in the Oleksandr Usyk v Anthony Joshua fight odds, and justified these odds after coming out on top against the Watford-born fighter.
The lure of facing Usyk may be too much to turn down for Fury. However, has he has shown in the past, he does not always make the decision everybody expects him to. In 2019, his team advised him against appearing in WWE, but he chose to anyway.
The two-time world champion has also been in talks to face Derek Chisora, with his WBC being on the line. Those negotiations seem to have broken down, as terms have been unable to be reached with Chisora, who Fury has already beaten in 2011 and 2014.
Fury Looked At Home In WWE
Fury trained very hard to get up to speed with the skills required in the wrestling ring prior to his fight with Strowman. He was clearly already in great shape, but he picked up everything he needed to know fast to ensure he did not look out of place against his opponent at Crown Jewel.
In the end, it was a punch from Fury which won the fight against Strowman in the wrestling ring and that is likely to be his signature move, should he return to WWE.
The boxer had his second match on Smackdown in November 2019 when he paired up with Strowman for a tag team contest against Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel. They won that fight, meaning Fury kept up his 100% record in WWE.
Potential Rivalries for The Gypsy King
If WWE were to sign Fury up to a deal, the question is, who could we see him involved in a storyline with? The most obvious is fellow British compatriot Drew McIntyre, as the pair have been involved in a feud on social media, with the former WWE Champion challenging Fury to a match.
Both Fury and McIntyre are over 6ft 5in, so it would truly be a heavyweight clash. There were rumours that the pair had agreed to fight in 2020 but that deal was never finalised. It means there is unfinished business between the British fighters.
McIntyre is set to take on Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship in Cardiff in September. Given the location, this could be the perfect time for Fury to reintroduce himself to WWE.
Reigns is another man who would be a great rival for Fury. The longest serving WWE Universal Champion in history has been dominant in the ring and is running out of opponents. The WBC heavyweight champion would represent a fresh challenge.
WWE Could Face Challenge From UFC
The other option likely to be on the table for Fury is a contract with the UFC. He has been linked with an appearance in the Octagon against heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou for a number of years now. Talks between the pair could step up a level now that the Gypsy King has retired from boxing.
Ngannou joined Fury in the ring after the WBC champion defeated Whyte in his latest bout. The pair have also been involved in a social media war, as they look to promote a fight on both sides of the Atlantic.
WWE may need to persuade Fury that his best option is to join the sports entertainment business. There have been no details of what a cross-sport fight with Ngannou would involve, so a lot of work may be needed for both parties to agree on the rules for that contest.
One of the incentives WWE could offer Fury is to feature at WrestleMania in one of the feature events at the SoFi Stadium across the two days. Former boxers Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather Jr and Butterbean have all featured at WWE's marquee event before, and it may be something Fury would want one to do.
Fury is keeping tight-lipped about his future for now, but don't be surprised if he appears on Raw, SmackDown or a WWE PPV in the near future.
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