Anaheim, Calif.: The aftermath of UFC 298 at Honda Center saw Michael Chandler feature prominently on WWE Monday Night RAW and deliver a passionate callout to none other than Conor McGregor.
The UFC veteran, frustrated with the prolonged wait for a showdown with McGregor, seized the moment during the WWE event to intensify his desire for the matchup.
Look who it is on #WWERaw!@MikeChandlerMMA just cut a promo calling for @TheNotoriousMMA 🤬
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) February 20, 2024
(🎥: @SJSamano) pic.twitter.com/NnAPiyrUWX
Addressing the Anaheim crowd, Chandler exclaimed into the microphone,
"What's up, Anaheim? You are now in the presence of the most entertaining UFC fighter on the planet," Chandler yelled into the microphone as his face increasingly reddened. "Hey, now there's a man from Ireland who's been making me wait way too long, and I still have got one dude on my mind. Conor McGregor, get your candy ass back to the octagon. We've got some unfinished business, boys. God bless. I'll see you at the top."
Check out Michael Chandler's callout of Conor McGregor (0:18):
WHOA! 😲😲😲@MikeChandlerMMA just called out @TheNotoriousMMA on #WWERaw! pic.twitter.com/pUN2dUFW1r
— WWE (@WWE) February 20, 2024
Chandler's plea comes after over a year of waiting for a confirmed fight against McGregor, who has been on hiatus since a leg injury in 2021. UFC CEO Dana White has expressed hope for the bout to materialize in the fall, but uncertainties persist regarding McGregor's return.
The drama escalated when Chandler's WWE appearance led to speculation about a potential crossover into professional wrestling. However, the likelihood of Chandler facing McGregor in WWE was quickly debunked, given the fighter's continued focus on a UFC clash.
Chandler's recent backstage meeting with WWE CCO Triple H and a cryptic tweet about signing a contract fueled rumors. Still, it appears to be a strategic move to stay in the spotlight rather than a genuine shift to pro wrestling.
Contract signed ✍🏼 pic.twitter.com/DXg6uYdyrl
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) February 20, 2024
Chandler's long hiatus from competition and insufficient time to train for a pro wrestling match further diminish the likelihood of a WrestleMania XL appearance. If McGregor returns to action this year, it is more likely to be in the octagon or possibly in the boxing ring.
In the end, while Chandler's callout and WWE appearance stirred excitement, the prospect of a Chandler-McGregor clash at WrestleMania XL appears to be a speculative twist in the ongoing saga of their potential showdown. Fans eager for a resolution may need to exercise patience as the drama unfolds in MMA and entertainment.