UPDATE: Following the backlash caused when UFC president Dana White called wrestling “fake” on Twitter, several more wrestlers have spoken out about the comments. You can check out comments by Mick Foley, Sheamus and more below:
"Fake" was a poor word choice by @danawhite. @RondaRousey's tribute to Roddy is a heartfelt move from the most popular fighter in the world.
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) August 2, 2015
Foley also took to Facebook, posting:
ROUSEY GETS ROWDY, DANA GETS DUMB
So, Dana White called wrestling “fake”, Don’t get all worked up about it. Dana’s a smart guy who made a poor word choice, As WWE Champion Seth Rollins pointed out on Twitter, “Guys, cut Dana White some slack. I mean he’s had a million matches, so his opinion is super-valid, and should be taken as gospel.” Plus, it’s the same word-choice made by former WWE Champion CM Punk – another smart guy who should have selected a more appropriate word to describe the in-ring nature of sports-entertainment.
The FAR bigger story in UFC is that Ronda Rousey, in a heartfelt move, dedicated her fight and gave a post-fight shout-out to the late, great Roddy Piper. On a day when Dana White’s use of wrestling’s F-word offended many wrestlers and fans, the actions of Rousey – the most popular fighter in the world – touched the hearts of fans (both wrestling and MMA) around the world. Dana’s dumb words will pass in time. Ronda’s touching words will last forever.
Feel free to let me know how you feel about both Dana and Ronda. In Dana’s defense, on the two occasions I’ve met him, he, UFC fighters and management have been very nice and more than hospitable; telling me I was welcome at UFC events “anytime”. You don’t have to give him a free pass, but take it easy on him. We all make mistakes. Plus, I may want to go see Ronda, or my friend Leslie Smith fight sometime.
Hey @danawhite, come to the @WWEPerformCtr & see what we do EVERYDAY & tell me it's fake. Send your "ultimate" fighters too. How dare you.
— Bull Dempsey (@BullDempseyWWE) August 1, 2015
(1/2) @danawhite, "fake" infuriates @WWE Superstars, Divas & fans because the injuries are real and happen more often than they do in @UFC.
— Joey Styles (@JoeyStyles) August 2, 2015
(2/2) Perhaps you could please tweet that @UFC, like boxing, costs more than @WWE because they are sports rather than sports entertainment.
— Joey Styles (@JoeyStyles) August 2, 2015
Some call @UFC fake… IT IS… Fearless Artistry Kombat Evolved. 100%. @danawhite. https://t.co/B7RPpfqNwX
— Sheamus (@WWESheamus) August 2, 2015
ORIGINAL: When a fan started discussing with UFC President Dana White that his PPVs were to expensive as compared to the WWE Network, he didn’t know what he started. White got into it with the fan about wrestling being fake, which led to Seth Rollins, Bully Ray, Austin Aries and others getting involved. Big difference between “FAKE” and “SCRIPTED” Dana. Try taking a bump through a ladder, table, etc. and tell us it’s “FAKE”. Here is some of the fun from Twitter…
@RKORollins I hear u bro but fake shit should be 9.99
— Dana White (@danawhite) August 1, 2015
@RKORollins trust me my friend….. IT’s FAKE
— Dana White (@danawhite) August 1, 2015
@RKORollins not disrespecting what they do. All the WWE guys I have met are awesome people but yes it’s fake.
— Dana White (@danawhite) August 1, 2015
@_AJLeeFan4Ever lol I love it!!!!!
— Dana White (@danawhite) August 1, 2015
Guys, cut @danawhite some slack. I mean he’s had a million matches, so his opinion is super valid and should be taken as gospel.
— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins) August 2, 2015
Good thing you had “FAKE” @BrockLesnar in @ufc to be your biggest PPV draw of all time. https://t.co/gaAOwxbN7T
— Bully Ray (@REALBully5150) August 1, 2015
This is what a “fake” head butt looks like @danawhite…complete w/ “fake” blood, stitches, and imaginary time off. pic.twitter.com/pHtgILIRdP
— Austin Healy Aries (@AustinAries) August 1, 2015
Well @FrankieKazarian, at least that was all accompanied by a fake medical bills, right? https://t.co/MDGIjKts6l
— Austin Healy Aries (@AustinAries) August 1, 2015
We have TV makeup ladies ringside to paint on the illusion of bruises during matches…and we get water breaks too. https://t.co/fWIaTvLXVc
— Austin Healy Aries (@AustinAries) August 1, 2015
I will argue pro wrestling is the most real form of entertainment there is. Period. Real physicality, pain, emotion, and real consequences.
— Austin Healy Aries (@AustinAries) August 1, 2015
Comparing pro wrestling to combat sports is silly. It’s apples to oranges. Just don’t call my apples a fake food. We all pay a real price.
— Austin Healy Aries (@AustinAries) August 1, 2015
.@danawhite Sir, “do the right thing” and apologize to THE industry that laid the groundwork for YOUR industry. Have a great show tonight.
— Bully Ray (@REALBully5150) August 1, 2015
100% DIRECT LINK (PHOTOS): Summer Rae Doing A Split (HOT)!!!