Watch UFC interim champ Tom Aspinall make surprise WWE appearance with Cody Rhodes, Gunther
Tom Aspinall may have pro wrestling in his future after making an appearance at a WWE show in Manchester, England this week.
The interim UFC heavyweight champion was introduced by WWE universal champion Cody Rhodes, and made his way to the ring to a rousing ovation from his home crowd. Check out the video below.
THE CHAMPIONS are in Manchester!
— WWE (@WWE) October 17, 2024
Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall almost gave these UK fans a preview of #WWECrownJewel! pic.twitter.com/9qXHA6fYhb
Shortly thereafter, WWE world champ Gunther — who faces Rhodes at WWE’s Crown Jewel on Nov. 2 — made his way out to the ring.
Gunther put over Aspinall’s accomplishments before asking for an all-champions photo with the Aspinall and Rhodes. Gunther then went on to wish Rhodes good luck in their matchup for Saudi Arabia and offered up a handshake.
Aspinall then asked them, ‘“Why wait until Crown Jewel, when we can do this right here, right now in Manchester?” The crowd was into it, but cooler heads ultimately prevailed.
After winning the interim belt with a quick knockout of Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 this past November, Aspinall successfully defended the title in July with a first-round finish of Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July. Aspinall will be the backup fighter for the upcoming UFC 309 heavyweight championship main event between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic.