Daniel Cormier is living the dream.
Cormier, a lifelong fan of professional wrestling, made his WWE debut Saturday as a guest referee at the Extreme Rules main event. He was there to serve as a referee in the “Fight Pit”, which featured Seth Rollins against Cormier and Matt Riddle (an ex-MMA fighter).
Tonight’s special guest referee looks right at home inside the Fight Pit… welcome to #ExtremeRules, @dc_mma! pic.twitter.com/KACvcFYsum
— Triple H (@TripleH) October 8, 2022
Although his participation in the match was limited, Cormier added an authoritative presence to the bizarre setup which included a steel cage with an elevated platform that allowed the wrestlers on to perform.
It is time for the FIGHT PIT! #ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/ZVzQQqKjwp
— WWE (@WWE) October 9, 2022
Rollins. Riddle. DC. Fight Pit!!!! #ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/KNwc2Cr8WJ
— WWE on BT Sport (@btsportwwe) October 9, 2022
The storyline of the match was Cormier mostly admonishing Rollins when the evil wrestler acted up. However, he did seem to incite several MMA references throughout the match such as an Anthony Pettis Showtime Kick performed by Riddle.
. @SuperKingofBros using the Showtime Kick #ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/R5mh9hkrHW
— WWE on BT Sport (@btsportwwe) October 9, 2022
It’s not unusual for referees to be physically present with pro-wrestling matches. Cormier did that as he was required to assist Rollins.
“Do not touch me.” @dc_mma | #ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/63ZdyLreoC
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) October 9, 2022
The biggest spot of the match came when Riddle executed a spectacular flying senton splash from the elevated platform, crashing down on a fallen Rollins. Shortly after, he locked in a triangle choke that forced Rollins to tap.
. @SuperKingofBros FROM THE TOP OF THE FIGHT PIT!!! #ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/olOCf69jCK
— WWE (@WWE) October 9, 2022
The show appeared to come to a close with Cormier and Riddle celebrating, but they were quickly cut off by a lengthy segment that signaled a returning Bray Wyatt.
Your Winner, @SuperKingofBros! #ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/6DG0nkDkKz
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) October 9, 2022
He’s got the whole world in his hands…
Bray Wyatt is here #ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/fvSaxQAnCP
— WWE on BT Sport (@btsportwwe) October 9, 2022
Earlier on the card, former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey once again found herself with WWE gold around her waist as she defeated the popular Liv Morgan, but not before Morgan put “Rowdy” through a table.
. @YaOnlyLivvOnce puts The Baddest Woman on the Planet through a table! #ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/CFPk00SQU5
— WWE (@WWE) October 9, 2022
Liv Morgan passed out in the submission
No tap, just no fight left…#ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/rzvWuE4zjW
— WWE on BT Sport (@btsportwwe) October 9, 2022
Gold back in the hands of Ronda Rousey #ExtremeRules pic.twitter.com/L8iXRnsFBE
— WWE on BT Sport (@btsportwwe) October 9, 2022