MANILA, Philippines – Stars of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) expressed their admiration for Filipino boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao during the recent Summer Slam pay-per-view in Los Angeles.

“I think Manny is one of the toughest men in the planet. Pound-for-pound, maybe the toughest,” said Randy Orton, who won the World Heavyweight Championship in Summer Slam.

Wade Barrett, meanwhile, said that he knew Pacquiao from the Filipino’s bout against Ricky Hatton.
“Manny Pacquiao, I’m a big fan of his. He fought Ricky Hatton and he destroyed him,” Barrett said.
“Ricky Hatton is from Manchester, where I’m from, so I was disappointed,” he added.

But Barrett acknowledges that Pacquiao is “pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world.”

Former world heavyweight champion Christian, meanwhile, is proud to say that Pacquiao is one of his friends.
“I am friends with the most famous Filipino ever,” said the Canadian superstar.

Another superstar, R-Truth, said that he was a huge fan of Pacquiao, but has never met him.

“I would love to meet him. I’ve seen him knock a couple of people out,” R-Truth said. “Pacquiao’s really good.”

Tough enough for the WWE

Most of the WWE superstars agree that Pacquiao is tough enough to make the jump from the boxing ring and into the wrestling ring.

“I’m sure Vince (McMahon) would love to sign him,” Orton said.

“If Manny Pacquiao thinks he’s tough enough to step in the ring with Wade Barrett, make the challenge,” Barrett said, adding that he will "destroy" the Filipino boxer.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. earlier participated in the WWE’s flagship pay-per-views, Wrestlemania 24, wherein he "defeated" The Big Show. 

source: Gretchen Fullido -ABS-CBN News