WWE and Endeavor struck a merger deal earlier this year. After all these months, the Stamford-based company is finally moving under complete control of the multi-billion-dollar corporation. As the McMahon era of WWE comes to an end, we will also get to see a new beginning for the pro wrestling promotion. But what could the merger be planning to bring to the table?
Although the president of WME hasn’t yet revealed what they are planning to change about WWE, it is likely that this merger won’t pass by without any changes. Just in case, let’s brace for the impact by looking over the new things we may get to see in WWE.
WWE’s future moving ahead with Endeavor
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For starters, since Endeavor is a bigger company and would want the profit stability to be consistent, WWE is less likely to take risks. Much like its now-sister promotion, UFC, WWE could also use more stable ways of managing itself and its business. Moreover, fans might also see some ex-UFC faces making a re-appearance in the MMA promotion. Even big names like Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey could consider fighting for the UFC without actually leaving WWE.
Keeping in mind how big of a star Lesnar is in both the worlds, WWE and MMA, The Beast Incarnate’s next appearance could be an explosive one. Lesnar’s fans who have liked him in both of these roles might be in for a treat since both companies are under one roof now.
And much like UFC’s policies, Endeavor may bar even big independent wrestlers from signing contracts with WWE to maintain uniformity in the business. Those of you who were worried about what would happen to Vince McMahon now that the deal has been finalized might relax a bit knowing that WME’s CEO Arie Emanuel once guaranteed that he has plans for McMahon.
When the merger was first confirmed, McMahon was publicizing how this deal was the right time for him to retire. However, during an official press conference, Emanuel said, “I would have bodyslammed him if he thought he thought he was going to leave… I’m the luckiest guy in the world. Because I got Vince McMahon, a visionary that sees around corners.”
.@Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel: I would have body-slammed [@VinceMcMahon] if he thought he was going to leave.@ScottWapnerCNBC: What happens if you guys disagree?@VinceMcMahon: We have a little contest in the ring.$WWE $EDR pic.twitter.com/wbg4Vy3stN
— Squawk on the Street (@SquawkStreet) April 3, 2023
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Management and talent-related changes aren’t the only ones that WWE would be seeing with this merger. In fact, streaming services have already started the battle to buy rights for WWE’s weekly shows.
WWE could switch its network
WWE struck a deal with NBC and Fox for exclusive television rights. The deal, however, appears to be coming to an end. The belief is that WWE’s demand after Endeavor’s takeover has increased more than the deal could give them. So, even before 2024, fans might get to see a little change in WWE’s television rights.
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For now, two streaming giants who are on the market to compete for WWE are Amazon Prime and Disney+ reportedly. But there aren’t many concrete reports on offer.
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