Dwayne Johnson Reacts to the WWE-UFC Merger as Ex-UFC Champion Colby Covington Sends a 2-Word Message to WWE Stars

A few days ago, the pro wrestling world was witness to one of the biggest deals in the sector as WWE and MMA giant UFC merged to form TKO Group Holdings under the banner of Endeavor. While the merger was announced in April, it was completed on September 12. Following the historic $21.4 billion merger, reactions pertaining to it flooded social media, with a few WWE and UFC stars also chiming in with their views.

Two reactions among them that caught the eye were from WWE icon Dwayne Johnson and former UFC champion Colby Covington. The Rock and Chaos took to Instagram to convey their feelings about the fusion of two disciplines that are vastly different from one another.

Months after predicting “smooth sailing ” between Vince McMahon and Endeavor CEO, Dwayne Johnson reacts to TKO formation

The merger is likely to have an impact on a lot of lives. Primarily, it will influence UFC and WWE talents. While the benefits and disadvantages are yet to be measured, many athletes, including The Rock and Covington, have responded to the multi-billion-dollar deal on social media.

Johnson, one of the biggest names in the pro wrestling world, hasn’t been inside the squared circle in years, but he keeps a keen eye. This merger is particularly important to him as he has an active business with the UFC through his Project Rock collaboration. UFC CEO Dana White shared an Instagram post highlighting the merger between two combat sports giants.

The Great One liked the post shared by White on Instagram. The Rock had previously talked about how he sees smooth sailing with Ari Emanuel and Vince McMahon when it comes to the new joint venture. Colby Covington also gave his two-word response on the big news.

On the other hand, Covington, who currently competes in UFC’s welterweight division, is a former interim champion in the same weight class. Reacting to a post about the formation of TKO on Instagram, he wrote, “Congrats guys 🥳👊🏻📈.” His congratulatory message was likely directed toward peers in the WWE as now the UFC and the Stamford-based pro wrestling promotion have been brought under the same umbrella, following the deal.

Read More: “Rest in Peace”- Photo of Jon Jones Facing Off John Cena Has Fans Up in Arms Amid $21B UFC and WWE Merger

Meanwhile, WWE President Nick Khan recently shared his vision for UFC fighters after the historic deal.

Nick Khan predicts a roadmap for UFC stars that evokes Brock Lesnar

TKO’s fusion of two disciplines couldn’t have been more contrasting in nature. While UFC is a hard-hitting real sport, WWE, which is a pro wrestling juggernaut, relies on partially choreographed matches with predetermined outcomes. They are vastly different from one another.

But this is where Nick Khan sees the opportunity. Speaking to ESPN recently, he said those in the UFC could sign up with the WWE after hanging their boots in the octagon. Since pro wrestling is of a different nature, they can have a prolonged career. Now that the companies have a single owner, such moves will become smooth and easy.

And they don’t have to look too far for inspiration. There have been crossovers between the two companies before. Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey are prime examples. These two have held championships in both UFC and WWE and have had stellar careers.

But it remains to be seen if existing UFC talents take Khan’s predicted route. That said, what are your thoughts on The Rock and Covington’s reactions to the merger? Let us know in the comments.

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