Days After Their $21 Billion Dollar UFC-WWE Merge, TKO Disturbingly Fires More Than 100 Employees

Ardent MMA fans may soon have to reimagine the way they watch their favorite sport. To put it into perspective, the world of professional Wrestling and Mixed Martial Arts is a union now. This fusion has thus sent ripples of exhilaration throughout the combat world, but not before sparking varied conversations and raising some curious eyebrows.

Even though the merger promises a better POV for the fans as well as for the employees, the recent revelation of an organizational overhaul has been anything but ideal. Endeavor, the parent company of UFC seems to be in action, with a questionable number of layoffs.

UFC-WWE Merger results in heavy workforce restructuring

Amidst the media chatter surrounding the merger, at first, it all seemed like a revolutionary breakthrough toward a brighter future. However, that quickly changed as news of a substantial reduction in the labor force broke, which would be not so ideal for a number of employees. According to recent reports, the first phase of workforce restructuring resulted in around 100 professionals losing their jobs.

According to various sources, the restructuring wave primarily made its presence on the WWE side. Leaving no stone unturned, it has also resonated through several key departments such as Insights and Analytics, Marketing, Graphic Design, WWE Network, Podcasting, and Live Events, ushering in a new era of change and adaptation within the organization.

Read more: “We’re Gonna Have a Full Circus Soon…”: Fans Question the Legitimacy of the UFC in the Future, After Dana White and Co.’s $21 Billion WWE Merger Deal Becomes Official

Several leaders have also been fired during the company’s extensive restructuring. Noteworthy names include the astute CFO Frank A. Riddick III, the VP of International & Platform Strategy, Andy Levine, the EVP of Development and Digital, Jamie Horowitz, the distinguished Brand Director, Kimberly Kierkegard, the EVP & Head of Marketing, Catherine Newman, and intriguingly, Dana Warrior, the widow of the illustrious WWE Hall of Famer, ‘The Ultimate Warrior.’

New Leadership landscape in the new world of sports and entertainment

After the merger materialized, Dana White assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UFC. However, despite his change in official title, White has unequivocally declared that “nothing has changed” in his authoritative role in overseeing all aspects of UFC. This merger was successfully executed under the patronage of Endeavor, the parent company. This momentous shift in leadership marks an exciting new era in the realm of sports and entertainment.

Vince McMahon, the visionary, has assumed the new role of Executive Chairman at TKO Group Holdings. This transition comes on the heels of the new merger of the UFC and WWE, forging a hell of a powerhouse, with McMahon as the new boss of wrestling.

What are your thoughts on the merger, a boon or a bane? Do tell us in the comments below

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