The worlds of WWE and UFC are combining in a juggernaut move in the sports and entertainment worlds.
It was announced late Monday night (April 3) that the parent company of UFC, Endeavor had acquired the WWE for $9.3 billion.
They will form a new company that will be spearheaded by the two brands in a mammoth move that will see some of the top stars in the world under one umbrella.
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It will also mean we have two of the most polarising figures in the industry Dana White and Vince McMahon heading up the business.
Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel will be the controlling owner holding 51 per cent of the company, while WWE shareholders will control the other 49 per cent.
McMahon will sit as the WWE’s executive chairman while White will remain UFC president.
Emanuel sat down with CNBC, alongside the WWE boss, to chat about the deal and express his delight at having two juggernauts in the game in the company.
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When asked about keeping McMahon in the new venture, he said: “I would’ve body slammed him if he thought he was going to leave.
“Here’s a man who has seen around the corners at every beat over the last 40 years of this business and has a vision for where this business (is going) way before a lot of people see it.
“Him now being able to utilise what we have built in our flywheel, I’m the luckiest guy in the world because I’ve got Vince McMahon, a visionary that sees around corner.
“I’ve got Dana White and what we’ve built. That’s pretty unstoppable.”
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Emanuel spoke of the importance of their relationship in getting the deal over the line.
He continued: “I wasn’t going to let him (leave). We have a relationship for 23 years. There’s a trust. There’s a friendship.
“When you’re going into business and going forward, I think that’s important.
“I’m glad he chose us because it was a very competitive situation. For us, it’s an honour, and also we’re so lucky because of his vision about where the business is and where it’s going.”
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McMahon revealed why he believed the Endeavor deal was best for his business.
He said: “This is the biggest thing Ari Emanuel and Vince McMahon have ever done. Combining forces like this is – there’s nothing like this.
“There’s never been anything like this. People will be talking about this for a long time.
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“Sure, there were (other suitors). Everyone was very interested in us, and I appreciate that. But the synergies that Ari brings (are) totally different than everyone else.”
Featured Image Credit: Px Images / Alamy. UPI / Alamy.Topics: WWE, UFC, MMA, WrestleMania, Wrestling
