Conor McGregor and other fighters react to the news of UFC’s parent company Endeavor planning to acquire WWE, sparking imaginations for cross-promotion opportunities between the two organizations.
Conor McGregor recognizes a golden opportunity when it presents itself. Reports of UFC’s parent company, Endeavor, planning to acquire pro wrestling giant WWE broke Sunday evening during the second night of WrestleMania 39 and were officially announced by all parties involved the next morning. Fighters and fans reacted to the news, with McGregor posting a photoshopped image of himself with a WWE title belt over one shoulder and a UFC title belt over the other.
Multiple-time NCAA wrestling champion Bo Nickal chimed in on Twitter, writing, “I want them all” and calling the WWE roster “easy money.” Social media influencer and boxer Jake Paul expressed optimism that the joining of the mega organizations could benefit fighter pay. The exact details of the deal are still unfolding, but the potential for cross-promotion between the UFC and WWE has imaginations running wild.
Reactions from fighters have been pouring in since the announcement. Conor McGregor tweeted, “Congrats to the @ufc now worth a cool Proper $12bn. Wow! Endeavor bout to scoop the @WWE now also. Incredible. What a powerhouse!” Terrance McKinney asked, “Who’s the first fighter gettin put thru a table from a ladder?” while Billy Quarantillo teased, “Looks like I’m gonna have to lay the smack down on some jabronis in ’23.” FILTHY Tom Lawlor pointed out the similarities between pro wrestling and mixed martial arts, tweeting, “How many times have I told people that current pro wrestling and mixed martial arts are the same business?” and later added, “WELCOME TO THE UFC ERA OF SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT.”