Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
Obviously, the big move of the day, year and perhaps century when it comes to professional wrestling is that Endeavor is acquiring WWE and will form a new company that will house both WWE and MMA giant UFC going forward.
In speaking to a LOT of people within WWE over the last 90-minutes since I returned from Los Angeles and landed in New York City, we are told that while there were a lot of bidders, at the end of the day, a major factor in why Vince McMahon went with Endeavor acquiring the company is that he and Endeavor head Ari Emanuel go back 22+ plus years. There is a great level of familiarity with each side.
One source described it as each knowing the "shorthand" of the other and that it was very much "the devil you know" in that there was a great understanding of what each side and each personality brings to the table as opposed to starting off scratch with a new entity that might not understand what the WWE product brings to the table, why and how it works and that with Emanuel and Endeavor, there's no fear of someone coming in to try and "reshape the wheel."
In terms of timing of how this all went down, we are told that over the last week, the two sides really began clicking in terms of the sale and late last week, Endeavor shot ahead of the pack as the two sides locked in plans. Emanuel had previously downplayed the idea of buying WWE, so he either had a change of heart, or perhaps more likely knowing his deal making abilities, was trying to prevent other suitors from knowing his interest to prevent a bidding war from emerging.
There was a feeling on the WWE side that given their success with growing UFC since acquiring the company, that Endeavor would likely be able to "supercharge" the WWE Intellectual Property. Endeavor is not only a major force in Hollywood and can help WWE tap even deeper into that DNA, but have lots of other holdings and properties that WWE can use to their advantage, including hospitality and live events company On Location, different sports franchises, film financing and sales companies and more. Endeavor has the clout and the p ower to ascend WWE upwards and grow their overall footprint - and WWE management (read: Vince McMahon) felt that Endeavor could do for WWE exactly what it did for UFC - create a synergy that would make the company stronger.
The belief was that Endeavor will grow WWE and lift it upward - and that was a far better home for WWE as a property and for shareholders than just handing it off to a larger company where it would become just one of many assets on a financial ledger. The feeling was that Endeavor would show the brand and the company the proper respect. One has to believe that Vince McMahon retaining power in the new company was a great perk for McMahon personally as well. He went from being on the outs of the company he built to returning and staying in a major executive role. Whether you like McMahon or not, you have to admit he returned, gamed the system to his advantage and landed in as strong a position possible in a company he once exiled himself from.
We are also told that a big part of the decision was also that Endeavor, while owning UFC, allows that company to pretty much run with autonomy. All signs are that it will operate WWE the same way. The WWE creative team, the production team, etc. will likely all remain in place and operate the way they have previously for the most part and WWE will have the opportunity to succeed on its own terms without major interference.
WWE will remain headquartered in Stamford (and might even finally get to move into their new HQ!) and those in the company were steadfast in their defense that the product that fans grew up on and watch today will not change - and that the WWE product fans enjoyed (or didn't, choose your own adventure) over Wrestlemania 39 weekend will still exist as it always has moving forward.
Obviously this is a developing story and there will be some integrations that will be worked out over time as the deal is finalized, but for those wondering why Endeavor and what this means for the day to day WWE business, WWE's side is presenting it as business as usual with no major changes to the product or the major processes that bring that product to life. Whether that changes down the line remains to be seen but the WWE corporate circle is presenting this as a major victory and celebratory moment for the brand and obviously, for themselves.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
