Get All Access for $5/mo

UFC and WWE Are Merging Into One Mega Combat Sport Company World Wrestling Entertainment and UFC are coming together in a tag team business battle royale.

By Dan Bova

Ron Elkman/Sports Imagery | Getty Images

Not since Hulk Hogan body slammed Andre the Giant has the world of professional wrestling felt a bigger impact: Endeavor Group, the parent company of UFC, has announced a merger with the WWE to create a new company valued at over $21 billion, per CNN.

Endeavor will own 51% of the entity, while WWE shareholders will get 49%.

"This is a rare opportunity to create a global live sports and entertainment pureplay built for where the industry is headed," said Endeavor CEO Ariel Emanuel in a statement. "For decades, Vince and his team have demonstrated an incredible track record of innovation and shareholder value creation, and we are confident that Endeavor can deliver significant additional value for shareholders by bringing UFC and WWE together."

Related: WWE Wants to Make Betting on Scripted Matches Legal

Emmanuel will also serve as CEO of the new company, while WWE's Vince McMahon will retain his WWE title of executive chairman and Dana White will continue as President of UFC.

Vince McMahon, who grew out a special villain mustache for the announcement, said that given Endeavor's success with the UFC brand, this merger is "without a doubt the best outcome for our shareholders and other stakeholders." And promised viewers who are used to seeing him do big things that this will be in "the biggest thing I've ever done."

As of press time, Dana White has not spoken publicly about the merger, and reaction from both fanbases was oddly muted on social media. Although Conor McGregor tweeted a pic of himself wearing both UFC and WWE championship belts, so there's one hint of what's in the works.

This won't be the first time these iconic brands have cross-pollinated. Ronda Rousey, Dave Bautista, and Brock Lesnar are just three mega-stars who moved between the UFC's octagon and the WWE's squared circle in the past.

While it has yet to be seen how "real" and "fake" fights will merge under one brand, one thing is for certain: it is going to be bloody.

Related: WWE CEO Steps Down Amid Misconduct, Hush Money Investigation

Dan Bova

Entrepreneur Staff

VP of Special Projects

Dan Bova is the VP of Special Projects at Entrepreneur.com. He previously worked at Jimmy Kimmel Live, Maxim, and Spy magazine. His latest books for kids include This Day in History, Car and Driver's Trivia ZoneRoad & Track Crew's Big & Fast Cars, The Big Little Book of Awesome Stuff, and Wendell the Werewolf

Read his humor column This Should Be Fun if you want to feel better about yourself.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Science & Technology

Why We Shouldn't Fear AI in Education (and How to Use It Effectively)

Facing resistance to new technologies in the educational process is nothing new, and AI is no exception. Yet, this powerful tool is set to overcome these challenges and revolutionize education, preparing students and professionals for a future of unparalleled efficiency and personalized learning.

Business News

Apple's AI Has a Catch — And It Could Help Boost Sales

Not every iPhone owner will get to use the new Apple Intelligence.

Business News

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Employees from Using Apple Products, Says Will Lock Devices in 'Cages'

The Tesla founder sounded off on X following Apple's 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday.

Business News

Y Combinator Helped Launch Reddit, Airbnb and Dropbox. Here's What I Learned From Its Free Startup School.

The famed startup accelerator offers a free course on building a business — and answers five pressing questions for founders.

Business Culture

You'll Always Have Anxious Employees if You Don't Follow These 4 Leadership Tactics

Creating a thriving workplace environment hinges on the commitment of company leaders to nurture and inspire their teams.