Join our Waitlist for Expert Advice!

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.

Business News

You Have One Month Left to Buy a House, According to Barbara Corcoran. Here's Why.

"If you are planning on waiting a year and seeing where interest rates go, you are out of your mind," Corcoran said.

Side Hustle

I Made $14,000 in 1 Week With a Spontaneous Halloween Costume Side Hustle — Here's How

Sabba Keynejad was in art school when he started to refine his entrepreneurial skills.

Thought Leaders

These 3 Trends Will Change What It Means to Be an Entrepreneur in 2025

Here are three entrepreneurship trends from the new Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report that are changing the landscape for the future.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Business News

These 3 Side Hustles Make the Most Money While Working Fewer Hours, According to a New Survey

The survey also found that having a side hustle doubled as a path to becoming more employable.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.