The pro wrestling world was abuzz with excitement as news broke of Endeavor’s merger with WWE, marking a new era for the company. Among the potential buyers, it was Endeavor that secured the deal, while AEW’s President, Tony Khan, expressed his keen interest in acquiring WWE.
During an interview with The Maggie & Perloff Show, Tony Khan briefly touched upon his desire to purchase WWE, creating a monumental moment in pro wrestling history had AEW acquired their formidable competitor. Despite missing out on the opportunity, Khan remains attentive to the developments in the new merged company, recognizing the potential transformative impact it could have on the pro wrestling landscape.
“It will be very interesting to see what happens with that sale. Certainly, in many ways, it’s a big positive to the pro wrestling business,” Khan remarked, hinting at the potential benefits arising from the merger.
He further highlighted the resurgence of pro wrestling as an industry, citing impressive attendance, TV and streaming numbers, and robust sales for AEW’s PPV events and merchandise. Khan confidently asserted that AEW’s success played a significant role in the industry’s revival in 2023, contributing to the broader conversation surrounding pro wrestling.
As the WWE and UFC deal progresses, pending any government interventions, the two entities will be traded under the stock name TKO. The future of this partnership remains uncertain, but there is speculation that Tony Khan may harbor regrets about not pursuing the WWE acquisition more aggressively.
Vince McMahon, deeply involved in the buyout negotiations, is believed to have favored Endeavor as they were one of the few potential buyers interested in keeping him involved with the company. McMahon’s influence and presence within WWE were significant factors in the decision-making process.
