In an update from CNBC, they are reporting that several sources familiar with the situation have confirmed that the Khans are interested in a merger.
The report adds that the Khans would not seek to buy WWE themselves, but would team with a financial group and pool their resources.
The idea is described by CNBC as a “long shot” given the hostility between WWE and AEW that has existed since the latter was founded in 2019.
Shahid Khan is said to have a net worth of $7.56 billion, and in addition to AEW, the Khans own the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team, and the soccer club Fulham FC.
If this merger went ahead, it is unclear if the Khans would cease WWE production, keep the brand going, or create a new hybrid brand of WWE and AEW.
Competition
The Khans are interested in merging with WWE, but they’re not the only ones open to a deal.
This week, it was reported that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund had purchased WWE, but those reports were later clarified to be premature.
As Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE CEO Nick Khan recently spoke to Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
Sting has spent decades building a legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and now the Icon’s daughter is ready to follow in his footsteps.
D Magazine reports that Sting’s daughter Katelyn is taking her first steps into becoming a pro wrestler herself.
In addition to her training, Katelyn works for All Elite Wrestling as part of the promotion’s social media team.
Katelyn Borden
Katelyn still has plenty to learn in the world of professional wrestling, but the second-generation star has already reached championship glory.
Borden is currently the Rhodes Wrestling Academy Women’s Champion and is in her first reign.
Going by the name ‘Jael’ Katelyn captured the title last July, dethroning inaugural champion Shawna Reed.
The End of Sting
While Katelyn’s career is on the rise, her father’s career, by his own admission is coming to an end.
Speaking to D Magazine, Sting said that he has broached the topic of his final match, which he believes will be for AEW.
The former WCW World Heavyweight Champion added that he realizes the high expectations his final match will have.
“I’ve got some insecurities about that, I guess, mainly due to age. The more focus, now you’ve got to follow that big build-up, you know?”
Sting
Sting added that he knows the details of his retirement will be decided sooner rather than later, but he is trying to avoid specifics.
The Icon said that with his final match, the most important thing to him will be how he makes the fans feel, which takes precedence in his view over the setting or the opponent.
Former WWE CEO Stephanie McMahon and her husband, Chief Content Officer Triple H, opposed a potential WWE sell, according to Axios.
This year has begun with a major shakeup with the return of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon on Jan. 6. The chairman returned after retiring last year after allegations of misconduct from former WWE employees. However, McMahon’s return also has led to the possibility of WWE being up for sale.
While McMahon is exploring the possibility of selling the company, it doesn’t seem everyone is on board with the idea. Axios’s Tim Baysinger and Sara Fischer report that Stephanie and Triple H were against the idea of WWE potentially being up for sale.
Sources told Axios that Stephanie McMahon and her husband Paul “Triple H” Levesque, the company’s chief content officer and a retired professional wrestler, had opposed a sale.
While WWE employees and fans are worried about McMahon’s return, some former WWE employees and wrestlers are happy he’s in charge. Ric Flair has spoken openly about McMahon’s return and hopes he’s on TV for the Monday Night Raw 30th Anniversary on Jan. 23.
WWE future is up in the air, as the company opens itself to be sold potentially this year. However, it doesn’t seem everyone is on board with its current direction.
WWE issued a press release Thursday evening addressing the company’s exploration of a potential sale. WWE has engaged financial, legal and strategic communications advisors to support the review of “strategic alternatives to maximize value for all WWE stockholders and other stakeholders.”
Here is the press release, including a quote by the Executive Chairman Vince McMahon.
WWE ENGAGES OUTSIDE ADVISORS TO SUPPORT REVIEW OF STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES
STAMFORD, Conn., January 12, 2023 – WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced that it has retained The Raine Group, LLC as financial advisor, Kirkland & Ellis LLP as legal advisor, and August LLC as strategic communications advisor to support WWE’s management team and its Board of Directors in connection with a review of strategic alternatives to maximize value for all WWE stockholders and other stakeholders.
Vince McMahon, WWE’s Founder and Executive Chairman said:
“WWE’s upcoming media rights cycle will take place amid a rapidly evolving media and entertainment landscape, and we believe exploring our strategic alternatives at this critical juncture will enable WWE to fully capitalize on the significant value of our intellectual property. I am highly confident that our outstanding Directors, outside advisors and executive team will provide valuable expertise and counsel to help guide the Company through this important process while our management team and employee base continue to deliver results and content our fans love.”
– Vince McMahon
There can be no assurances given regarding the outcome or timing of the strategic alternatives review process. WWE does not intend to comment further until the process has concluded or the Company has otherwise determined that further disclosure is appropriate or required.
# # #
About WWE WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The Company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly entertainment on its television programming, premium live events, digital media, and publishing platforms. WWE’s TVPG programming can be seen in more than 1 billion homes worldwide in 30 languages through world class distribution partners including NBCUniversal, FOX, BT Sport, Sony India and Rogers. The award-winning WWE Network includes all premium live events, scheduled programming and a massive video on-demand library and is currently available in more than 180 countries. In the United States, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, is the exclusive home to WWE Network.
All Elite Wrestling talent Britt Baker has shared her thoughts on her husband, Adam Cole, returning to the company.
Cole made his shocking return to AEW Dynamite on Jan. 11 after several months off TV for AEW. His last match was against Jay White, Okada and “Hangman” Adam Page in a fatal four-way match at Forbidden Door on Jun. 26, 2022. He had been dealing with injuries, including a concussion that people were uncertain when Cole would return. However, Cole revealed in a promo on AEW Dynamite that he will return to competition and aspires to be the top performer in the company.
During his segment, he also spoke openly about the issues he faced from his concussion, including dealing with anxiety and motion sickness during his recovery. Baker has posted on Twitter about Cole’s return and expressed how proud she was of him.
“For months, the only time @AdamColePro left the house was to go to brain/physical therapy appointments. There was a time he wasn’t allowed to fly on planes or do anything more than go for a walk. I’m so damn proud of how hard he worked every single day to get back to you all,” said Baker.
Adam Cole responded to the tweet by saying, “Thanks for being in my corner every step of the way. Couldn’t have done it without you.”
(via AEW)
What’s Next For Adam Cole?
Although Cole made his return to AEW, it’s unclear when he will return to competition. In his promo, he didn’t say if he’s medically cleared to compete or when he expects to wrestle again. AEW also has yet to comment on when fans should expect to see Cole compete in the ring.
However, the important part of Cole’s return was that he seemed healthy and in good spirits. Cole’s immediate wrestling future may be unclear, but he is still motivated to be a top performer in professional wrestling.
WWE is looking at potentially selling the company by the middle of this year and has hired JPMorgan to help with talks.
Barron’s, the sister publication to the Wall Street Journal and a subsidiary of Dow Jones & Company, reports that AEW’s Tony and Shad Khan are said to be interested in buying WWE.
The article noted that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund appears more likely to buy Vince McMahon‘s company. The Khan family “is in the pool of potential buyers for WWE.”
The story added, “the Khans will likely look for a financial partner to acquire the asset. Tony Khan’s father Shahid Khan, a co-owner of AEW, already owns the football team Jacksonville Jaguars and the English soccer club Fulham Football Club, indicating the duo have deep pockets.”
Other Buyers
Comcast (NBCU’s parent company), Netflix, Amazon, Endeavor Group Holdings (UFC’s parent company), Warner Bros. Discovery (TNT & TBS’ parent company), Disney, and FOX have been speculated as potential buyers.
“We think that now is the time to Buy WWE,” Benchmark’s Mike Hickey wrote on Friday. “Business momentum is strong, and future growth prospects appear promising.” Through the end of trading on Wednesday, the stock was up 24% since the close on Jan. 5, before Vince McMahon said he believed WWE should consider strategic alternatives.
Dave Meltzer said on Wrestling Observer Radio today that WWE CEO Nick Khan met with Disney CEO Bob Iger and ESPN President James Pitaro this past Monday while at the college football championship game.
WWE is gearing up for its next premium live event Royal Rumble, later this month.
Every year, fans look forward to seeing who will be in the Royal Rumble matches for both the men and women from the active roster and those returning to the company and legends.
The 2023 PLE won’t be any different, as it’s believed several wrestlers will be returning at the show.
The Names
According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com, Edge and his wife, Beth Phoenix, are slated to be at the event. Neither has been on WWE television since the injury angle with Phoenix at the 2022 Extreme Rules PLE, where they were laid out by Judgment Day.
The report noted that Doudrop, who recently stated that she’s been dealing with an illness, is expected to be back in time for the show and will return to the Raw brand.
As far as other return possibilities go, Johnson noted that “Logan Paul is absolutely being talked about in regard to an appearance at the Rumble as well, as long as his knee is rehabbed and he’s ready to go.”
Paul’s recovery from injury was said to be going “better than expected, “as there has been speculation about him returning as soon as the Rumble. He last wrestled Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel in November.
All Elite Wrestling superstar Saraya wouldn’t mind participating in intergender wrestling matches in AEW.
Intergender wrestling matches I’ve caused debate throughout the years between wrestling fans. Some critics may say they don’t like seeing men wrestle women. However, people that support intergender wrestling may point out that it creates equal opportunity and that men and women should be able to work together. It’s a wrestling debate that doesn’t have a right or wrong answer but could depend on a fan’s preference.
Saraya spoke about possibly facing a male wrestler in AEW on the Whoo’s House Podcast. The AEW talent shared that she’s open to having an intergender match but doesn’t think fans would like it.
“I feel like people are really sensitive in this world currently, and it’s really hard to do matches like that without someone being offended by it. I would love to do matches like that.”
– Saraya on Intergender wrestling
Who Would Saraya Face in an Intergender Match?
(AEW)
As Saraya discussed possibly having an intergender match, DJ Whoo Kid asked about challenging Chris Jericho. She added that it is something that she has thought about with her boyfriend, Ronnie Radke.
“…It writes itself. I said even Ronnie even wanted to become part of it, like a storyline to do something against Chris Jericho,” said Saraya. Radke added that he loves Jericho, so it’s unclear if he wants to get physical with Jericho.
Saraya continued, “…He’s such a good bad guy. He plays a very good bad guy and people just love to hate him but I feel like they would have such a good storyline. I would love to wrestle one of the guys. If I have to beat up Chris Jericho, Chris Jericho I’m sure he’d be like ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’ He doesn’t care, he’s very selfless worker. He’s a good guy. He’ll wrestle anybody and if he has to let somebody win he’d be like ‘Absolutely.’ There’s never an ego there, he’s always just like ‘Sure.’ He just wants to help people.
After praising Jericho’s selflessness, she joked that if they wrestled, she’d “…beat that sh*t out of him.” It’s unclear if Jericho would be interested in doing an intergender match. Fans may remember Jericho had a rivalry with WWE Hall of Famer Chyna in the 90s. However, Jericho is currently in a feud with Ricky Starks and Action Andretti.
Saraya has put the idea to the public, and it’s up to AEW and Jericho to make it happen.
All Elite Wrestling tag team FTR will take a break from the company as their contracts expire.
After leaving the WWE, the “Top Guys” have worked with AEW since 2020. During their career in AEW, FTR has gained popularity and success by winning the AEW, Ring of Honor, IWGP, and AAA Tag Team Championships. However, FTR’s future with the company is unclear.
FTR’s Dax Harwood spoke openly about the team’s contract situation on the Jan. 12 episode of his podcast. He also received permission from his teammate Cash Wheeler to publicly discuss the team’s status. He said the team has no championship titles, so they have a clean slate for the year.
“… I’ve also got the blessing of Tony Khan to talk about this and make a statement about this. Tony has been nothing but top-notch to me and Dan since day one. There are things we haven’t agreed on, as any boss and any employee, and even any friend. There are times I felt the boat was missed on opportunities for us. There were times that I was super happy with everything we were doing,” said Harwood.
Harwood began to explain why the team’s future with AEW is uncertain. “But, there has come a time where we are on the tail end of our career, okay. I mean, I’m 38 years old. I talked last week about how hard it is for me to play with my daughter and things like that. We are on the tail end of our career now, so I think right now this point in our career is the most important time in our career. I mean that monetarily. I mean that creatively. I mean that personally. It is the most important time of our career. With that being said, we have asked and been granted the next few months off of television so we can sit back, reflect, decide, let our bodies heal and figure out what we are going to do for the next few years, because whatever we decided to do next will be the absolute last thing we do.”
Dax Harwood Talks About His Future and FTR’s Expiring Contract
It’s unclear what Wheeler thinks about the future of FTR or his career. However, Harwood is still determining if he or the team will be active in five years.
“…I don’t see myself after I’m done with whatever we are going to decide next. I don’t see myself in five years going on the independents and wrestling independents. I don’t see myself working in five years a Japan tour or a Mexico tour or traveling around the world and wrestling all over places. That’s why these next few months are the most important few months for us, said Harwood.
He continued, “…By April at least at most we will have an answer, but now again I have to take in my health, I have to take in my family, I have to take in my creativity and I have to take in my personal life all into consideration about what we are going to do next. I know what I want to do, but whatever we do I just want to be respected. We, I feel, I have done something so special in 2022 and most of that is in part to the fans. I think we deserve to continue to build on our legacy for ourselves, but also we owe it to the fans to build on that legacy because they made us this past year.
What’s Next For FTR?
Harwood confirmed that FTR’s contract would expire this April. He also shared that he isn’t sure how long FTR will not be on AEW TV. The company did tease a feud between The Gunn Club and FTR, but it’s uncertain if AEW will drop the storyline until they can confirm FTR will re-sign.
If FTR’s next contract is their last, it’s possible both Harwood and Wheeler could be in their early 40’s. The AEW tag team is in limbo as both men try to figure out what is best for themselves. That could also mean testing free agency in April for the best offers for their careers and personal life.
WWE hopes to secure a protective order for its anti-trust lawsuit with Major League Wrestling.
On Jan. 11, 2022, MLW filed a lawsuit against the WWE. The lawsuit alleges that WWE tried to halt MLW from finalizing media deals with Tubi and Vice TV. MLW also claims that WWE tried to poach talent away from the company.
When the anti-lawsuit was filed, MLW CEO Court Baurer said, “WWE has been wrongfully depriving its competitors of critical opportunities for many years, but its latest conduct has been even more unconscionable.” He continued, “I think we speak for the rest of the professional wrestling world when we say that this anti-competitive behavior has to stop.”
WWE has attempted to dismiss the lawsuit but hasn’t succeeded. On Dec. 14, 2022, it was reported that the case is expected to move forward. The week prior, our’s Andrew Ravens reported that “MLW laid out the materials they were seeking in discovery.”
PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reports that WWE has requested a protective order to prevent the company from providing discovery material.
“World Wrestling Entertainment filed a motion with the United States District Court, Northern District of California, San Jose Division on January 5th, seeking a protective order from the court that would suspend WWE’s obligation to search for and produce materials requested by MLW in regard to the lawsuit Major League Wrestling brought against them last year,” said the report.
WWE Reason for Requesting a Protective Order
WWE believes the company should wait to provide material for discovery as it’s still being determined if the court will have jurisdiction over the case. Johnson also reports that “…WWE’s stance is that if the Court decides they are not dismissing MLW’s antitrust allegations against the company, the remaining allegations would likely land in State Court, which could require WWE to begin the discovery process anew, at an additional cost to the company.”
The report also shared that MLW wants documents from WWE regarding”…all lawsuits, claims, or complaints, threatened or actual,” made by WWE’s employees (not just professional wrestlers) in connection with WWE employment or contractor agreements.”
It’s unclear if WWE’s request to get a protective order will be granted. WWE could also try to settle the matter out of court, especially with hopes of potentially selling the company.
McMahon reportedly strong-armed his way back into WWE by threatening to withdraw support from all future TV rights negotiations and possible sales.
Benefit
Matt Hardy’s days with WWE are behind him, as he left in 2020, but he still keeps a close eye on the competition.
On the latest Extreme Life podcast, Hardy explained how chaos and unpredictability in WWE can only help AEW.
“Vince McMahon is back and he is the head. He is sitting as the head of the table of WWE currently. We also have Stephanie gone so there’s obviously been a big shake-up. There is a lot of cells, rumors, and innuendo going around, and if you ask me more than anything who benefits from all this? I would say AEW so I’m very happy to be at AEW currently right now. AEW has been producing great content.”
“Who benefits from all this? I would say AEW.”
Matt Hardy on the ongoing power plays in WWE.
Hardy summarised his view on the situation by putting it into context with an analogy from Game of Thrones.
“One thing I love about it is at WWE, they’re playing Games of Thrones It’s like in and out. Who can retain the power and who can backstab? Who can get someone else out or how can I get back in whatever it may be. Here, fortunately, it is just TK [Tony Khan] sitting on the Iron Throne.”
Skeletons in the Closet
There were years, decades even, when the idea of Vince McMahon retiring seemed impossible.
Once McMahon did resign due to allegations of misconduct with female employees, fans thought they’d never see him return.
On his podcast, Hardy discussed McMahon’s controversial comeback and suggested that there are more secrets that could be revealed.
“It was very controversial whenever Vince ended up leaving [in July 2022.] Some of the accusations against him. And I don’t know, considering how much pro wrestling has started to begin mirroring society which is a good thing that it has it’s no longer the wild west it is starting to try and mirror society and run a parallel to how society is. Be a little more moral. But like the Vince thing could end up being very controversial because there are a lot of skeletons in those closets.”
In all statements by WWE so far, there has been no reference to the allegations of misconduct or the millions of dollars McMahon paid in NDAs.
Fingerprints
Prior to McMahon’s return, the ex-CEO stated his attempted comeback was merely to oversee WWE’s sale to another company.
Many are skeptical (especially now that McMahon is Executive Chairman) with fans fearing he will usurp Triple H as Head of Creative.
Hardy said that while McMahon may have only returned for the sale as stated, it may be difficult for him to break old habits.
“I feel like even if Vince is being sincere about that, he won’t be able to control himself like that. If he is back, he is going to put his fingerprints on things. It’s just who he is. It’s absolutely who it is.”
“He won’t be able to control himself.”
Matt Hardy on Vince McMahon.
“There was someone, I would just say randomly, without mentioning names, who said, ‘Raw felt different on Monday. I’ve got a feeling Vince may have had his fingerprints on it.’ Which is interesting.”
McMahon’s roster has not gone down well with WWE’s roster, with some threatening to walk out of the promotion if the rumored deal with Saudi Arabia goes ahead.
GUNTHER says he’s not concerned about WWE sale rumors. He’s leaving that stuff to the executives so he can focus on doing what he does best: winning his matches.
Your reigning Intercontinental champion spoke with the Dallas Morning News this week to promote WWE’s upcoming Royal Rumble premium live event from San Antonio, TX.
It’s been an eventful news week for WWE, to say the least. Stephanie McMahon officially departed the company and Vince is back as Executive Chairman of the WWE Board of Directors. There was also the run-away rumor that WWE sold to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which has since been debunked.
During a conversation with reporter Joey Hayden, Gunther was asked for his take on the prospect of Vince McMahon selling WWE to the Saudis.
“I mean, rumors are rumors. And at the end of the day, I’m not the CEO. I’m a wrestler. So, I focus on what I do in the ring and leave the business to the people that do business.”
– GUNTHER
Gunther was also asked about Stephanie McMahon’s resignation, which caught a lot of people off guard. The Austrian grappler says he doesn’t really know her well, but respects her decision to spend more time with her family.
“I’m happy for her that she’s going to be able now to take time off and enjoy time with her family,” he said. “I think you should be happy for anyone who’s in a position to do that. All the best to her.”
WWE has announced additional dates for the company’s upcoming live event touring schedule. Tickets for these shows go on sale next Friday, January 20 at Ticketmaster.
Check out the schedule below to see if WWE will be in your area in the weeks and months ahead:
Saturday, March 4: Road To WrestleMania® Tour – Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, ONT
Sunday, March 12: Road To WrestleMania Tour – Madison Square Garden in New York City
Monday, March 13: Raw® – Amica Medical Pavilion in Providence, R.I.
Friday, March 24: SmackDown® – MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
Saturday, March 25: Road To WrestleMania Tour – Maverik Center in Salt Lake City, Utah
Sunday, March 26: Road To WrestleMania Tour – Ball Arena in Denver
Friday, April 7: SmackDown – Moda Center in Portland, Ore.
Monday, April 10: Raw – Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle
Friday, April 14: SmackDown – Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb.
Saturday, April 15: Saturday Night’s Main Event® – Rio Rancho Events Center in Rio Rancho, N.M.
Sunday, April 16: Sunday Stunner – Don Haskins Center in El Paso, TX
Monday, April 17: Raw – Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock, Ark.
Friday, April 21: SmackDown – Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH
Saturday, April 22: Saturday Night’s Main Event – Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Monday, April 24: Raw – Allstate Arena in Chicago
Friday, April 28: SmackDown – American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, TX
Saturday, April 29: Saturday Night’s Main Event – Ford Arena in Beaumont, TX
Sunday, April 30: Sunday Stunner – Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City, La.
Monday, May 1: Raw – Dickies Arena in Ft. Worth, TX
Monday, May 22: Raw – GIANT Center in Hershey, Pa.
It appears that All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) Young Bucks were actually offered to be part of Wrestle Kingdom 17 recently.
Sports Illustrated caught up with The Young Bucks this week ahead of yesterday’s episode of AEW Dynamite. The duo, alongside Kenny Omega, ended up re-capturing the AEW World Trios Titles on the program.
During their conversation, the topic of Kenny Omega’s return to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) at Wrestle Kingdom 17 was mentioned.
The duo revealed that they were actually offered to work the show in Omega’s corner for his match with Will Ospreay for the IWGP United States Championship.
“We were actually asked to wrestle and be in Kenny’s corner,” Nick said. “But Matt and I had vacation plans that week. Maybe next year. Who knows?”
(AEW)
Matt added, “We got a fantastic offer. Personally, the timing and the situation didn’t fit for us. I’m sure one day you’ll see us back in a NJPW ring.”
Omega went on to win the match, capturing the IWGP US Title for the second time. He now reigns as the title holder for NJPW, as well as one-third of the Trios Champions in AEW.
The Elite captured the Trios Titles after winning a lengthy Best Of Seven series against Death Triangle.
With rumors running rampant about a WWE sale, Conrad Thompson has chimed in on whether or not he believes AEW’s Tony Khan could put in a winning bid.
Thompson recently took to his podcast with Eric Bischoff, “83 Weeks,” to discuss the ongoing rumors about a potential WWE sale. The longtime professional wrestling podcaster noted he has received calls from multiple people asking if he thinks Khan could purchase WWE.
While Thompson believes that Khan certainly has the ability to purchase WWE, he’s not sure it would make much sense for him to do so.
“I got two phone calls last week from different people who, well, they’re names in the wrestling community,” Conrad Thompson said. “‘Would Tony Khan have the capacity to buy WWE?’ And, I think the answer is, yes, he has the capacity.
“There is no question that he would be able to put together a deal. But, I would just, I would put the odds of that being near zero. Like what would be, I don’t know why Tony Khan would do that. I don’t see the upside of Tony Khan doing that.
“How much of your 11 billion dollars of your net worth — depending on how much of it is even liquid — are you willing to put on WWE? … You’ve got the Jags, you’ve got a football team in England, you’ve got AEW, I don’t know what other businesses they’re in, but do you really, really want to do that?”
Recently, Vince McMahon returned to WWE’s board of directors to reportedly help facilitate a trade. Frontrunners have emerged for the purchasing; with names like Amazon, FOX, and Comcast leading the way.
There was a brief rumor that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund secured and finalized a deal to purchase WWE, however, that report was later proven false as no deal has been completed as of this writing.
Despite this, the Saudi investment fund still remains a very real contender to purchase the professional wrestling juggernaut.
WWE is still on the market following premature reports of a sale, but higher-ups in the company hope this won’t be the case for long.
Last week, Vince McMahon returned to WWE to oversee a sale of the company but has since been appointed as Executive Chairman of the board.
Names reportedly interested in purchasing WWE include Comcast, FOX, Netflix, Amazon, and Disney, among others.
Nick Khan
This week, it was reported that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund had purchased the promotion, but it was later clarified that a sale hasn’t happened yet.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said that WWE CEO Nick Khan was recently in the vicinity of some influential names.
“Nick Khan was in Los Angeles when I was in Los Angeles…One hotel over from me. I didn’t know it at the time. Nick Khan went to football game Monday night, so he wasn’t on RAW.
“he met with some heavy hitters, cause heavy hitters went to the college football championship game. Bob Iger [CEO of The Walt Disney Company,] Jimmy Pitaro [CEO of ESPN] so, I guess those names will ring some bells.”
Dave Meltzer.
Summer
There was a time when the sale of WWE seemed impossible, but now Vince McMahon and others are eager to make it happen.
On his show, Meltzer gave a timeline as to when to expect a deal to be reached.
“They are looking to sell by the middle of the year. JPMorgan is helping them.”
Dave Meltzer.
Neither WWE nor the Saudi Public Investment Fund have commented on the reports of a deal between the two parties.
Vince McMahon’s return to WWE has shaken the wrestling world to its core and saw the departure of multiple members of the promotion’s Board of Directors.
McMahon, who has the majority voting power in WWE, was reappointed to WWE’s Board of Directors last week, alongside former co-Presidents Michelle Wilson and George Barrios.
Despite McMahon’s return being cited as just to oversee a sale of WWE, the 77-year-old billionaire has been appointed ‘Executive Chairman’ of WWE following the resignation of Stephanie McMahon.
Resignations
The return of McMahon, Wilson, and Barrios also saw the departure of JoEllen Lyons Dillon, Jeffrey R. Speed, and Alan M. Wexler from the board.
Not long after these names were removed, it was reported that Man Jit Singh And Ignace Lahoud had voluntarily relinquished their positions on the board.
In an SEC report filed yesterday afternoon, WWE confirmed that their departures came about because of McMahon’s return.
“Messrs. Lahoud and Singh agreed with the Board’s decision to explore the Company’s strategic alternatives, they did not agree with Mr. McMahon’s return at this time.”
Singh’s departure is particularly notable, as he led the board’s investigation into McMahon’s allegations of sexual misconduct and hush-money payments.
There is currently no word on who will fill these spots.
Legal Trouble
Vince McMahon is back on top of his wrestling kingdom, but how long the Executive Chairman stays there remains to be seen.
McMahon allegedly threatened to oppose any TV rights talks or offers to buy WWE, unless he got the final say on any future plans.
The suit states that the move to “take complete personal control over any major corporate decision” by “adding his cronies to the board” violates Delaware law.
This popular wrestling promotion celebrated its four-year anniversary recently and will soon be teaming with the hit quiz show Jeopardy.
The answer: What is All Elite Wrestling?
That’s at least according to AEW referee Bryce Remsburg, who on Twitter this week, shared a photo from the Jeopardy studio.
In his tweet, Remsburg thanked Ken Jennings, the host of the show for letting him visit his work, and teased a crossover project between AEW and Jeopardy that will be revealed next week.
Thanks to the great @KenJennings for letting me come visit him at work this week.
All Elite Wrestling may still be a young company (celebrating its four-year anniversary this week) but Tony Khan’s brand of wrestling has struck a chord with the mainstream.
Last June, several AEW stars, including Bryan Danielson, CM Punk, Christian Cage, Ruby Soho, Powerhouse Hobbs, MJF, and Britt Baker, appeared on Apple TV’s Carpool Karaoke.
Not long after, it was confirmed that AEW’s Orange Cassidy, Kris Statlander, and Chuck Taylor would be part of season two of Netflix’s hit show ‘The Floor is Lava.’
The show sees teams attempt to traverse an obstacle course without falling in the ‘lava’ below.
Wrestlers and Game Shows
This will be the first time AEW teams with Jeopardy, but will hardly be the first example of wrestlers appearing on a quiz show.
In November 2001, stars of the WWF appeared on a celebrity edition of the Weakest Link, which was won by Triple H.
The Game outlasted other stars and his wife Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley to win for his charity.
A second edition of the show was hosted the following year, with the Big Red Machine Kane (in full Kane attire) defeating Bubba Ray Dudley in the finals.
Vince McMahon is back with WWE, and the company could soon be owned by Saudi Arabia, and that’s just something Jim Ross believes the WWE Superstars have to accept.
McMahon returned to WWE last week, initially as a member of the Board of Directors, but has since powered his way into being appointed ‘Executive Chairman.’
It was reported this week that the company had been sold to the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, but it was later clarified that this sale isn’t complete just yet.
Don’t Be a Baby
McMahon’s return to WWE has not gone down well with fans or those backstage, with the belief being that morale was much better with him gone.
It has been reported that talent have been left fearful that mass-cuts will resume with McMahon in charge again, and some anonymous Superstars have told sources they want out.
Speaking on his Grilling J.R. podcast, Ross, a former WWE Head of Talent Relations, gave his advice to the roster.
“I’m sure that the guys that work there are wondering what the hell’s going on. My advice to them is just do your job. Come to work on time, don’t be a problem child, don’t be a baby. Be willing to go along with things to see how it’s gonna work out.”
Jim Ross.
Saudi Arabia
McMahon’s return isn’t the only thing that is shaking morale in WWE at this time.
While reports of WWE being sold to Saudi Arabia were premature, many believe that this sale will still happen down the line.
Fightful Select reported this week that while nobody has asked for their release yet, one talent said “they’d be done” if WWE goes through with a Saudi sale.
On a Fightful live-stream, Sean Ross Sapp said that talent have threatened to walk out if this sale happens, and “100%” believes that those Superstars will go ahead with their threat.
Neither WWE nor the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund has confirmed or even commented on the reports of a sale taking place.
Clad in street clothes, Adam Cole (baybay) said he had some “good news and some bad news.”
Cole asked if everyone was “ready for story time with Adam Cole, baybay?” He spoke about how thankful he is for his career and life. He revealed that he has been dealing with a “shoulder that was torn to shreds” and consecutive head injuries. He shared that he was seeing doctors multiple times a week. He struggled with headaches and dizziness, especially if he was riding in a car. Cole was struggling with anxiety.
Cole got emotional recounting what he’s been through and said he had bad news. But, it wasn’t for him. It was “for the AEW locker room because Adam Cole is back!” He thought his career was finished, but he “will not stop until I’m the very best.”
William Regal has been given a new title in WWE following his return to the company.
Regal’s previous title before his WWE release last year had been Director of Talent Development and Head of Global Recruiting. He had been working backstage in the company since June 2014 and was considered Triple H’s right-hand man.
According to a report from PWInsider, Regal is now the Vice President, Global Talent Development for WWE.
Regal’s Journey
The former NXT General Manager returned to WWE after being with AEW since debuting there at Revolution on March 6, 2022, where he helped form the Blackpool Combat Club.
The faction included Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta. Regal had the following to say about his time in AEW.
“Yesterday was my last official day with @AEW. I’d like to thank @TonyKhan, Megha and all the hard working crew. Contrary to people who’ve never spoken to me or have their information from people who don’t know me or are trying to make themselves noticed, I had a lovely time working there and had a great time. Lots of talented Wrestlers, and lovely people to work for. To my fellow BCC members, it was a special, albeit brief few months but it cemented our already strong friendship. To everyone there, thank you for welcoming me. Best wishes.”
AEW President Tony Khan revealed during an ROH Final Battle media call last month that Regal asked him not to pick up the option year on his contract because he wanted to return to WWE to help train his son, NXT wrestler Charlie Dempsey.
Sudu Shah, real name Sudu Upadhyay, has confirmed that he has finished up with WWE after working as an announcer for the NXT brand.
In a post on Twitter, Shah issued a statement announcing that the NXT Level Up taping from Orlando, Florida, at WWE’s Performance Center on Tuesday night marked his final appearance for the company. He noted that he was grateful for his time with WWE:
The Statement
“Yesterday was my final day with the WWE. What an incredible experience working with some of the most talented people I’ve ever met.Thank you to everyone who watched and supported every week!”
Shah first signed with WWE in January 2022 as a play-by-play commentator for the 205 Live brand before the cruiserweight show was replaced with NXT Level Up that February.
Before joining WWE, he previously worked for Fox 5 News in Atlanta and was a sports anchor on WMC-TV in Memphis for three years, in addition to doing viral campaigns for the likes of ESPN, Bleacher Report, and SBNation prior to signing with WWE. In 2017, he was named a finalist in the Tennessee Associated Press Sportscaster of the Year award.
This announcement comes one day after Chairwoman and co-CEO Stephanie McMahon announced her departure from the company.
Vince McMahon, who returned to the company last week after resigning amid a wave of sexual harassment allegations, has been dealt with a lawsuit.
According to court documents from Bloomberg Law, a WWE investor named Scott A. Fellows has filed a lawsuit alleging McMahon pushed aside the board to install himself as chairman again illegally.
The suit was filed in Delaware’s Chancery Court, where the WWE shareholder accused him of using his 81% voting control to oust three board members and then replace them with two loyalists (George Barrios and Michelle Wilson) and make bylaw changes that would “impose his will on the board and WWE.”
The Course
The lawsuit was filed six months after Vince stepped down as chairman and CEO of WWE because of the allegations that he paid $12 million over more than 15 years to keep the sexual harassment accusations quiet.
Vince’s daughter, Stephanie McMahon, resigned as co-CEO and chairwoman Tuesday. Nick Khan is now the WWE CEO, while Triple H is still in charge of the main roster creative.
The lawsuit notes that McMahon managed to time his return to get control of upcoming negotiations over the company’s expiring media rights by leveraging a threat to withhold support for any deal reached if the Board didn’t bring him back.
This was also shared in public SEC documents from December in addition to McMahon stating he wanted to oversee a potential sale of the company. The board, which had included Stephanie, Khan, and Triple H, unanimously voted against McMahon coming back.
The suit stated the move to “take complete personal control over any major corporate decision” by “adding his cronies to the board” violates Delaware law.
Vince McMahon’s shocking retirement in July of last year did little to stop the former CEO’s business plans, it has been claimed.
McMahon retired following allegations of misconduct with female employees which resulted in millions being paid in non-disclosure agreements.
While McMahon paid out of his own pocket, an investigation determined that these payouts should have been noted on WWE’s financial records as they were seen as beneficial to WWE.
Immediately
Last month, it was reported that McMahon regretted his retirement and was plotting a comeback to oversee a sale of WWE.
Earlier this month, McMahon’s return proved to be successful, as he is now serving as Executive Chairman of the promotion, replacing the recently departed Stephanie McMahon.
On Wrestling Observer Radio Dave Meltzer reported that McMahon had been plotting a sale immediately after his retirement.
“Ever since Vince was ousted, he did open up talks with the Saudis. I mean, this didn’t come in the last week. His coming back was obviously to close the deal.”
Dave Meltzer.
Up for Sale
It was reported by multiple sources earlier this week that WWE had been purchased by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund.
The fund has over half-a-trillion dollars to its name and is overseen by its Chairman: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
With the Saudi purchase not confirmed, WWE remains open to offers, with names like FOX, Comcast, Disney, Netflix, and Amazon all considered possible buyers.
