Tag: UFC

TKO Employees Reportedly Growing Frustrated With Saudi Arabia Partnership Amid Ongoing Security Concerns

WWE’s Crown Jewel event may be in the rearview mirror, but the controversy surrounding TKO Group Holdings’ relationship with Saudi Arabia is reportedly far from over.

According to a new report from Uncrowned, employees working across WWE and other TKO-owned properties are becoming increasingly frustrated with the company’s continued decision to hold events in Saudi Arabia despite ongoing security concerns in the region.

The report claims that multiple employees have expressed concerns about TKO’s commitment to continuing its business relationship with the country, particularly as attacks have continued around Riyadh.

Some employees reportedly believe financial considerations are being placed ahead of the safety and well-being of the company’s talent and production staff.

TKO Employees Question Company’s Priorities

According to Uncrowned, one employee described the Saudi Arabia partnership as increasingly motivated by money, suggesting TKO is unwilling to risk losing significant payments from the Saudi government by canceling scheduled events.

Another employee reportedly expressed similar frustrations, pointing out that several sporting events, including golf and tennis tournaments, had been canceled while TKO proceeded with both WWE Crown Jewel and a Power Slap event.

The situation reportedly created additional challenges for production personnel, with some employees required to work on both events.

However, the biggest concern among employees appears to involve TKO’s plans to continue hosting events in Saudi Arabia over the coming weeks.

Two upcoming events are reportedly drawing particular attention:

  • November 14: Zuffa Boxing event in Riyadh.
  • December 5: UFC Fight Night in Riyadh.

According to the report, some employees are questioning why the company continues moving forward with these events while security concerns remain.

UFC Fight Night Raises Additional Concerns Behind the Scenes

The December 5 UFC Fight Night event has reportedly become a particular source of frustration among TKO employees.

Uncrowned reported that some workers were concerned about the lack of communication from company leadership regarding security arrangements, employee protection, and potential contingency plans if the situation deteriorates.

One employee described communication from higher-ups as lacking, while another claimed that some workers were exploring ways to avoid traveling to Saudi Arabia for the event.

However, there were reportedly concerns about potential consequences for employees who refused to make the trip.

One anonymous employee expressed the frustration by saying:

“This is a company that can fire you for no reason or any reason. Everyone just can’t believe this is a choice that they are being forced to make; fly into a war zone or risk getting fired before Christmas.”

The comments paint a troubling picture of the reported atmosphere behind the scenes as employees weigh their personal safety against their professional responsibilities.

Anonymous Employee Claims TKO Workers Are Treated Poorly

Another employee reportedly suggested that the frustrations extend beyond the Saudi Arabia situation itself.

According to the source, workers across TKO have increasingly come to realize that the company’s approach toward its employees is unlikely to change.

The employee suggested that people are essentially being left with two choices: accept the company’s expectations or leave.

The source also questioned the public perception that TKO takes particularly good care of its employees, arguing that the experiences of backstage workers are considerably different.

“Everyone across the whole company gets treated like s***, whether you’re a fighter or a camera guy,” the employee stated.

The comments suggest that dissatisfaction may extend throughout multiple areas of TKO’s operations rather than being limited to WWE personnel.

TKO’s Saudi Arabia Partnership Faces More Scrutiny

WWE and TKO have continued their relationship with Saudi Arabia through major wrestling events, while other parts of the company have also scheduled events in the country.

However, the latest Uncrowned report suggests that the ongoing security situation has created growing tension among the employees responsible for making those events happen.

With Zuffa Boxing and UFC Fight Night still on the reported schedule, questions remain about whether TKO will make any adjustments to its plans or provide additional assurances to the personnel expected to travel.

For now, the reported frustrations highlight a growing behind-the-scenes issue for TKO as the company continues balancing its lucrative Saudi Arabia relationship with concerns being raised by its own workforce.

What do you think about the reported situation within TKO? Should the company reconsider holding events in Saudi Arabia while security concerns remain, or should those events continue as scheduled?

Ronda Rousey Biopic Finds New Life at Netflix with Director Augustine Frizzell

After years of uncertainty, the long-awaited Ronda Rousey biopic is officially back in the spotlight — and it’s heading to Netflix. According to a new report from Deadline, director Augustine Frizzell has signed on to helm the film, which is based on Rousey’s memoirs My Fight/Your Fight and Our Fight.

The biopic, which has been in development limbo since 2015, was originally in the works at Paramount after the studio secured the rights to Rousey’s first memoir. However, following a string of behind-the-scenes management shake-ups, the project was shelved and largely forgotten — until now.

Netflix has picked up the rights and given the green light to a fresh vision, with Frizzell reportedly impressing execs and producers with her passionate pitch for the story. A longtime admirer of Rousey, Frizzell dove deep into both memoirs even before her initial meeting, and sources say she instantly knew this was a film she had to direct.

But perhaps the most surprising twist? Rousey herself reportedly penned the script. After reading through several drafts from other writers and not quite connecting with any of them, the former UFC and WWE star took matters into her own hands. In just seven days, she wrote a version that stunned her agents — a move that reflects her trademark all-or-nothing approach, whether in the octagon, the ring, or now, in Hollywood.

Frizzell’s growing relationship with Netflix makes her a natural fit for the project. She’s currently set to direct half the episodes of the upcoming Netflix sci-fi series The Boroughs, and her collaboration with the streamer seems to be just getting started.

As of now, casting details and a release window for the Rousey biopic haven’t been announced, but with momentum finally back on its side — and with Rousey herself writing the script — fans could soon see her real-life fight story play out on the small screen.

Stay tuned to WrestlingNewsBlog.com for more updates as this project develops.

AEW Ramifications Of Potential WBD-UFC Deal

AEW’s partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is locked in through 2028, but potential changes could be on the horizon for the company’s Saturday night show, Collision. According to a new report, WBD is interested in acquiring UFC broadcast rights, which could have a direct impact on AEW’s programming schedule.

What’s the Situation?

Per Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer, if WBD successfully secures a deal with UFC, the promotion’s events would likely air on TNT—the same network where Collision currently resides. This raises questions about AEW’s Saturday night time slot. If UFC takes priority, Collision could be moved out of primetime or potentially shifted over to TBS, where Dynamite airs on Wednesdays.

What This Means for AEW

AEW has already seen one major network switch in its history when Dynamite moved from TNT to TBS in 2022. While shifting Collision to TBS could provide brand consistency, Meltzer warns that constantly changing time slots could be detrimental to the show’s viewership. However, there is also a scenario where Collision remains on TNT but airs after UFC events. If that happens, AEW might actually benefit from a strong lead-in audience.

The Bigger Picture

UFC’s current media rights deal with ESPN expires at the end of 2024, making it a prime target for networks looking to boost their sports programming. It’s also worth noting that UFC’s parent company, TKO Group, also owns WWE, adding another layer of intrigue to WBD’s interest in the MMA promotion.

Meanwhile, AEW’s own media landscape has evolved. At the beginning of the year AEW programming became available for streaming on MAX, and its pay-per-views can now be purchased on Amazon Prime Video—marking a notable expansion of their distribution reach.

For now, AEW remains a key player in WBD’s programming lineup, but if UFC enters the equation, Collision’s Saturday night home could be in for a shake-up.

Details Behind Lawsuits WWE Facing Over UFC Merger, Endeavor Deal

It was reported yesterday that WWE investors filed a lawsuit challenging the promotion’s merger with UFC. The merger was completed in September under the name TKO Group Holdings after being announced following WrestleMania 39. In an update published by Bloomberg, the lawsuit claims that former WWE Chairman and current TKO Executive Chairman, Vince McMahon, used his “domineering personality” and majority stake at WWE to arrange an “unfair transaction.”

It’s also noted in the lawsuit that McMahon, who reinstated himself onto WWE’s board in January after retiring last summer amid sexual misconduct allegations, rebuffed higher offers to secure a deal with his longtime friend Ari Emanuel, the CEO of Endeavor and TKO, to keep himself involved with the Stamford, Connecticut-based promotion despite “stockholder discontent” and “government investigations.”

The suit also claims that Emanuel put forward a tentative offer to McMahon after the 78-year-old reached out to him following his return to the organization earlier this year. It’s said that Emanuel’s offer was entertained before other competing bids. It was described in the suit as a “sham sales process” to benefit Endeavor and shut out bidders who were looking to take McMahon out of the picture. Meanwhile, longtime wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer mentioned on the latest “Wrestling Observer Radio” that there is another lawsuit being filed by a WWE stockholder. Meltzer claimed that further details about that complaint would be revealed soon.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE-UFC Merger Officially Closes, Endeavor Announces Launch Of TKO Group Holdings

The WWE-UFC merger has officially closed, with Endeavor today announcing the creation of TKO Group Holdings. The new premium sports and entertainment company has now begun trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the “TKO” ticker symbol.

In the official press release, Endeavor and TKO CEO Ari Emanuel described the creation of TKO Group Holdings as an “exciting new chapter for UFC and WWE as leaders in global sports and entertainment,” while TKO’s Executive Chairman Vince McMahon said that “WWE is optimally positioned for future growth and success as part of TKO.” As per the previously agreed terms, Endeavor will hold 51 percent of the controlling interest in TKO, and existing WWE shareholders will hold 49 percent.

Moving forward, Dana White will become Chief Executive Officer of UFC, with Lawrence Epstein retaining his roles as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of UFC. On the WWE side, Nick Khan will switch positions from WWE CEO to President of WWE.

McMahon, who retired amid several sexual misconduct allegations last summer, returned to WWE in January as Executive Chairman to seek a potential sale of the Stamford, Connecticut-based organization. Following weeks of speculation about possible buyers, it was announced on April 3 that WWE and UFC would be merging under the Endeavor umbrella to form a new sports and entertainment company.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE-UFC Merger Sets Expected Date To Close Deal, Create TKO Group Holdings

It was revealed last month that the WWE-UFC merger was expected to be finalized by “mid-to-late” September. Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., UFC’s parent company, and WWE have said today that they expect their previously agreed deal to form a new sports and entertainment company, TKO Group Holdings, Inc., to close on September 12. TKO will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange once the transaction is complete.

It was announced on April 3 — the day after WrestleMania 39 had concluded at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California — that WWE and UFC would be merging under the Endeavor umbrella to create a company. 

Ari Emanuel, Endeavor’s CEO, and Vince McMahon, WWE’s Executive Chairman, discussed the deal with CNBC after it had been announced. McMahon said that the newly formed organization would become “a $21+ billion live sports and entertainment powerhouse.”

According to the agreement, McMahon is set to become the Executive Chairman of the new organization, while Nick Khan and Dana White will retain their respective roles as CEO of WWE and President of UFC. Emanuel will become CEO of TKO.

It was recently reported that there was a sense of “doom and gloom” among WWE employees regarding the impending WWE-UFC merger. It’s said that many are worried about potential cuts once the deal closes.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Sells To Endeavor, Announces Merger With UFC

After being initially reported by CNBC on Sunday, it has now been made official: WWE has been purchased by Ari Emanuel’s Endeavor Group and will join with UFC to form a new publicly-traded company, holding a supposed collective value of more than $21 billion. Former WWE CEO Vince McMahon, who re-joined the company’s Board of Directors as executive chairman in January, reportedly to help facilitate a sale, called the move “the best outcome for our shareholders and other stakeholders.”

“Together, we will be a $21+ billion live sports and entertainment powerhouse with a collective fanbase of more than a billion people and an exciting growth opportunity,” McMahon said. “I, along with the current WWE management team, look forward to working closely with Ari and the Endeavor and UFC teams to take the businesses to the next level.”

Under the terms of the acquisition, McMahon will continue to serve as executive chairman of the board, while Emanuel will lead the company as CEO and Mark Shapiro will be President and COO “of both Endeavor and the new company.” Dana White and Nick Khan are set to maintain their respective roles as President of UFC and President of WWE.

“This is a rare opportunity to create a global live sports and entertainment pureplay built for where the industry is headed,” Emanuel said. “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.”

The deal sees Endeavor take ownership of 51% of WWE, while the company’s existing shareholders retain 49%. The new company will list on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “TKO.” The transaction values WWE at $9.3 billion, which was McMahon’s reported asking price back in February (though WWE stock is down in pre-market trading, indicating that investors disagree with the valuation) and comes the day after the conclusion of WrestleMania 39.

The full SEC filing for WWE’s merger can be found here, whilst WWE and UFC’s joint press release can be found here.

An all-hands-on-deck meeting has been called for WWE employees later this afternoon.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

What Happened With Brock Lesnar’s UFC Return Negotiations, Possible WWE Match For Lesnar

As noted, UFC President Dana White revealed this week that Brock Lesnar recently informed him that he will be retiring from MMA.

There’s a lot of speculation on Lesnar’s UFC future and if he really is retired from the Octagon. It’s important to note that this is White saying Lesnar has retired, not the man himself or anyone close to him. Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that Lesnar had been negotiating with UFC for the summer 2019 fight with UFC Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier, and a deal could not be reached.

Lesnar reportedly wanted a flat fee from UFC for the Cormier fight, instead of a percentage of pay-per-view buys, but UFC felt like he was asking for too much. Meltzer noted that UFC is no longer under pressure to draw strong pay-per-view buys because they are getting about the same money through their deal with ESPN. We don’t know how much Lesnar asked for, but it was a certain price that was worth it to him to go through a grueling training camp at age 42, for a fight against a top athlete and fighter in Cormier.

It was revealed this week by TMZ Sports that Lesnar was still submitting to USADA drug testing as recent as April. We don’t know how long Lesnar has been considering the retirement, but the timing is interesting. Meltzer noted that Lesnar had to enter into the USADA testing program to negotiate with WWE and UFC, because if he didn’t, then WWE would know that he couldn’t fight for another 6 months, and wasn’t really serious about possibly returning to UFC over WWE. UFC has always been Lesnar’s leverage in WWE contract talks. There’s no word yet on if Lesnar has pulled out of the USADA testing but if he has, he could come back and would have to wait another 6 months before being eligible for a fight. If he does pull out, that’s a good sign that he has really decided not to fight. Meltzer noted that if he doesn’t pull out, this all could be a public negotiation by White in an attempt to get Lesnar to lower his price.

White noted that Cormier will likely face Stipe Miocic next, at the August 17 pay-per-view from Anaheim, California. This could have been the date they wanted to do Lesnar vs. Cormier on.

There’s no word yet on what the MMA retirement will mean for Lesnar’s WWE future. He has been announced for WWE’s return to Saudi Arabia on Friday, June 7, but his opponent has not been named. The Observer notes that he will likely face WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins in a rematch from WrestleMania 35. The Lesnar vs. Rollins rematch was expected but that was before WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg was also announced for the Saudi show, leading to speculation on a Lesnar vs. Goldberg rematch.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Amanda Nunes Makes History at UFC 232

UFC

Over the years there has been much dispute over who the greatest of all time is when it comes to women’s MMA. Tonight I think the world finally got their answer. The GOAT is indeed a Lioness. At UFC 232 Amanda Nunes made history by becoming the first woman to be a two-division champion. Furthermore, she did something that NO OTHER woman was able to do, knock out Cris Cyborg. In her post-fight interview, the lioness said she believes she’s a future UFC Hall of Famer, and after a first-round TKO over Ronda Rousey and now a first-round KO to Cyborg who in their right mind can argue that? It’ll be interesting to see how this changes the complexity of not only the bantamweight division but the featherweight division as well. Nothing is for certain but no matter what we’re excited On behalf of everyone here at wrestling news blog we would like to extend our congratulations to Amanda Nunes. It is well deserved

Brock Lesnar Vs. Daniel Cormier UFC Fight Not Happening?

Image result for Brock Lesnar Vs. Daniel Cormier UFC Fight Not Happening?

It looks like the UFC fight between WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar and UFC Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier might not happen.

The fight was expected for early 2019 but UFC President Dana White told TMZ that he’s not sure if the fight will happen.

White wants Cormier to fight Jon Jones, although Cormier’s camp wants him to retire.

“I’d obviously like to see Jones and Cormier fight again at heavyweight,” White said. “Cormier’s team wants him to retire now. They want him to retire right now. I hope we can get 3 more fights out of him.”

Cormier has noted in media interviews that he wants to retire on his 40th birthday, which would be March 20.

It will be interesting to see if Cormier ends up with WWE if he retires from MMA. Cormier had a WWE commentary tryout planned recently, but he had to postpone it when his UFC 230 fight was booked.

“[WWE] called me. They reached out to my assistant. It was WWE, not Fox. They called me about going to Orlando, Florida,” Cormier told Busted Open Radio earlier this month. “I had a tentative date, but then I couldn’t make that date. Afterward, they asked me to go back but they were on tour or something for a month, and I was like, I want to do it with the entire commentary team. I don’t want to do it with one guy here and one guy there because I wanted to see who I can mesh with, and they were like, okay let’s schedule it in November.

“But then I took this [UFC 230] fight and then it got pushed back again. We will revisit this. I am going to Orlando to the Performance Center to do my gig to see how it works out. I am very passionate about pro wrestling. I have watched it my whole life. You can YouTube my reaction to when Seth Rollins won the World Championship at WrestleMania 31. I am very passionate. It is what I like to do. Since I was a kid I liked watching wrestling and is a dream to be able to do something with them in the future.”

Source: WrestlingINC