Talk about WWE potentially being sold has come and gone in waves. At one point, it was believed there was real potential Vince McMahon was gearing up to sell the company, emphasized by the fact big contracts were cut from the talent payroll. In other weeks, the talk has quieted. What’s really going on?

According to one financial expert, all signs point to WWE gearing up for a sale, eventually. Laura Martin of Needham says that, yes, the extremely popular sports entertainment brand looks like it is going to be sold and Vince is making shrewd business moves to prepare for that sale.

Martin insists that WWE is lining their ducks up in a row, citing the WWE licensing deal of the WWE Network to Peacock as the biggest indicator a sale is coming. Martin explains: “The US OTT rights fees alone generated over 100% of 2020’s total OTT Network’s revs, so international fees are just gravy, and cutting out all OTT Network costs implies that this new strategy has much higher ROICs than running a direct-to-consumer business.”

For those that don’t understand what that means, the fact WWE got out of the business of running the business of streaming it’s product to consumers, then let another company have the rights to do so was a smart financial move — if the objective is to be sold. US OTT refers to over-the-top media service. (WWE Network). “ROICs”, refers to Return on Invested Capital. Essentially, WWE has cut out the costs of running the network and made a huge chunk of money by selling the rights to the content. The decision looks good to outside potential buyers.

The article goes on to say that three-quarters of WWE’s revenue will come from their Peacock deal for WWE’s OTT Network rights. It makes them a much lower risk for whomever buys the company because those deals are in place and guaranteed.

When WWE might sell was not part of the article, but it sure sounds like WWE might be thinking about doing something sooner than later. As of now, it seems to more of a “some day” situation than an “imminent” one.

For fans, it probably won’t change all that much, at least not right away. It would be hard to imagine whoever bought the company moving out the people in charge as their first order of business.

Source: The Sportster

Several changes to the WWE product are reportedly on the horizon as they await the return of live crowds.

According to Paul Davis of WrestlingNews.co, Edge and John Cena “are expected” to return next month to prepare for SummerSlam — set for Aug. 21 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Reports indicate that Cena will face Universal Champion Roman Reigns in the main event of SummerSlam, while the Rated-R Superstar is reportedly set to feud with Seth Rollins.

Davis also reported that The Bella Twins, who were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year, are also “getting ready to return.” According to Davis, some in WWE also hope to have The Rock wrestle at Survivor Series as a way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his debut with the company.

Last week, WrestlingNews.co also reported that WWE chairman Vince McMahon knows “the product is stale.” The report also noted that some in WWE management believe they’re saving the “good stuff” for the live crowds. WWE will begin a 25-city tour on July 16, when SmackDown runs live at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

Davis also noted that it looks like Becky Lynch will return soon. The former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion was at the Performance Center last week, supposedly to get ready for a return to the ring. Lynch has been on leave since May of last year. Lynch and Seth Rollins had their first child together, a daughter named Roux, in Decembe

WWE is also reportedly working on Brock Lesnar’s return. He hasn’t been on WWE programming since WrestleMania 36 14 months ago.

There is a need for some changes, and having major stars return will obviously help enhance the television product. With live crowds set to return, it’s the perfect time for WWE to bring in the required changes.

Source: The Sportster