Conor McGregor, others react to UFC-WWE Merger
Conor McGregor, wrestling manager Paul Heyman, other UFC fighters and WWE wrestlers reacted to the UFC-WWE merger from all sides. Will McGregor be the first dual-promotion champion?
The UFC-WWE merger was officially announced on Monday, though it awaits regulatory approval, which could come in the second half of 2023. The deal would bring the two sports entertainment icons under the umbrella of a parent company, the majority of which would be owned by current UFC owner Endeavor.
Could Conor McGregor become a UFC and WWE champion?
McGregor was the UFC’s first champion to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously, though he never defended either of them. He’s long teased a move to the WWE, but now there is a very real possibility for him and other UFC fighters and WWE wrestlers to participate in cross-promotional opportunities.
Wrestling manager Paul Heyman has worked with numerous popular wrestlers, including Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns. He didn’t sound all that sold on McGregor being able to accomplish the feat of becoming a two-promotion champion.
As news unfurled about the UFC-WWE merger plans, McGregor tweeted a photo of himself (created by his “TheMacLife” website team) draping UFC and WWE belts over his shoulders. The tweet included the #itsinevitable hashtag.
Heyman responded by calling McGregor a “Romain Reigns wannabe.” Reigns is one of the most decorated champions in WWE history.
In true McGregor fashion, the Irishman retorted with, “Careful Grampa. I’ll show up and break your jaw in 3 places.”
Conor McGregor hasn’t always been complimentary when it comes to his WWE counterparts. He has praised legends like Ric Flair, but hasn’t always been a fan newer performers like John Cena. See what McGregor has said in the past about WWE’s wrestlers.
(CORRECTION: This article initially identified McGregor’s twitter exchange as being with Triple H, aka Paul Levesque.)
What UFC fighters and WWE wrestlers are saying about the UFC-WWE merger
Aside from McGregor’s recognition of the juggernauts merger and his jawwing with Heyman, several other fighters and wrestlers chimed in on Twitter to address the UFC-WWE merger. Many argued the merits of the deal as it might filter down to the fighters and wrestlers, while others quickly threw their names into the hat of becoming dual-promotion performers…
Congrats to the @ufc now worth a cool Proper $12bn. Wow! Endeavor bout to scoop the @WWE now also. Incredible. What a powerhouse!
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 2, 2023
Confirmed! UFC-WWE merger creates “$21 Billion powerhouse”
Saw endevour is buying the WWE? Looks like I’m gonna have to lay the smack down on some jabronis in ‘23
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) April 2, 2023
I was in wrestling when it was not the darling it is today and we craved public acceptance, I watched UFC get started and people (who didn’t understand it)wanted to ban it. Now, both -led by incredible people and visionaries -lead the world. I cannot love this enough. LFG! https://t.co/RSnbhlCTOm
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) April 3, 2023
The UFC just bought the WWE!?
Who’s the first fighter gettin put thru a table from a ladder??
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) April 3, 2023
Fighters are thinking more exposure, they’ll start charging for PPV WWE events. generate more income. Fighters are hoping for a share in generosity. But all we get are bread crumbs after doing all the work.
— Mike “Beast Boy” Davis (@MikeDavisMMA) April 3, 2023
I’ll tell you just from seeing my taxes I’m makin twice as much as the majority of most wwe performers I know and I ain’t even a star or had many fights. We could def get paid more but comparably we make pretty good especially with sponsors, endorsements, meet n greets etc
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) April 3, 2023
Conor McGregor praises Ric Flair, rips on other WWE performers
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