Daily Mail: WWE 'stars considering futures with the promotion after UFC merger'

Story from Daily Mail:

It has been reported that some WWE stars are considering their futures with the promotion following the recent merger with UFC amid concerns over the role of Vince McMahon moving forward.

The two promotions announced after WrestleMania 39 that they had come together to form a new company, with 51 per cent controlled by Endeavour Group under the leadership of CEO Ari Emanuel.

The other 49 per cent will be managed by WWE with McMahon in as an executive chairman. His continued prominence is reported to have caused concerns.

Despite being lauded as a brave new step for the sport, reports have emerged alleging concerns from some quarters, not least those wrestlers who already find airtime difficult to come by.

According to PWMania, cutbacks could be abound, with those who have not experienced much prominence recently fearing for their continued involvement with the promotion.

However, in addition to the concerns relating to the merger, McMahon's involvement with the company and its creative direction has caused issues.

Despite it being claimed that he would only oversee the 'big picture', reports suggested he had enjoyed a significant role in Monday Night's RAW.

It was claimed by Fightful that this led to a drop in morale among some of those involved.

McMahon has remained a controversial figure within the sport for some time, with widespread allegations of sexual misconduct levelled against him.

It is said that wrestlers have made clear their displeasure with the developments surrounding McMahon's role on the creative side going up a further step.

Two sources quoted by The Sun confirm that if the trend is to continue 'moving forward', then they will request a release.

Another suggested they will just see out the remainder of their contract with the promotion, insinuating a lack of intention to stay beyond that date.

Wrestling chief McMahon had returned to WWE as chairman in January to help oversee a sale of the company.

He had previously retired from the company in July following allegations he paid several women millions of dollars of 'hush money' regarding alleged sexual misconduct.

He helped to transform WWE into a global phenomenon after buying it from his father, Vince McMahon Sr, in 1982.

However, the deal to merge WWE with Endeavor will bring an end to the company's status as family-run under the leadership of the McMahons.

The announcement also comes just a day after WrestleMania - the sports' flagship event - concluded in California.

The agreement will see two of the largest sports entertainment brands in the world join and - despite differences between the combat sports including WWE featuring scripted matches - several UFC fighters like Brock Lesnar have previously been a part of WWE.

'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,' CEO Emanuel said following news of the merger being confirmed.

McMahon added: 'Given the incredible work that Ari and Endeavor have done to grow the UFC brand – nearly doubling its revenue over the past seven years – and the immense success we’ve already had in partnering with their team on a number of ventures, I believe that this is without a doubt the best outcome for our shareholders and other stakeholders.'