The crossover between UFC and WWE is not a new phenomenon, with some UFC fighters having their own WrestleMania moments in the past. However, the recent merger of both organizations under the TKO Group Holdings has opened up new possibilities for collaborative efforts and joint ventures.
In April 2023, the announcement of Endeavor’s acquisition of WWE and its subsequent merger with UFC created TKO Group Holdings. The finalization of this deal in September 2023 marked a significant shift in the landscape of sports and entertainment. As WrestleMania 40 approaches, the prospect of MMA fighters making appearances in WWE events becomes more plausible.
Recent developments, such as UFC offering special VIP tickets for UFC 298 with in-suite visits from WWE stars Bianca Belair and Montez Ford on February 17, indicate a growing synergy between the two organizations.
Additionally, the February 19 episode of WWE RAW will feature similar in-suite visits from UFC athletes, including Michael Chandler, showcasing a mutual introduction of stars from both brands.
The likelihood of UFC fighters being present at WrestleMania 40 is high, given the shared ownership under TKO. Many UFC fighters are fans of WWE, and the unified structure could provide them with more opportunities to engage with the wrestling product.
While direct involvement in the in-ring action is considered unlikely, historical exceptions, such as Ronda Rousey and The Rock attacking Stephanie McMahon and Triple H at WrestleMania 31 in 2015, suggest potential surprises.
The appearance of UFC fighters at WrestleMania 40 could also serve as a promotional strategy for upcoming MMA events. With WrestleMania scheduled for April 6 and 7, UFC 300 on April 13, 2024, could benefit from the exposure generated during the wrestling extravaganza.
Looking ahead, TKO’s long-term vision for UFC and WWE involves hosting shows and events over the same weekend. This strategic approach, as mentioned by Nick Khan, could involve scheduling SmackDown on Friday, followed by a UFC event on Saturday, and concluding with a Premium Live Event on Sunday, maximizing fan engagement and revenue across both promotions.
