UFC CEO Dana White’s recent comments have stirred up speculation and excitement within the sports entertainment world, as he hinted at potential collaborations between UFC, WWE, and his own promotion, Power Slap. Speaking to reporters after UFC on ESPN 56, White unveiled plans for joint events in the same city over a weekend, featuring Power Slap on Friday, UFC on Saturday, and WWE on Sunday.
This proposed scheduling shake-up could mark a significant shift for WWE, as it would see their premium live events returning to their traditional Sunday slot, a departure from WWE President Nick Khan’s decision to move them to Saturdays in 2022. With all remaining WWE premium live events (excluding NXT) slated for Saturdays until August’s Bash in Berlin, the potential move to Sundays could take place as early as this fall.
In a surprising turn of events, White also expressed openness to the idea of UFC fighters venturing into the world of WWE, particularly with former WWE head honcho Vince McMahon no longer in charge. White’s positive stance on cross-promotional opportunities reflects a newfound willingness to explore collaborations between MMA and sports entertainment, opening the door for exciting crossovers and unique matchups.
However, when pressed about the possibility of making a special appearance in WWE, such as serving as a guest referee, White firmly shut down the idea, asserting that fans should not expect to see him step into the squared circle any time soon.
Dana White basically said WWE PLEs are going back to Sunday.
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) May 12, 2024
As the lines between MMA and professional wrestling continue to blur, White’s comments hint at a potential era of collaboration and crossover events that could revolutionize the landscape of combat sports and sports entertainment alike. With UFC, WWE, and Power Slap all poised to explore new avenues of partnership, fans can anticipate thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments in the future.
Stephen’s Value:
Dana White’s willingness to explore collaborations between UFC, WWE, and Power Slap signals an exciting new chapter in the world of combat sports and sports entertainment. With the potential for cross-promotional events and crossover matchups, fans can look forward to thrilling spectacles and unprecedented entertainment experiences.
The prospect of seeing UFC fighters step into the WWE ring or WWE Superstars entering the octagon adds an intriguing layer of excitement to both worlds. These collaborations have the potential to break down barriers and attract a broader audience, drawing in fans who may not have previously been interested in one or the other.
Moreover, the partnership between UFC, WWE, and Power Slap opens the door for innovative storytelling opportunities and epic showdowns between some of the biggest names in combat sports and sports entertainment. Imagine seeing Conor McGregor face off against a WWE superstar or Brock Lesnar stepping into the octagon once again—these are the types of matchups that could become a reality with this collaboration.
Beyond individual matchups, cross-promotional events could generate significant buzz and draw massive audiences, creating memorable moments that transcend the boundaries of traditional sports and entertainment. Whether it’s a joint pay-per-view event or a special crossover episode of a television show, the possibilities are endless and the potential for excitement is boundless.
Ultimately, Dana White’s willingness to explore collaborations between UFC, WWE, and Power Slap opens up a world of possibilities for fans and athletes alike. As these worlds collide, the stage is set for an exhilarating fusion of combat sports and sports entertainment that promises to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact on the industry as a whole.
