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The Bleacher Report catches you on the latest news from WWE Universe.
Shane McMahon wanted to buy a UFC in 2004
On a recent program of Something to fight, WWE chief executive Bruce Prichard revealed that Shane McMahon, son of chairman and CEO Vince McMahon, was pushing for WWE to buy UFC in 2004.
Prichard explained how the talks went and why WWE didn’t eventually buy the promotion (h / t Felix Upton from Ringside News):
“Bob Meyrowitz was putting the UFC out there wanting to sell and also looking at ways to change, and, what about you. So I know Shane was definitely interested. during the purchase of the UFC and during that time we had meetings with Meyrowitz and Campbell McLaren.I think at first they didn’t want much.They didn’t want much, but it was more than Vince was willing to pay at the time, and the renewal of the UFC that the Fertittas were able to pull off, and it was Dana White with the renewal with the rules and the show and everything else, the best that could have happened to them.I don’t know that we as a company could get over the stigma of a UFC – owned WWE and be able to all the changes that the UFC had to make. “
The UFC ended up exploding in popularity with White at the helm as president, and he is now among the most successful sports leagues in the world.
When the UFC went on sale in 2004, it was difficult for them to get to the mainstream. At the time, an association with WWE could have gone a long way in terms of raising interest and gaining an eye on the outcome.
As Prichard said, however, the UFC ended up making all the right decisions, and it has surpassed WWE in popularity and mainstream success over the past 17 years. gone.
Shane McMahon is a longtime MMA fan, which is why he was a weekly host of Raw Underground last year until the idea was erased.
Raw Underground was heavily inspired by MMA, but the concept may not have worked within professional combat.
If WWE had bought UFC, it is possible that they could not have succeeded in the same universe, so perhaps for the best, the sale never happened.
Triple H Cena Conversations at WrestleMania 37
John Cena has not competed within the WWE ring since last year’s WrestleMania 36, but an appearance at WrestleMania 37 in April could be in the cards.
In an interview with Justin Barrasso de Fun with pictures, WWE legend and director Triple H spoke of the possibility of Cena taking part in the upcoming show in Tampa, Florida: “I won’t put words in John ‘s mouth, but I can talk to the his passion, and it ‘s WWE and WrestleMania, this is at a high level, and John does it at the highest level, it’s very hard to put down. e ann. “
Cena was not part of WWE programs leading up to WrestleMania 36, but was still appearing in the weeks leading up to the stage to set the stage for a game against “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt.
When Cena vs Wyatt was announced, the plan to hold WrestleMania at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa was in front of thousands of fans. Instead, the COVID-19 pandemic forced WWE WrestleMania to move to the WWE Performance Center without fans present.
That allowed WWE to get creative with Cena and Wyatt by making it a Firefly Funhouse game, which was more of an experience than a real game.
It would have been difficult to pull that off with fans in attendance, but WWE made the most of the situation and came out with “maids” or a widely recommended section.
This year, plans are in place for fans to live at Raymond James Stadium, meaning WWE will no doubt want as much star power on the card.
Cena is among the most polarizing actors in WWE history, but he is also among the most popular, and would add a ton of value to WrestleMania 37.
There is no shortage of potential opponents against him, and if he becomes available, WWE will definitely find a place for Cena on the card.
Jericho responds to Cornette’s criticism
Elite Wrestling star Chris Jericho took to Twitter Monday to respond to Jim Cornette’s criticism of him personally and in the context of professional wrestling.
Jericho took the “kill it with kindness” approach by choosing to put a progressive spin on the situation:
Cornette has worn many hats in the hairdressing industry over the past few decades, including manager, nominee and bookmaker. He even owned a fight promotion in the 1990s called Smoky Mountain Wrestling, which is where Jericho got his first big break in the United States.
In the last few years, Cornette has been in the news because of his part Jim Cornette Experience podcast. On the podcast, Cornette showcases his unparalleled knowledge of wrestling history and also gives his views on the current state of fighting, many of which are highly controversial.
Cornette is well known as an AEW spy and has spoken out against Jericho’s involvement in the company because he believes it is building his legacy.
Cornette has also criticized Jericho for making big donations for former President Donald Trump. Per Sai Mohan of WrestlingInc, Cornette said: “Help [Jericho] they are a dirty son for supporting a dirty pig. And that’s why you get my f – k you. We are no longer friends and will never be friends again. “
Jericho has just not caught up with Cornette for some of his recent decisions, including Donald Trump Jr. on his podcast and making a concert at Sturgis’ motorcycle rally at the height of his COVID-19 pandemic.
While some Jericho fans are able to set aside his personal decisions for the enjoyment of his work as a pro goalkeeper, Cornette is clearly in camp about meeting.
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