More Retired UFC Stars Could Head To WWE Following Merger

There could be greater integration between WWE and UFC's on-screen products following the completion of the merger between the two companies to create TKO Group Holdings on Tuesday, September 12.

There has already been some crossover between WWE and UFC over the years, with Brock Lesnar returning to WWE following his time in UFC, while Ronda Rousey also headed to WWE when she was finished in the octagon. Lesnar even returned to UFC while under contract with WWE at UFC 200. 

Daniel Cormier has also previously appeared on WWE TV, serving as the referee for the Fight Pit Match between Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins at Extreme Rules 2022. Connor McGregor, meanwhile, has repeatedly teased an appearance in WWE. 

While greater integration between WWE and UFC would likely receive a mixed response from both fanbases, WWE President Nick Khan is open to bringing in former UFC fighters when their MMA careers are finished. 

"UFC fighters are going to stay focused on the UFC and WWE Superstars obviously do something different in our ring... But you also see in the UFC people with big personalities who, once their UFC run is done, once the UFC and the fighter says, 'Hey, maybe now's the time to call it a day,' could those people have a longer life at WWE, an extended life with TKO? We think so," Khan told ESPN.

Changes to WWE's on-screen product are expected to be minimal following the merger, with Triple H as WWE Chief Content Officer running tapings with Bruce Prichard while Vince McMahon makes changes to the company's product remotely.