Report: Why Vince McMahon Sold WWE To Endeavor Revealed

In historic news on Monday, April 3, it was announced that WWE had been sold to Endeavor for $9.3 billion and the pro wrestling promotion will merge with UFC later this year under a new parent company. Vince McMahon will be the Executive Chairman of the new parent company, while Nick Khan will be President of WWE. 

Vince McMahon explained on Monday why he decided to sell WWE but PWInsider Elite have since revealed further details about why McMahon sold the organisation to Endeavor in particular.

PWInsider noted that a major factor in WWE going to Endeavor was Vince McMahon's familiarity with Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel, with both men having known each other for 22 years. The situation was very much seen as "the devil you know" as opposed to starting from scratch with other bidders and there was no fear within WWE that Endeavor would come in and "reshape the wheel." 

Furthermore, WWE feel Endeavor will likely be able to "supercharge" the company's intellectual property and make WWE stronger. The belief is that WWE are better off with Endeavor than as part of a huge company where they would simply be one of many assets. Another big factor in the sale was that Endeavor allows UFC a huge amount of autonomy and that will likely remain the case with WWE, especially with Vince McMahon having re-established himself at the top of WWE creative during the Raw after WrestleMania 39.

In terms of timing, Endeavor and WWE began coming to terms on the sale over the past week and Endeavor became the clear favourite as the week went on. Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel had previously ruled out buying WWE but PWInsider indicated this was likely just a negotiation tactic to try and prevent a bidding war from breaking out.