WWE experienced several employee layoffs today, according to PWInsider.
Sources indicate that a number of employees, including some long-time staff members, were let go. It is believed that the layoffs affected multiple divisions within the company, though specific areas have not been confirmed.
It is unclear if these layoffs are connected to today’s announcement of the merger between the UFC and WWE live events divisions.
TKO, the parent company of WWE and UFC, has moved closer to aligning the operations of both companies by merging their live event teams.
A single unit will now oversee live events for both WWE and UFC. This combined team is touted as “one of the strongest live events portfolios in all of sports and entertainment,” according to a company statement.
Andrew Schleimer, TKO’s Chief Financial Officer, explained the goals of this merger:
“The newly integrated TKO Live Events Strategy Team will focus on creating operational efficiencies and developing strategies to leverage the broader economic benefits we bring to host cities, including partnering with local governments and maximizing revenue opportunities from site fees.”
Since the WWE-UFC merger in September 2023, WWE Superstars such as CM Punk, Montez Ford, Bianca Belair, Rey Mysterio, and Randy Orton have been spotted at UFC events. On the other side, UFC fighter Michael Chandler appeared on WWE Monday Night RAW on February 19 and used his appearance to call out Conor McGregor, who he will fight at UFC 303 next month.
Next month, Louisville, Kentucky will host WWE SmackDown and UFC Fight Night on consecutive nights, with a special ticket package available for fans to enjoy a full weekend of TKO Group Holdings events.
Additionally, WWE NXT Battleground is set to take place at the UFC Apex on June 9, marking the first WWE event at this venue.
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