AUSTIN, TEXAS: Endeavor has announced the formation of TKO Group Holdings, hinting that the merger between WWE and UFC has officially been finalized.
With the ticker code 'TKO', the recently founded sports and entertainment company has started trading on the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange).
However, fans wasted no time in speculating hilarious theories and funny reactions about the future of UFC personalities like Joe Rogan, Dana White, and others.
Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel marks UFC and WWE merger at NYSE
Ari Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor, rang the bell to open trading at the NYSE on Tuesday, September 12. Dana White, the president of the UFC, and Vince McMahon, the executive chairman of WWE, joined him in recognizing this momentous occasion.
An official video of the same was also posted on X (formerly Twitter). The caption on the NYSE's official post read, "The NYSE welcomes TKO Group Holdings Inc. in celebration of its listing!"
Following the historic merger, fans flooded the comment section with funny predictions about what would happen to the UFC and WWE.
One fan joked about the ambitious merger, saying, “Fully expect Joe Rogan to do comms from UFC 400 live from the moon with this merger," whereas another fan said, “Kinda lost the there [sic] plot Dana, guessing u gotta do what u have to to compete with One Championship @ONEChampionship @BellatorMMA.”
Other users speculated about upcoming fights after the merger. One X user mentioned, “Jon Jones bout to end Roman Reigns. I’ll be there!” A fourth user quipped, “No Immediate rematch for Izzy or else we all become PFL fans." Another even demanded, “Give Adesanya his deserved rematch asap."
A look at Joe Rogan’s commentary career
Rogan started his career by working for the UFC as an interviewer and commentator in 1997. He quickly rose to fame for his witty and amusing observations during fights and his interviews with fighters.
But Rogan's abilities extended far beyond sports commentary. He produced his first comedy special, 'I'm Gonna Be Dead Someday...', in 2000 and hosted the popular game show 'Fear Factor' from 2001 to 2006.
After quitting 'Fear Factor', Rogan focused on his career as a stand-up comedian and hosted several comedy specials.
But it wasn't until 2009 that Rogan really cemented his place in the entertainment business. He started 'The Joe Rogan Experience', a podcast that swiftly rose to prominence as a show that had interesting guests and took up hot button issues stirring up controversies.
Rogan has deep and frequently contentious discussions with guests from many walks of life on the podcast, which covers a wide variety of subjects from politics to comedy.
'The Joe Rogan Experience' became one of the most well-known podcasts in the world in 2015 when it began consistently garnering millions of plays every episode.
For an estimated $200 million in 2020, Spotify purchased the podcast's sole distribution rights.
Rogan's net worth increased to $120 million as a result of this arrangement, making him one of the wealthiest sports analysts in history.
Rogan's distinctive approach to the profession has contributed significantly to his success as a sports pundit. His willingness to speak his thoughts and express provocative ideas has both drawn and turned away both supporters and detractors.
