From the WWE Rumor Mill: FOX may purchase the WWE from Vince McMahon
What's the story?
Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio is reporting on a potentially major shift that doesn't just mean the WWE moves its programming to the FOX networks, but FOX could potentially purchase the WWE from Vince McMahon.
In case you didn't know...
A few months ago, Triple H met with television executives of the FOX about potentially airing WWE programming on their networks. The reason for the potential move is there would be a major opening on the FOX networks if the UFC decides to leave.
The heart of the matter
Sportskeeda reported yesterday on WWE programming potentially moving to FOX once the contract with NBC Universal runs out in September of 2019. This may move Monday Night Raw off of cable and onto broadcast television. Raw would also return the original two-hour format because the local news for FOX airs at 10 p.m. eastern.
The bombshell that Meltzer added to this news is the fact that Vince McMahon could potentially sell the WWE to FOX. Rights fees to the programming would no longer be an issue; which is similar to the situation of Viacom when they purchased Bellator.
Meltzer talked with a person close to the situation within the WWE, and they stated that Vince is not selling his majority interest in the company just yet, but if the stock reaches the $40.00 mark, he may start to sell small pieces of the company, but still hold the majority ownership.
Meltzer also wonders if all of this information was what led to Vince creating Alpha Entertainment.
If FOX decides to renew their relationship with the UFC, all of this becomes a lot less likely to happen.
What's next?
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda for further information on this potential major development within the WWE.
Author's take
In this ever-changing world of television, the fact that the WWE may move homes is not shocking, but I never thought I would fathom a WWE without a McMahon in ownership.
It will be interesting to find out why Vince is considering selling the company to a network and not to either Shane or Stephanie. Potentially, ownership may not be a thing they're interested in.