WWE and UFC officially merged in September 2023 to form TKO Group Holdings
WWE, for most of its history, has been owned and operated by Vince McMahon and his family; however, it was merged with UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), an MMA organisation, in September 2023 to form TKO Group Holdings, which was created by Endeavor.
The shift in ownership left many fans wondering if the promotion would remain the same. While Vince McMahon was born and raised in the world of pro wrestling, the company was now being run by executives often labeled by fans as “corporate guys.”
Although Triple H remained the Chief Content Officer and continued to oversee the creative process, fans still questioned whether the TKO-owned promotion would truly listen to its audience.
Some of the most famous examples of McMahon and the older WWE listening to fans were when the fans rallied behind Daniel Bryan, who, due to his “Yes! Movement” and fan-favorite status, received a significant push in WWE, even winning the World title.
Similarly, ‘KofiMania’ led the fan favorite Kofi Kingston to capture the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35 while overcoming odds. Kingston became the first African-born WWE Champion in history.
Since the TKO taker, many fans have been complaining of significant changes, major layoffs, and some stars not getting the push they deserve, despite massive support from fans. However, the theory of WWE not listening to fans anymore was tested earlier this month when R-Truth was released.
R-Truth made his return at Money in the Bank 2025
The pro-wrestling erupted when it was revealed on June 1 that beloved veteran R-Truth had been unexpectedly released from the WWE. What followed was fans during the live broadcast as well on social media, rallying for his return, chanting “WE WANT TRUTH” repeatedly since his departure.
The fans’ backlash was so severe that the promotion had to backtrack its steps and bring back the beloved star who made his return at Money in the Bank 2025, with a new attire and persona, using his real name, ‘Ron Killings’.
Following his return, multiple reports stated that the reason behind his return was the massive backlash from fans, while Triple H tried to downplay, suggesting that Truth was never released, it was clear that, despite their initial pushback, the promotion had to listen to the fans.
Fans are a very crucial part of sports and entertainment, and despite promotions or major corporations behaving otherwise, time and again it has been proven that fans not just drive revenue, they also build culture and stay loyal despite the hardship any star goes through.
Fans are not spectators, but they’re stakeholders; anyone trying to downplay their contribution and support is unlikely to survive, be it a multi-million dollar promotion.
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