Vince McMahon, the iconic figure behind WWE, had long regarded UFC, under the leadership of Dana White, as a formidable rival in the world of sports entertainment. This competitive stance was compounded by McMahon’s historical promotional activities in the scenic region of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, which further underscored the rivalry between the two powerhouses.
Despite both the UFC and WWE sharing a global reach in their respective domains, McMahon and White had not seen eye to eye for many years, leading to a palpable animosity between the two industry titans. However, their dynamic shifted significantly when WWE merged with Endeavor, the parent company of the UFC, bringing the two formidable figures under the same corporate umbrella. This new alignment marked a profound transformation in their relationship, heralding a period of collaboration after decades of opposition.
Reflecting on their past, White candidly acknowledged the rocky history between himself and McMahon to Sports Illustrated, citing several instances where McMahon had seemingly sought to undermine him without just cause. Nonetheless, with the new alignment, White has come to appreciate McMahon as an invaluable ally, noting that their newfound partnership has been a positive experience, with McMahon proving to be an unparalleled collaborator.
As WWE embarks on securing a fresh media rights deal for their programs Raw and NXT, White has closely observed McMahon’s strategic maneuvers, particularly within the context of their shared association with Endeavor. This marked change is in contrast to the earlier period when White enjoyed a cordial working relationship with Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Stephanie McMahon, Vince McMahon’s children, but maintained a notably strained dynamic with Vince himself.
“Triple H and Stephanie have always been great to work with,” said White. “I’ve always had a great relationship with them, always, even when we weren’t aligned back in the day. But the most amazing story is the relationship with Vince McMahon.
“Vince McMahon, man, he’s an absolute savage,” said White. “Even with the stuff that went down with us in the past, I respect it. I love killers. He’s definitely a killer. He’s the Michael Jordan of the business world.”
Expressing admiration for McMahon’s unwavering work ethic and unyielding determination, especially at the age of almost 80, White lauded McMahon as a tenacious and relentless force in the business world. Appreciating McMahon’s resilience and business acumen, White compared him to the legendary Michael Jordan, recognizing his prowess and formidable presence in the industry.
