PRIDE FC Meets with WWE

Twist of Lemon · #1 (**permalink**) 11-17-2006, 11:47 AM

source:http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/34401241

PRIDE meets WWE
November 17, 2006

WWE.com has learned that WWE officials and members of the group PRIDE have a meeting scheduled later this morning at WWE global headquarters in Stamford, Conn. The meeting will focus on the possibility of two groups doing some form of business together in the future.

World Wrestling Entertainment is a multimedia conglomerate with presence in films, music and, of course, sports-entertainment around the world. Known for its unique brand of competition, PRIDE is a major championship mixed martial arts organization based in Japan.

Check back with WWE.com for updates on WWE and the PRIDE organization.

BigBanda · #2 (**permalink**) 11-17-2006, 11:54 AM

I knew this day would come lol. Vince just couldnt resist. This actually is not a bad idea on Prides part. Think about it.... WWE has a massive fan base all over the world with muliple media and television stations that their programming comes on. With Vince's deep pockets and connections he would make Pride larger than UFC in the US. Only thing that Pride needs to make sure of if a deal is even reached is to not let Vince manipulate what Pride currently is.

Masscore · #3 (**permalink**) 11-17-2006, 11:56 AM

Hmmmm, maybe the WWE will buy the rights to Pride in the US or part of the company. And no matter what anyone thinks about Pro Wrestling, this would be huge. Pride would be legit overnight with the casual fans because the WWE name would be behind it. Plus the WWE's money will just cause more fighters from UFC to go to Pride because of better money.

LethalStriker · #4 (**permalink**) 11-17-2006, 12:05 PM

Just as long as we get to see Silva knock out John Cena and Nogueira choke out Triple H.

But seriously this is something that I don't want to see happen to MMA.

Masscore · #5 (**permalink**) 11-17-2006, 12:06 PM

I am probably looking to into this, but do you think the WWE will buy Pride? I mean Pride has been in trouble as of late when it comes to TV in Japan. Vince does have alot of money and has been known to try new things. The XFL, WBL, ECW, and so on and so on. So does anyone think there is a chance that the WWE will buy Pride?

chungt79 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-17-2006, 12:07 PM

This has to be massive. This gives the WWE an outlet to compete directly with UFC and the resources WWE can help Pride. If they can find a way to work out good deal then I see this as massive step for Pride. UFC is feeling the heat for sure.

Harlem · #7 (**permalink**) 11-17-2006, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masscore

Hmmmm, maybe the WWE will buy the rights to Pride in the US or part of the company. And no matter what anyone thinks about Pro Wrestling, this would be huge. Pride would be legit overnight with the casual fans because the WWE name would be behind it. Plus the WWE's money will just cause more fighters from UFC to go to Pride because of better money.

WWE making Pride legit??

Luis Cruz · #8 (**permalink**) 11-17-2006, 12:14 PM

wow, wrestling and mma and an actual real source! i definatly see Vince helping them moneywise. he's got more dough than ufc so that can only be a good thing. also like someone said, a fanbase. while most already watch ufc i'm sure, i'm pretty sure they'll go with their boy Vince if he aligns with someone else and they realize how great the fighters are over there. the stupid things i see happening are special appearences by pride guys into wwe for a quick storyline and some wwe guys being dumb and actually trying to fight in pride one time or whatever and they'll allow it cause they know it's ratings. i just hope they don't mix the two too much and bring that wwe style character and promo shit to pride. it could work if they do it right or it could backfire, i hope it works.

Rockx · #9 (**permalink**) 11-17-2006, 12:36 PM

Wow...This really shows how bad of shape Pride is in.

I just don't see this working out well. Dana was right Pride is going bankrupt and now they turn to WWE...

As soon as they do 1 single WWE/Pride Event... UFC will look to take advantage and call Pride out as no longer a MMA organization. If Vince keeps them separate then it might work.

Masscore · #10 (**permalink**) 11-17-2006, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harlemhustla145

WWE making Pride legit??

Well it is legit with me, you, and most people on this forum. But lets be honest, the average causal American MMA fan does not care about Pride. You suddenly tag the WWE name behind it and people are gonna look twice and realize that Pride has better fighters then the UFC instead of just buying into what Dana white says.