WWE’s Deal With TNA Wrestling Includes Potentially Troubling Option

According to Dave Meltzer, a WWE source confirmed that the arrangement mirrors past deals WWE offered to European independent promotions, which granted them a set time period to buy the promotion outright. The right of first refusal means that if any other buyer makes a bid for TNA, WWE can match the offer and secure the purchase themselves—effectively ensuring that any potential sale aligns with WWE’s interests.

The revelation comes amid rumors that former UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta has expressed interest in acquiring TNA. Meltzer reports that WWE may want to own the No. 1 and No. 2 wrestling promotions in the U.S. market, which would raise the overall value of professional wrestling when negotiating future television rights deals. Their current partnership with TNA is helping that promotion gain more exposure, and unstabliize AEW's footing as the second-largest wrestling promotion. There has even been talk of running TNA up against AEW on Wednesday nights.

This business relationship began in January 2025 with a talent exchange, and WWE and TNA have worked more closely ever since. Several WWE stars have shown up in TNA, while many of TNA's biggest stars have shown up in NXT, and even on main roster programming in prominent spots.

Will WWE Eventually Be The End Of TNA?

The way fans are reacting to the news has varied. Some don't like the idea of WWE purchasing TNA because they believe it will eventually be taken over by WWE and rebranded. Those worried thing that being owned by WWE would destroy TNA’s identity.

Others wondered if this was TNA pushing for such a move. Working with WWE could boost TNA’s visibility and bring them more profits than ever before. TNA has benefited from the relationship thus far. If WWE owned the promotion and had a reason to keep the brand, it could mean big things and possible crossover matches and storylines that would be fun for fans.

While nothing is finalized, the existence of a purchase clause signals WWE’s willingness to take full control of TNA if it makes the most business and financial sense to do so.