According to at least two wrestlers who were released this year, the era of WWE as a traditional wrestling promotion is over. On recent episodes of the Talk’n Shop Podcast, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson discussed the latest changes in WWE, including the release of R-Truth. Anderson remarked that WWE no longer operates as a traditional wrestling company but has instead become an extension of TKO Group Holdings.
“It’s not WWE anymore, guys. It’s a company called TKO,” Anderson stated.
Gallows echoed this sentiment, saying he no longer views WWE as WWE, but rather as TKO, and while that’s fine for the company, it is not the same as before.
TKO officially launched in September 2023, bringing WWE and UFC together under a single media entity. Since then, there have been various changes, such as the introduction of in-ring sponsorship deals during PLES and TV events. Gallows and Anderson believe WWE is evolving, but its future will look very different from its past.
Fan Take: This shift highlights a significant transformation in WWE’s identity, which could impact the authenticity and appeal of wrestling for long-time fans. It raises questions about whether the company can maintain its unique culture while adapting to a broader corporate vision.
