Is Vince McMahon selling WWE? WWE up for sale with ESPN deal on the line?

Vince McMahon and WWE seem to be in a difficult place right w in regard to ir financial viability. lockdown in place due to COVID-19 has already forced company to air  shows from an empty arena. Add to fact, declining viewership numbers and reports of multiple lawsuits filed against company by shareholders. Amid all speculations of how WWE would navigate past all hurdles, a tweet by a former WWE employee suggesting 'WWE up for sale' has sent social media and fans of pro wrestling into a frenzy. 

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Is Vince McMahon selling WWE? WWE up for sale? Former employee claims so

Former WWE manr and TV personality, Dutch Mantell, better kwn as Zeb Colter by WWE universe, broke  news on Tuesday which stated Vince McMahon is in discussions with ESPN and FOX to negotiate terms for sale of WWE and WWE Network. Mantell claims he directly overheard a WWE employee out of company's HQ in Stamford, Connecticut, that WWE and two broadcasters are deep in negotiations for a sale and it could take place as early as May.

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Is Vince McMahon selling WWE? WWE up for sale? Vince McMahon always with a 'never say never' response

Over last few years, numerous reports have floated on internet which suggested Vince McMahon is open to idea of selling WWE. Despite being at pinnacle of pro wrestling industry as top promotion, hardcore fans have often criticised WWE's product and company's handling of its talent. Furrmore, formation of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and rise in popularity of some of indie promotions like Ring of Hor (ROH) and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) meant fanbase had a viable option if WWE tapings got too stale. AEW has forced company to re-think its strategy to keep hold of its viewers and avoid dipping ratings below a threshold. 

untimely lockdown due to coronavirus outbreak is already projected to cost company in millions as WWE's flagship show WrestleMania 36 was forced to move out of arena and being broadcasted from Performance Center. Earlier this month, company even fired a host of talents and staff members and is expected to release a bunch of superstars in future in order to cut costs.

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Is Vince McMahon selling WWE? ESPN buying WWE or WWE sold to ESPN?

WWE already has a deal in place with FOX who air Friday night SmackDown on ir channel. This has left fans confused as to how WWE would come to an agreement with FOX and ESPN in regards to a sale. Despite, Dutch Mantell's breaking news gaining a lot of traction on social media, reports indicate re is t much concrete information to back Mantell's revelation.

According to Wrestling News, during a recent investor's meeting, Vince McMahon did address possibility of selling WWE Network to FOX or ESPN but T company as a whole. Moreover, those talks are believed to be in ir initial sts and are far from confirmed at moment.

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