WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle spoke about some interesting contract clauses that WWE and UFC had in place prior to their merger.
UFC and WWE have officially merged to create the publicly traded company TKO Group Holdings. While operating as separate entities, both organisations now fall under the Endeavor banner. Over the years, there has been significant crossover between the two, with WWE superstars attending UFC events and UFC fighters venturing into the world of WWE. However, strict contractual obligations prevented fighters from actively participating in both promotions simultaneously.
Kurt Angle spoke on the Joe Rogan Experience and shed light on the situation, revealing that both Dana White and Vince McMahon‘s contracts explicitly forbade them from crossing over to the other promotion.
I know that Dana [Dana White] and Vince [Vince McMahon], their contracts have specifically, ‘You can’t go to WWE.’ If you’re WWE, ‘You can’t go to UFC.’
Notably, an exception was made for Brock Lesnar, who competed at UFC 200 while still under a WWE contract. Despite several close calls, Kurt Angle himself never managed to align his schedule with a UFC appearance. Angle speculated that WWE should be more concerned about competition from AEW rather than UFC.
WWE should be worried about AEW, not UFC.
Will Kurt Angle Return To WWE?
Kurt Angle retired from in-ring competition in 2019 following a defeat to Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35. Although Angle has made sporadic appearances with the company since his retirement, it remains unlikely that he will return to active competition due to the many injuries that he has sustained over the years. Notably, Angle is going to be having shoulder replacement surgery shortly which casts further doubt on an imminent return.
H/t to Fightful.com