In a new episode of his “Hall of Fame” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T addressed circulating rumors that WWE holds the “first right of refusal” to purchase TNA Wrestling if the promotion is ever sold. Booker T called the rumor credible, citing WWE’s ongoing collaboration with TNA and explaining how this clause fits into WWE’s broader business strategy to maintain dominance in the wrestling market[1][4].

WWE’s Strategic Partnership with TNA Includes Purchase Options

Recent reports from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and several wrestling news outlets reveal that WWE’s partnership with TNA includes a legal provision giving WWE an option to buy TNA outright within a set timeframe[1][2][3][5]. Furthermore, WWE holds the right of first refusal on any offers made by third parties: if another bidder wants to purchase TNA, WWE can match the offer and take control of the company themselves. This effectively ensures that TNA cannot be sold without WWE’s consent or alignment with their interests.

According to an insider source speaking to the Wrestling Observer, this arrangement is modeled after similar deals WWE has previously crafted with independent European wrestling promotions. The goal is to secure a strong cooperative No. 2 wrestling brand in the United States, boosting the overall wrestling industry’s value and allowing WWE to negotiate better television rights by enhancing professional wrestling’s market presence[1][2].

Booker T’s Take on the WWE-TNA Purchase Clause

On his podcast, Booker T said he finds the rumored clause entirely believable, given WWE and TNA’s increasingly intertwined business relationship over 2025. He noted that the two companies have exchanged talent extensively, with numerous WWE NXT stars holding titles in TNA and participating in key TNA events such as the Emergence 2025 special[4]. Booker observed that WWE likely wants to maintain a friendly, stable partner at TNA rather than risk the company falling into the hands of a potential competitor.

Booker T remarked:
“With the way WWE and TNA have been working together, it just makes sense that WWE would want to keep the option open to buy the company if the opportunity arises. That’s a smart business move to protect their territory and control the competition.”

Industry Buzz: Potential Buyers and Strategic Moves

The news emerges amid speculation that former UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta — who helped build UFC into a sports powerhouse before selling it to Endeavor (now parent company of WWE and UFC under TKO Group Holdings) — may be considering a bid to buy TNA[3][5]. Fertitta’s potential involvement adds intrigue because of his deep ties to Endeavor’s combat sports empire.

However, WWE’s right of first refusal means any outside offer Fertitta or others propose could be matched by WWE, effectively blocking a sale without WWE’s approval[2][5]. A WWE source told Wrestling Observer this framework is designed mainly to deter unfriendly buyers who might try to turn TNA into a stronger competitor, particularly in rivalry to All Elite Wrestling (AEW)[5].

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer reported that WWE’s strategic goal for the partnership — and any eventual purchase — is to position TNA as a legitimate No. 2 wrestling promotion to counter AEW’s rising popularity and disrupt AEW’s ability to secure future television contracts[5]. Part of this plan may involve rescheduling TNA’s flagship events to directly compete with AEW Dynamite, potentially igniting a new “Wednesday Night War” in coming years[5].

WWE-TNA Collaboration: Impact on Wrestling Fans and Future Storylines

Since the start of their official working relationship in early 2025, WWE and TNA have exchanged talent and co-promoted events, blurring the lines between the two companies and creating fresh matchups fans hadn’t seen elsewhere[4]. This collaboration has allowed WWE to maintain influence over the U.S. wrestling ecosystem beyond its own programming, while giving TNA access to bigger stars and greater visibility.

If WWE formally exercises its purchase option, it would mark a historic corporate consolidation that could reshape the professional wrestling landscape. WWE would gain direct control over the second-largest wrestling brand in the country, strengthening its market monopoly while reducing competitive fragmentation.

What This Means for the Wrestling Industry

The reported WWE-TNA deal and “first right of refusal” clause illustrate WWE’s business acumen in securing leverage over its rivals and controlling market dynamics. Rather than attempting to immediately absorb TNA, WWE appears focused on keeping the promotion as a “friendly” partner that enhances the wrestling genre’s overall appeal.

Industry experts suggest that this approach benefits WWE by making the wrestling product more attractive to broadcasters and advertisers, increasing the value of television rights deals. It also prevents AEW or other entities from acquiring TNA and using it against WWE in future competition.

As WWE Hall of Famer Booker T explained on his podcast:
“This is not just about buying a company, it’s about making sure wrestling stays strong, and WWE keeps the wrestling business moving forward in a way that benefits everybody involved.”

Sources Behind the Story

• The Wrestling Observer Newsletter was first to reveal the inclusion of WWE’s purchase rights and first refusal clauses in the WWE-TNA partnership deal[1][2][5].

• Booker T, a revered voice in wrestling, provided firsthand confirmation and commentary during his “Hall of Fame” podcast[4].

• Additional insight came from industry reports by Wrestling News, Wrestling Headlines, ComicBook Clique, and Si.com’s The Takedown, all corroborating WWE’s pivotal role in controlling TNA’s future[1][2][3][4].

Looking Ahead

With WWE controlling the right of first refusal and holding an option to buy TNA, fans and insiders alike will be watching closely for any movements toward acquisition. Whether this leads to a full WWE takeover or solidifies a long-term alliance, the landscape of American professional wrestling is poised for potential upheaval.

For now, WWE’s maneuver signals a strong desire to protect its dominant position while fostering collaboration that could ultimately reshape wrestling’s competitive hierarchy in the years to come.