Jeff Jarrett predicts TKO will sell WWE for profit if the company no longer meets investor expectations, with mounting evidence pointing to a shift in business priorities. These comments add to growing debate about WWE’s future, especially as TKO continues to make investor returns the main objective.
TKO’s Shift Toward Profit-First Business Model
According to Jarrett, the former guiding principles of WWE under Vince McMahon began to fade once TKO assumed control. In recent weeks, performers like Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows criticized WWE for being driven mainly by TKO’s profit motive, stating that
“WWE didn’t exist anymore, it’s just TKO now.”
Many fans have echoed these concerns, expressing unease about the transformation within the company.
Jarrett, on his My World podcast, agreed with these sentiments, arguing that TKO’s management is strictly focused on maximizing returns for investors. Jarrett drew a sharp line between Vince McMahon’s decision-making style, which he said centered around what wrestling fans wanted, and TKO’s current approach.
“Yeah, I’ve said it and I’ve gotten interesting feedback. To me, the clarity of it at the end of day — Vince is a third-generation promoter, if you will. At the end of the day, every decision he made was based on what he thought the wrestling fan wanted. The rules are rewritten, those rules no longer apply. TKO does what is best to get a return on investment. They are their master, if you will, and you can’t serve two masters. Their master, if you will, is private equity.”
— Jeff Jarrett, wrestling veteran
Predictions of a Sale When Profits Decline
Jarrett has made it clear that if WWE, now operated under TKO, cannot continue to deliver optimal profits, the company will likely be sold. He emphasized that this is not a random hypothesis but rather a recognition of how private equity works. Jarrett used an analogy taught by his grandmother, saying that a good promoter must prepare for difficult times, while TKO is likely to move on to new opportunities rather than weather a storm with WWE.
“Their powers that be get the return on investment, the highest return they can possibly [get]. When they quit getting the highest returns that they can, they’re gonna sell the asset. I just think it’s that simple. I think they’re going to burn and churn and burn and churn and burn and churn. My grandmother used to always preach in so many ways, ‘Son, as a promoter, you always have to prepare for rainy days.’ Well, when the rain comes on TKO, they are changing cities and changing assets.”
— Jeff Jarrett, wrestling veteran
He further explained that this approach by TKO isn’t an attack, but an acknowledgment that serving investors and focusing on profit is the priority now. Jarrett also noted that public comments from wrestlers like Karl Anderson represent a kind of wider awakening within the wrestling industry, as people realize how much has changed under TKO’s direction.
“I do, I think it’s that simple. They are not concerned at all other than the return on investment. That’s the business they’re in. So, that’s not a knock, I want to make that clear. That is not a dig. They are doing exactly what they set out to do and what their investors want them to do and require them to do. It’s just a different playing field. Karl, what he’s saying, I think a lot of folks are saying and it’s just kind of the awakening. It’s going to continue down this road, I think we’re just scratching the surface on what a different company it is.”
— Jeff Jarrett, wrestling veteran
Ongoing Speculation About WWE’s Future
Speculation about WWE’s fate has been mounting, with recent reports claiming that Jonathan Coachman believes Vince McMahon might be interested in buying back his old company. Even Shane McMahon was asked for his opinion on Vince’s possible return and simply replied,
“I’m just saying, anything can happen.”
— Shane McMahon, sports executive
As TKO continues its profit-focused strategy, many are watching to see if Jarrett’s prediction will come true and WWE will be sold if its value drops for private equity owners. The next few months could bring significant changes to WWE’s direction, with the full impact of TKO’s leadership still unfolding.
