Update On WWE's Attempts To Purchase FITE TV
Round Two: FITE.
As reported by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE is interested in purchasing the FITE TV streaming service.
This is super nice of them, providing us with yet more additional content! Or perhaps WWE is so petrified of the competition (it has told us for years is welcomed) that the move is designed to stifle it. If that reads as overly cynical, consider that Vince first undermined his territorial competition in the 1980s by buying out their TV slots, and that Triple H just Pedigreed the UK Indy scene into oblivion. Really, and this is the worst bit, it's a hell of an evil plan.
If only Vince McMahon could apply this astute streak to benefit his own product, and not to hamper the growth of others. Forget the rich men of AEW; FITE affords the true fringe of Independent wrestling exposure - the fringe talent WWE wouldn't even warehouse.
In any event, per FITE's official Twitter account, that report was either inaccurate - or premature.
Responding to WrestleZone's aggregated report, the FITE account tweeted: "No worries, FITE is here to stay! :)... and no, we are not in M&A discussions with WWE."
Cynically, 'M&A' (merger and acquisitions) is specified, which doesn't rule out the tentative discussions Meltzer reported. Unlike FITE in the future, this story is one to watch...