WWE’s stars and bosses turn up for UFC Freedom 250 at the White House
Pro wrestling and mixed martial arts now answer to the same boardroom, and on Sunday that arrangement played out in the most politically charged setting either company has ever worked.
UFC Freedom 250 ran on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14, the date of Donald Trump's 80th birthday. Because UFC and WWE share a parent company in TKO, WWE's leadership was folded into the guest list rather than treated as outsiders.
Roman Reigns attended as reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion and was shown during the broadcast, as was Triple H, who answered with his familiar finger point. Nick Khan and Shane McMahon were also present, alongside Shane's son Declan. F4W/WONeWrestlingNews.com
The presence was not incidental. Triple H is vice-chair of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, and Linda McMahon currently serves as U.S. Secretary of Education. WWE was not a neutral face in the crowd. It was stitched into the occasion.
The weekend also featured a UFC fan fest near the White House, where TKO set up a WWE ring and lined up appearances from Charlotte Flair, The Miz, Trick Williams, Chelsea Green, The Usos, Tiffany Stratton and Bron Breakker. Cageside Seats
The ring's most talked-about moment came from someone WWE did not invite. UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland, who claimed he was banned over comments about Jeffrey Epstein and Israel, showed up while streaming on Instagram and made it into the WWE ring as the crowd broke into "USA" chants.
He did not stay long. The U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement escorted him out. Strickland later said he may face a disorderly conduct charge, a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. "I don't know what that is but it sounds cool," he said of it.
The OTC at The White House ☝️ #UFCWhiteHouse LIVE NOW on @paramountplus! Presented by @cryptocom & @RamTrucks pi
