WWE Looking To Expand Into Mexico Via UFC

WWE wants to make big waves in Mexico.

For years WWE has been determined to grow its stature in Mexico and among Latin fans with the search for the “next Rey Mysterio.” This has seen several experiments, and multiple masked wrestlers come and go, with Mysterio still the last man standing.

In recent years WWE has made several pushes to become more international with the creation of NXT UK (although the brand later closed), the long-rumoured launch of NXT Europe, and the creation of working relationships with multiple Japanese promotions. That’s not to mention the sharp increase in international Premium Live Events.

With the likes of Rey Mysterio talking up the possibility of a PLE in Mexico, it seems the company is putting a greater emphasis on moving south.

WWE Looking To Utilise UFC Relationship

Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer confirmed WWE is looking to expand further into Mexico, but might now go about it in a different way. Meltzer suggested the company is looking at using UFC’s Performance Institute to snap up budding wrestlers who otherwise would learn their trade with the likes of CMLL.

WWE is very much interested in a stronger presence in Mexico. While this hasn’t happened yet, one idea they have is to work with UFC, which has its Performance Institute in Mexico City to develop Mexican fighters and try to expand it to include pro wrestlers, with the idea of getting people who want to be wrestlers who would gravitate toward the CMLL schools or other schools and see a way to have a path into WWE without having to spend years in Mexico and make a name on indies in the U.S.

Speaking of CMLL, WWE has just completed the signing of former Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer. The star only announced her departure from CMLL and NJPW on July 10th, with news of her switch to the sports entertainment giant confirmed just hours later.

The nature of Stephanie Vaquer’s signing hasn’t gone down well with several promotions, as she had been advertised for multiple dates she now won’t make.