December 6, 2006 Observer Newsletter: Pride, history of WCW
According to several different sources in both Japan and the United States, Dream Stage Entertainment has talked with various groups about selling the Pride Fighting Championships.
Most of the prospective buyers that have been talked about by sources in Japan are from outside the country. Among them are a group from South Korea, as well as several different U.S. groups. It is believed WWE was approached and it is known UFC has been approached.
There are groups in the business as well as, according to Japanese sources, one wealthy player in the U.S. with no ties to the business that has been talked with. There is also at least one group in Japan showing some interest, largely for the intellectual property and tape library. While nobody in WWE or UFC has confirmed anything more, the belief going around is that WWE did not express much interest in buying the company. They seemed to be more interested in talking about an interpromotional angle that they would control the booking of. UFC has interest, but how much is unclear.
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Dave Meltzer is the founder and lead writer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the weekly constant when it comes to news and reviews in pro wrestling and mixed martial arts for more than 40 years. Dave also co-hosts Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and had had bylines for The National, Yahoo Sports, MMA Fighting and others.