When UFC President Dana White called professional wrestling “fake” in a Twitter exchange in August 2015, it caused an uproar.

Reactions to this remark came from a variety of sources, most notably Brock Lesnar, a singular individual who has won championships in both the WWE and UFC.

Dana White’s Controversial Comment

Dana White made the comment during a social media exchange in which he called WWE “fake.” Given the risks and physical demands of professional wrestling, this description did not sit well with many in the wrestling world.

Brock Lesnar’s Perspective

Lesnar responded to White’s remark in an appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter by emphasizing the similarities between WWE and UFC’s promotional tactics while also directly acknowledging that wrestling is scripted:

“Of course, Dana, it’s fake. Everybody knows that, but it’s still the same—we’re promoting the same thing you’re promoting.”  

Lesnar emphasized the entertainment value of both sports by pointing out that both organizations seek to increase public interest and sell pay-per-views.

Comparing Promoters: Vince McMahon vs. Dana White

Lesnar made comparisons between WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and Dana White in the same interview, implying that McMahon had an advantage in promotion due to his abundance of experience:

“The business model is the same; it’s identical. I think Vince McMahon’s better at it than Dana, and that might rub Dana the wrong way.”  

Implications of Lesnar’s Remarks

Lesnar’s remarks clarified the complex connection between competitive sports and staged entertainment. Professional wrestling has fixed results, but the physicality and athleticism needed are real. Because of his distinct background in both fields, Lesnar is able to provide a sophisticated viewpoint on the argument.

Conclusion

The complexity of the professional wrestling and mixed martial arts industries is brought to light by Brock Lesnar’s response to Dana White’s “fake” remark.

Despite having different presenting styles, both sectors aim to entertain and engage their audiences. Lesnar’s observations promote a greater understanding of the athleticism and marketing strategies that propel the UFC and WWE.