Brock Lesnar’s not the only guy ditching MMA for WWE.
According to a report from Variety and a bunch of photos of Roman Reigns and Dolph Ziggler working out, WWE is partnering with Authentic Brands Group to relaunch the Tapout clothing brand, also known as “what MMA dudes wear when they aren’t in Affliction.”
If you’re wondering how the partnership divides up, 50 percent is ABG making the clothes. The other 50 percent is WWE cramming those clothes the f*ck down our throats forever.
Tapout will now be repositioned as a broader lifestyle fitness brand, with the company also set to serve as the official fitness and training partner of WWE.
As part of the deal, Tapout will be integrated across WWE’s various platforms, from its TV shows and pay-per-view events to series that stream on its WWE Network, as well as live events and social media.
WWE also will create new content featuring its roster of male and female wrestlers who will wear Tapout apparel outside of the ring. Additional branding will be featured at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, where all performers, trainers and staff will be outfitted in Tapout workout apparel.
For further information, consult this paragraph, which may be the most Business Meeting paragraph ever written.
“WWE’s expansive reach provides a global platform to broaden Tapout’s presence and consumer base,” said Nick Woodhouse, president and chief marketing officer of ABG. “This is a powerhouse pairing given the synergy between Tapout’s brand promise to be the premiere hard-body fitness brand, and WWE’s commitment to training and fitness.”
Translation: It’s going to help sales if Tyson Kidd wears a Tapout shirt while he eats chicken fries.
What clothing brands would you like to see pro wrestling bring back? In a related question, can we get them a JNCOs sponsorship and get more pictures of Hulk Hogan in baggy ’90s jeans?
