World Wrestling Entertainment, better known by the acronym WWE, is a corporation involved in the production and distribution of entertainment media focused on Pro-Wrestling events. It has become the biggest and most lucrative wrestling federation in the world. The main goal of the company is to turn the massive appeal of the wrestling franchise into entertainment for millions of fans around the globe. While Pro-Wrestling is highly scripted to create more compelling and spectacular matches, World Wrestling Entertainment never or rarely acknowledges this fact, opting to promote their events as showcases of actual competitive matches. In doing so, the federation makes use of the “Suspension of Disbelief,” the decision by fans to ignore the fictionality of a match for the sake of better enjoying it in order to improve engagement. Its slogan reflects the company’s objective to entertain fans across the world as they have always done: “Then, Now, Forever, Together”
The company’s origin can be traced back to 1952, when it was founded under the name of Capitol Wrestling Corporation by Jess McMahon and Toots Mondt. Back then, North American pro wrestling did not consist of a single or few federations monopolizing the environment and was instead fragmented into multiple minor promotions, each with its territories of distribution, which they did not dare to trespass. McMahon and Mondt’s goal was to take control of the Northeast Territory; however, Jess’ grandson, Vince, who bought the company from his father, was eventually able to expand its influence across the nation and, eventually, on an international level, often through what some may call merciless competition.
The federation counts offices and branches across the globe, even though the main one is located in Stamford, Connecticut. Its currently owned by the TKO group alongside the UFC. Nick Khan is the president of the company; however, most fans see former wrestler and executive vice-president Paul Levesque as the actual “boss” of the federation. This is because Levesque has the last say on every decision and creative control over the storylines narrated in the shows.
The current leadership is the result of a major overhaul following a hush money and sex trafficking scandal involving the former and historically undisputed owner of the company, the aforementioned Vincent K. McMahon. The scandal also included a lawsuit, and the pro-wrestling mogul was essentially forced to retire first as creative director in 2022 and then as majority shareholder in 2024 by selling his TKO shares.
Due to the year-round global nature of its touring events without seasonal breaks, WWE demands of its superstars one of the most grueling and consuming schedules any athlete of any sport has to endure. In recent times, there have been efforts from the current administration, to ease up the time commitment required and grant a trace of a holiday break.
WWE continues to be an immensely influential form of entertainment, which some believe may even reinforce or shape American culture. Its YouTube channel has the most significant number of subscribers out of any sports promotion, a number that recently reached one hundred million, the tenth channel to ever do it. The company has an extremely relevant presence and influence on other social media platforms, with hashtags revolving around the events unfolding in its shows that have often gone viral. At the same time, WWE has used its influence to promote charity and awareness initiatives, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Notably, WWE legend John Cena holds the record for most wishes granted.
While, controversies have sometimes tarnished the public image of the company and pro-wrestling in general, WWE remains one of the biggest providers of entertainment not only in America but in the entire world. Thanks to its expansion to streaming services and the increased number of international tours, its worldwide notoriety is at an all-time high; effectively, it can be said that the dream of two men who wished to rule the Northeastern American scene has expanded beyond any bounds of imagination.
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