World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is making waves in its quest to expand its audience. One major move is the shift of its flagship show, “Raw,” to Netflix next year. However, amidst these changes, there is a significant absence at the helm of the professional wrestling giant: its founder, Vince McMahon Jr.
McMahon, aged 78, recently stepped down as the executive chairman of WWE’s board following a lawsuit filed by a former employee accusing him and former wrestler-turned-executive John Laurinaitis of sex abuse and trafficking [source]. While McMahon denies the allegations, this development has overshadowed the company’s remarkable milestones, from the $5 billion Netflix deal announcement to the record-setting crowd at the “Royal Rumble” event [source][source].
This departure presents uncharted waters for the wrestling business. After four decades, none of the McMahons—Vince, his wife Linda, and their children Stephanie and Shane—are steering the company. While this leadership change brings attention to sexism within the WWE, industry insiders and wrestling academics see this as a moment of opportunity. With new executives in charge and the move to Netflix, the WWE can explore more mature themes and attract new international audiences, solidifying its cultural dominance [source].
A Chance for Progression
DeWitt King, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of California, Irvine, who studies professional wrestling culture, believes that this could be a turning point for the industry. He envisions a more progressive wrestling that embraces change in both theory and practice. While it won’t happen overnight, the potential for positive transformation exists. King reminds us that wrestling operates on a different timeline than other sports [source].
The WWE has faced criticism in the past for its portrayal of women, but it has made strides in evolving its content. The company expanded its women’s division, moving away from the term “Divas” in 2016, and has phased out controversial matches like the “Bra and Panties” matches. As a result, women now account for almost 40% of the WWE fanbase, which claims 90 million fans domestically [source].
Challenges on the Horizon
While McMahon’s departure opens the door to progress, it also brings about serious obstacles. Wall Street analyst firm MoffettNathanson warns about the potential “brand and legal risks” for TKO Group, the parent company of WWE and Ultimate Fighting Championship, due to the lawsuit against McMahon [source]. However, the WWE remains confident in addressing these issues internally and has implemented new policies and training for its employees [source].
Looking ahead, industry veteran Eric Bischoff believes that McMahon’s departure will ultimately benefit the WWE. Bischoff, a WWE Hall of Famer, suggests that it grants Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque (known as “Triple H”) more freedom to make necessary changes. With Vince McMahon’s legacy behind them, WWE can move forward and continue its success for years to come [source].
Fanbase Resilience
As for the fanbase, Vince McMahon’s absence is unlikely to cause significant concern. According to Sean Oliver, a producer of professional wrestling videos, older fans are ready for new leadership, while younger fans already see Levesque as the face of the company. McMahon’s departure paves the way for WWE to build upon his foundation and grow for the next generation of fans [source].
In conclusion, the departure of Vince McMahon from the WWE presents both challenges and opportunities for the company. With new leadership, a move to Netflix, and the potential for progress, the WWE can reach new heights. It’s an era where the WWE can redefine itself, provide a more inclusive product, and capture new audiences worldwide.
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