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World Wrestling Entertainment
Type Public (NYSE: WWE)
Founded 1952
Founder(s) Roderick McMahon
Toots Mondt
Headquarters Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.
Key people Vince McMahon
(Chairman and CEO)
George Barrios
(CFO)
Donna Goldsmith
(COO)
John Laurinaitis
(Executive Vice President, Talent Relations)
Stephanie McMahon-Levesque
(Executive Vice President, Creative Development & Operations)
Industry Professional wrestling, sports entertainment
Revenue ▼ $475.16 million (2009)[1]
Operating income ▲ $77.13 million (2009)[1]
Net income ▲ $50.30 million (2009)[1]
Total assets ▲ $438.23 million (2009)[1]
Total equity ▼ $337.02 million (2009)[1]
Employees 564 (as of February 2009, excluding wrestlers)[2]
Website Official Site
Corporate WWE Web Site
.World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE) (NYSE: WWE) is a publicly-traded, privately-controlled integrated media (focusing in television, Internet, and live events) and sports entertainment company dealing primarily in professional wrestling, with major revenue sources also coming from film, music, product licensing, and direct product sales.^ Our Live and Televised Entertainment segment revenues increased primarily due to the success of our live events in the current quarter, partially offset by a decline in pay-per-view related revenue.
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 ^ WWE Studios revenue primarily reflects amounts earned from our previously released feature films, The Marine , See No Evil and The Condemned , and vary based upon the receipt of participation statements from our distribution partners.
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 ^ Revenues consist principally of direct sales of WWE produced home videos and magazine publishing and royalties or license fees related to various WWE themed products such as video games, toys and books.
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 .Vince McMahon is the majority owner, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of the company.^ Based on that evaluation, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2009.
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 ^ Under the direction of our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures.
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 Together with his wife Linda McMahon, and their children, Shane McMahon and Executive Vice President of Talent and Creative Writing, Stephanie McMahon-Levesque, the McMahons hold approximately 70% of WWE's economic interest and 96% of the voting power in the company.
The company's global headquarters are located in Stamford, Connecticut with offices in Los Angeles, New York City, London, Toronto, and Sydney[3]. .The company was previously known as Titan Sports before changing to World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc., and then becoming World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.^ Fairmont Hotels, WWE - World Wrestling Entertainment - Poweredby 10Best.com .
  • Fairmont Hotels, WWE - World Wrestling Entertainment - Poweredby 10Best.com 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC concierge.fairmont.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) .
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 ^ The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., and our subsidiaries (“we” or the “Company”).
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WWE's business focus is on professional wrestling, a simulated sport that consists of wrestling combined with acting and theatre. .It is currently the largest professional wrestling promotion in the world and holds an extensive library of videos representing a significant portion of the visual history of professional wrestling.^ Our accounts receivable represent a significant portion of our current assets and relate principally to a limited number of customers or distributors.
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 ^ Our accounts receivable represent a significant portion of our current assets and relate principally to a limited number of customers, including television, pay-per-view and home video distributors.
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 The promotion previously existed as the Capitol Wrestling Corporation, which promoted under the banner of the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), and later the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). WWE promotes under two brands known as Raw and SmackDown.

Contents

Company history

Main article: History of World Wrestling Entertainment

Capitol Wrestling Corporation

Roderick James "Jess" McMahon was a boxing promoter whose achievements included co-promoting a bout in 1915 between Jess Willard and Jack Johnson. In 1926, while working with Tex Rickard (who actually despised wrestling to such a degree he prevented wrestling events from being held at Madison Square Garden between 1939 and 1948), he started promoting boxing in Madison Square Garden in New York. The first match during their partnership was a light-heavyweight championship match between Jack Delaney and Paul Berlenbach.
Around the same time, professional wrestler Joseph Raymond "Toots" Mondt created a new style of professional wrestling that he called Slam Bang Western Style Wrestling to make the sport more appealing to spectators. He then formed a promotion with wrestling champion Ed Lewis and his manager Billy Sandow. They persuaded many wrestlers to sign contracts with their Gold Dust Trio. After much success, a disagreement over power caused the trio to dissolve and, with it, their promotion. Mondt formed partnerships with several other promoters, including Jack Curley in New York City. .When Curley was dying, Mondt moved to take over New York wrestling with the aid of several bookers, one of whom was Jess McMahon.^ April 21st, 2008 2:42 pm ET Hillary loves Pennsylvania so mush that she moved to New York.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]
Together, Roderick McMahon and Raymond Mondt created the Capitol Wrestling Corporation (CWC). The CWC joined the National Wrestling Alliance in 1953. Also in that year, Ray Fabiani, one of Mondt's associates, brought in Vincent J. McMahon to replace his father Jess in the promotion. McMahon and Mondt were a successful combination, and within a short time, they controlled approximately 70% of the NWA's booking, largely due to their dominance in the heavily populated Northeast region. Mondt taught McMahon about booking and how to work in the wrestling business. Due to the dominance in the northeast, the CWC was referred to by AWA legend Nick Bockwinkel as the "Northeast Triangle", with its territory being defined by Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., and Maine as points of the triangle.[4]

World Wide Wrestling Federation

.The NWA recognized an undisputed NWA World Heavyweight Champion that went to several different wrestling companies in the alliance and defended the belt around the world.^ The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., and our subsidiaries (“we” or the “Company”).
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 In 1963, the champion was "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers. The rest of the NWA was unhappy with Mondt because he rarely allowed Rogers to wrestle outside of the Northeast. .Mondt and McMahon wanted Rogers to keep the NWA World Championship, but Rogers was unwilling to sacrifice his $25,000 deposit on the belt (title holders at the time had to pay a deposit to insure they honored their commitments as champion).^ I see it they want weaker candidate Obama and not Clinton on democrat side so that they can keep all that Tax break they got from Bush.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 .Rogers lost the NWA World Championship to Lou Thesz in a one-fall match in Toronto, Ontario on January 24, 1963, which led to Mondt, McMahon, and the CWC leaving the NWA in protest, creating the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) in the process.^ EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION BY VINCENT K. MCMAHON PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 - WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC .
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 ^ EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATION BY VINCENT K. MCMAHON AND GEORGE A. BARRIOS - WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC .
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In April, Rogers was awarded the new WWWF World Championship following an apocryphal tournament in Rio de Janeiro. He lost the title to Bruno Sammartino a month later on May 17, 1963, after suffering a heart attack shortly before the match. To accommodate Rogers' condition, the match was booked to last under a minute.
Mondt left the company in the late sixties. Although the WWWF had withdrawn from the NWA, Vince McMahon Sr. still sat on the NWA Board of Directors, no other territory was recognized in the Northeast, and several "champion vs. champion" matches occurred (usually ending in a double disqualification or some other non-decisive ending).
In March 1979, the WWWF became the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). The change was purely cosmetic, and the ownership and front office personnel remained unchanged during this period.

World Wrestling Federation

Vince McMahon, founder of Titan Sports, Inc. and current majority owner of World Wrestling Entertainment.
In 1980, the son of Vincent J. McMahon, Vincent Kennedy McMahon, founded Titan Sports, Inc. and in 1982 purchased Capitol Wrestling Corporation from his father. .The elder McMahon had long since established the northeastern territory as one of the most vibrant members of the NWA. He had long since recognized that professional wrestling was more about entertainment than actual sport.^ Where he was warned he would not be able to compete with the well-established Clinton Campaign, he has out-organized, out-campaigned, and showed himself to be much more financially competent than Hillary.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 ^ At GoodShop, we work hard to bring you the most up-to-date World Wrestling Entertainment - WWE Coupons and coupon codes available.
  • World Wrestling Entertainment - WWE Coupons & World Wrestling Entertainment - WWE Coupon Codes. Updated Daily! 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.goodsearch.com [Source type: General]

 ^ April 21st, 2008 5:08 pm ET For the millions of fans at home...it's the most electricfyin man in sports entertainment!
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 Against his father's wishes, McMahon began an expansion process that fundamentally changed the sport.
The original logo of the World Wrestling Federation; still occasionally used by WWE in reference to their history.
.The WWF was not the only promotion to have broken ranks with the NWA; the American Wrestling Association (AWA) had long ago ceased being an official NWA member (although like the WWF, they seldom left their own territory).^ This web site and associated pages are not associated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC and has no official or unofficial affiliation with WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC .
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 However, neither of the defecting members attempted to undermine the territory system that had been the foundation of the industry for more than half a century.
.Other promoters were furious when McMahon began syndicating WWF television shows to television stations across the United States, in areas outside of the WWF's traditional northeastern stronghold.^ The Company has access to various governmental programs that are designed to promote film and television production within the United States and certain international jurisdictions.
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 ^ We receive tax credits or refunds through various governmental programs designed to promote film and television production within the United States and international jurisdictions.
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 .McMahon also began selling videotapes of WWF events outside the Northeast through his Coliseum Video distribution company.^ The Company evaluated its September 30, 2009 financial statements for subsequent events through November 6, 2009, the date the financial statements were issued.
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 He effectively broke the unwritten law of regionalism around which the entire industry had been based. .To make matters worse, McMahon used the income generated by advertising, television deals, and tape sales to poach talent from rival promoters.^ Advertising and promotion in the current period also benefited from a strategic conservative approach for general promotional activities while the prior year reflects $3.5 million associated with our McMahon’s Million Dollar Mania brand awareness campaign.
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 ^ Advertising revenues for the current period are primarily comprised of the sale of various sponsorships and the sale of advertising on our Canadian television programs.
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 Wrestling promoters nationwide were now in direct competition with the WWF.
Hulk Hogan, due to his appearance in Rocky III, had a national recognition that few other wrestlers could offer, which is what led McMahon to sign him. Roddy Piper was brought in, as well as Jesse Ventura (although Ventura rarely wrestled in the WWF at that point due to the lung disorder that caused his retirement, moving to the commentator booth alongside Gorilla Monsoon). André the Giant, Jimmy Snuka, Don Muraco, Paul Orndorff, Greg Valentine, Ricky Steamboat, and the Iron Sheik (Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri) rounded out the roster. Hogan was clearly McMahon's biggest star, but there was debate as to whether the WWF could have achieved national success without him.
According to several reports, the elder McMahon warned his son: "Vinny, what are you doing? You'll wind up at the bottom of a river." In spite of such warnings, the younger McMahon had an even bolder ambition: the WWF would tour nationally. Such a venture, however, required huge capital investment; one that placed the WWF on the verge of financial collapse. The future of not just McMahon's experiment, but also the WWF, the NWA, and the whole industry came down to the success or failure of McMahon's groundbreaking concept, WrestleMania. WrestleMania was a pay-per-view extravaganza (in some areas; most areas of the country saw WrestleMania available on closed-circuit television) that McMahon marketed as being the Super Bowl of professional wrestling. The concept of a wrestling supercard was nothing new in North America; the NWA had been running Starrcade a few years prior to WrestleMania, and even the elder McMahon had marketed large Shea Stadium cards viewable in closed-circuit locations. However, McMahon wanted to take the WWF to the mainstream, targeting the public who were not regular wrestling fans. He drew the interest of the mainstream media by inviting celebrities such as Mr. T and Cyndi Lauper to participate in the event. MTV, in particular, featured a great deal of WWF coverage and programming at this time, in what was termed the Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection.

Golden Age

The original WrestleMania, held in 1985, was a resounding success. This event is sometimes credited as the debut of what McMahon called "sports entertainment", in contrast to his father's preference of pure wrestling. .The WWF did incredible business on the shoulders of McMahon and his all-American babyface hero, Hulk Hogan, for the next several years, creating what some observers dubbed a second golden age for professional wrestling.^ McMahon waives all of his compensation under these agreements, except for a salary of $850,000 per year.
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 .The introduction of Saturday Night's Main Event on NBC in mid-1985 marked the first time that professional wrestling had been broadcast on network television since the 1950s.^ This is not the first time the WWE has waded into politics: it unsuccessfully challenged Al Gore and George Bush to agree to an arm wrestling match in 2000.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 In 1987, the WWF produced what was considered to be the pinnacle of the 1980s wrestling boom altogether, WrestleMania III.[5]

New Generation

The updated World Wrestling Federation logo used to represent their "New Generation" promotion.
The WWF hit a low point in the wake of allegations of steroid abuse and distribution made against it in 1994; there were also allegations of sexual harassment made by WWF employees. .McMahon was eventually exonerated, but it was a public relations nightmare for the WWF. The steroid trial cost the WWF an estimated $5 million at a time when revenues were at an all-time low.^ We recorded revenue of approximately $3.0 million in the current quarter related to our prior theatrical releases as compared to $5.6 million in the prior year quarter.
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 ^ April 21st, 2008 2:10 pm ET A new all time low in US politics.
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 ^ Based on this timing, no revenues have been recorded for 12 Rounds and approximately $0.2 million has been recorded for Behind Enemy Lines : Colombia .
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 .To compensate, McMahon cut the pay of both wrestlers and front office personnel – close to 40% in the latter case (and about 50% for top level managers such as Bobby Heenan and Jimmy Hart, who both left).^ Has a wife who is obviously very angry about America and so so far left that Democrats would rather vote for McCain if he becomes the Democratic candidate.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 This helped drive many WWF wrestlers to its only major competition, World Championship Wrestling (WCW), between 1993 and 1996. During this period, the WWF promoted itself under the banner of "The New WWF Generation," featuring Shawn Michaels, Diesel, Razor Ramon, Bret Hart, and The Undertaker. In an effort to promote them and other young talent as the new superstars of the ring, the WWF began to play on the age restrictions which former WWF wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage (who by now were working for WCW) now faced. This is best seen in the "Billionaire Ted" parodies of early 1996 (a reference to WCW's owner and patron, media mogul Ted Turner) which culminated in a "rasslin'" match during the warm-up to WrestleMania XII.

Monday Night Wars

Main article: Monday Night Wars
.In 1993, the WWF broke new ground in televised professional wrestling with the debut of its cable program WWF Monday Night Raw.^ Monday Night Raw was made for the Clintons!
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 ^ April 21st, 2008 2:11 pm ET What is Monday Night RAW? .
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 ^ April 21st, 2008 2:30 pm ET What the heck is Monday Night Raw?
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 .After becoming a runaway success, WCW in 1995 countered with its own Monday night cable program, WCW Monday Nitro, in the same time slot as Raw.^ Monday Night Raw was made for the Clintons!
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 ^ April 21st, 2008 2:11 pm ET What is Monday Night RAW? .
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 ^ April 21st, 2008 2:30 pm ET What the heck is Monday Night Raw?
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 [6] .The two programs would trade wins in the ensuing ratings competition until mid-1996, when WCW began a nearly 2-year domination that was largely fueled by the introduction of the New World Order, a stable led by former WWF superstars Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, and Kevin Nash.^ Two ugly people meet and discuss their dream of world domination, and 20 years later Bill is having sex with the honeys.
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 ^ The differences are nothing at all compared to what we've had for nearly eight years, which McCain would be glad to continue.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 ^ World Wrestling Entertainment - WWE News Powered by Google News COMPLETE WWE PPV WIN/LOSS RECORDS FOR THE ENTIRE WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT ...
  • World Wrestling Entertainment - WWE Coupons & World Wrestling Entertainment - WWE Coupon Codes. Updated Daily! 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.goodsearch.com [Source type: General]

1996–1997

Main article: Montreal Screwjob
The feuds and match types developed by the end of the mid 1990's began a new era in wrestling. The fans of the WWF seemed to favor what was posed to them as the bad guy instead of the good guy. .The creative changes made by the WWF creative board saw wrestling take on a "street fighting," "bad attitude" approach, however despite the revolutionary changes in sports-entertainment that the WWF founded, these years remain the lowest of the WWF's financial income and a heavy loss in fandom to rival WCW. Throughout 1996 and 1997, the WWF lost much of its leading talent to WCW, including Razor Ramon (Scott Hall), Diesel (Kevin Nash), Psycho Sid (Sid Eudy), Alundra Blayze (Debra Miceli), and the late Rick Rude.^ Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted from these interim financial statements; these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
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 ^ Service contracts with certain of our independent contractors, including our talent, which are generally for one to four-year terms.
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 .The WWF replaced them with former WCW talent such as Vader (Leon White), Stone Cold Steve Austin, Brian Pillman, Mankind (Mick Foley), and Farooq (Ron Simmons).^ April 21st, 2008 1:51 pm ET Does this mean if all else fails, Stone Cold Steve Austin could be president?
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 Eric Bischoff's public humiliation of the WWF, criticising them for signing WCW's sacked wrestlers and bragging that WWF wrestlers were signing for WCW due to higher pay, intensified the Monday Night Wars only for Nitro as the WWF struggled to regain its popularity.
McMahon managed to keep Bret Hart from reverting to WCW, and began a feud with Hart and Steve Austin. .In Hart's absence after WrestleMania XII, Steve Austin became the new face of the company, starting with his Austin 3:16 speech, shortly after defeating Jake Roberts in the tournament finals at the 1996 King of the Ring pay-per-view.^ Pay-per-view accounts receivable .
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 ^ Number of pay-per-view events .
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 ^ Number of pay-per-view events   .
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 [7] WrestleMania 13 saw Hart beat Austin in a critically acclaimed submission match, and shortly after saw Hart form The Hart Foundation. Austin and Shawn Michaels feuded with them for the majority of the year. This proved to be a major turning point in the company's marketing approach. Despite his strong long running image as a face, the Canadian Hart was turned heel in an anti-USA gimmick, whilst Steve Austin became cheered by fans despite efforts to design him as the ultimate heel (see tweener). .Rocky Maivia joined the Nation of Domination stable after fans rejected his good guy image, and Shawn Michaels formed the street gang faction D-Generation X with Triple H and Chyna; similar to the Stone Cold Steve Austin character, DX was designed not to care for what the fans or other wrestlers thought of them.^ April 21st, 2008 1:51 pm ET Does this mean if all else fails, Stone Cold Steve Austin could be president?
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 The Hell in a Cell match between Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker produced a fresh strong foundation for the WWF's creative board. 1997 ended with McMahon becoming widely despised by fans following Bret Hart's controversial departure from the WWF, proving to be a founding factor in what was to kick start The Attitude Era.

Attitude Era

The updated World Wrestling Federation logo used to represent their "Attitude" promotion. In May 2002, the use of this trademark became prohibited.
Main article: The Attitude Era
By January 1998, the WWF began broadcasting more violence, swearing, and more edgy angles in its attempt to compete with WCW. After Bret Hart left for WCW following the Montreal Screwjob incident,[8] Vince McMahon used the resulting backlash in the creation of his "Mr. McMahon" character, a dictatorial and fierce ruler who favored heels who were "good for business" over "misfit" faces like Austin. This, in turn, led to the Austin vs. McMahon feud, which, along with D-Generation X, officially began the Attitude Era. .It also featured the established Monday Night Wars, where both WCW and the WWF had Monday night shows that competed against each other in the ratings.^ Where he was warned he would not be able to compete with the well-established Clinton Campaign, he has out-organized, out-campaigned, and showed himself to be much more financially competent than Hillary.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 Many new wrestlers came into the WWF such as Chris Jericho, The Radicalz (Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, Perry Saturn, Dean Malenko) and the 1996 Olympic gold medalist, Kurt Angle, whilst the characters of The Rock (renamed from Rocky Maivia), and Mick Foley (as Mankind, Cactus Jack and Dude Love) were successfully re-invented to compete at the main event level. This era also saw the evolution of more brutal matches with different stipulations to increase viewership, mainly the furthering of Hell in a Cell (notably its second appearance featuring The Undertaker vs. Mankind) and the Inferno match (introduced by Kane against The Undertaker).[9]

Business advances

.On April 29, 1999, the WWF made its return to terrestrial television by launching a special program known as SmackDown! on the fledgling UPN network.^ April 21st, 2008 2:26 pm ET Obama, Please release your tax return for 1997-1999.
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 The Thursday-night show became a weekly series on August 26, 1999.
.On the back of the success of the Attitude Era, on October 19, 1999 the WWF's parent company, Titan Sports (by this time renamed World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc.^ Fairmont Hotels, WWE - World Wrestling Entertainment - Poweredby 10Best.com .
  • Fairmont Hotels, WWE - World Wrestling Entertainment - Poweredby 10Best.com 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC concierge.fairmont.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Nonetheless, this is an incredible public relations coup for World Wrestling Entertainment.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 ^ WWE - World Wrestling Entertainment vs. ECW Wrestling .
  • Fairmont Hotels, WWE - World Wrestling Entertainment - Poweredby 10Best.com 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC concierge.fairmont.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ) became a publicly traded company, offering 10 million shares priced at $17 each.[10] .WWF announced its desire to diversify, including creating a nightclub in Times Square, producing feature films, and book publishing.^ The decline in WWE Studios revenues reflects the timing of payments received from our distribution partners, based on the release dates of our feature films.
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ As of September 30, 2009, we do not believe any capitalized assets included in Feature Film Production Assets are impaired.
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ‎ .In 2000 the WWF, in collaboration with television network NBC, announced the creation of the XFL, a new professional football league that debuted in 2001.[11] The league had surprisingly high ratings for the first few weeks, but initial interest waned and its ratings plunged to dismally low levels (one of its games was the lowest-rated primetime show in the history of American television).^ Television rights fees reflects rate increases both in domestic and international markets as well as the addition of our new domestic show, WWE Superstars, on WGN, which began airing in April 2009.
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ A Washington Post/ABC News poll shows only 39% of Americans think Hillary Clinton is “honest and trustworthy.” 58% say she’s not.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 ^ In an effort to minimize our exposure to interest rate risk, our investment portfolio’s dollar weighted duration is less than one year.
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 NBC walked out on the venture after only one season, but McMahon intended to continue alone. However, after being unable to reach a deal with UPN, McMahon shut down the XFL.[12]

Acquisition of WCW and ECW

The Attitude Era turned the tide of the Monday Night Wars into WWF's favor for good. After Time Warner merged with AOL, Ted Turner's power over WCW was considerably reduced, and the newly merged company decided to get rid of WCW entirely. In March 2001, WWF Entertainment, Inc. acquired .World Championship Wrestling, Inc.^ WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) .
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., and our subsidiaries (“we” or the “Company”).
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 from AOL Time Warner for a number reported to be around $7 million.[13] With this purchase, WWF was now the largest wrestling promotion in the world, and the only one in North America with mainstream exposure. It remained so until the launch of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling in 2002.
The assets of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), which had folded after filing for bankruptcy protection in April 2001, were purchased by WWE in mid-2003..[14]

Name dispute

In 2000, the World Wide Fund for Nature (also WWF), an environmental organization, sued the World Wrestling Federation. The Law Lords agreed that Titan Sports had violated a 1994 agreement which had limited the permissible use of the WWF initials overseas, particularly in merchandising. .Both companies used the initials since March 1979.[15] On May 5, 2002, the company changed all references on its website from "WWF" to "WWE", while switching the URL from WWF.com to WWE.com.^ WWE.com revenues increased primarily due to additional advertising sold on our website and higher syndication related revenue.
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .The next day, a press release announced the official name change from World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. to World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., or WWE, and the change was publicized later that day during a telecast of Monday Night Raw, which emanated from the Hartford Civic Center in Hartford, Connecticut.^ WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) .
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Monday Night Raw was made for the Clintons!
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Nonetheless, this is an incredible public relations coup for World Wrestling Entertainment.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 For a short time, WWE used the slogan "Get The 'F' Out."[16] .The company had also been ordered by the Lords to stop using the old WWF Attitude logo on any of its properties and to censor all past references to WWF, as they no longer owned the trademark to the initials WWF in 'specified circumstances'.[17] Despite litigation, WWE is still permitted use of the original WWF logo, which was used from 1984 through 1997, as well as the "New WWF Generation" logo, which was used from 1994 through 1998. Furthermore, the company may still make use of the full "World Wrestling Federation" and "World Wrestling Federation Entertainment" names without consequence.^ WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) .
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ If I stuck to my own original preference, (which is still my first choice) I'd be blogging for Joe Biden, which wouldn't do us any good, would it?
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 ^ Fairmont Hotels, WWE - World Wrestling Entertainment - Poweredby 10Best.com .
  • Fairmont Hotels, WWE - World Wrestling Entertainment - Poweredby 10Best.com 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC concierge.fairmont.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

Brand extension

In March 2002, roughly two months before the name change, WWE decided to create two separate rosters, Raw and SmackDown! due to the overabundance of talent left over from the Invasion storyline. This is known as the WWE Brand Extension. In addition to the Brand Extension, WWE holds a Draft Lottery every year. On May 26, 2006, WWE announced the relaunch of Extreme Championship Wrestling as a WWE brand. The new ECW program aired internationally and on Tuesday nights on Syfy in the United States until February 16, 2010.[18]

Network changes and high-definition

In late 2005, WWE Raw returned after a five-year stint on TNN (now Spike TV) to its original home USA Network. .In 2006, due to contracts with NBC Universal, parent company of USA Network, WWE had the chance to revive its classic Saturday night show Saturday Night's Main Event (SNME) on NBC after a thirteen-year hiatus.^ WWE Classics On Demand generated 13% lower revenues in the current period primarily due to weaker international distribution.
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 WWE had the chance to promote the company on a major national network rather than the lower profile CW or cable channels like USA Network. SNME airs occasionally on NBC as a WWE special series. On September 26, 2007, it was announced that WWE would be expanding its international operations. Alongside the current international offices in London and Toronto, a new international office would be established in Sydney.[3]
On January 21, 2008, WWE made the transition to high-definition (HD). .All TV shows and pay-per-views after this were broadcast in HD. In addition, WWE also introduced a new set that is used for all three brands.^ Pay-per-view accounts receivable .
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Number of pay-per-view events   .
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Number of pay-per-view events .
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 [19]

WWE Universe and new programs

.On November 19, 2008, WWE launched their online social network, WWE Universe.^ April 21st, 2008 3:19 pm ET Well, I guess Hillary, excuse me, Hill-rod, could turn to the WWE and be a wrestler after she loses the nomination!
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 It initially appeared in April as WWE Fan Nation. Similar to MySpace, it offers blogs, forums, and other features for WWE fans.[20]
.It was announced on December 19, 2008 that WWE and WGN America had come to an agreement to create a new weekly, one-hour prime time series entitled WWE Superstars.^ Television rights fees reflects rate increases both in domestic and international markets as well as the addition of our new domestic show, WWE Superstars, on WGN, which began airing in April 2009.
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Average weekly household ratings for WWE Superstars .
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Our toy license with Jakks Pacific LLC expires on December 31, 2009 and our new multi-year agreement with Mattel begins on January 1, 2010.
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 .On April 16, 2009 the show made its debut airing.^ Television rights fees reflects rate increases both in domestic and international markets as well as the addition of our new domestic show, WWE Superstars, on WGN, which began airing in April 2009.
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 The show features talent from all WWE brands. On February 2, 2010, it was announced that a new program called WWE NXT would premiere on Syfy on February 23, 2010, over the ECW timeslot.

Wellness Program

.The Talent Wellness Program is a comprehensive drug, alcohol, and cardiac screening program exclusive to World Wrestling Entertainment, initiated in February 2006, shortly after the sudden death of one of their highest profile talents, thirty-eight year old Eddie Guerrero.^ WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) .
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., and our subsidiaries (“we” or the “Company”).
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Nonetheless, this is an incredible public relations coup for World Wrestling Entertainment.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 [21] The policy tests for recreational drug use and abuse of prescription medication, including anabolic steroids.[21] Under the guidelines of the policy, talent is also tested annually for pre-existing or developing cardiac issues. The drug testing is handled by Aegis Sciences Corporation. The cardiac evaluations are handled by New York Cardiology Associates P.C.[21]
WWE is currently under investigation by the United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform regarding their talent wellness policy, after the death of one of their performers, Chris Benoit, possibly being linked to steroid abuse.[22]
In August 2007, the program was defended heavily by WWE and its employees in the wake of several illegal pharmacy busts that linked WWE performers to steroid purchases even after the policy was put into place. Ten professional wrestlers were suspended for violating the Wellness Policy after reports emerged they were all customers of Signature Pharmacy in Orlando, Florida. According to a statement attributed to WWE attorney Jerry McDevitt, an eleventh wrestler was later added to the suspension list.[23][24][25]
.On the other hand, because of the Wellness Policy, physicians were able to diagnose one of its performers with a heart ailment that otherwise would have likely gone unnoticed until it was too late.^ April 21st, 2008 2:19 pm ET I hope that one of the many CNN commentators, and I would like Jack Cafferty to read it out.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 ^ April 21st, 2008 3:13 pm ET I think Hillary has gone WELL past the point where if she were the nominee that people would pile on to support her.
  • CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Candidates to appear on Monday Night Raw « - Blogs from CNN.com 7 January 2010 23:023 UTC politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com [Source type: General]

 In August 2007, then-reigning United States Champion Alvin Burke, Jr. (better known under his ring name Montel Vontavious Porter) was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome,[26] which if gone undiagnosed can be potentially fatal. The ailment was discovered while MVP was going through a routine Wellness Policy checkup.

Expansion beyond wrestling

.In addition to licensing wrestling and performers' likenesses to companies such as Acclaim, THQ, and Jakks Pacific to produce video games and action figures, WWE has moved into other areas of interest in order to market their product.^ In addition to long-term debt, we have entered into various other contracts under which we are required to make guaranteed payments, including: .
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Revenues consist principally of direct sales of WWE produced home videos and magazine publishing and royalties or license fees related to various WWE themed products such as video games, toys and books.
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

 ^ Stock compensation expense has also increased as additional shares are expected to be issued, due to the Company’s operating performance to date.
  • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.
  • WWE Studios: A subsidiary of WWE created in 2002 to create and develop feature film properties.^ The decline in WWE Studios revenues reflects the timing of payments received from our distribution partners, based on the release dates of our feature films.
    • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

     ^ WWE Studios revenue primarily reflects amounts earned from our previously released feature films, The Marine , See No Evil and The Condemned , and vary based upon the receipt of participation statements from our distribution partners.
    • WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC - FORM 10-Q - November 6, 2009 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC www.faqs.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

     .Formerly known as WWE Films.
  • WWE Niagara Falls: A retail and entertainment establishment that is located in Niagara Falls, Ontario and owned by WWE.
  • The World, formerly known as WWF New York: A restaurant, night club, and memorabilia shop in New York City.
  • WWE Music Group: A subsidiary that specializes in compilation albums of WWE wrestlers' entrance themes.^ Fairmont Hotels, WWE - World Wrestling Entertainment - Poweredby 10Best.com .
    • Fairmont Hotels, WWE - World Wrestling Entertainment - Poweredby 10Best.com 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC concierge.fairmont.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

     ^ WWE - World Wrestling Entertainment vs. ECW Wrestling .
    • Fairmont Hotels, WWE - World Wrestling Entertainment - Poweredby 10Best.com 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC concierge.fairmont.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

     ^ WWE - World Wrestling Entertainment .
    • Fairmont Hotels, WWE - World Wrestling Entertainment - Poweredby 10Best.com 28 January 2010 1:11 UTC concierge.fairmont.com [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]

     The group also releases titles that have been performed by WWE wrestlers.
  • WWE Home Video: A subsidiary that specializes in distributing compilation VHS, DVD, and Blu-ray Disc copies of WWE pay-per-view events, compilations of WWE wrestlers' performances, and biographies of WWE performers.
  • WWE Books: A subsidiary of WWE that serves to publish autobiographies of and fiction based on WWE personalities, behind-the-scenes guides to WWE, illustrated books, calendars, young adult books, and other general nonfiction books.
  • WWE Kids: A website and comic set aimed at the children's end of the wrestling market, comics are produced bi-monthly launched on April 15, 2008.

Key figures

Executive officers

World Wrestling Entertainment headquarters, Stamford, Connecticut
  • Vincent K. McMahon (Chairman and CEO)[27]
  • Kevin Dunn (Executive Vice President, Television Production)[28]
  • Frank G. Serpe (Chief Financial Officer)[29]
  • Donna Goldsmith (Chief Operating Officer)[30]
  • Stephanie McMahon-Levesque (Executive Vice President, Creative Development & Operations)[31]
  • Edward L. Kaufman (Executive Vice President and General Counsel)[32]
  • John Laurinaitis (Executive Vice President, Talent Relations)[33]
  • Michael Lake (President, WWE Films)[34]
  • John P. Saboor Senior Vice President of Special Events[35]

Board of directors

  • Vincent K. McMahon (Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer – WWE)[27][36]
  • Donna Goldsmith (Chief Operating Officer – WWE)[36]
  • Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. (Former Governor of the State of Connecticut and United States Senator)[36]
  • David Kenin (Executive Vice President of Programming – Hallmark Channel)[36]
  • Joseph Perkins (President – Communications Consultants, Inc.)[36]
  • Michael B. Solomon (Managing Principal – Gladwyne Partners, LLC)[36]
  • Robert A. Bowman (Chief Executive Officer – Major League Baseball Advanced Media)[36]

Champions

Main article: List of current champions in World Wrestling Entertainment
Championship Current champion(s) Date won Event Previous champion(s)
Raw
WWE United States Championship The Miz October 5, 2009 Raw Kofi Kingston
WWE Divas Championship Maryse February 22, 2010 Raw N/A (Vacant)
SmackDown
World Heavyweight Championship Chris Jericho February 21, 2010 Elimination Chamber The Undertaker
WWE Intercontinental Championship Drew McIntyre December 13, 2009 TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs John Morrison
WWE Women's Championship Michelle McCool February 23, 2010 SmackDown Mickie James
Dual-branded
WWE Championship* Batista February 21, 2010 Elimination Chamber John Cena
WWE Tag Team Championship** The Miz and The Big Show February 8, 2010 Raw D-Generation X
(Triple H and Shawn Michaels)
World Tag Team Championship**
* Due to Batista's status as a SmackDown superstar, the title is considered the property of both brands.
** These titles are unified; they are accessible to both WWE brands.[37]

Other accomplishments

Accomplishment Latest winner Date won
Royal Rumble Edge January 31, 2010
Money in the Bank CM Punk April 5, 2009
King of the Ring William Regal April 21, 2008

Developmental territory champions

Championship Current champion(s) Date won Previous champion(s)
Florida Championship Wrestling
FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship Justin Gabriel September 24, 2009 Heath Slater
FCW Florida Tag Team Championship Joe Hennig and Brett DiBiase January 14, 2010 Caylen Croft and Trent Baretta
Queen of FCW AJ Lee February 4, 2010 Serena

Defunct championships

Main article: List of former championships in World Wrestling Entertainment
In its 50 year history, WWE has operated over twenty different championships. Its first title was created in 1958, the WWWF United States Tag Team Championship; it was retired in 1967. Throughout its history, WWE formed partnerships with other international promotions, which led to the creation of various titles for these promotions; however, when those partnerships ended, these titles were either retired or began operation in the United States for WWE. Overall, the company has retired 18 championships, the most recent being the ECW Championship in February 2010.

See also

Professional wrestling
portal

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "WWE Reports 2009 Fourth Quarter Results" (PDF). pp. 5. http://corporate.wwe.com/documents/PressReleaseQ4092.11FINAL.pdf. Retrieved 2010-02-11. 
  2. ^ "WWE 2008 10-K Report". WWE. http://corporate.wwe.com/documents/200810-K_002.pdf. Retrieved 2009-04-10. 
  3. ^ a b "WWE: Flexing its Muscle". 2007-09-01. http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2007/2007_09_26.jsp. 
  4. ^ The Spectacular Legacy of the AWA DVD
  5. ^ Powell, John. "Steamboat — Savage rule WrestleMania 3". SLAM! Wrestling. http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Wrestlemania20/WrestleMania3.html. Retrieved 2007-10-14. 
  6. ^ Shields, Brian; Sullivan, Kevin (2009). WWE: History of WrestleMania. p. 53. 
  7. ^ Mick Foley (2000). Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks. HarperCollins. pp. 229. ISBN 0061031011. 
  8. ^ Mick Foley (2000). Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks. HarperCollins. pp. 648. ISBN 0061031011. 
  9. ^ "Specialty Matches". WWE. http://www.wwe.com/inside/specialtymatches/infernomatch. Retrieved 2008-12-20. 
  10. ^ "WWF Enters the Stock Market". 1999-10-19. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/july-dec99/wwf.html. Retrieved 2007-05-05. 
  11. ^ "WWE Entertainment, Inc. announces the formation of the XFL -- a new professional football league". 03. http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2000/2000_02_03.jsp. Retrieved 2007-05-05. 
  12. ^ "XFL folds after disappointing first season". 2001-05-10. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/news/2001/05/10/xfl_folds_ap/. Retrieved 2007-05-05. 
  13. ^ "WWE Entertainment, Inc. Acquires WCW from Turner Broadcasting". 23. http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2001/2001_03_23.jsp. Retrieved 2007-05-05. 
  14. ^ Shields, Brian; Sullivan, Kevin (2009). WWE: History of WrestleMania. p. 58. 
  15. ^ "Agreement-WWF-World Wide Fund for Nature and Titan Sports Inc.". http://contracts.corporate.findlaw.com/agreements/wwf/worldwildlife.1997.01.20.html. Retrieved 2006-11-23. 
  16. ^ "World Wrestling Federation Entertainment Drops The "F" To Emphasize the "E" for Entertainment". WWE. http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_05_06.jsp. Retrieved 2006-08-28. 
  17. ^ "World Wrestling Federation Entertainment Drops The "F" To Emphasize the "E" for Entertainment". WWE. 2002-05-06. http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_05_06.jsp. Retrieved 2008-12-20. 
  18. ^ "WWE brings ECW to Sci Fi Channel". WWE.com. http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/scifi. Retrieved 2006-08-28. 
  19. ^ "WWE Goes HD". WWE. http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2008/2008_01_14.jsp. Retrieved 2008-01-25. 
  20. ^ "WWE.com launches much anticipated online social network". WWE. http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2008/2008_11_19.jsp. Retrieved 2008-12-29. 
  21. ^ a b c "WWE Talent Wellness Program". Corporate WWE Web Site. 2007-02-27. http://corporate.wwe.com/documents/TalentWellnessProgramOutline2-27-06CORPweb.pdf. Retrieved 2007-10-11. 
  22. ^ "Congress wants WWE's info on steroids, doping". http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20002071/. Retrieved 2007-07-29. 
  23. ^ "Fourteen wrestlers tied to pipeline". Sports Illustrated. 2007-08-30. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/08/30/wrestlers/. Retrieved 2007-10-11. 
  24. ^ Farhi, Paul (2007-09-01). "Pro Wrestling Suspends 10 Linked to Steroid Ring". Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/31/AR2007083101961.html. Retrieved 2007-10-11. 
  25. ^ ""WWE Suspends Yet Another Wrestler"". Headline Planet. 2007-09-01. http://www.headlineplanet.com/base/articles/1188623664.html. 
  26. ^ "MVP's Most Valuable Program". WWE. 2007-08-10. http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/08102007/articles/mvpmostvaluableprogram. Retrieved 2007-12-07. 
  27. ^ a b "WWE Corporate Biography of Vince McMahon". http://corporate.wwe.com/company/bios/vk_mcmahon.jsp. Retrieved 2007-05-20. 
  28. ^ "WWE Corporate Biography of Kevin Dunn". http://corporate.wwe.com/company/bios/k_dunn.jsp. Retrieved 2007-05-20. 
  29. ^ "WWE Corporate Biography of Frank Serpe". http://corporate.wwe.com/company/bios/fg_serpe.jsp. Retrieved 2007-05-20. 
  30. ^ "WWE Corporate Biography of Donna Goldsmith". http://corporate.wwe.com/company/bios/d_goldsmith.jsp. Retrieved 2007-05-20. 
  31. ^ "WWE Corporate Biography of Stephanie McMahon-Levesque". http://corporate.wwe.com/company/bios/s_mcmahon_levesque.jsp. Retrieved 2007-05-20. 
  32. ^ "WWE Corporate Biography of Edward Kaufman". http://corporate.wwe.com/company/bios/el_kaufman.jsp. Retrieved 2007-05-20. 
  33. ^ "WWE Corporate Biography of John Laurinaitis". http://corporate.wwe.com/company/bios/j_laurinaitis.jsp. Retrieved 2007-05-20. 
  34. ^ "WWE Corporate Biography of Michael Lake". http://corporate.wwe.com/governance/bios/m_lake.jsp. Retrieved 2008-01-08. 
  35. ^ "Saboor New WWE Ambassador". WWE Corporate. 2008-07-28. http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2008/2008_07_28a.jsp. Retrieved 2008-12-20. 
  36. ^ a b c d e f g "Corporate Board of Directors". http://corporate.wwe.com/governance/board.jsp. Retrieved 2007-05-20. 
  37. ^ "Superstars of SmackDown". World Wrestling Entertainment. http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/. Retrieved 2009-04-06. 

External links


Simple English
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.

Type Public (NYSE: WWE)
Founded 1952
Headquarters Stamford, Connecticut, USA
Key people Vince McMahon, Chairman, CEO
Shane McMahon, Executive Vice President of Global Media
Stephanie McMahon, Executive Vice President of Talent and Creative Writing
Industry Professional wrestling, sports entertainment
Revenue $400.3 million USD (2006)[1]
Operating income $71.5 million USD (2006)[1]
Net income ▼$45.42 million (2008)[1]
Employees 564 (as of February 2009, excluding wrestlers)[2]
Website WWE.com
Corporate WWE Web Site

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE) is a big company that produces professional wrestling shows. It is now the most popular company in the wrestling business. Vince J. McMahon started the company in 1952. His son, Vince K. McMahon is currently the chairman and CEO of the company and runs the company along with his daughter Stephanie.

The company used to be known as the World Wrestling Federation or the WWF. The WWF changed their name to WWE after a lawsuit filed by the World Wildlife Fund.

Contents

Champions

WWE have championships which are recognitions of a wrestler being the best in their brand. The most important championships are the WWE Championship for Raw and the World Heavyweight Championship for SmackDown.

There are also championships for specific divisions. This includes the WWE Diva's Championship which is fought for by the women on both brands. There is also a tag team championship that is shared by both brands.

Current champions

Main page: List of current champions in WWE
Championship Current champion(s) Date won Date aired
Raw brand
WWE Championship The Miz November 22, 2010
WWE United States Championship Daniel Bryan September 19, 2010
SmackDown brand
World Heavyweight Championship Edge December 19, 2010
WWE Intercontinental Championship Kofi Kingston January 4, 2011 January 7, 2011
Dual-branded
Championship Current champion(s) Home brand for current holder(s) Date won Date aired
WWE Tag Team Championship Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov Raw December 6, 2010
WWE Divas Championship Natalya Raw November 21, 2010

Retired championships

Championship Last champion(s) Date retired Notes
WWE Hardcore Championship Rob Van Dam August 26, 2002 Unified the Title with Intercontinental Championship
WWE Cruiserweight Championship Hornswoggle March 3, 2008 (Last champion gave up the championship on September 28, 2007.)
WWE European Championship Rob Van Dam July 21, 2002 Unified the Title with Intercontinental Championship
ECW Championship Ezekiel Jackson February 16, 2010 Retired as soon as the last champion won it as ECW was canceled.
World Tag Team Championship The Hart Dynasty
(David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd) 		August 16, 2010 Retired in favor of the WWE Tag Team Championship after 17 months of being kept active while unified.
WWE Women's Championship Layla September 19, 2010 Retired in a unification match with the WWE Diva's Championship.

Other pages

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. Reports Q4 Results" (PDF). pp. 4. http://corporate.wwe.com/documents/4QF2006PressReleaseFINALdoc.pdf. Retrieved 2006-08-28. 
  2. ↑ "WWE 2006 10-K Report". WWE.com. http://corporate.wwe.com/documents/200610-K.pdf. Retrieved 2006-08-28. 
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World Wrestling Entertainment
Black Saturday • 1980s boom • Monday Night Wars • Montreal Screwjob • The Attitude Era • The Invasion • Brand Extension • Draft (2002 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2009 • 2010)
Accomplishments
Current champions • Royal Rumble • Money in the Bank • King of the Ring • Triple Crown • Grand Slam • Former championships
Talent
Roster • Divas • Teams and stables • Hall of Fame • Alumni (A–C • D–H • I–M • N–R • S–Z)
Raw • NXT • SmackDown • Superstars • Pay-per-views • Former
Developmental
territories
Deep South Wrestling • Florida Championship Wrestling (current) • Heartland Wrestling Association • International Wrestling Association • Memphis Championship Wrestling • Ohio Valley Wrestling
Subsidiaries
WWE Video Library • WWE Studios • WWE Music Group • WWE Home Video • WWE Books • WWE Magazine • WWE Niagara Falls
Defunct subsidiaries
World Bodybuilding Federation • The World • XFL
Purchased assets
World Championship Wrestling (History) • Extreme Championship Wrestling • American Wrestling Association • World Class Championship Wrestling
Retrieved from "http://yak.rapint.com/wiki/World_Wrestling_Entertainment"

Citable sentences

Up to date as of December 07, 2010

Here are sentences from other pages on World Wrestling Entertainment, which are similar to those in the above article.








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