WWE News: Stephanie McMahon compares WWE to major media conglomerate
What's the story?
Stephanie McMahon and Triple H recently sat down with Sports Business Journal and talked in depth on a variety of topics concerning WWE's future (transcript by Wrestling Inc.)
Stephanie stated that WWE and Disney are similar in a lot of ways, with both corporations catering to kids as well as adults.
In case you didn't know...
Ever since WWE went PG in July 2008, the company has been trying its best to pander to all demographics, compared to the Attitude Era and Ruthless Aggression Era, when the weekly content wasn't suitable for kids and families.
WWE has been successful to a large extent when it comes to improving the image of the company in mainstream media.
Today, the promotion has tie-ins with Make-a-wish, Susan G. Komen's Breast Cancer Foundation, and many more organizations that have helped WWE in reaching a global audience.
The heart of the matter
WWE's WrestleMania has now become a global phenomenon, with fans from more than 60 countries attending the event every year. In addition to that, WWE does annual shows for American troops. The company has succeeded in creating a wholesome image of the product in the eyes of the mainstream audience.
While talking with Sports Business Journal, Stephanie stated that there's a certain kind of sophistication in the writing process, when it comes to carving out storylines. She added that this is a major similarity between Disney and WWE.
Stephanie also said that the way WWE conducts its business and the demographic it attracts is similar to Disney.
We've always said, 'Why can't WWE be as big as Disney?' Maybe 20-30 years from now, but I do think that's an important perspective: the long term strategy and thinking. But also, all of our lines of business, they really are more akin to Disney. We are a media property with the consumer products, television studio, film studio, etc. We have all of the different aspects of that wheel.
What's next?
Triple H and Stephanie seem to have huge plans for the future of their company, with an aim towards becoming as big of a conglomerate as Disney or Marvel. It remains to be seen whether they'll be able to achieve this goal, sometime in the distant future.
What do you think of Stephanie's vision? Is it achievable?