Editing WWE (section)

==Company history==
{{Main|History of WWE}}
{{Professional wrestling sidebar}}

===Before Titan Sports (1953–1980)===
{{Main|Capitol Wrestling Corporation}}
WWE's origins can be traced back as far as the 1950s when on January 7, 1953, the first show under the Capitol Wrestling Corporation (CWC) was produced. There is uncertainty as to whom the founder of the CWC was. Some sources state that it was [[Vincent J. McMahon]],<ref>{{Cite book|title=Capitol Revolution: The Rise of the McMahon Wrestling Empire|last=Hornbaker|first=Tim|date=2015|page=117|id={{ASIN|1770411240|country=de}}|quote=He Inaugurated his promotion on January 7, 1953, ... .}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=WWE Legends|last=Solomon|first=Brian|date=2006|page=6|id={{ASIN|0743490339|country=de}}|quote=McMahon formed a company he called the Capitol Wrestling Corporation, and presented his first regular wrestling show under the Capitol banner on January 7, 1953}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=WWE Encyclopedia of Sports Entertainment|last=Sullivan, Greenberg & Pantaleo|date=2016|page=372|publisher=DK/Prima Games, a division of Penguin Random House LLC |isbn = 978-1465453136|quote=On January 7, 1953, he put on the first-ever Capitol Wrestling Corporation event}}</ref> while other sources cite McMahon's father [[Jess McMahon]] as founder of CWC.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/superstars/vincemcmahon|title=Vincent J. McMahon official bio on wwe.com|quote=From the time Vince, Sr. took over Capitol Wrestling Corporation from his father, the company continued to flourish in the northeastern United States.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Krugman |first1=Michael |title=Andre the Giant: A Legendary Life |date=2009 |publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]] |page=11 |isbn=978-1439188132}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Cohen |first1=Daniel |title=Wrestling Renegades: An in Depth Look at Today's Superstars of Pro Wrestling |date=1999 |publisher=Pocket Books |isbn=0671036742|page=16}}</ref> The CWC later joined the [[National Wrestling Alliance]] (NWA) and famous New York promoter [[Toots Mondt]] soon joined the promotion.

[[Image:Vincent James McMahon, Verne Gagne and Bruno Sammartino - Wrestling News - Aug-sept 1975.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Vincent J. McMahon with [[Verne Gagne]] and [[Bruno Sammartino]] in 1975]]

Vincent J. McMahon and Toots Mondt were very successful and soon controlled approximately 70% of the NWA's booking power, largely due to their dominance in the heavily populated [[Northeastern United States]]. In 1963, McMahon and Mondt had a dispute with the NWA over [[Buddy Rogers (wrestler)|"Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers]] being booked to hold the [[NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship|NWA World Heavyweight Championship]].<ref name="won2011">{{cite journal|journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|date=July 20, 2011|title=NWA World Heavyweight Championship}}</ref> Mondt and McMahon were not only promoters but also acted as his manager and were accused by other NWA promoters of withholding Rogers making defenses in their cities versus only defending in Mondt and McMahon's own cities thus maintaining a monopoly on the world title. In a now infamous situation, the NWA sent former five-time world champion and legitimate wrestler [[Lou Thesz]] to Toronto to face Rogers on January 24, 1963. Thesz recalls this was not planned and prior to the match remembered telling Buddy "we can do this the easy way or the hard way." Rogers agreed to lose the fall and title in a one fall match versus the traditional two out of three fall matchup that most world title matches were defended. Once word reached back to Mondt and McMahon, at first they simply ignored the title change. From January until April 1963, Rogers was promoted as the NWA World Champion, or simply the World Heavyweight Champion, in their area. The World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) was not an immediate creation after Rogers's one fall loss to Thesz. Mondt and McMahon both eventually left the NWA in protest and formed the WWWF in the process. They brought along with them [[Willie Gilzenberg]], long time boxing and wrestling promoter in New Jersey. In April 1963, the [[WWE Championship|WWWF World Heavyweight Championship]] was created, with the promotion claiming that inaugural champion Rogers had won a tournament in Rio de Janeiro on April 25, 1963, defeating long time Capitol favorite [[Antonino Rocca]] in the finals. In reality, Rocca was no longer in the area, as he was working for [[Jim Crockett|Jim Crockett Sr.]] in the Carolinas. Rogers also had already suffered what would later be a career ending heart attack on April 18 in Akron, Ohio, and was in an Ohio hospital during the time the alleged tournament took place.<ref>{{cite web|title=WrestlingClassics.com Message Board: 1963 WWWF World Title Tournament in Rio|url=http://wrestlingclassics.com/cgi-bin/.ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=005277;p=3|access-date=February 19, 2021|website=wrestlingclassics.com}}</ref> Rogers lost the championship to [[Bruno Sammartino]] a month later on May 17, with the promotion beginning to be built around Sammartino shortly after.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://whatculture.com/wwe/10-most-notorious-wwe-squash-matches|title=10 Most Notorious WWE Squash Matches|last=Binks|first=Elliott|date=May 23, 2015|website=WhatCulture.com|language=en|access-date=December 20, 2018}}</ref>

In June 1963, Gilzenberg was named the first president of the WWWF.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://smile.amazon.de/WWE-50-Kevin-Sullivan/dp/1465419233/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&keywords=50+years+wwe+book&qid=1580427614&sr=8-1-fkmr1|title=WWE 50: Celebrating 50 years of Sports Entertainment|last=Sullivan|first=Kevin|date=2014|publisher=BradyGames |isbn=978-1-4654-1923-1 }}</ref> Mondt left the promotion in the late 1960s and although the WWWF had previously withdrawn from the NWA, McMahon quietly re-joined in 1971. The WWWF was renamed the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1979.

===Titan Sports, Inc. (1980–1999)===
==== Early years (1980–1982) ====
Vincent J. McMahon's son, [[Vincent K. McMahon]], and his wife [[Linda McMahon|Linda]], established Titan Sports, Inc., in 1980 in [[South Yarmouth, Massachusetts]] and applied trademarks for the initials "WWF".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leagle.com/decision/19882005690FSupp1315_11786.xml/TITAN%20SPORTS,%20INC.%20v.%20COMICS%20WORLD%20CORP|title=Titan Sports, Inc. V. Comics World Corp.|publisher=Leagle.Com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502062454/http://www.leagle.com/decision/19882005690FSupp1315_11786.xml/TITAN%20SPORTS,%20INC.%20v.%20COMICS%20WORLD%20CORP|archive-date=May 2, 2014|access-date=June 24, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Hornbaker|first=Tim|title=National Wrestling Alliance: The Untold Story of the Monopoly That Strangled Pro Wrestling|publisher=[[ECW Press]]|year=2007|isbn=978-1-55022-741-3|page=353}}</ref> The company was incorporated on February 21, 1980, in the [[Cape Cod Coliseum]] offices, then moved to the building on Holly Hill Lane in [[Greenwich, Connecticut]].

====Boom period (1982–1992)====
{{Main|1980s professional wrestling boom}}
[[File:Vince McMahon, 1986.png|thumb|left|upright|[[Vince McMahon|Vincent K. McMahon]], former majority owner and executive chairman of WWE, in 1986.]]
The younger McMahon bought Capitol from his father in 1982, effectively seizing control of the company. The actual date of sale is still unknown but the generally accepted date is June 6, 1982; however, this was likely only the date the deal was struck but not finalized. On WWF television, Capitol Wrestling Corporation maintained copyrights and ownership past the June 1982 date. The World Wrestling Federation was not solely owned by Vincent J. McMahon but also by [[Gorilla Monsoon]], [[Arnold Skaaland]] and Phil Zacko. The deal between the two McMahons was a monthly payment basis, in which if a single payment was missed, ownership would revert to the elder McMahon and his business partners. Looking to seal the deal quickly, McMahon took several loans and deals with other promoters and the business partners (including the promise of a job for life) in order to take full ownership by May or June 1983 for an estimated total of roughly $1 million with the three business partners receiving roughly $815,000 among them and Vincent J. McMahon receiving roughly $185,000.<ref>Death of the Territories: Expansion, Betrayal and the War that Changed Pro Wrestling Forever by Tim Hornbaker. September 2018.</ref> Seeking to make the WWF the premier wrestling promotion in the country, and eventually, the world, he began an expansion process that fundamentally changed the wrestling business.<ref name=si>{{cite magazine|first=William|last=Johnson|title=Wrestling With Success|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|date=March 25, 1991|access-date=April 20, 2014|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1119010/2/index.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918090310/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1119010/2/index.htm|archive-date=September 18, 2013}}</ref>

At the annual meeting of the NWA in 1983, the McMahons and former Capitol employee [[Jim Barnett (wrestling)|Jim Barnett]] all withdrew from the organization.<ref name=won2011/> McMahon also worked to get WWF programming on syndicated television all across the United States. This angered other promoters and disrupted the well-established boundaries of the different wrestling promotions, eventually ending the territory system, which was in use since the founding of the NWA in the 1940s. In addition, the company used income generated by advertising, television deals, and tape sales to secure talent from rival promoters. In an interview with ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'', McMahon was quoted as saying: "In the old days, there were wrestling fiefdoms all over the country, each with its own little lord in charge. Each little lord respected the rights of his neighboring little lord. No takeovers or raids were allowed. There were maybe 30 of these tiny kingdoms in the U.S. and if I hadn't bought out my dad, there would still be 30 of them, fragmented and struggling. I, of course, had no allegiance to those little lords."<ref name=si/>

McMahon gained significant traction when he hired [[American Wrestling Association]] (AWA) talent [[Hulk Hogan]], who had achieved popularity outside of wrestling, notably for his appearance in the film ''[[Rocky III]]''.<ref>{{IMDb title|qid=Q241504|id=tt0084602}}</ref> McMahon signed [[Roddy Piper]] as Hogan's rival, and then shortly afterward [[Jesse Ventura]] as an announcer. Other wrestlers joined the roster, such as [[The Iron Sheik]], [[Nikolai Volkoff]], [[Junkyard Dog]], [[Paul Orndorff]], [[Greg Valentine]], and [[Ricky Steamboat]], joining existing stars such as [[Jimmy Snuka]], [[Don Muraco]], [[Sgt Slaughter|Sgt. Slaughter]] and [[André the Giant]]. Many of the wrestlers who would later join the WWF were former AWA or NWA talent.
[[File:Hulk Hogan Pointing.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[Hulk Hogan]], pictured in 1989, was the WWF's top star during the [[1980s professional wrestling boom]].]]
The WWF would tour nationally in a venture that would require a huge capital investment, one that placed the WWF on the verge of financial collapse. The future of McMahon's experiment came down to the success or failure of McMahon's groundbreaking concept, [[WrestleMania]]. WrestleMania was a major success and was (and still is) marketed as the [[Super Bowl]] of professional wrestling. The concept of a wrestling [[Card (sports)|supercard]] was nothing new in North America; the NWA had begun running [[Starrcade]] a few years prior. In McMahon's eyes, however, what separated WrestleMania from other supercards was that it was intended to be accessible to those who did not watch wrestling. He invited celebrities such as [[Mr. T]], [[Muhammad Ali]], and [[Cyndi Lauper]] to participate in the event, as well as securing a deal with [[MTV]] to provide coverage. The event and hype surrounding it led to the term ''[[Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection]]'', due to the cross-promotion of [[popular culture]] and professional wrestling.

The WWF business expanded significantly on the shoulders of McMahon and his [[face (professional wrestling)|babyface]] hero Hulk Hogan for the next several years after defeating [[The Iron Sheik]] at Madison Square Garden on January 23, 1984.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/hulk-hogan-beats-iron-sheik-to-win-first-wwf-title | title=Hulk Hogan beats Iron Sheik to win first WWF title | date=November 16, 2009 }}</ref> The introduction of ''[[Saturday Night's Main Event]]'' on [[NBC]] in 1985 marked the first time that professional wrestling had been broadcast on network television since the 1950s when the now-defunct [[DuMont Television Network]] broadcast matches of Vincent J. McMahon's Capitol Wrestling Corporation. The 1980s "Wrestling Boom" peaked with the [[WrestleMania III]] pay-per-view at the Pontiac Silverdome in 1987, which set an attendance record of 93,173 for the WWF for 29 years until [[WrestleMania 32|2016]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/wrestlemania-32--record-and-reputations-tumble-075620564.html|title=Wrestlemania 32: Record and reputations tumble|date=April 4, 2016 |access-date=March 15, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007061259/https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/wrestlemania-32--record-and-reputations-tumble-075620564.html|archive-date=October 7, 2016}}</ref> A rematch of the WrestleMania III main event between WWF champion Hulk Hogan and [[André the Giant]] took place on ''[[The Main Event I]]'' in 1988 and was seen by 33 million people, the most-watched wrestling match in North American television history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Wrestlemania20/WrestleMania3.html|title=Steamboat&nbsp;– Savage rule WrestleMania 3|last=Powell|first=John|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=October 14, 2007|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629102306/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Wrestlemania20/WrestleMania3.html|archive-date=June 29, 2012}}</ref>

In 1983, Titan moved its offices to [[Stamford, Connecticut]]. Subsequently, a new Titan Sports, Inc. (originally WWF, Inc.) was established in [[Delaware]] in 1987 and was consolidated with the Massachusetts entity in February 1988.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1091907/000095013099005812/0000950130-99-005812.txt |title=Archived copy |access-date=September 17, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710093918/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1091907/000095013099005812/0000950130-99-005812.txt |archive-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref>

====New Generation (1992–1997)====
{{Main|Monday Night War}}
[[File:Shawn Michaels - Birmingham 200997 (28).jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Shawn Michaels]] became one of the biggest stars in WWF during this time, since an iconic [[ladder match]] at [[WrestleMania X]] in 1994.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/shawn-michaels-razor-ramon-wrestlemania-x-match-sheamus-keg-walk/ | title=411Mania }}</ref>]]
The WWF was hit with allegations of [[Anabolic steroid|steroid]] abuse and distribution in 1992. This was followed by allegations of [[sexual harassment]] by WWF employees the following year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/linda-mcmahon-wwe-sexual-harassment_n_585c1bc0e4b0d9a594577de6|title=Trump's Small Business Pick Defended Wrestling Empire Against Teen Sex Abuse Allegations|last1=Liebelson|first1=Dana|last2=Waldron|first2=Travis|date=December 22, 2016|website=HuffPost|language=en|access-date=November 26, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/809312-wwe-wellness-fallout-a-brief-history-of-drug-testing-in-professional-wrestling|title=WWE Wellness Fallout: A Brief History of Drug Testing in Professional Wrestling|last=Bixenspan|first=David|website=Bleacher Report|language=en|access-date=November 26, 2019}}</ref> McMahon was eventually exonerated, but the allegations brought bad [[public relations]] for the WWF, and an overall bad reputation. The steroid trial cost the company an estimated $5 million at a time of record low revenues. This helped drive many WWF wrestlers over to rival promotion [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW), including 1980s babyface hero Hulk Hogan. During this period, the WWF promoted wrestlers of a younger age comprising "The New Generation", featuring [[Bret Hart]], [[Shawn Michaels]], [[Kevin Nash|Diesel]], [[Scott Hall|Razor Ramon]] and [[The Undertaker]] among others in an effort to promote new talent into the spotlight.

In January 1993, the WWF debuted its flagship cable program ''[[WWE Raw|Monday Night Raw]]''. WCW countered in September 1995 with its own Monday night program, ''[[WCW Monday Nitro|Monday Nitro]]'', which aired in the same time slot as ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Shields|first1=Brian|last2=Sullivan|first2=Kevin|title=WWE: History of WrestleMania|year=2009|page=53}}</ref> The two programs would trade wins in the ensuing [[Nielsen ratings|ratings]] competition (known as the "[[Monday Night Wars|Monday Night War]]") until mid-1996. At that point, ''Nitro'' began a nearly two-year ratings domination that was largely fueled by the introduction of the [[New World Order (professional wrestling)|New World Order]] (nWo), a stable led by former WWF performers Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall (the former Razor Ramon), and Kevin Nash (the former Diesel).<ref>{{cite web|last=Scaia|first=Rick|title=RAW vs. Nitro: Year One|url=http://www.oowrestling.com/features/mnw-y1.shtml|publisher=Online Onslaught Wrestling|access-date=April 10, 2013|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516125131/http://www.oowrestling.com/features/mnw-y1.shtml|archive-date=May 16, 2008}}</ref>

====Start of the Attitude Era (1997–1999)====
{{Main|Attitude Era}}
{{See also|Montreal Screwjob}}
[[File:Austin with WWF title.jpg|thumb|175px|right|[[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] rivalry with Vince McMahon is often cited as having turned the tides for WWF in the [[Monday Night Wars|Monday Night War]] against rival promotion WCW.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-monday-night-war-review-episode-eight-the-austin-era-has-begun/ | title=411Mania }}</ref>]]
As the Monday Night War continued between ''Raw Is War'' and WCW's ''Nitro'', the WWF would transform itself from a family-friendly product into a more adult-oriented product, known as the [[Attitude Era]]. The era was spearheaded by WWF VP [[Shane McMahon]] (son of owner Vince McMahon) and head writer [[Vince Russo]].

1997 ended with McMahon facing real-life controversy following [[Bret Hart]]'s controversial departure from the company, dubbed as the [[Montreal Screwjob]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Mick Foley|title=Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks|publisher=HarperCollins|year=2000|page=648|isbn=0-06-103101-1|title-link=Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks}}</ref> This proved to be one of several founding factors in the launch of the Attitude Era as well as the creation of McMahon's on-screen character, "[[Vince McMahon#As Mr. McMahon character (1996–1997)|Mr. McMahon]]".

Before the Montreal Screwjob, which took place at the [[Survivor Series (1997)|1997 Survivor Series]], former WCW talent were being hired by the WWF, including [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]], [[Mick Foley|Mankind]], and [[Big Van Vader|Vader]]. Austin was slowly brought in as the new face of the company despite being promoted as an [[antihero]], starting with his "[[Austin 3:16]]" speech shortly after defeating [[Jake Roberts]] in the tournament finals at the [[King of the Ring (1996)|King of the Ring]] pay-per-view in 1996.<ref>{{cite book|last=Foley|first=Mick|title=Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks|publisher=HarperCollins|year=2000|page=229|isbn=0-06-103101-1|title-link=Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks}}</ref>

On April 29, 1999, the WWF made its return to [[terrestrial television]], airing a special program known as ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'' on the fledgling [[UPN]] network. The Thursday night show became a weekly series on August 26, 1999{{snd}}competing directly with WCW's Thursday night program titled ''[[WCW Thunder|Thunder]]'' on [[TBS (U.S. TV channel)|TBS]].

===World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. (1999–2002)===
====Initial public offering (1999)====
In the summer of 1999, Titan Sports, Inc. was renamed World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. On October 19, 1999, World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. launched an [[initial public offering]] as a publicly traded company, trading on the [[New York Stock Exchange]] (NYSE) with the issuance of stock then valued at $172.5 million.<ref name="money.cnn.com">[https://money.cnn.com/1999/08/03/companies/wrestling/ "WWF pins IPO," CNN Money, August 3, 1999] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606230532/http://money.cnn.com/1999/08/03/companies/wrestling/ |date=June 6, 2014 }}, Retrieved June 5, 2014.</ref> The company was traded on the NYSE under ticker symbol WWE.<ref name="nyse.com">[https://www.nyse.com/about/listed/lcddata.html?ticker=wwe "World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., NYSE.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509111600/http://www.nyse.com/about/listed/lcddata.html?ticker=wwe |date=May 9, 2013 }}, accessed June 5, 2014.</ref>

====End of the Attitude Era (1999–2002)====
{{main|The Invasion (professional wrestling)}}
By the fall of 1999, the Attitude Era had turned the tide of the [[Monday Night Wars|Monday Night War]] into WWF's favor. After [[WarnerMedia|Time Warner]] merged with [[AOL|America Online]] (AOL), [[Ted Turner]]'s control over WCW was considerably reduced. The newly merged company lacked interest in professional wrestling as a whole and decided to sell WCW in its entirety. Although [[Eric Bischoff]], whom Time Warner fired as WCW president in October 1999, was nearing a deal to purchase the company, in March 2001 McMahon acquired the rights to WCW's trademarks, tape library, contracts, and other properties from AOL Time Warner for a number reported to be around $7 million.<ref name=wcw>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2001/2001_03_23.jsp|title=WWE Entertainment, Inc. Acquires WCW from Turner Broadcasting|access-date=May 5, 2007|date=March 23, 2001|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313012636/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2001/2001_03_23.jsp|archive-date=March 13, 2014}}</ref> Shortly after [[WrestleMania X-Seven]], the WWF launched the Invasion storyline, integrating the incoming talent roster from WCW and [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW). With this purchase, WWF now became by far the sole largest wrestling promotion in North America and in the world. The assets of ECW, which had folded after filing for [[bankruptcy]] protection in April 2001, were purchased by WWE in 2003.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Shields|first1=Brian|last2=Sullivan|first2=Kevin|title=WWE: History of WrestleMania|year=2009|page=58}}</ref>

In 2000, the WWF, in collaboration with television network [[NBC]], launched the [[XFL (2001)|XFL]], a new professional [[American football|football]] league that debuted in 2001.<ref name=xfl>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2000/2000_02_03.jsp|title=WWE Entertainment, Inc. announces the formation of the XFL – a new professional football league|access-date=May 5, 2007|date=February 3, 2000|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070406072307/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2000/2000_02_03.jsp|archive-date=April 6, 2007}}</ref> The league had 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 prime-time show in the history of American television). 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.<ref name=xflfolds>{{cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/news/2001/05/10/xfl_folds_ap/|title=XFL folds after disappointing first season|access-date=May 5, 2007|date=May 10, 2001|work=CNN|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311011021/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/news/2001/05/10/xfl_folds_ap/|archive-date=March 11, 2007}}</ref> WWE maintained control of the XFL trademark<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/254196/Various-News:--XFL-Back-in-the-News,-Chris-Jericho,-and-More.htm |title=Various News: XFL Back in the News, Chris Jericho, and More |publisher=411MANIA |date=September 9, 2012 |access-date=December 17, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trademarkia.com/xfl-85720169.html |title=XFL&nbsp;– Reviews & Brand Information&nbsp;– World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. Stamford, Connecticut&nbsp;– Serial Number: 85720169 |publisher=Trademarkia.com |access-date=December 17, 2015}}</ref> before McMahon reclaimed the XFL brand, this time under a separate [[shell company]] from WWE, in 2017<ref name="revival">{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/will-the-xfl-actually-be-making-a-return-wwe-is-not-exactly-denying-the-rumors|title=Will the XFL actually be making a return? WWE is not exactly denying the rumors|work=CBS Sports|access-date=January 25, 2018|language=en}}</ref> with intent to [[XFL (2020)|relaunch the XFL in 2020]].<ref name="espn-newannounce">{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22213241/vince-mcmahon-gimmick-free-xfl-return-2020|title=McMahon: Gimmick-free XFL to return in 2020|work=ESPN.com|access-date=January 25, 2018}}</ref>

On June 24, 2002, episode of ''Raw'', Vince McMahon officially referred to the start of the next era, called the "Ruthless Aggression" era.<ref>{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hIP3CKaAF8|title=WWE: Vince McMahon "Ruthless Aggression" Segment|publisher=WHDYTv1 [Ruthless Aggression Classics]|work=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-wwe-raw-report-6-24-02/ | title=411Mania }}</ref>

===World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (2002–2023)===
====Lawsuit and renaming (2002)====
{{Further|WWF trademark dispute}}
On May 6, 2002, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) changed both its company name and the name of its wrestling promotion to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) after the company lost a lawsuit initiated by the [[World Wide Fund for Nature|World Wildlife Fund]] over the WWF trademark.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2002/05-06-2002|title=World Wrestling Federation Entertainment drops the 'F'!|date=May 6, 2002|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://contracts.onecle.com/wwe/wwf.settle.1994.01.20.shtml|title=World Wildlife Fund and Titan Sports, Inc. legal settlement|publisher=Contracts.onecle.com|date=January 20, 1994|access-date=June 2, 2012}}</ref> Although mainly caused by an unfavorable ruling in its [[WWF trademark dispute|dispute]] with the World Wildlife Fund regarding the "WWF" initialism, the company noted it provided an opportunity to emphasize its focus on entertainment.<ref name=GetFOut />

====First brand split (2002–2011)====
{{Main|WWE brand extension|WWE Draft}}
[[File:John Cena 2010.jpeg|thumb|175px|right|[[John Cena]] gradually became one of the biggest stars of WWE during this time and since 2005 he went on to win a record 17 [[World championships in WWE|world championships]] in the promotion.]]
In March 2002, WWE decided to create two separate rosters, with each group of wrestlers appearing on one of their main programs, ''Raw'' and ''SmackDown!'', due to the overabundance of talent left over from the [[The Invasion (professional wrestling)|Invasion storyline]] and the ensuing absorption of WCW and ECW contracts. This was dubbed as the "[[WWE brand extension|brand extension]]".

Beginning in 2002 a [[WWE draft|draft lottery]] was held nearly every year to set the rosters, with the first draft to determine the inaugural split rosters, and subsequent drafts designed to refresh the rosters of each show. WWE expanded the brand split by relaunching [[ECW (WWE brand)|ECW as a third brand]] on May 26, 2006.<ref name=SciFi>{{cite web|title=WWE brings ECW to Sci Fi Channel|publisher=WWE.com|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/scifi|access-date=August 28, 2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813175344/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/scifi|archive-date=August 13, 2006}}</ref> Two years later, WWE adapted a more [[family-friendly]] format and their programming [[PG Era|received a TV-PG rating]].<ref>{{cite web|title=10 Years into the 'PG Era,' Did WWE Make the Right Call?|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2786951-10-years-into-the-pg-era-did-wwe-make-the-right-call|last=Mueller|first=Chris|date=July 20, 2018|access-date=December 31, 2020}}</ref> The final ''[[ECW (WWE)|ECW]]'' program aired on February 16, 2010, after which it was replaced with ''[[WWE NXT (seasons 1–5)|NXT]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Goodbye ECW, hello NXT|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-02-goodbye_ecw_hello_nxt-story.html|last=Eck|first=Kevin|date=February 17, 2010|access-date=January 18, 2021|archive-date=February 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206193323/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-02-goodbye_ecw_hello_nxt-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> During this time many new and young wrestlers would join the company, many which would become household names for the next years to come such as [[John Cena]], [[Randy Orton]], [[Brock Lesnar]], and [[Dave Batista|Batista]].

On April 7, 2011, WWE, via the WWE Corporate website, the company ceased using the full name World Wrestling Entertainment and henceforth referred to itself solely as WWE, making the latter an [[Pseudo-acronym|orphan initialism]]. This was said to reflect WWE's global entertainment expansion away from the ring with the ultimate goal of acquiring entertainment companies and putting a focus on television, live events, and film production. WWE noted that their new company model was put into effect with the relaunch of ''[[WWE Tough Enough|Tough Enough]]'', being a non-scripted program (contrary to the scripted nature of professional wrestling) and with the launch of the [[WWE Network]] (at the time scheduled to launch in 2012; later pushed back to 2014). However, the legal name of the company remained as World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.<ref name="2011name"/>

====Brand reunification (2011–2016)====
Beginning with the August 29, 2011, episode, ''Raw'' - referred to as ''Raw Supershow'' - featured talent from both ''Raw'' and ''SmackDown'' (the "Supershow" epithet would be dropped on July 23, 2012).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011/08/29|title=Shows|access-date=December 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220183600/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011/08/29|archive-date=December 20, 2016}}</ref> Championships previously exclusive to one show or the other were available for wrestlers from any show to compete for; the "Supershow" format would mark the end of the brand split, as all programming and live events (until July 2016) featured the full WWE roster.<ref>{{cite web|author=Tom Herrera|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/the-most-important-moments-in-raw-history/page-11|title=The 10 most important moments in Raw history|publisher=WWE.com|date=January 11, 2014|access-date=February 2, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140207043137/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/the-most-important-moments-in-raw-history/page-11|archive-date=February 7, 2014}}</ref>

In 2013, the company built the sports medicine and training facility [[WWE Performance Center]] in the east [[Orange County, Florida]] in partnership with [[Full Sail University]] from [[Winter Park, Florida]]. The training facility is targeted at career and athletic development for the company's wrestlers.<ref>[Orange County] Business Briefs July 2013 Florida Trend</ref> Full Sail is also home base to WWE's [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]] brand,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fullsail.edu/press-releases/2012/wwe-and-full-sail-university-launch-partnership|title=Full Sail University|access-date=December 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220044058/https://www.fullsail.edu/press-releases/2012/wwe-and-full-sail-university-launch-partnership|archive-date=December 20, 2016}}</ref> which served as a developmental territory for WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/18337386/triple-h-future-nxt-standing-wwe-universe|title=Triple H on NXT's ever-shifting role in the WWE universe|date=December 23, 2016|access-date=December 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229184302/http://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/18337386/triple-h-future-nxt-standing-wwe-universe|archive-date=December 29, 2016}}</ref>

On February 24, 2014, WWE launched [[WWE Network]], an [[Over-the-top media service|over-the-top]] [[List of streaming media services|streaming service]] that would feature archive content from WWE and its predecessors, all pay-per-views, (which would continue to be sold through television providers as well), and original programming.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |last=Flint |first=Joe |date=January 8, 2014 |title=WWE launching over-the-top network |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2014-jan-08-la-et-ct-wwe-network-20140108-story.html |access-date=January 8, 2014 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{cite web |last=Graser |first=Marc |date=January 8, 2014 |title=CES: WWE Network to Launch in February as Streaming Service |url=https://variety.com/2014/digital/news/wwe-network-to-launch-in-february-as-streaming-service-1201036864/ |access-date=January 8, 2014 |work=Variety}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{cite news |last=Vincent |first=James |date=January 9, 2014 |title=WWE unveils new digital media model and non-stop wrestling with 24/7 streaming service |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/wwe-unveils-new-digital-media-model-and-nonstop-wrestling-with-247-streaming-service-9049262.html |access-date=August 14, 2014}}</ref>

Beginning in 2015 WWE started to push [[Roman Reigns]] as their face of the company since having him win the [[Royal Rumble (2015)|2015 Royal rumble match]], amidst [[Persona and reception of Roman Reigns|mixed reception]]. By 2017 Roman Reigns became their highest merchandise seller.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/roman-reigns-is-now-the-top-merchandise-seller-in-wwe/|title=411MANIA|website=Roman Reigns is Now The Top Merchandise Seller in WWE}}</ref>

==== Launch of second brand split (2016–2020) ====
{{multiple image
| align             = right
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| image1            = WWE RAW Logo 2025.svg
| image2            = WWE SmackDown (2024) Logo.svg
| footer            = [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] and [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] have been WWE's two main brands since the brand split was first initiated in 2002.
}}
On May 25, 2016, WWE relaunched the brand split, billed as the "New Era". Subsequently, ''Raw'' and ''SmackDown'' have each featured their unique rosters, announcers, championships and ring sets/ropes. A [[2016 WWE draft|draft]] took place to determine which wrestlers would appear on what show. ''SmackDown'' also moved from Thursdays to Tuesday nights, which began on July 19 (the night of the aforementioned draft), and airs live instead of the previous pre-recorded format.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/wwe-smackdown-live-usa-1201782569/|title=WWE's 'Smackdown' Will Move To Live Broadcast On USA (Exclusive)|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|date=May 25, 2016|website=Variety|language=en-US|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526113045/http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/wwe-smackdown-live-usa-1201782569/|archive-date=May 26, 2016}}</ref>

Due to the return of the brand split, a new [[World Championship]], called the [[WWE Universal Championship]] was introduced at the August 21, 2016 [[SummerSlam (2016)|SummerSlam]] event with [[Finn Bálor]] defeating [[Seth Rollins]] to become the inaugural WWE Universal Champion.<ref>{{cite web|last=Laboon|first=Jeff|title=Finn Bálor def. Seth Rollins|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2016/wwe-universal-championship-finn-balor-seth-rollins-result|date=August 21, 2016|work=WWE|access-date=August 21, 2016}}</ref>

On November 29, 2016, WWE introduced a new program specifically for their [[cruiserweight (professional wrestling)|cruiserweight division]] (wrestlers 205 lbs. and under) called ''[[WWE 205 Live]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/VinceMcMahon/status/804111713738125316|title=Vince McMahon on Twitter|access-date=December 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121173052/https://twitter.com/VinceMcMahon/status/804111713738125316|archive-date=January 21, 2017}}</ref> The program focuses exclusively on those wrestlers who qualify for the division.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-205-live/2016-11-29|title=WWE 205 Live results: Rich Swann captures Cruiserweight Title on WWE 205 Live debut|access-date=December 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202124946/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-205-live/2016-11-29/|archive-date=December 2, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/triple-h-conference-call-report-discusses-205-live-nxt-takeover-toronto-says-hbk-working-at-the-performance-center-and-more |date=November 11, 2016 |first1=Larry |last1=Csonka |website=411Mania |title= Triple H Conference Call Report: Discusses 205 Live, NXT Takeover: Toronto, Says HBK Working at the Performance Center and More|access-date=December 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220235355/http://411mania.com/wrestling/triple-h-conference-call-report-discusses-205-live-nxt-takeover-toronto-says-hbk-working-at-the-performance-center-and-more/|archive-date=December 20, 2016}}</ref> The cruiserweights – who first became a fixture in WWE with the [[Cruiserweight Classic]] tournament – were originally exclusive to the Raw brand before landing their [[205 Live (WWE brand)|own brand]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-nxt-house-show-results-12-2-16-perkins-teams-with-alexander-rich-swann-defends-cw-title-more |date=December 3, 2016 |first1=Jeremy |last1=Thomas |website=411Mania |title= WWE NXT House Show Results 12.2.16: Perkins Teams With Alexander, Rich Swann Defends CW Title, More|access-date=December 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220204853/http://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-nxt-house-show-results-12-2-16-perkins-teams-with-alexander-rich-swann-defends-cw-title-more/|archive-date=December 20, 2016}}</ref>

On December 15, 2016, WWE established a new [[WWE United Kingdom Championship]], with the inaugural champion being decided by a 16-man tournament to air on WWE Network featuring wrestlers from the UK and Ireland during January 2017. WWE executive [[Triple H|Paul "Triple H" Levesque]] said the eventual plan with the new title and tournament was to establish a UK-based brand with its own weekly television show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/full-transcript-of-triple-hs-comments-at-uk-championship-announcement/ |date=December 15, 2016 |first1=Jeremy |last1=Thomas |first2=Chris |last2=Featherstone |website=411Mania |title= Full Transcript of Triple H's Comments at UK Championship Announcement|access-date=December 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221183302/http://411mania.com/wrestling/full-transcript-of-triple-hs-comments-at-uk-championship-announcement/|archive-date=December 21, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-to-crown-u-k-champion|website=411Mania |title= WWE To Crown U.K. Champion |date=December 15, 2016 |first1=Larry |last1=Csonka |access-date=December 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221183304/http://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-to-crown-u-k-champion/|archive-date=December 21, 2016}}</ref> WWE subsequently launched its UK-based brand as an offshoot of NXT, [[NXT UK]], in June 2018, with [[Johnny Saint]] serving as inaugural general manager.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-announces-johnny-saint-uk-brand-general-manager-259221 |first1=Joseph |last1=Currier |title=WWE announces Johnny Saint as UK brand general manager|date=June 7, 2018|website=WON/F4W|language=en|access-date=April 15, 2020}}</ref>

Starting in September 2019, NXT had a weekly, live, two-hour show Wednesday nights on the [[USA Network]] and WWE began promoting NXT as their "third brand".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/nxt-moves-to-usa-network|title=NXT moves to USA Network|website=WWE |date=August 20, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923040707/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/nxt-moves-to-usa-network |archive-date= September 23, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 14, 2020 |title=Editors' Choice: Who is the most influential figure in the Women's Evolution? |url=http://www.wwe.com/article/most-influential-figure-womens-evolution |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528061129/https://www.wwe.com/article/most-influential-figure-womens-evolution |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |website=WWE}}</ref> However, in 2021 NXT was moved to Tuesday nights, having conceded the [[Wednesday Night Wars]] to rival promotion [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW), and in September of that year was reinstated to its original function as the developmental brand for the main roster (Raw and SmackDown), under the name "NXT 2.0".

====COVID-19 pandemic and return to touring (2020–2022) ====
{{further|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports}}
In March 2020, WWE began to be impacted by the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|American onset]] of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. In mid-March, three of the four major sports leagues closed locker rooms to the media as a precautionary measure. As other sports cancellations and postponements were being introduced, WWE began to film its weekly programs at the Performance Center [[Behind closed doors (sport)|without spectators]] and with only essential staff present, beginning with the March 13 episode of ''SmackDown''{{snd}} the March 11 episode of ''NXT'' had been recorded at the Performance Center with paying fans, thus being WWE's last event to have ticketed fans in attendance before the pandemic took full effect.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/coronavirus-wwe-smackdown-live-1203532469/ |title=WWE Moves 'SmackDown Live' to Orlando Performance Center With No Live Audience Due to Coronavirus |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=March 12, 2020 |website=Variety|access-date=March 12, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312221445/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/coronavirus-wwe-smackdown-live-1203532469/ |archive-date= March 12, 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-john-cena-caps-surreal-empty-arena-showy-you-have-to-see/live/ |title=WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: John Cena caps surreal empty arena show you have to see |website=CBS Sports|date=March 14, 2020 |access-date=March 14, 2020}}</ref> [[WrestleMania 36]] was scheduled to take place on April 5 at [[Raymond James Stadium]] in [[Tampa, Florida|Tampa]] but on March 16, was moved to Orlando to be held behind closed doors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2020/03/wrestlemania-canceled-coronavirus-wwe-tampa-1202881422/ |title=WrestleMania To Stream As Two-Night Event With Host Rob Gronkowski In Wake Of Coronavirus Outbreak – Update |last=Ramos |first=Dino-Ray |date=March 16, 2020 |website=Deadline |language=en|access-date=March 17, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thewrap.com/wwe-splits-audience-less-wrestlemania-36-into-two-nights/ |title=WWE Splits Audience-Free WrestleMania 36 Into Two Nights, Multiple Locations |last=Maglio |first=Tony |date=March 18, 2020 |website=TheWrap |language=en-US|access-date=March 18, 2020}}</ref> WrestleMania, as well as ''Raw'' and ''SmackDown'' for a period before and after WrestleMania, shifted from live broadcasts to a pre-recorded format.<ref>{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Mike|title=WWE TAPING UPDATES|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/134914/wwe-taping-updates.html?p=1|publisher=PWInsider|date=March 21, 2020|access-date=March 22, 2020}}</ref> ''NXT'' continued to air from Full Sail University, but under similar restrictions.<ref name="cbs-wwelive" /><ref name=":0" />

Live broadcasts returned on April 13, with the existing arrangements continuing; WWE stated to [[ESPN.com]] that "we believe it is now more important than ever to provide people with a diversion from these hard times", and that the company's programming "bring[s] families together and deliver a sense of hope, determination and perseverance".<ref name="cbs-wwelive">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-to-resume-live-matches-on-tv-starting-with-the-next-monday-night-raw/|title=WWE to resume live matches on TV starting with the next 'Monday Night Raw'|website=CBS Sports|date=April 13, 2020 |language=en|access-date=April 13, 2020}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/29024319/wwe-resume-live-tv-matches-starting-monday|title=WWE to resume live TV matches starting Monday|date=April 11, 2020|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=April 13, 2020}}</ref> It was subsequently reported that Florida Governor [[Ron DeSantis]] had deemed WWE a business critical to the state's economy, and had added an exception under the state's [[stay-at-home order]] for employees of a "professional sports and media production" that is closed to the public and has a national audience.<ref name="nyt-wweessentual">{{Cite news|last=Zaveri|first=Mihir|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/14/us/wwe-essential-business-florida-coronavirus.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414200012/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/14/us/wwe-essential-business-florida-coronavirus.html |archive-date=April 14, 2020 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=The WWE Is Now Considered an 'Essential Service' in Florida|date=April 14, 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 15, 2020|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-to-resume-live-tv-tapings-after-being-deemed-essential-business-by-florida-governors-office/|title=WWE to resume live TV tapings after being deemed 'essential business' by Florida governor's office|website=CBS Sports|date=April 13, 2020 |language=en|access-date=April 15, 2020}}</ref> The decision was met with criticism from media outlets, with several media outlets pointing out that DeSantis's actions happened on the same day a pro-[[Donald Trump]] [[political action committee]] led by [[Linda McMahon]], who was previously a part of Trump's cabinet, pledged to spend $18.5 million in advertising in Florida, and that, also on the same day, Vince McMahon was named part of an advisory group created by Trump to devise a strategy in re-launching the US economy.<ref name="BusinessInsiderDozensLivid">{{Cite news|last=Lauletta |first=Tyler |url=https://www.insider.com/wwe-fires-wrestlers-essential-business-vince-mcmahon-rusev-zack-ryder-2020-4 |title=WWE fired dozens of wrestlers and other talent just days after a controversial decision deemed them an essential business in Florida and fans are livid with Vince McMahon |date=April 16, 2020|work=[[Business Insider]] |access-date= April 16, 2020}}</ref><ref name="PCMLindaScrutinyEssential">{{Cite news|last=Newby |first=John |url=https://popculture.com/sports/2020/04/14/linda-mcmahon-major-scrutiny-after-wwe-deemed-essential/ |title=Linda McMahon Under Major Scrutiny After WWE Is Deemed 'Essential' by Florida Officials |date=April 14, 2020|work=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date= April 16, 2020|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="GMS-DonationSameDay">{{Cite news|last=Browning |first=Oliver |url=https://www.givemesport.com/1562668-wwe-news-linda-mcmahon-made-political-donation-of-20m-same-day-wwe-declared-essential |title=WWE news: Linda McMahon made political donation of $20m same day WWE declared 'essential' |date=April 15, 2020|work=GiveMeSport|access-date= April 16, 2020|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="FreePressPanelFiringSpree">{{Cite news|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/wwes-vince-mcmahon-appointed-on-panel-to-fix-us-economy-same-day-pro-wrestling-company-goes-on-firing-spree |title=WWE's Vince McMahon appointed on panel to fix US economy same day pro-wrestling company goes on firing spree |date=April 16, 2020|work=[[The Free Press Journal]] |access-date= April 16, 2020|language=en}}</ref>

On April 15, WWE started a series of cuts and layoffs in response to the pandemic, including releasing a number of performers ([[Karl Anderson]], [[Kurt Angle]], [[Aiden English]], [[Ethan Carter III|EC3]], [[Epico (wrestler)|Epico]], [[Luke Gallows]], [[Curt Hawkins]], [[No Way Jose (wrestler)|No Way Jose]], [[Sarah Logan]], [[Mike Kanellis]], [[Maria Kanellis]], [[Primo (wrestler)|Primo]], [[Erick Rowan]], [[Rusev (wrestler)|Rusev]], [[Lio Rush]], [[Zack Ryder]], [[Heath Slater]], and [[Eric Young (wrestler)|Eric Young]]), three producers ([[Dave Finlay]], [[Shane Helms]] and [[Lance Storm]]), referee [[Mike Chioda]], and multiple NXT/Performance Center trainees and staff. WWE executives also took a pay cut, and the company has also suspended construction on its new headquarters for at least six months.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-04-15/wwe-layoffs-wrestlers-coronavirus-covid-19-luke-gallows-karl-anderson|title=Here's who was laid off by WWE and how they responded on social media|date=April 15, 2020|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=April 15, 2020}}</ref> The firings caused significant backlash by fans; with ''[[Business Insider]]'' calling them "livid". Both fans and several media outlets pointed out that while WWE claimed that these actions were "necessary due to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic", the WWE also claimed to have "substantial financial resources. Available cash and debt capacity currently total approximately $0.5 billion". DeSantis's claimed WWE was "essential", which meant that the company's revenues loss would be limited.<ref name="BusinessInsiderDozensLivid"/><ref name="newsweekFurloughedImpact">{{Cite news|last=McDonald |first=Scott |url=https://www.newsweek.com/kurt-angle-other-wwe-stars-furloughed-coronavirus-impact-wwe-fans-sound-off-1498187 |title=KURT ANGLE, OTHER WWE STARS FURLOUGHED FROM CORONAVIRUS IMPACT, WWE FANS SOUND OFF |date=April 15, 2020|work=[[Newsweek]] |access-date= April 16, 2020|language=en-US}}</ref>

[[File:The Bloodline at Royal Rumble 2023.jpg|thumb|275px|[[Roman Reigns]] (center) has been a top star in the WWE since 2015, and at [[WrestleMania 38]] in 2022 Reigns defeated [[Brock Lesnar]] to jointly hold the [[WWE Championship]] and the [[WWE Universal Championship]] as the [[Undisputed WWE Universal Championship]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-still-planning-make-roman-reigns-companys-top-face/ | title=411Mania }}</ref>]]
In August 2020, WWE relocated from the Performance Center to Orlando's [[Amway Center]] for a long-term residency, broadcasting episodes of ''Raw'', ''SmackDown'', and pay-per-views through a virtual fan viewing experience called [[WWE ThunderDome]]. Inside the ThunderDome, drones, lasers, pyro, smoke, and projections were utilized to enhance the wrestlers' entrances on a level similar to that of pay-per-view productions pre-pandemic. Nearly 1,000 LED boards were installed to allow for rows and rows of virtual fans. It was free of charge for fans to virtually attend the events, though they had to reserve their virtual seat ahead of time.<ref>{{cite web|last=Heel|first=N.|date=August 17, 2020|title=WWE Launching 'ThunderDome' At Amway Center This Friday|url=https://heelbynature.com/wrestling-news/wwe-news/wwe-launching-thunderdome-at-amway-center-this-friday/|access-date=August 17, 2020|website=Heel By Nature|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=WWE introducing new state-of-the-art viewing experience with WWE ThunderDome|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/wwe-virtual-fan-experience-thunder-zone-summerslam-amway-center|work=WWE|date=August 17, 2020|access-date=August 17, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|title=WWE Announces ThunderDome Arena; Enhanced Fan Experience, Residency At Amway Center; First Look Video Shown|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-announces-thunderdome-arena-enhanced-fan-experience|work=Fightful|date=August 17, 2020|access-date=August 17, 2020}}</ref> During this time, [[Roman Reigns]] began his historic world title reign with the [[WWE Universal Championship]], which would eventually surpass 1,000 days; being the longest world title reign in the WWE since [[Hulk Hogan]] from 1984 to 1988. WWE remained at the Amway Center up through early December before relocating the ThunderDome to [[Tropicana Field]] in [[St. Petersburg, Florida]].<ref>{{cite web |title=WWE ThunderDome will head to Tampa Bay's Tropicana Field beginning Friday, Dec. 11|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/wwe-thunderdome-will-head-to-tampa-bays-tropicana-field-beginning-friday-dec-11|website=WWE |access-date=November 19, 2020|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|title=WWE ThunderDome Moving To Tropicana Field On December 11|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-thunderdome-moving-tropicana-field-december-11|work=Fightful|date=November 19, 2020|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> The ThunderDome relocated to [[Yuengling Center]], located on the campus of the [[University of South Florida]] in Tampa, beginning with the April 12, 2021, episode of ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Williams|first=Randall|date=March 24, 2021|title=WWE Moves ThunderDome to USF's Yuengling Center|url=https://www.sportico.com/leagues/other-sports/2021/wwe-moves-thunderdome-yuengling-center-1234625524/|access-date=March 24, 2021|website=Sportico.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="650,000">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/wwe-thunderdome-yuengling-center-university-south-florida|title=WWE ThunderDome takes over Yuengling Center|date=March 24, 2021|work=WWE|access-date=March 24, 2021}}</ref> In October 2020, NXT events were relocated from Full Sail University to the Performance Center in a similar setup dubbed the Capitol Wrestling Center. It had many of the same features as the ThunderDome, but with a small crowd of select live fans included, in addition to the virtual fans. The name is also an homage to WWE's predecessor, the Capitol Wrestling Corporation.<ref>{{cite web|title=Capitol Wrestling Center to be unveiled tonight at NXT TakeOver 31|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/article/capitol-wrestling-center-nxt|author=WWE.com Staff|work=WWE|date=October 4, 2020|access-date=October 4, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Defelice|first=Robert|title=NXT TakeOver 31 To Feature The Debut Of The Capitol Wrestling Center|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/nxt-takeover-31-feature-debut-capitol-wrestling-center|work=Fightful|date=October 4, 2020|access-date=October 4, 2020}}</ref> On May 21 WWE brought back fans full time, beginning with a 25-city tour, thus ending the ThunderDome residency. The July 16 episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'' started WWE's return to the road, taking place at the [[Toyota Center]] in Houston, Texas.

In January 2021, WWE moved [[WrestleMania 37]], which was originally to be held in [[Inglewood, California]] on March 28, to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida{{snd}}WrestleMania 36's original location{{snd}}as a two-night event on April 10 and 11, with fans in attendance, though to a limited capacity.<ref>{{cite web|last=Guzzo|first=Gisberto|title=WWE Announces The Locations And Dates Of WrestleMania 37, 38, And 39|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-announces-locations-and-dates-wrestlemania-37-38-and-39|work=Fightful|date=January 16, 2021|access-date=January 16, 2021}}</ref> This marked WWE's first event during the pandemic to have ticketed fans in attendance with a maximum of 25,000 spectators for each night with COVID-19 protocols in place.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2021-wwe-wrestlemania-37-tickets-capacity-set-at-25000-fans-for-each-night-of-show-at-raymond-james-stadium/|title=2021 WWE WrestleMania 37 tickets: Capacity set at 25,000 fans for each night of show at Raymond James Stadium|date=March 17, 2021|last=Brookhouse|first=Brent|work=[[CBS Sports]]|access-date=March 18, 2021}}</ref> Also around this time, the WWE Network in the United States became exclusively distributed by [[Peacock (streaming service)|Peacock]] on March 18, 2021 (ahead of [[Fastlane (2021)|Fastlane]] and WrestleMania 37). The merger of the WWE Network and Peacock did not affect the service outside of the United States.<ref name=CCK>{{cite web|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=January 25, 2021|title=NBCU's Peacock Pins WWE Network Exclusive U.S. Streaming Rights|url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/wwe-network-peacock-exclusively-streaming-1234890954/|access-date=January 25, 2021|website=Variety|language=en-US}}</ref> The move to Peacock received some criticisms from fans particularly due to Peacock's heavy censorship policy, the company began the removal of some of the contents that were considered iconic moments of the [[Attitude Era]] that were deemed inappropriate by Peacock, these archived contents would no longer be available under any of WWE's authorized platforms.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://popculture.com/streaming/news/wwe-fans-fuming-peacock-editing-wwe-network-content/|title=WWE Fans Are Fuming at Peacock For Editing WWE Network Content|website=Streaming|date=March 27, 2021 |accessdate=March 7, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-wwe-comments-past-content-removed-peacock-wwe-network|title=WWE comments on past content being removed from Peacock and the WWE Network|first=Matt|last=Black|website=sportskeeda.com|date=March 29, 2021 |accessdate=March 7, 2023}}</ref> Amdist the criticisms, in April 2021 WWE executive [[Triple H]] defended WWE's move to Peacock.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-peacock-triple-h-address-early-criticisms-censoring-tape-library-no-rewind-stream-delay/|title=Triple H Addresses Early Criticisms of WWE on Peacock|date=April 6, 2021 |publisher=WWE|accessdate=March 7, 2023}}</ref>

NXT was moved to a Tuesday night timeslot in 2021 and was rebooted as NXT 2.0 later that year, reinstituting its original function as a developmental brand. The Performance Center became NXT's permanent home base, replacing Full Sail. Maximum capacity crowds resumed and the Capitol Wrestling Center name was phased out.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/beth-phoenix-on-how-the-wwe-nxt-2-0-changes-affected-the-announce-team/|title=411MANIA|website=Beth Phoenix on How the WWE NXT 2.0 Changes Affected the Announce Team}}</ref> In February 2022, the 205 Live brand was dissolved and the ''205 Live'' show was replaced by a new NXT show called ''[[WWE NXT Level Up|Level Up]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=155853|title=SAY GOODBYE TO 205 LIVE, NEW NXT SERIES TO BEGIN TAPING TONIGHT|author=Johnson, Mike|date=February 15, 2022|access-date=February 15, 2022|work=PWInsider}}</ref>

On February 24, 2022, WWE launched a partnership with On Location, a company known for providing premium hospitality experiences for marquee events. Through the partnership, spectators will have access to hospitality packages for WWE's five biggest events, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank. The [[Money in the Bank (2022)|2022 Money in the Bank]] was WWE's first event to offer the premium hospitality packages. These ticket and travel packages include premier seating, premium hospitality offerings, and meet-and-greets with current WWE wrestlers and legends.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/wwe-and-on-location-announce-exclusive-hospitality-partnership-for-premium-live-events|title=WWE and On Location announce exclusive Hospitality Partnership for Premium Live Events; Packages for WWE Money in the Bank available now|date=February 24, 2022|work=WWE.com|access-date=February 24, 2022}}</ref>

====Changes in leadership (2022–2023)====
[[File:Triple H and Stephanie McMahon 2014.jpg|thumb|150px|Former WWE Chairwoman and CEO [[Stephanie McMahon]] (right) with her husband WWE CCO and Head of Creative [[Triple H]] (left)]]
On June 17, 2022, amidst an investigation by WWE's Board of Directors into reported "hush money" paid to a former employee by Vince McMahon following an affair, Mr. McMahon stepped down as chairman and CEO of WWE and was replaced by his daughter, Stephanie McMahon, as the interim chairwoman of WWE.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestleview.com/top-story/237150-vince-mcmahon-steps-down-stephanie-mcmahon-named-ceo-and-chairwoman-of-wwe/ | title=Vince McMahon steps down, Stephanie McMahon named interim CEO and Chairwoman of WWE | date=June 17, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/160037/vince-mcmahon-steps-back-as-wwe-ceo-chairman-of-the-board-stephanie-mcmahon-returns-to-company.html?p=1 |title=Vince Mcmahon Steps Back As Wwe Ceo & Chairman Of The Board, Stephanie Mcmahon Returns To Company |publisher=PWInsider.com |date=June 17, 2022 |access-date=June 24, 2022}}</ref> Despite the change Vince McMahon came out on ''WWE SmackDown'', that night opening the show with a brief speech, the highlights of which "then, now, forever and most importantly together" was quoted by various news media as Vince letting people know that he was still in creative control from behind the scenes.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/vince-mcmahon-opens-wwe-smackdown-then-now-together-forever/ | title=411Mania }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/06/17/vince-mcmahon-appears-on-smackdown-talks-about-wwe-signature/ | title=Vince McMahon appears on Smackdown, talks about WWE signature | date=June 18, 2022 }}</ref> On July 22, 2022, Vince McMahon officially retired, stating on Twitter, "At 77, time for me to retire. Thank you, WWE Universe. Then. Now. Forever. Together."<ref>{{cite web|last=Defelice|first=Robert|title=Vince McMahon Retires As WWE CEO At Age 77|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/vince-mcmahon-retires-wwe-ceo-age-77|work=Fightful|date=July 22, 2022|access-date=July 22, 2022}}</ref> Following Vince's retirement, Stephanie McMahon was officially named chairwoman while she and Nick Khan were named co-CEOs of WWE.<ref name="Vince McMahon Retires">{{cite web|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2022/07-22-2022a|title=Vince McMahon Retires|work=WWE|date=July 22, 2022|accessdate=July 22, 2022}}</ref> Triple H would take over as head of creative, while resuming his position as Executive Vice President of Talent Relations and later being promoted to Chief Content Officer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2022/07-25-2022|title=WWE & Board of Directors announce new Co-CEOs Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan|work=WWE|date=July 25, 2022|access-date=October 11, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2022/09-06-2022|title=WWE elevates Paul "Triple H" Levesque to Chief Content Officer|work=WWE|date=September 6, 2022|access-date=October 11, 2022}}</ref> Commentators have highlighted the significance of McMahon's retirement, saying that it marked the historic start of a new period in WWE's history.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-the-first-show-of-the-post-vince-mcmahon-era | title=WWE SmackDown live results: The first show of the post-Vince McMahon era | date=July 22, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/wwe-vince-mcmahon-stephanie-mcmahon-second-quarter-1235093181/ | title=WWE Starts Post-Vince McMahon Era with Strong Q2 Numbers; Co-CEO Stephanie McMahon Lauds Father as "True Founder and Entrepreneur" | date=August 16, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10043443-predicting-how-wwe-will-change-in-the-post-vince-mcmahon-era | title=Predicting How WWE Will Change in the Post-Vince McMahon Era | website=[[Bleacher Report]] | last1=Beaston | first1=Erik }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.insider.com/wwe-changes-post-vince-mcmahon-benefit-aew-tony-khan-says-2022-8 | title=WWE changes in a post-Vince McMahon era will benefit AEW: Promotional rival Tony Khan | website=[[Insider.com]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2022/08/16/Finance/WWE.aspx | title=WWE starts post-Vince McMahon era with strong Q2 | date=August 16, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/34341529/it-dawning-new-era-how-wwe-moves-forward-vince-mcmahonhttps://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/34341529/it-dawning-new-era-how-wwe-moves-forward-vince-mcmahon | title='It is the dawning of a new era': How WWE moves forward without Vince McMahon | date=August 4, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/becky-lynch-its-the-dawning-of-a-new-era-in-wwe-without-vince-mcmahon | title=Becky Lynch: It's 'the dawning of a new era' in WWE without Vince McMahon | date=August 4, 2022 }}</ref> The 2022 [[SummerSlam (2022)|SummerSlam]] event held on July 30, 2022, was the first WWE pay-per-view event to be held under the leadership of Stephanie McMahon and Triple H.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2022/08/01/wwe-summerslam-recap-paul-levesque-triple-h | title='SummerSlam' Was Just the Start of WWE's Fascinating Next Era | date=August 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-summerslam-2022-review-the-start-of-a-new-era | title=WWE SummerSlam 2022 review: The start of a new era | date=July 31, 2022 }}</ref>

On August 18, 2022; WWE Hall of Famer [[Shawn Michaels]] was promoted to WWE Vice President of Talent Development Creative.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/featured-top-story/242341-wwe-ending-nxt-uk-being-rebranded-in-2023-shawn-michaels-promoted/ |title=WWE ending NXT UK, being rebranded in 2023; Shawn Michaels promoted |date=August 19, 2022 |access-date=August 21, 2022 |archive-date=August 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819113518/https://www.wrestleview.com/featured-top-story/242341-wwe-ending-nxt-uk-being-rebranded-in-2023-shawn-michaels-promoted/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 6, 2022, WWE announced Paul 'Triple H' Levesque's promotion to [[Chief Content Officer]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-announces-paul-triple-h-levesques-promotion-to-chief-content-officer |title=WWE announces Paul 'Triple H' Levesque's promotion to chief content officer |date=September 6, 2022 |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123112744/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-announces-paul-triple-h-levesques-promotion-to-chief-content-officer |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 6, 2023, Vince McMahon announced intentions to return to the company ahead of media rights negotiations. WWE's media rights with Fox and USA Network are set to expire in 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/35388281/vince-mcmahon-back-wwe-ahead-media-rights-negotiations|title=Vince McMahon back at WWE ahead of media rights negotiations|last=Coppinger|first=Mike|publisher=ESPN|date=January 6, 2023|access-date=January 6, 2023|language=en|archive-date=February 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202225917/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/35388281/vince-mcmahon-back-wwe-ahead-media-rights-negotiations|url-status=live}}</ref> That same month, JP Morgan were hired to handle a possible sale of the company, with companies such as [[Comcast]] (owners of NBCUniversal and long-time partners of WWE), [[Fox Corporation|Fox Corp]] (broadcaster of ''SmackDown''), [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] (owners of [[ESPN]]), [[Warner Bros. Discovery]] (broadcasters of rival promotion AEW), [[Netflix]], [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]], [[Endeavor (company)|Endeavor Group Holdings]] (owners of [[UFC]]), and [[Liberty Media]] being in the speculation for buying the company<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/07/who-would-buy-wwe-as-mcmahon-returns-to-board-to-pursue-sale.html|title=Vince McMahon is back at WWE to ensure a smooth sale process. Here's who might want to buy it|last=Sherman|first=Alex|website=CNBC|date=January 7, 2023|access-date=January 10, 2023|language=en|archive-date=January 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109222343/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/07/who-would-buy-wwe-as-mcmahon-returns-to-board-to-pursue-sale.html|url-status=live}}</ref> with [[Creative Artists Agency|CAA]] and Saudi Arabia's [[Public Investment Fund]] also on the list.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://frontofficesports.com/public-investment-fund-saudi-arabia-wwe-sale-liv-golf-vince-mcmahon/|title=Saudi Public Investment Fund Could Bid On WWE|last1=Mcharthy|first1=Michael|last2=Perez|first2=A.J|website=Front Office Sports|date=January 6, 2023|access-date=January 10, 2023|language=en|archive-date=January 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109175621/https://frontofficesports.com/public-investment-fund-saudi-arabia-wwe-sale-liv-golf-vince-mcmahon/|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 10, 2023, Stephanie McMahon resigned as chairwoman and co-CEO.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/stephanie-mcmahon-resigns-wwe-1235484593/|title=Stephanie McMahon Resigns as Co-CEO of WWE|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=January 10, 2023|access-date=January 10, 2023|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110234938/https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/stephanie-mcmahon-resigns-wwe-1235484593/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the same day Vince McMahon assumed the role of executive Chairman of the WWE while Nick Khan became the sole CEO of the WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/wwe-board-elects-vince-mcmahon-executive-chairman-11673401713/|title=WWE Board Elects Vince McMahon Executive Chairman, Daughter Stephanie McMahon Departs|website=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=January 10, 2023|access-date=January 10, 2023|archive-date=January 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111020123/https://www.wsj.com/articles/wwe-board-elects-vince-mcmahon-executive-chairman-11673401713|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Acquisition of WWE by Endeavor (2023)====
{{Further|Acquisition of WWE by Endeavor}}
On April 3, 2023; WWE and Endeavor reached a deal under which WWE would merge with [[UFC]]'s parent company [[Endeavor (company)|Endeavor]] to form a new company, which would go public on the [[New York Stock Exchange]] (NYSE) under the [[Ticker symbol|symbol]] "[[TKO Group Holdings|TKO]]". Endeavor would hold a 51% stake in "TKO", with WWE's shareholders having a 49% stake,<ref>{{cite web |title=SCHEDULE 14C INFORMATION |url=https://app.quotemedia.com/data/downloadFiling?webmasterId=90423&ref=317703901&type=HTML&symbol=WWE&cdn=a772878cb281b5da37d4daaffaf6d35e&companyName=World+Wrestling+Entertainment+Inc.+Class+A&formType=DEFM14C&formDescription=Definitive+information+statement+relating+to+merger+or+acquisition&dateFiled=2023-08-22 |publisher=[[NASDAQ]] |access-date=August 25, 2023 |page=248 |date=August 22, 2023 |archive-date=August 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825201435/https://app.quotemedia.com/data/downloadFiling?webmasterId=90423&ref=317703901&type=HTML&symbol=WWE&cdn=a772878cb281b5da37d4daaffaf6d35e&companyName=World+Wrestling+Entertainment+Inc.+Class+A&formType=DEFM14C&formDescription=Definitive+information+statement+relating+to+merger+or+acquisition&dateFiled=2023-08-22 |url-status=live }}</ref> valuing WWE at $9.1 billion.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Sherman |first=Alex |date=April 3, 2023 |title=WWE agrees to merge with UFC to create a new company run by Ari Emanuel and Vince McMahon |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/03/wwe-ufc-merger-endeavor.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |website=CNBC |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403111247/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/03/wwe-ufc-merger-endeavor.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last1=Szalai |first1=Georg |last2=Vlessing |first2=Etan |date=2023-04-03 |title=Endeavor's UFC, WWE to Merge; Ari Emanuel to Serve as CEO, Vince McMahon as Executive Chair |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/wwe-ufc-merger-endeavor-vince-mcmahon-1235365885-1235365885/ |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403155104/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/wwe-ufc-merger-endeavor-vince-mcmahon-1235365885-1235365885/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This marked the first time that WWE has not been majority-controlled by the [[McMahon family]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherman |first=Alex |date=April 2, 2023 |title=WWE near deal to be sold to UFC parent Endeavor, sources say |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/02/wwe-ufc-endeavor-deal.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=CNBC |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402205348/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/02/wwe-ufc-endeavor-deal.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Vince McMahon was appointed to serve as executive chairman of the new entity, Endeavor CEO [[Ari Emanuel]] would become CEO, with [[Mark Shapiro (media executive)|Mark Shapiro]] becoming president and chief operating officer. Emanuel would not take on any creative roles with WWE's head of creative [[Triple H|Paul Levesque]] appointed to remain in his role,<ref name=":10" /> and with Nick Khan becoming president of WWE post-merger (not unlike [[Dana White]]'s role as president of UFC).<ref name=":02" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Mullin |first=Benjamin |date=March 25, 2015 |title=Endeavor and W.W.E. Join Forces to Create Live-Combat Tag Team |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/03/business/endeavor-tko-wwe-ufc.html |access-date=April 3, 2023 |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403110151/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/03/business/endeavor-tko-wwe-ufc.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |date=2023-04-03 |title=Vince McMahon: I will remain involved in WWE creative at a 'higher level' |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/vince-mcmahon-i-will-remain-involved-in-wwe-creative-at-a-higher-level |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404163805/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/vince-mcmahon-i-will-remain-involved-in-wwe-creative-at-a-higher-level |url-status=live }}</ref> The deal additionally granted McMahon life tenure as executive chairman, the right to nominate five WWE representatives on the 11 member board, as well as veto rights over certain actions by the new company.<ref>{{cite web |title=AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FORM S-4 |url=https://app.quotemedia.com/data/downloadFiling?webmasterId=90423&ref=317582225&type=HTML&symbol=WWE&cdn=39118c9928c5a3f49eefff97f2832496&companyName=World+Wrestling+Entertainment+Inc.+Class+A&formType=S-4%2FA&formDescription=%5BAmend%5D+Registration+of+securities%2C+business+combinations&dateFiled=2023-06-23 |publisher=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]] |access-date=4 July 2023 |page=91 |date=June 23, 2023 |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813171053/https://app.quotemedia.com/data/downloadFiling?webmasterId=90423&ref=317582225&type=HTML&symbol=WWE&cdn=39118c9928c5a3f49eefff97f2832496&companyName=World+Wrestling+Entertainment+Inc.+Class+A&formType=S-4%2FA&formDescription=%5BAmend%5D+Registration+of+securities%2C+business+combinations&dateFiled=2023-06-23 |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, McMahon would own 34% of the new company, with a 16% voting interest.<ref>{{cite web |title=AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FORM S-4 |url=https://app.quotemedia.com/data/downloadFiling?webmasterId=90423&ref=317582225&type=HTML&symbol=WWE&cdn=39118c9928c5a3f49eefff97f2832496&companyName=World+Wrestling+Entertainment+Inc.+Class+A&formType=S-4%2FA&formDescription=%5BAmend%5D+Registration+of+securities%2C+business+combinations&dateFiled=2023-06-23 |publisher=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]] |access-date=4 July 2023 |page=3 |date=June 23, 2023 |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813171053/https://app.quotemedia.com/data/downloadFiling?webmasterId=90423&ref=317582225&type=HTML&symbol=WWE&cdn=39118c9928c5a3f49eefff97f2832496&companyName=World+Wrestling+Entertainment+Inc.+Class+A&formType=S-4%2FA&formDescription=%5BAmend%5D+Registration+of+securities%2C+business+combinations&dateFiled=2023-06-23 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Emanuel stated that this merger would "bring together two leading pureplay sports and entertainment companies" and provide "significant operating synergies".<ref name=":02" /> Vince McMahon stated that "family businesses have to evolve for all the right reasons", and that "given the incredible work that Ari and Endeavor have done to grow the UFC brand — nearly doubling its revenue over the past seven years — and the immense success we've already had in partnering with their team on a number of ventures, I believe that this is without a doubt the best outcome for our shareholders and other stakeholders."<ref name=":2" />

===World Wrestling Entertainment, LLC (2023–present)===
====Merger with UFC and the formation of TKO Group Holdings (2023–present)====
{{Main|TKO Group Holdings}}
[[File:TKO Group Holdings Logo 2024.svg|thumb|200px|left|The logo of [[TKO Group Holdings]]]]
The merger between WWE and UFC into [[TKO Group Holdings]] (TKO) was completed on September 12, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-09-12 |title=WWE and UFC officially merge in $21.4-billion deal |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-09-12/wwe-ufc-endeavor-merges-ari-emanuel-vince-mcmahon-tko |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006025940/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-09-12/wwe-ufc-endeavor-merges-ari-emanuel-vince-mcmahon-tko |url-status=live }}</ref> Although the company's legal name remained World Wrestling Entertainment, LLC, it remained united with UFC as part of the new entity "TKO". As part of the deal WWE and UFC remained separate divisions of the new entity featuring Professional Wrestling and Mixed martial arts respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2023/09-07-2023|title=Endeavor and WWE® deal to create TKO Group Holdings expected to close in September 12|work=WWE|date=September 7, 2023|access-date=September 7, 2023|archive-date=February 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209105417/https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2023/09-07-2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=May 3, 2023 |title=Nick Khan And Triple H Discuss WWE – Endeavor |url=https://www.pwmania.com/nick-khan-and-triple-h-discuss-wwe-endeavor-why-raw-and-smackdown-ratings-rising-more |access-date=May 3, 2023 |work=PWMania |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503210345/https://www.pwmania.com/nick-khan-and-triple-h-discuss-wwe-endeavor-why-raw-and-smackdown-ratings-rising-more |url-status=live }}</ref> The first WWE show under the [[Endeavor (company)|Endeavor]] regime was the September 12, 2023 episode of [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]] which opened with [[Ilja Dragunov]] defeating Wes Lee in a singles match, and in the main event Becky Lynch defeated Tiffany Stratton to win the NXT Women's Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WWE NXT results, Sept. 12, 2023: Becky Lynch dethrones Tiffany Stratton to become the new NXT Women's Champion |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2023-09-12 |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=WWE |language=en |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004101004/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/2023-09-12 |url-status=live }}</ref> The first WWE pay per view under TKO was [[NXT No Mercy]] on September 30, 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/winfrees-wwe-nxt-no-mercy-review-9-30-23/ | title=411Mania | access-date=December 4, 2023 | archive-date=January 5, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105105613/https://411mania.com/wrestling/winfrees-wwe-nxt-no-mercy-review-9-30-23/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Popular wrestler [[CM Punk]] returned to WWE in late 2023 and in his first match upon return he defeated [[Dominik Mysterio]] at WWE MSG Show on December 26, 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestleview.com/featured-top-story/299330-cm-punk-wrestles-his-first-match-in-wwe-since-2014/ | title=CM Punk wrestles his first match in WWE since 2014 | date=December 27, 2023 | access-date=January 22, 2024 | archive-date=December 28, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228063301/https://www.wrestleview.com/featured-top-story/299330-cm-punk-wrestles-his-first-match-in-wwe-since-2014/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

On January 23, 2024 [[Dwayne Johnson]], also known as "The Rock" joined the [[TKO Group Holdings]] board of directors.<ref name="espntko">{{cite web | last=Raimondi | first=Marc | title='The Rock' joins UFC, WWE's TKO Group board | website=ESPN | date=January 23, 2024 | url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/39368338/the-rock-appointed-ufc-wwe-tko-group-board-directors | access-date=January 23, 2024 | archive-date=January 23, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123121106/https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/39368338/the-rock-appointed-ufc-wwe-tko-group-board-directors | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="boardappoint">{{cite news|url=https://investor.tkogrp.com/news/news-details/2024/TKO-Appoints-Dwayne-Johnson-to-Board-of-Directors/default.aspx|title=TKO Appoints Dwayne Johnson to Board of Directors|publisher=TKO|date=January 23, 2024|access-date=January 23, 2024|archive-date=January 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123122020/https://investor.tkogrp.com/news/news-details/2024/TKO-Appoints-Dwayne-Johnson-to-Board-of-Directors/default.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="boardappointment">{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2024/01/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-joins-tko-board-ownership-trademarked-name-1235801443/|title=Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Joins Board Of TKO, Secures Full Ownership Of Trademarked Name|first=Jill|last=Goldsmith|publisher=Deadline Hollywood|date=January 23, 2024|access-date=January 23, 2024|archive-date=January 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123153633/https://deadline.com/2024/01/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-joins-tko-board-ownership-trademarked-name-1235801443/|url-status=live}}</ref> Three days later on January 26 Vince McMahon once again resigned due to further sexual misconduct allegations, with [[Ari Emanuel]] obtaining greater control as the new Chairman of TKO.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=2024-01-27 |title=Vince McMahon Resigns From Endeavor-Owned Sports Group After Horrific Rape & Sex Trafficking Claims |url=https://deadline.com/2024/01/vince-mcmahon-resigns-rape-lawsuit-tko-group-holding-sex-trafficking-1235805961/ |access-date=2024-01-27 |website=Deadline |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127013826/https://deadline.com/2024/01/vince-mcmahon-resigns-rape-lawsuit-tko-group-holding-sex-trafficking-1235805961/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On April 1, 2024, Triple H stated that WWE had entered "another era".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/311317-wwe-is-in-another-era-like-the-attitude-era-according-to-triple-h/|title=WWE is in 'another era' like the Attitude Era, according to Triple H|first=Alex|last=Kahrs|date=April 2, 2024|access-date=April 2, 2024|archive-date=April 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402094718/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/311317-wwe-is-in-another-era-like-the-attitude-era-according-to-triple-h/|url-status=live}}</ref> The next day, before [[WrestleMania XL]], TKO's parent company, Endeavor was taken private by its largest investor, Silver Lake, a year after Endeavor's three-year run as a public company where Endeavor purchased WWE a year prior.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=2024-04-02 |title=UFC owners at Endeavor sold to private equity firm, TKO remains publicly traded |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/4/2/24119131/ufc-owners-endeavor-selling-to-silver-lake-as-company-goes-private-again-tko-remains-publicly-traded |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2024-04-02 |title=WME owner Endeavor to go private again after three-year run as a public company |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2024-04-02/private-equity-firm-silver-lake-to-take-endeavor-private-for-13-billion |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=Los Angeles Times }}</ref> On April 3, WWE wrestler [[Cody Rhodes]] coined the term "Renaissance Era" for the period.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-star-cody-rhodes-files-trademark-for-the-renaissance-era|title=WWE star Cody Rhodes files trademark for 'The Renaissance Era'|first=Joseph|last=Currier|date=April 5, 2024|website=WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, AEW News, AEW results}}</ref> At WrestleMania XL, the WWE would officially debut a new signature intro ahead of the event's first match. Paul "Triple H" Levesque would introduce the fans in attendance, "Welcome to a new time, welcome to a new era,"<ref>{{cite web |last1=McGeorge |first1=Alistair |title=WWE enters brand new era as Triple H kicks off renaissance at WrestleMania 40 |url=https://metro.co.uk/2024/04/07/wwe-enters-brand-era-triple-h-launches-renaissance-wrestlemania-20600216/ |website=Metro |date=April 7, 2024 |access-date=8 April 2024 |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408041600/https://metro.co.uk/2024/04/07/wwe-enters-brand-era-triple-h-launches-renaissance-wrestlemania-20600216/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and at the WrestleMania's second night Stephanie McMahon would reiterate this, referring to it as the "Paul Levesque era".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/stephanie-mcmahon-opens-wwe-wrestlemania-40-night-two-1235963471/|title=Stephanie McMahon Opens WWE WrestleMania 40 During Night Two Surprise Appearance|date=April 7, 2024|access-date=April 21, 2024|archive-date=April 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421212224/https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/stephanie-mcmahon-opens-wwe-wrestlemania-40-night-two-1235963471/|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 7, in the main event of the second and final night of the event, Cody Rhodes defeated Roman Reigns to win the [[Undisputed WWE Universal Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Colin|last=Tessier|title=Cody Rhodes Finishes The Story, Beats Roman Reigns To Win Undisputed WWE Universal Title At WrestleMania XL Night Two|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cody-rhodes-finishes-story-beats-roman-reigns-win-undisputed-wwe-universal-title-wrestlemania-xl|work=Fightful|date=April 7, 2024|access-date=April 8, 2024|archive-date=April 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408105359/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/cody-rhodes-finishes-story-beats-roman-reigns-win-undisputed-wwe-universal-title-wrestlemania-xl|url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 23, 2024, WWE announced that WWE Raw will move to [[Netflix]] streaming service in January 2025,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/netflix-wwe-monday-night-raw-deal-january-2025-1235882820/|title=Netflix, WWE Strike Deal to Move 'Monday Night Raw' to Streamer Beginning in 2025 for $500 Million per Year|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|first=Joe|last=Otterson|date=January 23, 2024|access-date=October 29, 2024}}</ref> while also providing behind-the-scenes series.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/wwe/wwe-and-netflix-set-to-launch-new-behind-the-scenes-series|title=WWE and Netflix Set to Launch New Behind-The-Scenes Series|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|first=Zack|last=Heydorn|date=October 18, 2024|access-date=October 29, 2024}}</ref> On May 4, 2024, WWE held [[Backlash France]], their first ever [[pay-per-view]] event in [[France]].<ref name="Raw04152024">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Raw results (4/15): Powell's live review of Sami Zayn vs. Chad Gable for the Intercontinental Title, Rhea Ripley appearance, Andrade vs. Dominik Mysterio, Sheamus returns, Jey Uso vs. Finn Balor|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/15/wwe-raw-results-4-15-powells-live-review-of-sami-zayn-vs-chad-gable-for-the-intercontinental-title-rhea-ripley-appearance-andrade-vs-dominik-mysterio-sheamus-returns-jey-uso-vs-finn-balor/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 16, 2024|date=April 15, 2024}}</ref> On October 29, WWE announced launching their own [[Independent circuit|independent wrestling]] development program named ''[[WWE ID]]'', short for ''WWE Independent Development''.<ref name="WWEID">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/wwe/wwe-announces-wwe-id-developmental-designation|title=WWE Announces "WWE ID" Developmental Designation|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|first=Adam|last=Barnard|date=October 29, 2024|access-date=October 29, 2024}}</ref>

In 2024, WWE began a wider talent exchange with [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA). Several TNA wrestlers would make appearances on NXT's weekly television series and livestreaming events and vice versa. A multi-year partnership between [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA) and WWE was officially announced on January 16, 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/wwe-tna-wrestling-announce-multi-year-partnership|title=WWE & TNA Wrestling announce multi-year partnership|website=WWE|date=January 16, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tnawrestling.com/2025/01/16/wwe-tna-wrestling-announce-multi-year-partnership/|title=WWE & TNA Wrestling announce multi-year partnership|website=TNA|date=January 16, 2025}}</ref> WWE also formed partnerships with [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] and [[Dream Star Fighting Marigold]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2024/06/16/aj-styles-to-face-noahs-naomichi-marufuji-at-destination-2024-in-july/|title=AJ Styles to face NOAH's Naomichi Marufuji at Destination 2024 in July|website=[[POSTWrestling]]|first=Neal|last=Flanagan|date=June 16, 2024|access-date=June 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616212729/https://www.postwrestling.com/2024/06/16/aj-styles-to-face-noahs-naomichi-marufuji-at-destination-2024-in-july/|archive-date=June 16, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1600201/rossy-ogawa-marigold-promotion-announces-wwe-star-match-summer-destiny-event/|title=Rossy Ogawa's Marigold Promotion Announces WWE Star For Match At Summer Destiny Event|website=[[Wrestling Inc.]]|first=Sam|last=Palmer|date=June 11, 2024|access-date=June 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240705025950/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1600201/rossy-ogawa-marigold-promotion-announces-wwe-star-match-summer-destiny-event/|archive-date=July 5, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 19, 2025, before the start of [[WrestleMania 41]], it was announced that WWE had acquired [[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide]] in conjunction with Fillip, a Mexican sports and entertainment company, as part of WWE's global expansion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WWE Announces Acquisition Of Lucha Libre AAA, Worlds Collide Event Set For June 7 {{!}} Fightful News |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-announces-acquisition-aaa-lucha-libre?amp |access-date=2025-04-20 |website=www.fightful.com}}</ref> The sale is expected to close on the third quarter of 2025.<ref>https://corporate.wwe.com/about/news/2025/04-21-2025#:~:text=The%20transaction%20is%20subject%20to,%2Dwwe%2Dla%2D2025 {{Bare URL inline|date=May 2025}}</ref>