WWE
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World Wrestling Entertainment (formerly known as World Wrestling Federation) was founded in the 1950s as the Capitol Wrestling Corporation. Over time, the professional wrestling company expanded and Vincent J. McMahon founded World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) alongside his partner Toots Mondt in 1972. It wasn't until 1982 that Vincent K. McMahon seized control of the WWF from his father through his company Titan Sports.
Today, CEO Vince McMahon retains a 42 percent ownership of the company's outstanding stock and 70.5 percent of the voting power.
WWE Raw:
In 1993, the WWF's first show Monday Night Raw made its debut in direct competition with World Championship Wrestling's Monday Nitro. At the time the WWF was dealing with several public relations nightmares including steroid abuse allegations and sexual harassment allegations from employees, prompting many WWF wrestlers to move to WCW including Hulk Hogan.
The WWF went on to promote their younger wrestlers such as Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, and The Undertaker. The show also transitioned into more adult-oriented content in the late '90s, a decision spearheaded by Vince's son Shane McMahon.
In March 2001, McMahon acquired the rights to WCW for a reported $7 million. In 2002, the WWF was forced to change its name to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) after losing a lawsuit initiated by the World Wildlife Fund.
WWE Smackdown:
In 1999, the WWE aired its first episode of Smackdown! on UPN, where it ran until 2006 when it made the move to the CW. In 2010, Smackdown moved to SyFy followed by USA network in 2016, and ultimately FOX in 2019, where it airs today.
WWE Champions:
The first WWE champion to win the belt was Buddy Rogers in 1963. Since then, there have been over 50 recognized champions, including:
- Hulk Hogan
- Randy Savage
- The Undertaker
- Ric Flair
- Bret Hart
- Shawn Michaels
- Stone Cold Steve Austin
- Kane
- The Rock
- Triple H
- Big Show
- Kurt Angle
- Chris Jericho
- Brock Lesnar
- John Cena
- Randy Orton
- Batista
- CM Punk
- Daniel Bryan
- Seth Rollins
- Roman Reigns
- AJ Styles
- Drew McIntyre
Is the WWE fake?
Yes, it has been made very clear that the WWE does not host legitimate contests but rather "entertainment-based performance theater" with scripted storylines and choreographed matches. In the 1980s, the term "sports entertainment" was actually coined by Vince McMahon to avoid taxes from athletic commissions.
Latest WWE News and Updates
InfluencersLogan Paul Isn't Going to Japan — Fans Suspect a Past Controversy Is Still Haunting Him
Logan Paul isn’t just a wrestler. He’s a controversial YouTube vlogger, and one of his past videos is still haunting his career. EntertainmentThe Meaning to CM Punk's Pepsi Tattoo Really Isn't That Deep
Some people like Coca-Cola. CM Punk prefers Pepsi. SportsSummerslam? Survivor Series? A Match Against the Rock? — When, and How Will Roman Reigns Return?
"I cannot wait for our Tribal Chief Roman Reigns return." EntertainmentRoman Reigns Comes From the Renowned Anoa'i Family — Who Are His Parents?
Roman Reigns mourned the loss of his father, Sika, who passed away on June 25, 2024. Human InterestHall of Fame Wrestler and Father of Roman Reigns Sika Anoaʻi Passed Away at Age 79
Sika Anoaʻi was a hall of fame wrestler who left a mark on the sport that he loved so dearly. SportsWWE Announces Bombshell 2025 Royal Rumble Indianapolis Deal, but When Do Tickets Go on Sale?
"Rumble in February?" SportsEddie Guerrero Wrestled for 19 Years — and He Remains Popular 19 Years After His Death
Eddie Guerrero's legacy has only grown since his untimely death from heart failure in 2005. SportsDominik Mysterio Wore a Sling on 'Monday Night Raw' — Is He Really Injured?
“I was supposed to tag with JD against Andrade and Ricochet but I’m a little banged up,” said Dirty Dom on 'Raw.' EntertainmentWWE Star Rhea Ripley Relinquished the Women's World Championship After an Injury — Details
"When I come back, I'm coming back for blood." Celebrity RelationshipsRhea Ripley Is a Pro-Fighter and Not Just in the WWE Ring — She Also Fights for Love
Rhea Ripley is a champion in the ring and in love. She’s engaged to a fellow wrestler, but she’s been linked to several others. SportsRoman Reigns Lost to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40 — Is He Retiring?
"He’s going to go on a whole new story now that’s going to blow people’s minds. He’s going to take it to a whole other level.” SportsWWE Superstar Roman Reigns Updates Fans on Battle Against Leukemia
"I am still on oral chemotherapy. It's a medication I will have to remain on my entire life," Roman Reigns revealed regarding his battle with leukemia. EntertainmentWhy Did AEW’s Newest Star Mercedes Moné (aka Sasha Banks) Leave WWE in 2022?
“I know I’m going to be back there one day, Like I said, I have a lot of unfinished business in wrestling, in a lot of places.” InfluencersLogan Paul's Net Worth Is in Its "Prime" After a Historic WWE Sponsorship Deal
Logan Paul is one of the most versatile influencers. Now that his energy drink is partnering with WWE, how rich is he? EntertainmentBianca Belair Has to Deal With Inept Racists Amid WWE 2K24 Launch
"The black women in this industry face a regular barrage of racism and misogyny from 'fans.' And have for far too long." EntertainmentVirgil, Former WWE Wrestling Star, Has Died at 61 — What Was His Cause of Death?
Wrestling referee Mark Charles III broke the news about the passing of former WWE star Michael Jones, aka Virgil. SportsBig E Has Been on WWE Programming — Why Isn't He Wrestling?
Big E hasn't been in the ring since March 2022 due to a serious injury. Since then, he has been on WWE programming. Will he wrestle again? Celebrity RelationshipsJey Uso Is a Wrestling King, but Who Is His Queen?
Jey Uso is wrestling royalty. His dad is Rikishi. His brothers are Jimmy Uso and Sefa Fatu. He’s related to The Rock. But who is his queen? SportsBrock Lesnar's Wife Sable Might Be the Bigger WWE Legend
"She's a solid rock in my life. I can't imagine coming home to someone different," Brock gushed about his wife. Human InterestFormer Professional Wrestler Billy Jack Haynes Is out of the Ring and Behind Bars
A two-hour standoff with police ended with former professional wrestler Billy Jack Haynes being taken into custody after his wife's death. SportsWWE and UFC Legend Brock Lesnar May Be In Serious Trouble — What's His Net Worth?
WWE and UFC Legend Brock Lesnar's net worth may be dramatically impacted by a recent lawsuit against former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. Entertainment“F--- The Rock. We Want Cody”: WWE Fans Are Screaming “Justice” for Rhodes at WrestleMania
Throngs of WWE fans are chanting #JusticeForCodyRhodes on social media in the wake of WrestleMania 40 news. Here's the drama, explained. EntertainmentBrock Lesnar’s Removal From WWE May Have to Do With McMahon Trafficking Accusations
WWE fans are wondering why Brock Lesnar hasn't been announced for WrestleMania and want to know: What happened to the high-profile superstar? EntertainmentFans Are Concerned Following Wade Barrett's Absence from 'Monday Night Raw'
Wade Barrett's absence from 'Monday Night Raw' has many wondering what happened to the color commentator, and where he might pop up next. EntertainmentFans Question Ric Flair's Health After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Game
Ric Flair stepped out to support the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 15, 2024, which got some fans questioning his current health status. Details ahead. SportsWWE Star Charlotte Flair Underwent Major Surgery Following an Awkward Fall
WWE star Charlotte Flair is still recovering after an injury in the ring required her to undergo surgery, but many fans want to know what happened. EntertainmentWhat Happened to Velveteen Dream? The Former WWE Star Shared an Apology Video on Instagram
Velveteen Dream shared an apology video on Instagram more than one year after news of his release began circulating the web. EntertainmentIlja Dragunov Was Pulled From an NXT Match Because of Injury — Was It Real?
NXT champion Ilja Dragunov was pulled from a match because of an injury, but what happened to him? Is his injury actually real? Details ahead. SportsSeth Rollins's Feud With CM Punk Could Boil Over Now That CM Punk Is Back in WWE
Seth Rollins and CM Punk have a lengthy history, but many need a refresher on the exact reasons that the wrestlers are in a long-running feud. Celebrity RelationshipsCM Punk’s Wife Isn't a Stranger to the Wrestling Ring
CM Punk and his wife are both professional wrestlers. Here's what we know about their relationship, including if the couple has kids. SportsWes Lee Will be Absent from WWE Indefinitely While He Recovers From an Injury
Wes Lee announced he was injured during a December episode of WWE NXT, and many want to know what caused his injury and how long he'll be out. EntertainmentWhy Does Tyrus Have One Pant Leg Rolled Up? Here Are the Deets on the Fashion Statement
Tyrus is an imposing NWA champion, but some fans have wondered why he'll often walk around with one of his pant legs rolled up. SportsRandy Orton Made His Long-Awaited Return to WWE After a Nearly Two-Year Hiatus
After a year-and-a-half away from the world of professional wrestling due to injury, WWE superstar Randy Orton finally returned to in-ring action. EntertainmentTammy Lynn Sytch's Net Worth Has Fallen Amid Legal Trouble
WWE star Tammy Lynn Sytch has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for a drunk driving incident, but many want to know what her net worth is. SportsCM Punk's Surprise Return to the WWE Received Plenty of Heat
CM Punk is officially back in the WWE, but some fans and fellow wrestlers aren't too thrilled — and it's all because of Punk's bad attitude. SportsCM Punk Quit WWE in 2014 Because He Felt He Wasn't Living Up to His Potential
CM Punk's return to WWE in 2023 has left many wondering why the wrestler decided to leave the league behind in 2014, and what he's said since. EntertainmentVince McMahon Seen Walking With a Cane Following Major Surgery
Fans are wondering about WWE boss Vince McMahon's health after spinal surgery in July 2023. He was spotted walking with a cane — and that's good news. SportsProfessional Wrestler Jade Cargill Left AEW To "Create a Legacy" in WWE
Professional wrestler Jade Cargill left AEW for WWE because the opportunities are endless and she wants to create a legacy in the industry. Celebrity RelationshipsLate WWE Star Bray Wyatt Was Married for Five Years — Who Are His Ex-Wife and His Fiancée?
Following the news of Bray Wyatt's death, many wanted to learn more about the wrestler's personal life, including whether he was ever married. EntertainmentWho Is Bray Wyatt's Brother Taylor Rotunda? He's a Member of the Famous Wrestling Family
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On Aug. 24, 2023, professional wrestler Bray Wyatt died at just 36 years old, leading many to wonder what the former wrestler's cause of death was. EntertainmentWWE Icon Terry Funk Has Died at Age 79 Following a 50-Year Wrestling Career
Terry Funk is one of the most well-regarded wrestlers in history. Following the news of his death, many want to know what his cause of death was. EntertainmentLeah Van Dale aka Carmella Talks Post-Baby WWE Plans, Pregnancy Journey, and More (EXCLUSIVE)
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Randy Orton's wife was a big fan of wrestling before they got married, but she is not someone who competes in wrestling events herself. EntertainmentMick Foley's Gruesome Ear Injury Is an Unforgettable Moment in WWE History
What happened to Mick Foley's ear? The former professional wrestler, best known for his time in WWE, lost part of his ear during a match. EntertainmentThe Iron Sheik Has Died — What Happened to the WWE Legend?
WWE legend The Iron Sheik has died at 81. As tributes began pouring in for the WWE legend, here's what we know about his cause of death.