WWE
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
Xavier Called Big E a Burden Because He Was Injured — Here's What Happened Next
"Let’s stop teasing all these people. Let’s tell the truth E."
Does WWE Star Bronson Reed Belong to the Same Samoan Family Tree as The Rock?
And what about Roman Reigns?
"They Do Not Know What the Injury Is" — What Happened to WWE Powerhouse Jade Cargill?
"There is no timetable for her return."
Who Are Linda McMahon's Children? Exploring Shane and Stephanie's Roles in WWE and Beyond
Linda has two children and six grandchildren.
President-Elect Donald Trump Called Linda McMahon a "Fierce Advocate for Parents' Rights”
Linda McMahon worked with Donald Trump before.
Ric Flair's Stepson Sebastian Tragically Dies at Age 24 — Cause of Death Revealed
"I am devastated and shocked," his mom shared.
Lilian Garcia Left the WWE So She Could Take Care of Her Dad
Lilian Garcia is back as the WWE announcer, but why did she leave to begin with?
Ring Announcer Samantha Irvin Leaves WWE: "This Does Not Mark the End of My Art"
"WWE Universe, my time has come to an end as your 'Monday Night Raw' Ring Announcer," Samantha Irvin said in a statement.
Vince McMahon's Mother, Vicki Askew, Grew up During The Great Depression
Vicki had two sons, Vince and Rod, with her first husband, Vince McMahon Sr., and later remarried three times.
John Stossel Got Slapped Twice by David Schultz for Investigating the WWF
The reporter got slapped twice, and was knocked to the ground, twice.
Vince McMahon Says "There Are Two Sides to Every Story" in Response to 'Mr. McMahon' Doc
"A lot has been misrepresented or left out entirely."
People Are Calling Dave Bautista "Unrecognizable" After Almost 100 Pounds of Weight Loss
Dave Bautista was famous for his big muscular build. But in 2024, he’s slimmed down beyond recognition. How did he do it?
Kairi Sane Sustained a Horrific Eye Injury During 'Monday Night Raw' — Is She OK?
"I need an eye patch, haha," Kairi humorously captioned a photo of her stitched-up eye.
Veteran WWE Commentator Michael Cole Is No Longer on 'Monday Night Raw'
WWE commentator Michael Cole is ditching 'Monday Night Raw' for 'SmackDown.'
Remember When Hulk Hogan Choked Out Richard Belzer on Live TV?
"He came very close to killing me."
Nigel McGuinness Had Some Simple Reasons for Retiring
"No one would hire me as a wrestler, to be perfectly honest with you."
Legendary Professional Wrestler Sid Vicious Dies at 63 — His Cause of Death Revealed
Retired professional wrestler Sid Eudy, known in the ring as Sid Vicious, died on Aug. 26, 2024.
Hulk Hogan Has Broken Bones ... and Hearts! His Two Divorces, Explained
Hulk Hogan didn’t just wrestle in the ring — he often wrestled with love. Two of his high-profile relationships ended in divorce.
'WWE Raw' Is Temporarily Moving Over to the Syfy Network — What to Know
This isn't the first time Syfy has become temporary home to 'Raw.'
Logan 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.
The Meaning to CM Punk's Pepsi Tattoo Really Isn't That Deep
Some people like Coca-Cola. CM Punk prefers Pepsi.
Summerslam? Survivor Series? A Match Against the Rock? — When, and How Will Roman Reigns Return?
"I cannot wait for our Tribal Chief Roman Reigns return."
Roman 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.
Hall 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.
WWE Announces Bombshell 2025 Royal Rumble Indianapolis Deal, but When Do Tickets Go on Sale?
"Rumble in February?"
Eddie 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.
Dominik 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.'
WWE Star Rhea Ripley Relinquished the Women's World Championship After an Injury — Details
"When I come back, I'm coming back for blood."
Rhea 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.
Roman 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.”
WWE 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.
Why 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.”
Logan 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?
Bianca 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."
Virgil, 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.
Jey 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?
Brock 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.
Former 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.
WWE 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.
“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.
Brock 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?
Fans 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.
Fans 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.
WWE 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.
What 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.
Ilja 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.
Seth 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.
CM 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.
Wes 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.
Why 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.