World Wrestling Entertainment, or WWE, is a highly acclaimed pro wrestling promotion. Not to mention, it is the largest wrestling promotion in the world. The company is famous for presenting entertaining storylines and feuds. In addition to that, its roster full of wrestlers is absolutely adored by the fans.
These Superstars are seen performing on the RAW, SmackDown, or NXT brand divisions of the company. With that, WWE has gathered a huge fanbase that always looks forward to getting updates about the company, its storylines, and its superstars. In addition to that, many fans often wonder about the origin of the promotion’s current name and how it became WWE from WWF.
Previously in 1953, the entertainment giant was founded as Capitol Wrestling Corporation. Moving ahead, in 1963 it came to be known as World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). However, it later became the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1979. Following that, WWF became WWE due to a legal involvement with the ‘World Wildlife Fund’.
‘World Wildlife Fund’ previously sued the World Wrestling Federation over the ‘WWF’ trademark. With that, the sports entertainment company lost the lawsuit. This forced Vince McMahon to change the name of the company from WWF to WWE.
The name change took place in 2002. Since then, the entertainment firm has come to be known as World Wrestling Entertainment rather than the World Wrestling Federation. Later in 2012, the promotion was acknowledged with the initials WWE. Meanwhile, the company has risen to massive prominence and has imprinted its supremacy all over the world.
Vince McMahon no longer holds complete control over WWE
Vince McMahon was initially the kingpin of World Wrestling Entertainment. However, things have changed as of now. Previously, it was reported that McMahon was aiming for a potential sale of WWE. With that, soon enough, it was reported that the company was sold to UFC’s parent company, Endeavor.
Following that, there were reports that WWE would merge with the UFC to form a publicly traded company. This indeed came true in September 2023, when the two giant companies merged to form TKO Group Holdings.
After the merger, Vince McMahon, who was previously the CEO of WWE, took up the role of executive chairman of the newly formed company. It is to be noted that prior to the deal, McMahon was WWE’s biggest shareholder. However, going ahead, he will own 16.4 percent of the economic interests in the new company.
In addition, 51 percent of the controlling interest in the new company is owned by Endeavor. While the remaining 49 percent has been owned by WWE shareholders. Thus, it can be understood that McMahon no longer holds absolute control over the Stamford-based promotion.
Meanwhile, it’s been just a few months since the merger took place. It remains to be seen what milestones the new deal will go on to make in the upcoming days. With that, WWE fans will look forward to all the upcoming updates from and about the largest wrestling promotion in the world.