Controversy and Confusion: WWE’s WrestleMania Week
WrestleMania is the biggest showcase of the WWE’s year. In recent years, it has grown to become a mainstream cultural event as the pro wrestling company has seen its best run since the famed Attitude Era. * Key points:
• WWE has been riding a wave of positive momentum and energy in recent years. • The company has seen significant growth in its global audience and revenue. • Criticisms of the storyline leading up to WrestleMania have been minimal compared to the praise. However, in the lead-up to WrestleMania 41, WWE’s most prominent figures have been making headlines with their own comments. Instead of building excitement and anticipation for the event, this week has been marred by controversy and confusion. Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Chief Content Officer, sparked outrage with his derogatory remarks towards the online wrestling community and its critics within the industry. HHH said with no hesitation that critics should “f*ck off,” a move that has been widely criticized as tone-deaf and dismissive. It was a strange move from HHH and struck the exact wrong tone that WWE should be sending in the lead-up to WrestleMania. However, Levesque apparently felt incredibly strongly about correcting people’s misconceptions that he had to say something to divert attention away from the event and onto himself. Nick Khan, WWE CEO, also made headlines with his comments about AEW, WWE’s main competitor in the professional wrestling industry. Khan fired shots at AEW, stating that the company was struggling to compete with WWE’s creative and business success. The comments from Levesque and Khan took the focus away from WrestleMania and onto their own personal agendas. It was a misstep that has left many wondering if Vince Russo is indeed booking this. Roman Reigns, a main eventer for WrestleMania 41, made headlines with his comments about politics and his own personal views. Reigns stated that he is a registered Democrat and has voted for Donald Trump, sparking controversy and confusion. Anoa’i, another main eventer for the event, also made headlines with his comments about politics. He stated that he supports Trump and believes in positive and competent leadership. John Cena, a WWE superstar, also made headlines with his comments about Vince McMahon, the former WWE chairman. Cena praised McMahon, stating that he loves him wholeheartedly. The comments from the WWE’s most prominent figures have created a distraction from the main event. WrestleMania 41 is taking place on Saturday and Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, and WWE has to be thankful that time is running out on the build to the show.
“I love Vince,” Cena said. “I’m not downplaying anything that needs to be decided or allegations of any kind, but when I love somebody, I love them wholeheartedly.”
The comments from the WWE’s top stars have left many wondering if the company is taking a step back in terms of cultural sensitivity. In the past, WWE has made a concerted effort to be more aware of its surroundings and to avoid offending its fans. However, this week has seen the company take a backwards step into an insular time of circling the wagons and painting outsiders as the problem. Instead of the focus being on WrestleMania 41 with a stacked card and unpredictable outcomes, now wrestling fans are caught in debates about Vince McMahon and Donald Trump. Key Takeaways:
• The WWE’s most prominent figures have made headlines with their own comments in the lead-up to WrestleMania 41. • The comments have created controversy and confusion, taking the focus away from the main event. • The company has taken a step back in terms of cultural sensitivity, sparking debate about its approach to politics and its relationship with Donald Trump.
- Paul “Triple H” Levesque
- Nick Khan
- Roman Reigns
- Anoa’i
- John Cena
| WrestleMania 41 | Allegiant Stadium | Saturday and Sunday |
| Key Event: Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins | Main Event: John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes | Event Date: March 2023 |
WrestleMania 41 will be a show to remember, but it will also be a show to forget. The controversy and confusion created by the WWE’s most prominent figures has left many wondering if the company is taking a step back in terms of cultural sensitivity. As the event approaches, WWE has to be thankful that time is running out on the build to the show.