What is "Sports Entertainment" by WWE

Introduction

• WWE: Often mistaken as pro-wrestling.
• Vince McMahon's Definition: Describes WWE as "sports entertainment" rather than traditional sports or pure entertainment.

Analysis of "Sports Entertainment"

Sports Aspect

• Deviation from Sports:

  • Wins and losses do not matter.
  • Examples:
    • Kevin Owens defeated Seth Rollins but did not get a title shot. Seth Rollins, despite losing, became the number one contender for the championship.
    • Braun Strowman lost a handicap match but later won the Universal Championship.

• Lack of Importance in Matches:

  • Weekly show results, like RAW or SmackDown, are insignificant.
  • Matches often have no meaningful stakes or outcomes.

• Championships:

  • Championships often feel meaningless.
  • Example: Andrade kept the US title despite a wellness policy violation and injury.
  • Tag titles and other belts are often seen as unimportant.

Entertainment Aspect

• Subjectivity of Entertainment:

  • Some claim shows are entertaining, but this may be due to fan bias.
  • Genuine entertaining segments are rare.

• Lack of Consistent Storylines:

  • No logical or consistent storylines.
  • Example: Edge vs. Randy Orton storyline with inconsistent match types.

• Target Audience Unclear:

  • WWE's target audience is ambiguous.
  • Attempts to please various demographics often fail.

• Examples of Unentertaining Content:

  • Repeated themed challenges, like bowling or axe throwing, with the Street Profits and Viking Raiders.
  • Nia Jax promos and actions which fail to engage.

Conclusion

• WWE as Sports Entertainment:

  • The product does not fit neatly into the categories of sports or entertainment.
  • The essence of WWE is unclear, neither fully wrestling nor pure entertainment.

• Questions Raised:

  • What is WWE's true identity?
  • How does it intend to engage its audience?

• Closing Notes:

  • The content is aimed at engaging viewers through a provocative questioning of WWE's identity.
  • Encouragement for viewers to interact, subscribe, and follow for more content.

These notes summarize a critique on WWE's sports entertainment identity, highlighting inconsistencies and questioning its effectiveness in engaging its audience.