How Vince McMahon’s COVID-19 Strategy Secured WWE’s Billion-Dollar Future

One Big Thing

WWE Hall of Famer JBL reveals how Vince McMahon’s decision to continue live shows during COVID-19 saved WWE’s TV contracts and secured the company’s financial future, despite facing strong internal and external opposition.

Key Details

• McMahon personally called JBL to return as a commentator, seeking familiar voices for fans during uncertain times
• WWE continued producing shows with no live audience in Orlando
• The decision faced strong criticism from both WWE staff and media outlets
• The strategy preserved vital TV contracts that later became billion-dollar deals

Direct Quote

“He saved the freaking company with that,” JBL stated. “Vince, his entire life, has constantly been one step ahead of everything and everybody else in wrestling.”

By the Numbers

• WWE maintained all TV contracts during the pandemic
• These contracts later turned into billion-dollar agreements
• WWE was one of few sports organizations continuing live production during early COVID-19

Why It Matters

This decision proved crucial for WWE’s long-term success. While other sports and entertainment companies paused operations, WWE’s continued production:

• Kept WWE visible during the pandemic
• Protected valuable TV partnerships
• Set up future broadcast deals
• Maintained employment for WWE personnel

The Bottom Line

Despite significant risks and criticism, McMahon’s choice to continue operations during COVID-19 helped WWE maintain its market position and secure its financial future through broadcast deals.

What’s Your Take?

Did WWE make the right call by continuing shows during the pandemic? Share your thoughts in the comments below about how this decision impacted the wrestling industry.