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Football Clubs 🤝 WWE A trend has been going around of football clubs ‘acknowledging’ a WWE wrestler called Roman Reigns… Why are they doing this though? 🤔 TikTok (and social media in general) has a lot of layered humour that becomes nuanced very quickly. Roman Reigns is currently the ‘main’ champion in WWE and his gimmick revolves around everyone ‘acknowledging’ him as the GOAT. *Enter football clubs Football clubs generally have very reactive admins, who jump on trends very quickly. When a trend like this goes viral and a football club participates, others tend follow suit very quickly. Hence this trend. But the point in this post isn’t to show how weird my TikTok algorithm is. It’s to highlight how nuanced and layered social media trends are and how important it is to have someone who’s immersed in the culture can be successful TikTok management. These trends aren’t for every business. Of course it needs to be in line with the wider strategy but having someone who understands these trends can be a MASSIVE game changer for your businesses TikTok account.

WWE marched into what its top executives described as “a new era” over WrestleMania 40 weekend this past Saturday and Sunday. That phrase was bandied about because there were a number of firsts that went down in Philly. This was the first WrestleMania produced under Endeavor, which acquired WWE last year and combined it with UFC to form a new company known as TKO. On Saturday night, WrestleMania 40 featured Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s first match since 2016, which saw him partner in a tag team match with Roman Reigns, whose own historic run as WWE champion was brought to an end Sunday after Reigns spent 1,316 days as the face of the sports entertainment brand. During a post-show press conference, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE’s chief creative officer, proclaimed WrestleMania 40 as the biggest in the company’s history, with the event already having broken a litany of the company’s records for social media engagement, merchandise sales, and more. Not everything was a first; this was another in a long line of WrestleManias that have streamed live on Peacock. The deal between WWE and NBCUniversal’s service is set to expire in March 2026; after that, it’s feasible that Netflix could scoop up the rights to WWE’s premium live events — known as pay-per-views in the old days — just as it has already done for Monday Night Raw, which will start streaming weekly on the service in January. Raw’s move to streaming will be a watershed moment for WWE. But even right now, change is afoot. With Levesque, CEO Nick Khan, and some new faces running things behind the scenes, the company has been exploring new production and presentation techniques. Fans are noticing all-new camera angles and a different feel to WWE’s live programming. Shots have longer to breathe, a welcome change compared to the whiplash camera cuts that were a hallmark of TV broadcasts under the company’s former head of production, Kevin Dunn. It’s nothing drastic (yet), but Levesque credited some of that innovation to Lee Fitting, an ESPN veteran who the company hired at the start of this year to lead its media and production unit and bring fresh ideas to the table. There are more of those coming, Levesque said during the presser, but his team is taking its time to implement them. I traveled to WrestleMania 40 for a couple reasons. For one, I wanted to witness my childhood pal, known to WWE fans as Karrion Kross, have his first “WrestleMania moment” and perform on the card. But I also wanted to get a read on how WWE is embracing tech as it sets out on this post-Vince McMahon era. This is a company that has dabbled in VR and 360-degree video through the years, and the WWE Network was groundbreaking for its time — even if it eventually shut down to make way for Peacock’s much bigger audience. As it has in recent years, WWE made heavy use of AR graphics throughout both nights of the show. That involved six cameras (of 30 total used for the

The bell has rung, another WrestleMania (#40!) is in the books and the story is complete (if you know, you know)!   Here are a few SponsorPulse™ body slam insights on the WWE’s flex with Canadians…   📈 In Canada, WWE fandom has been on a steady rise, powerslamming its way to a 6-year high in 2023 with 8.7MM+ (36%) engaged fans: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gwfannu3   🤼♀️ Intensity, i.e., frequent following, is driven by older Millennials and the Generation X cohort (yep, that’s me) with an opportunity to grow the fanbase even further by connecting with a younger audience: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gNCC-Wus   🥋 The recent Ultimate Fighting Championship and WWE merger (TKO) can be the tag team that helps WWE win the title with a younger audience. Contrast to the WWE, intensity for UFC is driven by younger Millennials and the Gen Z cohort (yep, that’s my kids): 👉 https://lnkd.in/gTKqfZcH   🥇 For sponsors, the WWE can represent an impactful strategy. Incremental purchase consideration because of an association has more than doubled among fans since 2018 (👉 https://lnkd.in/gPVTCmeE), representing the strongest opportunity with purchasers/prospects of sports betting, auto parts, non-alcoholic beer, speakers and headphones, frozen French fries, and cannabis (👉 https://lnkd.in/gNJAztTk)    And that’s the bottom-line cause SponsorPulse™ said so… #wrestlemania #sponsorshipmarketing #storycomplete

WWE collaborating with Big 12 Conference during championship game next month The WWE is collaborating with the Big 12 Conference for their championship game next month, as the sports entertainment company further strengthens its relationship with various sports organizations. The WWE is collaborating with the Big 12 Conference for their championship game next month as the sports entertainment company further strengthens ties with outside sports organizations. The Dr. Pepper Big 12 Football Championship will be held on Dec. 2 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. As part of the partnership, the game's most outstanding player will receive a custom-made WWE championship title belt and a co-branded WWE X Big 12 logo will appear throughout the stadium and on the field. The Big 12 Conference and WWE will also collaborate on a Big 12 Championship merchandise line, which will be available online and at the stadium's team stores. “WWE is a global brand that connects with a wide array of audiences,” Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said Thursday. “With this partnership, we will integrate WWE and its brand power into one of the Conference’s biggest moments, further strengthening the bridge between sports and entertainment throughout the Big 12.” WWE, which is part of TKO Group Holdings, is no stranger to such collaborations. Last year it reached a deal with the SEC and its schools for custom title belts. In 2021 the company struck a multi-year partnership with Major League Baseball to create MLB-inspired WWE Championship title belts and accessories featuring the logos of all 30 MLB clubs. In August WWE announced a similar deal with the National Football League. By working with the WWE, the Big 12 is gaining access to the company's formidable social media presence. WWE has also taken the opportunity look for potential future wrestling superstars at the college level, creating the “Next In Line” program in 2021 to provide college athletes with an avenue to explore a possible career with WWE. #wwe #big12conference #atatstadium #sportsentertainment #sportsmarketing #sportsindustry #conferncechampions #collegeathletics #partnerships

New Post: Booker T on comparing WWE’s current superstars to the Attitude Era: ‘We need to move past it sooner or later’ - https://lnkd.in/eBveR8Uw WWE is on a hot streak right now. The company is breaking financial records on a regular basis, producing a plethora of main event stars and booking critically acclaimed matches and stories. For the first time in a long time, fans seem more interested in celebrating WWE's current product than waxing poetic about the Attitude Era."I've heard it coined as the Renaissance Era, and I really like that outlook on it," undisputed WWE champion Cody Rhodes previously told Fox News Digital. "For me, as a wrestler, I'm most excited that we no longer have to stand in the shadow of the Attitude Era because of the last two years we've done better business than they ever did -- and they did exceptional, unbelievable, amazing business. I'm only making comparisons on a black-and-white level, dollars and cents, in terms of what WWE's been able to do over the last two years." Waning enthusiasm for WWE storytelling often had fans reminiscing on better days. The Attitude Era was a shift in the WWE ethos that saved the company from declining ratings amid fierce competition from WCW. From November 1997 to May 2002, WWE shifted to a more adult-oriented product. Outlandish storylines, foul language and violent matches took precedence during this stretch. Loosening creative shackles allowed legendary personalities like "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, The Rock and D-Generation X to break out."The Attitude Era is something we're always going to talk about," Booker T told CBS Sports while discussing hosting "WWE's Most Wanted Treasures" on A&E. "It's always going to be something that was a part of your life and my life in some way, shape or form." Booker wrestled for WCW during most of the Attitude Era, becoming a five-time WCW world heavyweight champion. He joined WWE in the final year of the Attitude Era after the enduring promotion bought out its competitor. Booker found much success in WWE and is still actively involved with the company, primarily as a color commentator on the NXT developmental brand. Booker isn't sure if the "Renaissance Era" Rhodes champions has met or exceeded the heights of the Attitude Era, but he loves the spirit of the debate."I understand what guys like Cody are talking about. This is their era. Is it better than the Attitude Era? Well, they should want to make it better than the Attitude Era," Booker said. "Just think about 'Rivals' or 'Treasures,' we can't talk about the Attitude Era forever. We need to move past it sooner or later. We're going to have to start talking about this next generation. The Roman Reigns' and Cody Rhodes' of the world and their legacies and their 'Attitude Era' that they created. So I understand it. I get it and if I was in their shoes, I would feel the exact

BIG SPORTS NEWS: The newly merged WWE and UFC entity began trading yesterday, identified by the ticker symbol TKO. Here are some key details: The company is valued at an impressive $21 billion. Ownership is divided, with Endeavor holding 51% and WWE owning 49%. In this arrangement: Vince McMahon takes on the role of executive chairman for the newly formed company. Dana White assumes control of the UFC within the organization. This development sparks a couple of noteworthy observations: 1. It's quite remarkable to witness the UFC's journey over the past two decades. From facing severe criticism, epitomized by John McCain's description as "human cockfighting," to now being an integral part of a $21 billion publicly traded enterprise. Regardless of personal sentiments, Dana White deserves considerable credit for this transformation. 2. The UFC and WWE boast immensely valuable intellectual property portfolios. Combining these assets presents substantial potential for enhanced media rights. Additionally, expect to see more cross-promotion between the two entities, with UFC fighters making appearances at WWE events and vice versa. This collaboration promises exciting opportunities for fans and the industry alike.

As a longtime admirer of the WWE's marketing prowess and a regular appointment viewer of RAW and Smackdown, today's news of WWE's Money in the Bank premium live event coming to Toronto next summer for the first time strikes a couple of chords. Whether pro wrestling is "real" or "fake" is immaterial. What is material is the product is very entertaining and highly engaging. Brand marketers in all industries, not just in sport business, can learn many lessons from the WWE marketing machine. Their storytelling, brand building, social media engagement, pop culture integration, product packaging and festivalization - turning the original one-day MITB PPV event into a three-day MITB "festival" - is second to none. So, instead of fussing over the authenticity/inauthenticty of "pro wrestling," buy a ticket, attend the event, and see marketing best practices in action. What is authentic is it's "sports entertainment" at its best. Now, if only the Money In The Bank briefcase could be hung from the CN Tower Edgewalk railing instead of from a truss inside Scotiabank Arena… :-) #sportbusiness #marketingbestpractice #popculture #brandmangement #fanengagement #festivalization

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson recently declared that professional wrestling is "cool again". And he's not wrong (well, cooler at least - it's still pro wrestling after all). Fresh off the biggest WrestleMania in history, I thought examining how WWE turned its brand around would be interesting. In addition to a new massive deal signed with Netflix, WWE has seen a significant increase in viewership and attendance across all three shows, and merchandise sales are at an all-time high. So, how did WWE accomplish this? How did the often mocked and scandal-plagued WWE transform their brand into a money-maker? Through great storytelling and brilliant marketing moves, of course. Here are a few lessons we could all learn from WWE: 1️⃣ Listen to your Audience Under the recently ousted and disgraced Vince McMahon, WWE ignored fan desires. There was a noticeable shift when Paul Levesque took over creative in 2022. Stories are adjusted based on fan sentiment, and programming is altered in real time to match crowd reactions. At this year's WrestleMania, The Rock was scheduled to face Roman Reigns in the main event instead of fan favorite Cody Rhodes. After fan backlash, WWE made a masterful pivot by putting Cody Rhodes in the main event and turning The Rock's character into a spiteful antagonist. It resulted in one of WWE's best storylines in years. 2️⃣ Long-term Storytelling WWE used to have brief, unconnected storylines. Now, rivalries and foreshadowing play out for months or years - a consistent, engaging narrative that fans can immerse themselves in. The current ‘Bloodline’ story is nearly four years in the making with constant twists and turns to keep fans tuning in. 3️⃣ Elevate Female Talent WWE has an atrocious history with its treatment of female wrestlers. Recently though, WWE has done a much better job of putting female talent in a position to succeed. Female performers routinely outshine their male counterparts, with Charlotte Flair vs Rhea Ripley winning 'Match of the Year' in 2023. WWE is also investing in rising female stars, as evidenced by the grand introductions of newcomers Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton. 4️⃣ Smart Use of Influencers WWE doesn't just use influencers; they leverage them in ways that play to their strengths. When Logan Paul was introduced to the roster, WWE knew current fans wouldn't like him, so they made Paul's character a cocky bad guy. Fans now love to boo him. And when WWE brought in Bad Bunny, they didn't just use him for a musical performance - they recognized his athletic talent and had him compete in several acclaimed matches. So, the next time you're in a marketing meeting, consider suggesting, "Hey, guys, why can't we be more like WWE?"

How UFC And WWE Will Help Each Other With Their Iconic Partnership https://ift.tt/02CacvY 2023-09-18 15:12:59 WWE and UFC have determined to merge, with WWE CFO & President Frank A. Riddick III leaving with a right away influence WWE has needed to cope with a shock exit simply sooner or later after its official merger with UFC. WWE CFO & President Frank A. Riddick III is leaving the wrestling enterprise, based on stories. According to Fightful Select, WWE President Nick Khan delivered an inside memo this morning saying Riddick’s resignation. The memo reads, “After over thirteen years on our Board of Directors and almost two years after joining WWE full time as our CFO and serving as President/CFO, Frank Riddick will be leaving the company post the TKO close at the end of this month. Frank is a highly respected colleague, and it has been a pleasure to work alongside him. We are grateful for his counsel, support and dedicated years of service and wish him only continued success moving forward. Nick Khan.” – Advertisement – Riddick beforehand labored because the CEO of FloWorks International, LLC, JMC Steel Group, Formica Corporation, and Triangle Pacific Corp. He has additionally labored because the President/COO of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. He previously held management positions akin to Chief Financial Officer, Controller, Treasurer, and Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions. Riddick is predicted to depart WWE on the finish of this month, based on media stories. Riddick is the primary govt to depart WWE for the reason that firm merged with UFC. According to stories, the merger aided him in amassing a $5 million bonus. When Did WWE And UFC Decide To Merge? The mixture of WWE and UFC was first introduced in April of this 12 months. The long-awaited incorporation culminated within the formation of a brand new entity, TKO, with a $21.4 billion valuation. According to stories, Endeavor, the dad or mum firm of the UFC, would personal 51% of TKO, whereas WWE shareholders will personal the remaining 49%. “Where we want to get is where every UFC fan is a WWE fan and every WWE fan is a UFC fan,” UFC senior govt vice chairman and chief working officer Lawrence Epstein advised ESPN. “We’ve always thought there was just an incredible opportunity to sort of roll up these two great brands and great organizations in the combat sports space. We were a little bit early in our thinking on this thing. And of course, it’s really exciting and really a dream come true to have this come together,” Epstein added. Former WWE chairman Vince McMahon will function TKO’s govt chairman. Former UFC president Dana White has been named UFC CEO. Meanwhile, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque’s place will stay largely unchanged. He is prone to proceed as the top of WWE’s artistic group in addition to the wrestling promotion’s Chief Content Officer. The post How UFC And WWE Will Help Each Other With Their Iconic Partnership app...

📈 THE STOCK (h/t David Haughton, JD, CPWA®) Dwayne Johnson is one of the first athletes to successfully negotiate equity compensation in the company he is representing. While very few sports teams in the US are publicly traded (Atlanta Braves - $BATRA and NY Rangers & Knicks - $MSGS), the discourse around player owners has grown SIGNIFICANTLY over the past few years. Both Aaron Rodgers and Caleb Williams outwardly expressed their interest in signing with a team that would grant them ownership- aligning their interests. But the league came down on that idea with an iron fist, as NFL owners voted to prohibit the practice. But in other sports, the practice might not be so far-fetched. Take Lionel Messi (my 🐐) for example: this past year, soccer has arrived in the US in a big way with Messi's transfer to Inter Miami CF. Many wondered- how did the world's best soccer player end up in the US? That is if you even knew there is a professional soccer league in the US... The biggest reason is ownership. Inter Miami CF offered Messi a stake in the club, as he would be driving a massive share of their revenue. So while American football nixed player ownership, David is right that this idea could be reaching a critical mass. With Messi's deal, and the fact that many more European soccer clubs are publicly traded than American sports teams, I wouldn't be surprised if one of the early adopters ends up being our pals across the pond... 🌊 All this is to reiterate David's point: athletes could be in need of advanced planning more than ever before. And for anyone with equity compensation who doesn't happen to find themselves in a professional sports league- the planning opportunities are ENDLESS. Stay tuned for more. #equitycompensation #athletes #messi