It is common knowledge among pro wrestling fans that WWE internally disapproves of terms like “wrestling” and “wrestler” to describe its product offerings, instead branding itself as “sports entertainment” and its performers as “Superstars” and “Divas.”
But the extent to which WWE adhered to that practice became especially-defined last week, when the company complained to a media outlet over its use of the term “wrestling.”
Website TVWeek wrote a piece on Drew Carey’s Hall of Fame induction, providing the title, “Drew Carey Inducted Into Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame. Huh? Drew Carey??!!”
Soon after it went live, WWE publicist Kellie Baldyga emailed the author, explaining, “We are no longer a wrestling company but rather a global entertainment company with a movie studio, international licensing deals, publisher of three magazines, consumer good distributor and more.”
The author missed on a scheduled follow-up call, at which point, the publicist asked, “Did you mean call me today (Thursday)? I apologize but I really need the correction made sooner than later if possible.”
The call eventually happened, and the author explained that he doesn’t “have time for this.” He said he would not make a correction but would remove the article if necessary; the publicist accepted the latter.
She later followed up, “I hope nothing was contentious in our conversation…” She added, “I know the perception is that we are a wrestling company but we are actually much more than that–we are a global media company which is how our Chairman and CEO, Vince McMahon, positions us.”
