ESPN inks five-year deal for WWE’s live premium events including WrestleMania

ESPN, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), and WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO), today announced a landmark rights agreement as ESPN platforms, including the new ESPN direct-to-consumer streaming service, will become the exclusive U.S. domestic home of all WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs), including the two-night cultural phenomenon WrestleMania, starting in 2026. This deal makes ESPN home to the highest-profile WWE events of the year.

The ESPN DTC service will stream all WWE PLEs annually, in their entirety, with select simulcasting on ESPN linear platforms. Marquee PLEs include WrestleMania and SummerSlam – both two-night events – and Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, Money in the Bank, among others. WWE will continue to produce all PLEs.

Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN: “WWE has an immense, devoted and passionate fanbase that we’re excited to super-serve on our new ESPN DTC platform. This agreement, which features the most-significant WWE events of the year, bolsters our unprecedented content portfolio and helps drive our streaming future.”

Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer, TKO: “We are proud to reinforce the ‘E’ in ESPN at such an exciting juncture in its direct-to-consumer journey. WWE Premium Live Events are renowned for exactly the type of rich storytelling, incredible feats of athleticism and can’t-miss, cultural tentpole experiences that have become synonymous with ESPN. Through our UFC relationship, we have experienced firsthand how transformational an ESPN presence can be, and we know this will be an exceptional partnership at a time of great innovation for both companies.”

Nick Khan, President, WWE: “WWE’s agreement with ESPN is a pivotal moment for our millions of fans across the United States: the leader in sports entertainment partnering with the biggest brand in sports media. Bringing WWE’s flagship events to ESPN’s platform is tremendously exciting. We know the sky is the limit.”

ESPN platforms, including its DTC service, will have the opportunity to stream WWE’s pre-and post-event shows tied to all Premium Live Events.

All of ESPN. All in One Place. Coming Soon.

For the first time ever, ESPN will offer its full suite of networks and services directly to fans, along with an enhanced ESPN App that integrates game stats, betting information, fantasy sports, commerce, multiview options and a personalized SportsCenter For You. Designed to give fans more choice, flexibility and access to all of ESPN, these new features and functionality will be available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, whether they subscribe directly or through a traditional pay TV package.

Stephanie McMahon Reveals How Triple H’s Heart Procedure Changed Her Perspective

Stephanie McMahon has explained why she stepped away from WWE in 2022.

The WWE Executive sat down with John Cena for a chat on the latest episode of her podcast. They talked about things such as Cena’s issues with his father, his retirement tour and more.

During the session, McMahon also opened up about her husband Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque’s 2021 cardiac event. The Game underwent a heart procedure following it that led to his retirement from the ring. Stephanie mentioned how Levesque almost lost his life:

“I almost lost Paul, my husband, and what’s weird and I haven’t talked about it, is I always had a feeling that I was going to lose him early. I just had that feeling. After we got through everything, that feeling went away. It’s like a pattern that was supposed to happen changed.”

Stephanie McMahon then explained how the whole event led to a change in her perspective and prompted her to step away from the company in May 2022:

“It was such a gift, truly. Then I started going through all this stuff in the company and I realized – there is nothing more important to me than my family, than my husband and my kids. That’s what matters most. I want to give as much time as I possibly can [to them].

I’ve given everything I possibly have to the business my whole life. And I wanted to give back to them. And that’s when I took that first leave of absence, which didn’t last very long.”

source: sescoops.com

Triple H Joins President Trump at White House for Sports Council Expansion

It has been a polarizing year for WWE overall, and among the most notable occurrences that has left WWE fans scratching their heads has been the promotion's political stances. Starting with Triple H and Roman Reigns praising US President, and WWE Hall of Famer, Donald Trump during WrestleMania week, WWE has seemingly continued cozying up to the President, with WWE stars Cody Rhodes, the Street Profits, and Tiffany Stratton all attending a military rally hosted by Trump earlier in the Summer. And prior to SummerSlam this weekend, it appears Triple H will continue the trend.

CNN reports that Triple H will be among the many figures in sports to hosted by White House on Thursday, as Trump signs an executive order "that will expand on his council on sports, fitness and nutrition, including by reviving the Presidential Fitness Test in public schools." In addition to Triple H, notable athletes such as golfer Bryce DeChambeau, NFL kicker Harrison Butker, former college football player Cody Campbell, and NFL Hall of Famer, and WrestleMania XI headliner, Lawrence Taylor.

Triple H's involvement in the ceremony won't shock many, both due to his earlier praise for Trump, and a meeting the WWE Chief Content Officer and his wife, Stephanie McMahon, had with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in June. Though he received criticism for his previous associations with the Trump administration, it appears they have done little to scare Triple H off supporting the President, even as Trump's own approval rating with the American people continues to be spotty.

Triple H to Headline Inaugural TEDSports Event in September

TEDSports announces WWE Chief Content Officer and 14-time World Champion, Paul "Triple H" Levesque, as a featured speaker at its groundbreaking inaugural event Sep 9 – Sep 11, 2025 in Indianapolis. The WWE Hall of Famer will pull back the curtain on one of entertainment's most powerful storytelling machines during this first-ever TED event focused exclusively on sports.

Levesque, who has transformed WWE's creative direction and overseen its successful Netflix launch, now leads content strategy reaching over one billion fans across 150+ countries in more than 20 languages. On the TED stage, he will explore the psychology of performance, building compelling rivalry structures, and the universal power of narrative in building global fandom.

"We're not about exchanging business cards; we're about igniting ideas that can change the world," stated Neelay Bhatt, TEDSports co-chair and curator. "Triple H represents precisely what TEDSports aims to showcase: the power of storytelling and innovative leadership to drive global impact," added Patrick Talty, TEDSports co-chair.

TEDSports is the first-ever TED event dedicated exclusively to the intersection of sport, innovation, and transformative ideas. This highly curated experience will welcome 700–800 global game-changers—from athletes and executives to investors and creatives across academia, business, events, healthcare, sports tech, venues and women's sports - for three days of immersive talks, fireside chats, curated dinners, collaborative workshops, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences at iconic venues including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Lucas Oil Stadium. The full speaker lineup is available online.

"In an industry reshaped by technology and evolving fan expectations, true leadership demands shunning best practices and embracing next practices. TEDSports is for those who aren't just looking to keep up - but to lead what's next" Bhatt added. "Leaders seeking to be inspired, challenged, and truly connected will find their tribe at TEDSports," said Talty.

About TEDSports: TEDSports is the world's first TED event devoted to the intersection of sports, innovation, and ideas. For further information, visit the website and check out some teasers from the organizers here!

Happy Birthday Triple H

Paul Michael Levesque
July 27, 1969

AAA TripleMania 33 to air on YouTube

Speaking highly of AAA Lucha Libre Worldwide’s Alianzas event on social media, Paul “Triple H” Levesque announced that TripleMania 33 will air on YouTube.

Already announced for the event is Hijo del Vikingo defending his Mega Championship against Dragon Lee, El Grande Americano, and Domiminik Mysterio, made official after appearances from the three WWE talent at Alianzas.

The news comes after the WWE x AAA event Worlds Collide was previously aired live on WWE’s YouTube channel.

AAA Lucha Libre Worldwide presents TripleMania 33 on August 16, emanating from Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City.

WWE Announces Deal With Erin Andrews For Women's Sportswear Line

WWE is partnering with one of the most well-known sports media personalities, Erin Andrews, to bring women's sportswear collections to PLE's, including custom merchandise tailored for female fans.  

At launch, the collection will spotlight top WWE Superstars including Nikki Bella, Rhea Ripley, and Cody Rhodes. Items will feature bold, modern designs inspired by the personalities and storylines fans love. The lineup includes everything from vintage tees and muscle tanks to hooded denim jackets, lace-up hoodies, and cropped long sleeves.

Andrews had a loose connection with WWE back when "SmackDown' aired on Fox, Andrews' longtime home. In a press release issued by WEAR by Erin Andrews, the sportscaster expresses excitement about the partnership. 

"WEAR by Erin Andrews was created to give women a stylish, authentic way to show off and celebrate their fandom. As we kick off this partnership with WWE, we take another step forward in serving an even wider audience of female sports fans while celebrating the passionate, bold energy of the WWE Universe. I'm thrilled we can now offer our fan-favorite WEAR gear to women who want to support their favorite superstars without compromising on style."

In addition to WWE-themed gear, the drop will include limited-edition pieces themed around SummerSlam itself, celebrating the summer's biggest premium live event. Fans can find the collection starting July 25th online at WWEShop.com, Fanatics.com, and at select WWE event venues.

This marks a major expansion for WEAR by Erin Andrews, which has already earned a reputation across major sports leagues for combining fashion and fandom.

The collaboration will officially kick off on SummerSlam weekend, which takes place August 2nd and 3rd from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. 

credit "WEAR by Erin Andrews" Wrestling Inc. for transcription.

Legendary WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan passes away

From WWE.com:

WWE is saddened to learn that Terry Bollea, recognized globally as Legendary WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, has passed away on July 24 at 71.

One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition with the Hulkamania craze of the 1980s and reignited sports-entertainment’s popularity in the 1990s through his leadership of the New World Order in WCW. Whether he was a hero or villain, clad in red and yellow or black and white, The Hulkster was always one of the ring’s most popular and enduring stars.

Hogan abandoned a career in music with his Tampa, Fla.-based band, Ruckus, when he was discovered by WWE Hall of Famers Jack and Gerry Brisco. In 1977, Hogan began training with Hiro Matsuda, who intentionally broke Hogan’s lower leg just to see if he was passionate enough to return to training in the ring or would instead return to playing bass guitar.

A year later on Aug. 10, 1977, Hogan had his first match against B. Brian Blair in Fort Myers, Fla., for Championship Wrestling from Florida. Hogan competed under a mask as Super Destroyer in Florida and then teamed with his friend Ed Leslie (who would become Brutus Beefcake) as brothers Terry and Ed Boulder in Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia. It was after appearing on a local talk show in Memphis with TV’s Incredible Hulk, Lou Ferrigno, that he began calling himself Terry “The Hulk” Boulder because he was so much larger than Ferrigno.

He first appeared in WWE in 1979 and was named Hulk Hogan by Vincent J. McMahon. As a villain, Hogan defeated (the future Million Dollar Man) Ted DiBiase in his first match at Madison Square Garden, challenged Bob Backlund for the WWE Championship, and collided with Andre the Giant eight years before WrestleMania III in August 1980 at New York City’s Shea Stadium.

After appearing in "Rocky III," Hogan spent the next three years competing for Verne Gagne’s AWA and Antonio Inoki’s New Japan Pro Wrestling. Hogan then made the move to WWE where he defeated The Iron Sheik to become to WWE Champion on Jan. 23, 1984, beginning a pop culture craze that would be known as Hulkamania.

For nearly a decade, WWE and Hulkamania’s footprints grew together. WWE expanded to nationally syndicated television, then pay-per-per-view, with Hogan headlining in a litany of classics, including teaming with television’s biggest star, Mr. T, at the first WrestleMania and defeating Andre the Giant in front of more than 93,000 fans at WrestleMania III.

All told, Hulk Hogan racked up an unprecedented five WWE Championships, main-evented WrestleMania eight times, and sold millions of T-shirts, toys and anything else you could imagine bearing the red and yellow before leaving WWE in August 1993.

The Hulkster planned on putting his full-time sports-entertainment days behind him and started a career as a television star on the syndicated “Thunder in Paradise.” However, it wasn’t long until he was drawn into sports-entertainment again, this time by “Nature Boy” Ric Flair and new WCW Executive Producer Eric Bischoff. Using Turner Broadcasting’s budget, Bischoff signed Hogan to a seven-figure, part-time contract. In his debut match, Hogan, with Mr. T in his corner and Shaquille O’Neal at ringside, defeated Flair for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on the Bash at the Beach pay-per-view in Orlando, Fla.

After two years of dominating his competition, Hogan did the unthinkable when he betrayed both WCW fans and WCW heroes Sting, Lex Luger and Randy Savage by joining The Outsiders, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, to form the New World Order. The nWo was WCW’s greatest weapon in the Monday Night War pitting WCW’s Nitro against WWE’s Monday Night Raw. During his six years with WCW, Hogan won six WCW World Heavyweight Championships.

Almost one year after the demise of WCW, Hogan, Hall and Nash returned to WWE as the reviled nWo in February 2002. While his third stay in WWE lasted less than two years, Hogan was once again embraced by the WWE Universe during his match against The Rock at WrestleMania X8 and later won his sixth WWE Championship from Triple H at Backlash 2002.

In 2005, The Hulkster was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by his Rocky III co-star and friend, Sylvester Stallone, and appeared at WrestleMania 21 the following night.

In 2014, The Hulkster again returned to WWE and was the host of WrestleMania 30. The historic event began with Hogan, The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, arguably the three most famous sports-entertainers of all time, together in the ring to the delight of more than 75,000 WWE fans from all 50 states and 37 countries at New Orleans’ Mercedes-Benz Superdome, with millions more watching the first WrestleMania to air live on WWE Network.

There are few names more synonymous with sports-entertainment than Hulk Hogan, as the larger-than-life icon was a central figure in WWE’s rise from a regional attraction to the worldwide entertainment leader. The Hulkster’s superhuman size and undeniable charisma helped him reach heights once unthinkable in sports and entertainment, as Hogan packed 93,173 fans into the Pontiac Silverdome for WrestleMania III, won six WWE Championships, starred in movies and set the standard for what a WWE Superstar could be.

WWE extends its condolences to Bollea’s family, friends and fans.WWE is saddened to learn that Terry Bollea, recognized globally as Legendary WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, has passed away on July 24 at 71.

Raw Power: WWE Hits 6 Straight Months in Netflix Top 10

WWE became a pop culture powerhouse over the years thanks to its near-ubiquitous cable TV presence, particularly on USA Network — where “Monday Night Raw” was a staple. Moving the flagship series to Netflix, which is still getting its feet wet with live programming, was seen as a bit of a risk.

Turns out, instead of being siloed behind a paywall, WWE was just going where the viewers already are. Since its move to Netflix on Jan. 6, “Monday Night Raw” has been on a world champion-level run. The franchise immediately became a constant presence on the streamer’s global Top 10 English-language TV charts.

The week of July 7 marked the 27th straight week that “Raw” hit the Top 10 globally. It is averaging about 6.3 million hours viewed per week and just over 3 million views per week, with a view defined as total hours viewed divided by total run time.

“Netflix has been amazing, in every sense of the word. They are phenomenal partners,” says WWE chief content officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque. “And we can’t say enough about WWE fans. They’ve shown up in full force, as passionate and engaged as ever.”

The so-called Netflix bump seems to have helped “Raw” since its jump from linear cable, specifically that last run on USA (which continues to air WWE’s “Smackdown” series). It’s difficult to make a direct viewership comparison between Netflix and USA (where in fall 2024, it averaged 1.65 million viewers a week), because linear channels measure their viewership differently than Netflix does. But the disparity is still stark.

Along with joining Netflix, WWE has benefited from storylines like John Cena’s retirement tour/heel turn, Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship run, Dominik “Dirty Dom” Mysterio winning the Intercontinental Championship and Lyra Valkyria winning the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Championship.

“It’s everything we could have hoped for and more,” says Gabe Spitzer, vice president of sports at Netflix. “We knew going in that we’re not going to change WWE. It was more, how can we add to it in small ways, and that’s what we’ve seen so far.”

source: variety.com

WWE SummerSlam To Screen Live In Select Regal Cinemas Across U.S. As Start Of Multi-Event Fandango Partnership

Wrestling fans will have another way to experience WWE‘s SummerSlam next month, if they can’t attend in person.

The two-night event, taking place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, will also screen live in select Regal Cinemas across the U.S. on Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3, Deadline can exclusively reveal.

The experience marks the launch of a multi-event collaboration between WWE and Fandango. While Regal will be the official exhibitor for SummerSlam, additional exhibitors are expected to join for future WWE live events.

“WWE is one of the most electrifying global entertainment brands, and its events deserve to be experienced on the big screen,” Will McIntosh, President, Fandango, said in a statement Monday. “We’re thrilled to work with WWE and Regal Cinemas to bring the action-packed SummerSlam 2025 cinema presentation to fans nationwide.”

Tickets are now on sale now at Fandango. Fans will have two ticket options to experience SummerSlam on the big screen — either a single-night ticket for Saturday or Sunday, or a two-night ticket bundle that includes access to both screenings and an exclusive SummerSlam t-shirt.

SummerSlam will feature the highly anticipated rematch between Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena and WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes, picking up where they left off after they last met in the ring at Wrestlemania 41.

For those who can’t make it to the theater, SummerSlam will also stream live at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on Peacock in the U.S. and on Netflix internationally.

“WWE has redefined how fans connect with live entertainment, and bringing SummerSlam to Regal’s screens elevates that experience to a whole new level,” Brooks LeBoeuf, Senior Vice President of US Content at Regal Cinemas, said in a statement of their own. “We’re excited to partner with WWE and Fandango to deliver this immersive, action-packed event in theaters —making fans feel like they’re ringside, no matter where they are.”

source: deadline.com

CM Punk Reveals Why His Relationship With Triple H Has Improved

CM Punk says that the reason his relationship with Triple H is less adversarial is because the two men are no longer competing with the other in WWE. Punk opened up on his relationship with Triple H in a brand new interview with TV Insider saying that both he and Triple H have different perspectives now and that because they aren't competing against one another, they can accomplish their goals and help the new crop of talent in the company.

“Between me and Triple H, there is so much more of an understanding. I’ve advanced in my life to a point where I have the perspective I didn’t have before. For him likewise has advanced in life to where he has experiences and knowledge he didn’t have before."

Punk continued regarding Triple H:

Me and him, I think we were both on the main roster, and were talented guys. It was more adversarial because we were competition. Now we’re not and are on the same page and want to help the next generation and kind of guide them the right way with their creativity showing through but also producing them."

Since returning to WWE in November of 2023, Punk has been in prominent matches for a Triple H-led WWE. He wrestled in the night one main event of WrestleMania this year against Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. Punk lost that match, but it was his first official WrestleMania main event of his career.

This year, Punk will also be wrestling for the world championship at SummerSlam. On this week's episode of Raw, Punk won a number one contender Gauntlet Match and earned the right to face Gunther for the title.

WWE Summerslam airs live on Peacock and Netflix internationally from inside Metlife Stadium on August 2 and August 3. Other announced matches for the show include John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes for the WWE Undisputed Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Lyra Valkyria for the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship, and more.

(WrestlePurist) source: si.com

Maybelline New York named first-ever official cosmetic partner of WWE

WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, and Maybelline New York, the number one cosmetic brand in the world, announced today a new partnership in which the beauty brand will become the first-ever Official Cosmetics Partner of WWE.

The new agreement commences with Maybelline serving as the Presenting Partner of Evolution – the all-women's Premium Live Event on Sunday, July 13 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

“WWE is excited to collaborate with Maybelline, a partner that not only leads the beauty industry but also shares our vision for highlighting amazing individuals across the roster," said Brit Santypal, Senior Vice President of Partnership Marketing, TKO.

"Maybelline New York is proud to partner with WWE and have the opportunity to put our products to the ultimate test,” said Amy Whang, President of Maybelline New York. “As the presenting sponsor of Evolution, we’re not just showing up in the ring; we’re supporting a global community that inspires confidence and self-expression, both in and out of the spotlight."

In addition to the Presenting Partner designation at Evolution, Maybelline will receive center mat ring branding, a custom vignette and social media integrations. The partnership and activation strategy were developed in collaboration with Beauty Co-Lab, L’Oréal’s media agency of record.

"Maybelline continues to lead the way by moving at the speed of culture — connecting beauty with entertainment in bold, inclusive, and unexpected ways,” said Delphine Hernoux, CEO, Beauty Co-Lab. “At Beauty Co-Lab, we’re proud to have helped shape this milestone partnership with WWE, which reflects the kind of innovative thinking that keeps the brand ahead of the curve."