Susan G. Komen: Adding A Flare Of Pink To The WWE

While most tend to think that sports entertainment and pro wrestling fans are made up mostly of the male population, I’m living proof that the WWE Universe does have some pretty passionate female fans: which makes the joint venture between the WWE and Susan G. Komen such a tremendous partnership. It not only acknowledges and places a spotlight on breast cancer awareness and survivors, but allows the WWE to engage their female audience. Regardless if this disease affects the average female wrestling fan demographic specifically, it also affects the moms, sisters, daughters, nieces, and BFFs of potentially the average male wrestling fan.

It’s a feel-good philanthropic initiative for the WWE. Sure, they do tend to focus on children, another huge WWE demographic; but seeing the shades of pink across the WWE right now, including the middle rope within the ring, pays a strong tribute to the women who have fought against this terrible illness, and those who continue to fight. Launched specifically during National Breast Cancer Awareness month, the campaign raises funds for the Susan G. Komen organization; one that invests in programs aimed at research, advocacy, public policy initiatives, and community health outreach all around the world. What started as a promise from a sister to sister, has turned into a worldwide phenomenon.

The partnership with the Komen organization and WWE was actually established in 2012, when 15-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion John Cena wanted to reach out to his female fan base, to further connect with the WWE Universe. And so it began. Pink hats, t-shirts, ring ropes and all. WWE has gone pink every October since, and it is a tremendously heartfelt feeling for those who are (or have been) affected by breast cancer, to know that the WWE is supporting them and their families, not to mention the money that is being raised in support of the organization.

However, not everyone seems to think this is the case, as a recent Twitter controversy, with CM Punk at the forefront, recently challenged this idea.

And while he went back and forth with fans on this Twitter rant (not mentioning the WWE in any of posts, I may add), I can’t help but look at the numbers: $2.2 billion raised over the years; a 34% decrease in death rates due to breast cancer, due to raised awareness and funds, since 1990; an improvement in survival rates for those cancer patients in their early stages, from 74 to 99%. The Komen foundation has in fact been busy over the years, and has made a difference.

I know WWE is a large corporation that is driven to ensure their brand looks good in the media and public. Sometimes they are driven by doing good, and other times they may be driven to look good: I can’t say for sure. For this company, there is a large distinction between good and bad PR; and if they wanted to support an all-encompassing cause when it came to breast cancer … Susan G. Komen would be the way to go. And while we can all be cynical of the philanthropic initiatives that larger corporations are doing; if the ultimate impact is positive, than who am I to judge.

Now I ask WNZ fans (both male and female), what your thoughts on WWE’s partnership with Susan G. Komen?