Did Donald Trump Help WWE Be Labeled An ‘Essential Business’?
President Donald Trump has enlisted some of the biggest names in sports to help him with reopening the economy, and that includes WWE CEO Vince McMahon.
McMahon and Trump have a long-standing relationship, so it is of no real surprise that POTUS reached out for his assistance in this incredible matter.
.@realDonaldTrump has added @VinceMcMahon and @DanaWhite to one of his Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups which is tasked with advising the Trump administration on reopening the US
This isn’t a parody article. This is realhttps://t.co/n9b8NQv4Oo
— Edward Hardy (@EdwardTHardy) April 15, 2020
Downfall Of The XFL
The sports world, including the WWE for a short time, has been hit hard by the novel coronavirus. Leagues have been placed on pause or even canceled, including McMahon’s return venture to pro football, the XFL.
Earlier this week, the XFL’s parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. They listed assists and liabilities each in the range of $10 million to $50 million, with the St. Louis Sports Commission the largest creditor at $1.6 million.
— XFL (@xfl2020) April 10, 2020
The league attributed the decision to the COVID-19 pandemic, as they were in the middle of the season when the shutdown happened. The league announced in 2018 plans to return after a failed venture, putting together eight teams that made it through five weeks of play.
WWE Struggles Due To COVID-19
After making the decision, they announced plans to return in 2021, but McMahon changed his mind after WrestleMania 36. The WWE went ahead with the mega-event, but only after shifting to the WWE Performance Center and performing in front of a closed audience.
Giving back to the community has been a priority for @WWE since our inception. We’re proud to share the first-ever WWE Community Impact Report for 2019. We hope these stories lift your spirits during these uncertain times and bring a smile to your face. https://t.co/yx9vuJJqaE pic.twitter.com/Cba5TfEQaJ
— WWE Community (@WWECommunity) April 10, 2020
The loss of revenue was obviously a key factor in all this, and it led to another day that will go down in pro wrestling history as a dark one.
On Wednesday, the WWE trimmed off nearly half of its roster, releasing the likes of Kurt Angle, Drake Maverick, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, and others to tighten up the budget. The pattern continued on Thursday as more names were released.
BREAKING: WWE has come to terms on the release of Drake Maverick (James Curtin), Curt Hawkins (Brian Myers), Karl Anderson (Chad Allegra), EC3 (Michael Hutter) and Lio Rush (Lionel Green). We wish them all the best in their future endeavors. https://t.co/cX449nNSLU
— WWE (@WWE) April 15, 2020
Vince McMahon Among Advisers Working With Donald Trump
While McMahon found a way to continue producing television through a loop-hole to be deemed an essential business in Florida.
Reports have indicated that there is a clause in the contracts of the WWE with USA and FOX limiting the number of taped events they can air. With the shutdown taking up much of that already, it is likely McMahon was concerned over breaching the deal.
If McMahon is that close to Trump in regards to all of this, he obviously knows something.
State Attorney of Palm Beach County Dave Aronberg spoke to ESPN West Palm (106.3 FM) and seems suspicious.
“I’m sure it had nothing to do with the fact that the McMahon family is very tight with the Trump’s and the fact that Linda McMahon is raising $300 million dollars for Trump’s Super PAC, and the governor is very tight with the President,” said Aronberg in a sarcastic tone.
Trump has been pushing hard to re-open the economy at the start of May. But, he could still put a cap on large gatherings, leaving WWE unable to get back to “business as usual.”
For now, we will wait and see what Trump’s “Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups” announces to the public.
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