The move, designed to build upon the WWE’s successful UK TV and live events, will see the introduction of UK-based TV production, promotional programmes, public appearances from the stars of the shows, and additional live events.
As part of the new push, the WWE will produce its two flagship television programmes, Monday Night RAW and WWE SmackDown!, from the UK in front of sell-out crowds at the Manchester Evening News Arena in October 2004. This is first time ever that the two shows have been produced outside of North America.
Said Shane McMahon, WWE’s executive vice president, Global Media: “Our fans in the UK are incredible, and their loyalty, combined with the exceptional retail and licensing programs we have in the UK, is a lynchpin to our strategy to expand WWE’s global presence.
“Our UK initiative is groundbreaking for us, our business partners, and our fans. It will develop the model we plan to use in other countries as we further implement our global expansion strategy.”
The WWE will herald the start of the new push with a UK-specific ad campaign.
