WWE, an integrated media organization and recognized leader in sports entertainment, is committed to creating meaningful, and measurable, impact for its Community partners by increasing awareness and resources through storytelling, global visibility and grassroots community outreach. With the support of passionate fans, employees and Superstars, the WWE Universe is providing hope, creating inclusion, empowering communities and recognizing service around the world.
Giving back is in WWE’s DNA. WWE’s Superstars passionately serve as Community Relations Ambassadors to support numerous causes and nonprofit partners. Superstars consistently express an eagerness to participate in more charitable giving initiatives, whether it is aligning themselves with WWE’s current Community partners or organizations that are near and dear to their heart personally. This passion and desire to help others transcends throughout WWE, including past, present and future Superstars, who have made it their personal mission to help others.
Over the years, WWE has leveraged its global platforms (including the WWE Network {WWE’s 24/7 direct-to-consumer network}, TV and pay-per-view broadcasts, live events and digital and social media channels) to raise funds, generate awareness about important issues and encourage millions of fans to get involved in various community relations efforts and charitable organizations.
WWE’s mission is to put smiles on faces. Through WWE’s four community service pillars of Hope, Inclusion, Empowerment and Service, WWE is positively igniting social change and bringing communities closer together.
Below, are some examples of WWE positively affecting social change through cause supporting partners:
- Americares: Recently, as the world looked to support one another during the COVID-19 global pandemic, WWE teamed up with Americares to educate and provided resources for COVID-19 response and relief efforts.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America: In 2016, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and WWE announced a multi-year, national partnership to support bullying prevention efforts and help create a safe environment for today’s youth. WWE Superstars, many of whom are Boys & Girls Clubs alumni, participate in bullying prevention rallies at local Clubs across the United States where they interact with local youth, share their personal experiences and distribute helpful resources.
- Connor’s Cure: Established by Stephanie McMahon (WWE’s Chief Brand Officer) and Paul “Triple H” Levesque (WWE’s Executive Vice President, Global Talent Strategy & Development), Connor’s Cure is dedicated to raising awareness and funds that support cutting-edge research at pediatric cancer facilities. Connor’s Cure has raised nearly $3.5 million to date and assisted more than 500 families around the world.
- Girl Up: In 2019, WWE launched a multi-year partnership with Girl Up, a global leadership development initiative positioning girls to be leaders in the movement for gender equality, to support the creation of the program Sports for a Purpose.
- Hire Heroes USA: Through this partnership, WWE is helping to enhance Hire Heroes’ mission to empower United States military members, veterans and military spouses to succeed in the civilian workforce through free, individualized career coaching programs.
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS): In October 2019, WWE formally announced a partnership with LLS, the world’s largest nonprofit fighting blood cancers, and WWE Superstar Roman Reigns to drive more research and deliver more assistance to patients and families. For Reigns, the cause is personal—he is in remission for the second time from chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
- Make-A-Wish Foundation: For more than 30 years, WWE and the Make-A-Wish Foundation have partnered to grant wishes for children diagnosed with critical illnesses. WWE and its Superstars are turning wishes into a reality by conducting meet and greets and providing Wish Kids tickets to a live WWE show. WWE Superstar John Cena is not only the most-requested celebrity for Make-A-Wish but has fulfilled more than 600 wishes for Wish Kids.
- Special Olympics: A proud partner of the Special Olympics since 1995, WWE is helping to create a more inclusive and unified generation. WWE Superstars support Special Olympics events and athletes by participating in Unified Games, attending Opening Ceremonies and presenting medals to athletes.
- UNICEF USA: UNICEF USA and WWE’s partnership gives kids the power to save lives by connecting their everyday activity to real-world impact. Working together, students ultimately help a child in need across the world.
An integral part of WWE’s brand identity is affecting social change and supporting cause partners around the world. WWE is building a Universe of passionate fans, employees and Superstars dedicated to providing hope, creating inclusion, empowering communities and recognizing service, the pillars that we created to help address important social issues.
In 2019, WWE released its first-ever Community Impact Report. Community relations highlights from 2019 included:
- Donated $4.5 million to social causes worldwide.
- Held 250 global community outreach events.
- Conducted nearly 500 WWE Superstar appearances.
- Supported 22 hometown organizations and 30 events and contributed more than $450,000.
- Donated 7,000 tickets valued at $350,000 to community partners, active duty and local community organizations.
- In-kind media support included:
- $11 million generated
- 1.3 billion impressions
- 7.5 million engagements
- 15.5 million views
