As noted earlier today, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is on the cover of the latest Variety magazine. You can see the cover at the end of this post and you can find their full piece at this link.
Variety also send us quotes from the interview with Vince. Earlier we posted his defense of the WWE schedule and comments on how any talent can take time off without repercussions.
Vince also commented on WWE’s success and said they provide a product that’s different from the others.
“So few people understand what we do and how we do it,” Vince said. “We’re different than anything else that’s out there. The respect factor is here, and now it’s global.”
Vince also confirmed that Fox will be going out of their way to promote WWE across their various platforms when SmackDown moves to Fox Friday nights beginning October 4. Vince said WWE has never had a platform like this, at least in terms of promotion.
“WWE talent will be appearing on [Fox] programming,” he said. “It’s going to be a totally integrated approach. We’ve never had a platform like this in terms of promotion. Fox is going to go all-in, and they’re great promoters.”
Vince was asked about Ted Turner making an attempt to turn WCW into a rival during the 1990s. Vince said WWE knew WCW couldn’t stand the grind.
“Ted Turner opened his checkbook and spent a lot of money buying our talent,” Vince said. “We knew they’d do OK for a while, but we knew they couldn’t stand the grind.”
The 73 year old McMahon remains focused on growing WWE and expanding the product, and shows no real signs of stepping down. Regarding WWE’s own longevity, Vince talked about earning respect every day, and never taking it for granted.
“I liken it to the military. At the end of the day I’ve got these ribbons and all these medals, and I wake up the next morning, and every one of them is gone. You have to earn everybody’s respect every day, all over again, and I don’t take it for granted,” Vince said.
In the past there have been rumors of major companies like Fox Corp. purchasing WWE and Vince has been stated that they are open to listening to offers. Vince said, “We’re open for business,” when asked if he would consider selling all or a partial stake in WWE. He declined to elaborate, just like in the past.
COVER STORY: How Vince McMahon's WWE seized on TV disruption to become a wall street champ https://t.co/Iy8ZwveqMo pic.twitter.com/vbteDUkhyb
— Variety (@Variety) May 14, 2019
