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How WWE Is Changing Their Business During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Stephanie McMahon spoke on key learnings the company had when they began to present empty arena matches, including experimenting with augmented reality, and changing camera angles.
We had a few key learnings with camera angles. Also with announcers. We have experimented with forms of augmented reality.
The company a has also added a “virtual ceiling” to the presentation at home, as the large fans installed on the roof of the Performance Center aren’t pleasing for viewers.
The big “fans” doesn’t look the best, we have a virtual ceiling. We have sweated the audio with developmental stars with masks and social distancing.
“Our audiences are willing to experiment a little bit” Stephanie stated. “It gives them a chance to have a voice and be part of the process, to give feedback on what’s working and not working”.
Embracing The New Normal, and Pivoting Business In Different Direction.
She touched on how WWE is planning on working as a predominately live event based brand, to changing with the current climate. In the future these changes will continue, and the use of more augmented reality, as well as presenting more digital content will allow them to succeed.
“Innovation is critical today, especially now during COVID” Stephanie stated. “Viewership patterns have shifted to digital viewing, I don’t think that will change. Advertising will shift differently.”
She also believes fans want the curtain peeled back, and want to get to know WWE talent and employees at a more personal level.
Seeing people for who they are. We’ve learned that there is a desire to know people behind the scenes, who are either making the decision or the athletes competing. Break down barriers to get to know those people.
She states over the last four months, WWE Network consumption is up 67%, while Youtube viewership is up 70%.
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