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IS THE WWE ON THE CUSP OF ENTERING THE ESPORTS MARKET?

As one of the leading professional wrestling companies, World Wrestling Entertainment has often been at the forefront of growing the sector. It speaks volumes about the promotion’s desire to explore new markets that it first entered the mainstream video game industry back in 1989 with WWE Wrestlemania on the Nintendo Entertainment System. Now, the WWE 2K gaming franchise series is continually reaching new heights. Because of the company’s video game pedigree, there are indications that a future move into competitive gaming may be on the cards. In fact, it may come sooner than expected, and here's why.

The Foundations Are Already in Place

As touched on above, the much-loved promotion already has a significant profile within the video game industry. Not only that, but WWE’s global reputation gives it the infrastructure to continue building its brand. Following its release in October 2019, WWE 2K20 showcases the Connecticut-based company’s drive to create gaming content. Having done so annually since 2000, the wrestling organisation has followed in Electronic Arts’ footsteps. To date, FIFA is one of the most popular eSports titles, and the franchise ensures relevancy by releasing a new game year-on-year.

WWE is undoubtedly one of the world’s most valuable sports brand, and the company had a net value of £4.098 billion in 2020. Aside from mainstream gaming, professional wrestling has become a go-to betting market within the 21st century. This would undoubtedly aid its eSports transition. Nowadays, eSports betting is an incredibly lucrative sector, with platforms like Winners.bet covering various titles, including Call of Duty, Dota 2, League of Legends, and many more. Aside from their vast offerings, the operator provides new users with a 100 per cent welcome bonus of up to £36 upon signing up. The fully-regulated platform is looking for innovative opportunities, meaning that a long-term future relationship with WWE isn’t out of the question.

Is the Promotion Testing the Water?

There are signs that Vince McMahon’s company is seeking to take its time in exploring the competitive gaming sector. In November 2019, the company filed for two trademarks: WWE SGL and Superstar Gaming League. According to Gamezo, these cover “conducting online computer game tournaments”. Since then, little has happened regarding the trademarks, and Xavier Woods has called for the company to create its own eSports team.

In-house, WWE has sought to experiment with gaming competitions. The Esports Observer reports that the company recently debuted their Superstar Gaming Series on December 29th, 2020. The concept sees WWE superstars compete against each other in Among Us and WWE 2K Battlegrounds. Although the show’s future is uncertain, the WWE is seemingly aware of consumer demand concerning a future move into competitive gaming.

What’s the Company Waiting for? 

If WWE wanted to branch out into the eSports sector, there’s no reason that it couldn’t do so in the near future. That said, by holding off, it raises demand and intrigue among the WWE Universe. Because of competitive gaming’s lucrative nature, McMahon’s organisation would be daft to not take advantage of its popularity. So, it would be unwise to rule out an eSports future for WWE.

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