World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.

Overview

Welcome to WWE Parents

We understand how important it is for parents to take an active role in their children's free time. We encourage all parents to help their children select suitable entertainment, and to understand the differences between fantasy and real life.

All WWE television programs are rated PG in recognition of the growing appeal of our programs to all ages and as intergenerational family viewing.  If parents make the decision to allow their children to watch our programming, we encourage those parents to watch with their children. We urge parents who allow younger children to watch our programming to explain that what our Superstars do on television should not be emulated or attempted in real life.

WWE, through this web site, places a number of resources at parents' fingertips to help them talk to their kids about WWE programming. We encourage parents to view the information we have provided on this site about what to expect at WWE events, ratings information for our TV programming, and from our products.

View WWE's Do Not Try This At Home video by clicking here.
View WWE's Do Not Try This At Home (Spanish version) video by clicking here.

View WWE in the Community video (:45) by clicking here.
View WWE in the Community video (long version-3:35) by clicking here.

News

Maria and Gemini strut down the dogwalk for the Humane Society
NEW YORK – Maria took her talent to the catwalk, er … dogwalk at Animal Fair’s ninth annual Paws for Style fashion show in New York City. The SmackDown Diva and her Chihuahua, Gemini, were among several celebrities and their four-legged pals who walked the red carpet and the runway to help benefit the Humane Society of New York.

To read the full story, please click here.




Big Show & Michelle McCool Presenters at Hero Awards
WWE SmackDown Superstar Big Show and Diva Michelle McCool recently presented an award to 10-year-old John Thomas (JT) Robertson at the 2008 Hero Awards. JT Robertson collected more than 14,000 cans in order to provide funding for sick children to take a ride on the Arcade & Attica railroad. Because of JT's efforts, sick children were able to get out for a day and enjoy a 14 mile ride from Arcade to Curriers, NY on restored 1920s era Boonton passenger coaches. The 2008 Hero Awards were broadcast on MyNetwork TV. Click here to see footage from the Hero Awards.

WWE Superstars Share Get R.E.A.L. Message in India
WWE recently worked with its television partner in India, Ten Sports, around sharing the tenets of WWE's Get R.E.A.L. program with fans. WWE Superstars John Cena and Chris Jericho taped messages about what Get R.E.A.L. stands for--Respect, Education, Achievement and Leadership. Watch what the fans in India are seeing about Get R.E.A.L.

John Cena PSA-Respect
John Cena PSA-Education
John Cena PSA-Achievement
John Cena PSA-Leadership

Chris Jericho PSA-Respect
Chris Jericho PSA-Education
Chris Jericho PSA-Achievement
Chris Jericho PSA-Leadership

Superstars celebrate former Giant's "a Journey for 9/11"

This past weekend, WWE Superstars Layla and Chuck Palumbo greeted former New York Giants defensive end George Martin as he completed “a Journey for 9/11.” Martin's gallant walk began Sept. 16 in New York City and ended across the country in San Diego. His goal was to raise awareness and money for the first response rescue workers experiencing health issues related to their heroic efforts at the site of the World Trade Center in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Martin raised millions of dollars through the event and encouraged several institutions to contribute additional health care services. Among the many he inspired along the way were Palumbo and Layla; with WWE serving as one of the sponsors of this amazing trek, the two Superstars were on hand to meet Martin at the finish line.

“It took [Martin] 167 walking days, an average of 23 miles a day,” explained a flabbergasted Palumbo. “He wore out 23 pairs of tennis shoes, and walked in the blazing heat, freezing cold and in 50 m.p.h. winds.” To read the full story, please click here.

 

Vince McMahon: Promotional Powerhouse

On June 19, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd annual Promax|BDA Conference for his accomplishments and innovations in global marketing, advertising and promotion.

“Mr. McMahon has created an indispensable television brand,” said Promax|BDA president Jonathan Block-Verk as he opened the ceremony, “one that, quite literally, keeps the lights on at many [television] networks and stations around the globe.”

Mr. McMahon advised the marketing hopefuls that an idea might need more than just three weeks to work, never dictate to your audience, rather give your audience what it is they want, and don’t be afraid to take risks.

Superstars encourage students to read
COMPTON, Calif. — As the doors to Mrs. Perry’s fifth grade classroom swung open, student Johnny Hart’s mouth opened wide. Hart couldn’t believe his eyes. He frantically turned his head around to his classmates. “Oh my God! That’s MVP, of SmackDown,” whispered Hart, in an attempt not to disrupt Perry’s well-managed class environment.

SmackDown’s highest-paid Superstar, wearing one of his signature Italian, tailor-made black suits, black Gucci shoes, black Cartier sunglasses, and enough “ice” around his neck and wrist to freeze Southern California, strutted into class with ECW Diva Layla by his side. The former United States Champion and 2006 Diva Search winner were at Robert F. Kennedy Elementary School to encourage students to read.

As part of the Read Across America initiative, MVP and Layla, both of whom will be spokespeople for WWE's WrestleMania 25 Reading Challenge, along with Mr. Kennedy, Matt Hardy and Mark Henry, read student-selected books in front of Mrs. Perry's, Mr. Brown's and Mrs. White’s fifth grade classes. 

To read the full story, please click here.

 

Acting Up for a Good Cause
While Mick Foley may not have the physique of an Olympic swimmer, he does have the heart of a champion. Which is why the Hardcore Legend donned a swim cap, goggles and a foam, chiseled chest to portray gold medalist Mark Spitz in a play to benefit a Long Island school and training facility for the physically-challenged. Foley and fellow WWE Superstar Matt Striker polished their acting chops when the pair participated in the 42nd annual Celebrity Sports Night Dinner to benefit the Henry Viscardi School and the Abilities! center in Albertson, N.Y. To read the full story, please click here.

 

 

Watch Clinton, Obama & McCain Fight For Your Vote on Monday Night RAW

On the eve of the Pennsylvania primary, Presidential candidates Sen. Hillary Clinton, Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain each provided taped messages that were aired during Monday Night RAW. Each candidate stated his/her case why they should be elected president. You decide who deserves your vote. Click here to watch the Presidential candidates' messages to WWE fans.

 

 

WWE Wins Beacon Award for WrestleMania Reading Challenge Program
WWE recently won its first Beacon Award in the Community Relations-Other category.  The Beacon Awards are the cable industries highest award for communications excellence.  Cable operators, programming networks, cable associations and new technology partners are recognized for achievements in public affairs and communications initiatives in categories such as community relations, competitive response, and programming.  The Beacon Award winners of 2008 achieve peer, industry and local market recognition for their exemplary work and set a standard for excellence for their colleagues to emulate.

Others receiving 2008 Beacon Awards were Comcast, Cox, Charter, Time Warner, Cablevision, Bright House, Lifetime, Fox Sports Network, Discovery Channel, MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Animal Planet, USA Network.

The WrestleMania Reading Challenge also has received an honorable mention from PR News in this year's national Corporate Social Responsibility competition.  PR News' Corporate Social Responsibility Awards recognizes the year’s most outstanding communications initiatives and programs in the CSR arena. Winners and honorable mentions were honored in more than 30 categories for outstanding CSR efforts over the past year.  WWE was a finalist in the Corporate Affairs category along with ChoicePoint, Sprint, and IKEA, which won top honors for its campaign to stop using plastic bags.

The WrestleMania Reading Challenge has grown from occasional library visits into a nationally recognized program, which in 2007/2008 impacted more than 30,000 high school and middle schools students and involved more than 1,170 libraries in 49 states.  The program also has expanded into the United Kingdom with similar success.

View WrestleMania Reading Challenge video.

Superstars join 'Idol Gives Back'
Several WWE Superstars will join forces with dozens of other celebrities for the Emmy Award-winning Idol Gives Back special tonight on Fox. John Cena, Triple H and Chris Jericho will help raise awareness and raise funds to benefit various U.S. and international charities. To read the full story,please click here.

 

WrestleMania® Reading Challenge Finalists On Their Way To Orlando To Compete For National Championship
The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the fastest-growing division of the American Library Association (ALA), and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) today announced the 10 regional finalists who will compete to become this year’s national WrestleMania Reading Challenge Champion.  Each finalist won airfare, hotel, and spending cash for two to Orlando, tickets to WrestleMania XXIV in Orlando on March 30, 2008, $2,000 for their local or school library and a chance to compete in the WrestleMania Reading Challenge finals on March 29 at the Orlando Public Library.

This year’s regional finalists are in two categories, grades 7-8 and grades 9-12.  Finalists in the grades 7-8 category are:

Finalists in the grades 9-12 category are:

The WrestleMania Reading Challenge, sponsored by YALSA, asked students in grades 7-12 to read 10 books between the start of Teen Read Week on October 14, 2007, and January 14, 2008.  Each participant was required to submit a short reading log that described the books and magazines that had been read. Participants were then required to submit a short essay on the topic, “Why WrestleMania Got Me Reading.”   The winning entry from each library was submitted to YALSA and five regional finalists were chosen in grades 7-8 and grades 9-12 categories to be national finalists. 

 

Foley celebrates National Guard ChalleNGe cadets
 WASHINGTON D.C. – More than 80,000 young men and women have had their lives changed by the National Guard’s ChalleNGe program. The most recent example of recently took place for the program's finest cadets, when Mick Foley attended an luncheon in their honor.

The annual luncheon, held Feb. 27 at the Russell Senate Office Building in the nation’s capital, welcomed Foley as its sixth consecutive WWE guest of honor, as well as various members of Congress. Military students from all areas of the country – including California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Georgia, South Carolina and Oregon –received congratulations for their high levels of performance throughout the program.

“I’m really struck by how focused these cadets seem,” Foley said. “They were challenged by everyday life, and this program has helped them to successfully tackle those challenges.”

The luncheon also provided an opportunity for many of our longtime fans in the ChalleNGe program to take photos with the Hardcore Legend, as well as share experiences with him.

“These young men and women now have goals,” Foley said. “Most people their age don’t have goals like that.”

WWE Superstars lead Smackdown Your Vote! rally in Phoenix
PHOENIX — As Lilian Garcia walked onto the St. Mary’s Catholic High School Wiegand Auditorium stage, she was greeted with thunderous cheers. That applause is oftentimes reserved for when the multifaceted Diva is welcoming our fans to an edition of Monday Night Raw or performing tunes from her ¡Quiero Vivir! album. St. Mary’s senior class, especially the males, took notice of the sultry ring announcer. But, on this day, the majority of the students were pumped about the prospects of making an impact on the 2008 presidential election.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for people to get registered and for the youth to get involved in the Democratic process in this country. For a long time young people have never participated in the process and it’s great that we’re finally getting some support,” said Andrew Enciso, an 18-year-old St. Mary’s senior. “It lets us know that we are important in the country. The greatest part about today’s rally was to see the enthusiasm from WWE. Their excitement for us was great.”

Monday morning, Garcia, Raw Superstar Val Venis and Arizona Secretary of State Jan Brewer spearheaded a Smackdown Your Vote! rally at the catholic high school. Garcia and Venis challenged teenagers to be part of history by making their voices heard.

“Hopefully, something I said to them will trigger something inside of them and they will actually go and vote this year,” said Garcia, the daughter of a lieutenant colonel. “Registering to vote is very important, because this year the youth vote is such a big deal – it could potentially be the swing vote in this election. It’s important for them to know what they’re voting for. It’s also important that they understand it’s not about choosing someone who is cute or someone who speaks well. It is about the issues. They need to watch the full debates, so they can get the full story.”

Venis, the host of his own political show at Freetarian.com, shared his views, as well.

“It really doesn’t matter how much integrity a human being has when going into that position of power. That power can be incredibly intoxicating. It’s just so important for everybody to be a part of the electoral process,” Venis said. “It’s absolutely important for citizens to exercise their right to vote and to keep those politicians in check.”

The 225 students, all wearing school colors – green and white – showed their appreciation for Venis and Garcia. St. Mary’s Principal Mark Mauro was impressed with the enthusiasm that his students exhibited.

“Our young people care about what is happening in their community. They care about who the leaders of the nation will be. It shows a lot about the commitment of the Knights and Lady Knights in the senior class. Hopefully, it’s laying a great foundation for them for the future that’s going to carry on throughout elections for the rest of their lives,” Principal Mauro said.

Students registered to vote before and after the rally. The registration was organized by Brewer’s office. 

“We live in the greatest country in the world. Voting is a privilege. Everybody should take advantage of it. Your vote does count,” Brewer, a former United States Senator, said. “There’s all kinds of examples that one person made a huge difference. We need people informed to go out there and elect the people they want to represent them, so our country is operated the way the people wants it operated. This is not a dictatorship. This is America. It is so important.”

 

WWE makes multi-year commitment to Make-A-Wish Foundation
WWE strengthened its 20-year dedication to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America and granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions with a new multi-year agreement in a joint press conference at US Airways Center.
 
The partnership’s first act under the new, multi-year, million-dollar sponsorship commitment will be to hold WWE’s biggest wish-granting event ever at WrestleMania XXIV on March 30 in Orlando, Fla. 
 
WWE and the Make-A-Wish Foundation will grant the wishes of more than 50 children during the course of the next five weeks, culminating in a star-filled experience hosted by WWE in Orlando during the weekend of WrestleMania XXIV. The children will meet their favorite WWE Superstars while participating in a weekend full of activities, including events at Universal Orlando Resort, being officially inducted into the WWE Make-A-Wish “Circle of Champions” at the annual Bacon, Bagels and Biceps brunch sponsored by the David Maus Foundation, which will make a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida; and attending WrestleMania.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation also recognized WWE Superstar John Cena with an award to celebrate his 100th wish granted to a Make-A-Wish child. Modern-day Superstars, such as Cena and Rey Mysterio, now carry the torch for WWE in its wish granting, following in the bighearted footsteps of past WWE Superstars such as Hulk Hogan and The Rock. 
 
WWE long has been one of the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s most enthusiastic wish granters, fulfilling hundreds of wishes in the past 20 years. In 2004, the Foundation paid tribute to WWE with its Chris Greicius Celebrity Award, which recognizes organizations and individuals from the entertainment and sports worlds for their inspirational wish-granting activities. Jesse Ventura (1991), Hogan (1994), Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (2000) and WWE executive Sue Aitchison (2006) also have received the Chris Greicius Celebrity Award.
 
“WWE has been creating incredible wish experiences and providing in-kind support to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for the past two decades, and we’re honored to bring our relationship to a new level through this generous donation,” said David Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer.

“We’re also delighted to join with WWE to grant 50 kids’ wishes on the road to WrestleMania. It symbolizes the Foundation’s devotion to making wishes happen for children with life-threatening medical conditions in all 50 states,” Williams said.
 
“For more than 20 years, WWE has had the honor to work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant wishes to children, and now we’re taking that relationship to a new level,” said WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. “There’s no better stage than WrestleMania to hold the WWE’s biggest wish event ever with the world’s pre-eminent children’s wish-granting organization.”

Matt Hardy Attends Conn Smythe Sports Celebrities Dinner in Toronto
Recently, Matt Hardy attended the 57th Annual Conn Smythe Sports Celebrities Dinner and Auction in Toronto.  The Conn Smythe dinner is a fundraiser benefiting the Easter Seals Society, which assists families of kids with physical disabilities with the purchase of costly equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, braces and communication devices.  At the dinner, Matt enjoyed meeting the 2008 Easter Seal Ambassadors, Julia Oliver and Sylvain Labelle, as well as fellow celebrities including NFL Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas, Toronto Blue Jay pitcher Shaun Marcum and NHL Hall of Famer Johnny Bower.



WWE Receives Prestigious Award for Community Outreach Efforts in China
Recently, WWE was presented with an award from the Guangzhou Youth Volunteer Organization, the leading community volunteer program organization in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou.

The organization noted that WWE received the award because it distinguished itself from other companies by taking the initiative to build bonds with the local community only months after its programming had started airing in Guangdong.

During WWE's trip to China in October to participate in the Special Olympics Summer Games, WWE Superstar Mick Foley participated in an event with the Guangzhou Youth Volunteer Organization to encourage volunteerism and made a donation from WWE to support the organization’s efforts.

The WWE donation was a catalyst for the recent kick off the “Happy Children Sports Games” in Guangdong inspired by the recent Special Olympics World Games held in Shanghai.

Click here to view the video of the award presentation.

Mother of Autustic children uses WWE as a learning tool
By Katie A. Raymond
Written: January 7, 2008

There you are, sitting in a junior high school cafeteria, eating lunch with your friends. One of the hardest things about those pre-teen years is just fitting in. Out of the corner of your eye, you see a group of older kids coming toward your table; it’s pretty obvious what they want to do. Bullying. But you ask yourself one question: What would John Cena do in a situation like this?

For Erin Donohue and her three sons, Willie, 12, Jimmy, 8, and Tommy, 4, of North Merrick, N.Y., the reaches of wrestling go far beyond the scope of piledrivers and pedigrees. Their interest in WWE has been a key to combating Autism Spectrum Disorder, with which Willie and Tommy have been diagnosed. Autism Spectrum Disorder, considered one of the fastest-growing developmental disabilities, is a type of neurological disorder that inhibits communication and interpersonal skills, along with other symptoms. But Willie and Tommy are beating autism at its own game – and WWE has been instrumental in their progress.

Two years ago, while Willie was in fifth grade, he noticed that his friends were watching wrestling. Believing that WWE could really be a way for him to connect with his peers, his mother decided to turn it on. To read the full story, please click here.

Read one parent's reaction to the above article.

I thought the article was great!! I too have a son Caleb-10yrs.old who is High Functioning Autistic...he LOVES watching all the WWE shows...we tune in to Mon. Raw, ECW and Friday Night SmackDown...this is a great way for him to bond with his dad and brother...also, it has been a great social skill tool for him and making friends...he actually has a new friend this year!! He comes to our house and they play their video games (we have SmackDown vs. Raw 2007) anyway, thanks for sharing this story!! Any autism awareness is great for our kids!!!

Thanks again,

Natalie M.
Jonesboro AR

WWE® Product Not Involved In New York State Recall
The New York State Consumer Protection Board’s (CPB) Safe Toys NY Campaign recently recalled a product featuring “Wrestle Mania action figures” that has unsafe lead levels (the full release from Gov. Spitzer’s office can be seen by clicking here).

This product is manufactured by a company unknown to WWE. This company does not have an agreement to license our products. WWE is currently researching this product with the intent to file papers with the courts to stop the manufacturer from using our Intellectual Property without our permission.

WWE recommends that parents not purchase this product or any products that are not clearly and explicitly endorsed by WWE, displaying the “officially licensed” hologram. WWE is constantly monitoring the marketplace for unlicensed products using our Intellectual Property without permission, and will continue to notify parents when we learn of dangerous, unlicensed products.


John Cena a Role Model for Australian Children

WWE Superstar John Cena has been named a role model by kids in Australia according to an article in The Daily Sunday Telegraph (Australia). 

In the Cartoon Networks New Generations 2007 study of nearly 2500 young people aged seven to 14, parents were found to be the biggest role models for Australian kids.  “Among the study participants, 32 percent of boys and 36 percent of girls nominated their mum or dad as the person they look up to most.  A further 22 percent of boys then nominated a sportsperson, with American professional wrestler John Cena and Australian rules footballer Chris Judd also making the list.”  Additional role models included Steve Irwin, Spider-Man, Avril Lavigne, Paris Hilton and Hilary Duff.   

Read The Daily Sunday Telegraph article.


Poll by Rock the Vote, Smackdown Your Vote! and Sacred Heart University Garners Media Attention

The recent poll released by Rock the Vote, Smackdown Your Vote! and Sacred Heart University is garnering media attention by such sites as Politico.com and The Hartford Courant and was noted in a Washington Times article. Check it out!


View WWE's New "Don't Try This At Home" PSAs
WWE has created several new "Don't Try This At Home" PSAs featuring WWE Superstars. WWE encourages parents to speak with their kids about the dangers of imitating the actions performed by WWE Superstars in the ring.

Please take a minute to view the following PSAs.

View Mr. Kennedy PSA

View Carlito PSA

View Regal PSA

View Finlay PSA


WWE Receives Highest Award

World Wrestling Entertainment received the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award today. The award was presented to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and dozens of WWE Superstars as they entertained the troops during the company’s 4th annual Tribute to the Troops. Thousands of members of the Combined Forces Coalition cheered the announcement from the Director of Air Force Services, Art Myers.

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) distinguished itself by exceptional public service in support of deployed service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. The talented performers and crew of WWE demonstrated their bravery, patriotism, and dedication to serving the men and women of the United States Armed Forces during operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Whether touring the front lines for Armed Forces Entertainment or making individual visits to military installations and injured troops in the United States, their efforts brought needed respite and produced a resounding public outpouring of patriotic sentiment that reached all levels of leadership in the Department of Defense. Their true patriotic spirit and world class support of the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines reflect great credit upon WWE and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Mr. McMahon immediately presented the honor to WWE Superstar John Bradshaw Layfield because it was, in Mr. McMahon’s words, JBL’s vision and idea to bring WWE to the troops for the holidays!

Also General Casey, the Commander of Multinational Forces Iraq, thanked WWE for visiting the front lines and bringing holiday cheer to the troops.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTO GALLERIES OF THE SUPERSTARS & DIVAS VISITING THE TROOPS IN IRAQ.