STAMFORD Conn. October 17 2008 –World Wrestling Entertainment’s annual event WrestleMania beat the NBA All Star Game Kentucky Derby and the Masters Golf Tournament according to Optimedia International’s  “Content Power Ratings: Sports Edition” recognizing the unique opportunities that WrestleMania provides to sponsors among other mega sporting events.

“There’s a passion and a buzz around WrestleMania and wrestling in general. Fans feel WrestleMania is a true event the buzz builds very early ” said Greg Kahn Senior Vice President of Strategic Insights for Optimedia.  This ranking further confirms the depth and reach of WWE’s multi-layered marketing approach across all media channels and the growing power and personal connection that WrestleMania has with its audience.  

Optimedia International factored television ratings streaming online video web site traffic mobile views press coverage and word of mouth buzz into its ratings method to determine the world’s most powerful branded sporting events.  The WrestleMania XXIV live pay-per-view extravaganza in Orlando Fla. drew a higher attendance than the Super Bowl a few months prior with more than 74 000 fans from all 50 states and 20 countries. 

“WrestleMania’s 25th anniversary in Houston Texas will be even more extravagant and memorable than last year’s experience in Orlando Florida ” said John Saboor WWE’s Senior Vice President Special Events.  WWE’s global brand power will drive this mega pop-culture event taking fans sponsors and business partners along for an unforgettable ride.