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
WrestleMania XXV Reading Challenge kicks off
The winds blew as tumbleweeds swept through the dusty roads of an abandoned Texas town, a scene eerily reminiscent of a black and white country-western film. However, instead of dueling cowboys, WWE Superstars were enforcing something else — reading. ECW Champion Matt Hardy, MVP, Mark Henry and Raw Diva Layla were named spokespersons for the WrestleMania XXV Reading Challenge, beginning Oct. 12, and running through Jan. 12. (PHOTOS)
"I think it’s really cool that as positive role models we’re promoting the importance of reading," said Hardy, during a break from the photo shoot for the poster used to promote literacy. "Reading sometimes gets neglected, and what we want to do as WWE Superstars is remind teens that reading is cool and important for their future. Reading prepares you for being a successful adult in the real world. I wouldn’t be where I am today had it not been for reading."
The WrestleMania Reading Challenge enters its fourth year, and WWE is again tag teaming with the Young Adult Library Services Association, the youth division of the American Library Association, and approximately 1,800 local libraries across the country to get teens to engage in reading.
For SmackDown’s MVP, being named one of the national spokespersons for this year’s challenge didn’t come as a surprise.
"It was a natural selection. I’m better than everyone else. My intelligence is higher than everyone else’s. My reading ability and reading comprehension is through the roof," said the former United States Champion.
"Teens should read for the same reasons they should’ve 200 years ago. There’s information in books that can broaden your horizons and stimulate your mind," he continued.
In the U.S., teens in grades five through 12 are eligible to sign up for the program. Each teen will be asked to read a combination of 10 books and magazines. In the U.S., teens in grades five through 12 are eligible to sign up for the program. Each teen will be asked to read a combination of 10 books and magazines. Students who turn in their completed reading logs will receive a WWE miniposter. Students can then enter a bookmark contest. Local libraries will then choose the best bookmark submitted from each age group. A panel of judges will choose 15 finalists, five from each grade category and different regions of the country. The 7th through 12th graders will go on to compete in the national finals in Houston, the host-city of WrestleMania XXV.
Along with attending the finals of the challenge, WWE will also host the finalists at WrestleMania, held on April 5 at Houston’s Reliant Stadium. The libraries sponsoring the finalists will each receive a $2,000 donation.
This year also marks the second year the program will be in the U.K., as WWE teams with the National Literacy Trust. With 2,500 schools competing, students have to write an essay persuading their favorite WWE Superstar to read one of the five books they read for the challenge. Six winners from the U.K. will win a trip to WrestleMania, but will not compete in the finals.
Layla, who has known people who were unable to read, mentioned the importance of getting teens to pick up a book and push themselves to the next level.
"If you’re going to be a mechanic, a wrestler, a singer or a dancer, you have to read first," the Raw Diva explained. "If you don’t like a certain book, find something or someone you are interested in — pick up a book about someone you love watching or a celebrity you admire."
Mark Henry, a University of Texas graduate, was honored to be named a spokesperson and be able to have the photo shoot in his home state.
"Reading helps you create imagination, which is essential to an individual’s growth. A lot of people set limits for themselves when they don’t read. They only experience what they hear and watch rather than what they see with their minds," Henry stated. "Reading has always kept my mind sharp and kept me entertained," the former ECW Champion continued. "Reading has enabled me to focus in my everyday life. Why starve for attention when you can go to another world all together by reading?"
WWE makes Forbes "Best" list
World Wrestling Entertainment has made Forbes’ 2008 list of “200 Best Small Companies.”
Forbes’ annual list of the best small companies identifies the strongest small public outfits. To qualify, companies must have sales between $5 million and $750 million and a stock price of $5 as of Sept. 29. The ranking is based on return on equity, sales growth and profit growth over the past 12 months and over five years. Forbes also compares company stock performance with industry peers.
WWE is proving its mettle in these tough economic times. The company’s stock has only lost 7% of its value year to date*, whereas the S&P 500 has lost over 32 points. This performance is in addition to WWE’s 10.5% dividend yield.
To see an interview with Linda McMahon on Forbes.com, go to:
http://www.forbes.com/video/?video=fvn/ceo/js_ceowwe100808
WWE® Offers Aid to Houston
WWE tried to do its share to help its Houston fans deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. More than 900 Houston residents affected by the disaster were given food and necessities purchased by WWE and distributed by WWE Superstars John Morrison™, The Miz™, Funaki™ and WWE Diva Layla™ at Impact Houston, a Houston Food Bank member agency.
The WWE also has been urging its fans to contribute to the Houston Food Bank and the Houston Red Cross through appeals on its popular television programming, and its website, WWE.com. To contribute to te relief efforts, click here. To read more, please click here.
WrestleMania Tickets On Sale November 8
World Wrestling Entertainment officials confirmed that tickets for its biggest annual extravaganza, WrestleMania® XXV, will be on sale to the public on November 8 at 10 a.m. CT. Reliant Stadium in Houston will host WrestleMania® XXV. Tickets will be available at the Reliant Stadium Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations. Further information will be available on www.WWE.com.
WWE Superstars Bring Smackdown Your Vote! to the National Conventions
WWE Superstars and Divas attended the Democratic and Republican National Conventions as part of WWE's Smackdown Your Vote! efforts to encourage more voters, ages 30 and younger, to vote in this year’s election. Batista, Shelton Benjamin and Candice Michelle attended the Democratic National Convention in Denver and Mr. Kennedy and Mickie James attended the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn. While at the conventions, the Superstars and Divas met various politicans and celebrities and were interviewed by the media about why the youth vote could be critical on Election Day. To see the full coverage, please click here.
WWE at the Republican National Convention
Mickie James, Josh Mathews and Mr. Kennedy travelled to St. Paul, Minnesota to attend the 2008 Republican National Convention, where they hobnobbed with politicans, celebrities and more. They also did several media interviews regarding the ongoing Smackdown Your Vote! initiative.
To watch Mr. Kennedy and Mickie James on ABC.com with Sam Donaldson, click here.
To watch Josh Mathews and Mickie James on Fox News: On the Record, click here.
18-30 Voter Issues Paper Comes to Life with New Microsite
WWE’s new microsite for Smackdown Your Vote!’s 18-30 Voter Issues Paper (VIP) brings to life the issues in this election critical to Americans 30 and under, featuring comments from you favorite WWE Superstars and Divas. To check it out, go to vipvote2008.wwe.com.
Click on the Obama vs. McCain Respond icon to get their responses to the issues, or check out the campaign websites:
Senator Obama at http://www.barackobama.com/index.php
Senator McCain at http://www.johnmccain.com/.
Superstar Batista and Diva Candice Michelle Interviewed on Greta Van Susteren
WWE Diva Candice Michelle and Superstar Batista were interviewed Tuesday night after registering to vote by Fox News' Greta Van Susteren. To view the video, please click here (please scroll down the page).
Batista, Candice Michelle to register at Rock the Vote
bus Tuesday
WWE Superstar Batista and Diva Candice Michelle will register to vote this Tuesday, Aug. 26, in Denver, at the Rock the Vote Mobile Bus powered by AT&T. The intention is to demonstrate to younger voters throughout the country how important it is to participate in the electoral process.
United States Representative Robert Wexler of Florida will be there to help register our patriotic Superstars.
To read the full story, please click here. To view the video, please click here.
WrestleMania arrives early for Houston kids
Houston teens got the chance of a lifetime to participate in a “Trivia SmackDown” with Beth Phoenix and Super Crazy this past weekend and win tickets to WrestleMania XXV at Reliant Stadium on April 5. It was all part of the Houston Public Library’s Back-to-School Bash at the downtown Central Library. Presented by Wells Fargo, the inaugural event also included family entertainment on several floors of the newly renovated library. To read the full story, please click here.
CM Punk bowls for charity 
CHICAGO – World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk put his bowling skills to the test last week when he joined the fifth annual Kerry Wood’s Strike Zone Celebrity Bowling Tournament. This year, the Chicago Cubs player’s bowling tournament benefited the Organic School Project. The organization’s mission states that it “seeks to transform Chicago-area children into healthier, more mindful eaters, one school, and one child at a time.” “I think it’s a great cause. It’s important to teach kids early, so they can start making good food choices and counting calories at an early age,” Punk told WWE.com. To read the full story, please click here.
Cena and Orton nominated for Nick U.K. Kids' Choice Awards
LONDON – Nickelodeon U.K. has announced that WWE Superstars John Cena and Randy Orton have been nominated for Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in the U.K. Cena is up for Favorite Sports Person, while Orton is in the running to win the Favorite Baddie category.
After narrowly missing out on the top spot to David Beckham last year, Cena is once again up against the Los Angeles Galaxy star, as well as British Formula 1 racer, Lewis Hamilton; and captain of the Liverpool soccer team, Steven Gerrard. To read the full story, please click here.
JBL and wife featured in 'Fortune' magazine
John Bradshaw Layfield, CEO of Layfield Energy, and his wife, Oppenheimer & Co. financial analyst Meredith Whitney, are featured in the cover story of Fortune magazine’s latest issue, available now. In the exclusive interview, “The Woman Who Called Wall Street’s Meltdown And What She Sees Next...,” Fortune takes an in-depth look into Whitney’s rise on Wall Street, her future predictions on the stock market and an intimate glimpse into the lives of one of New York City’s most powerful couples. To read the full story, please click here.
WWE & Jenny McCarthy Join Together Fight Autism
Jenny McCarthy and Generation Rescue will take their fight against Autism to the WWE ring during Saturday Night’s Main Event this Saturday Night at 9 PM ET on NBC, and many members of the WWE Universe have already expressed your support of the cause. Below are emails that WWE has received regarding the war against Autism:
Dan writes:
I have a 15 year old son with Autism who doesn't watch much TV, but LOVES WWE!! I must confess I never watched your show until he saw it and we saw how entertained he was! Now, we as a family, all watch SmackDown every week. When we saw your program this past week, and its affiliation with Generation Rescue, my wife and I got a lump in our throats. Thank you for helping bring attention to this growing epidemic. I then found out that WWE is coming to Norfolk Scope, and instantly went online to purchase two tickets for my son and me for the WWE Event on August 12. Thank you so much again for being more family friendly than much of what is on TV today, while helping raise money for a great cause.
Duane writes:
I applaud the WWE for bringing attention to Autism. My son has low functioning Asburger and has carried on the tradition as being a fourth generation wrestling fanatic. We discovered his condition at age 5 due to his knack to adjust and adapt to his everyday life. He later told us that he thought that everyone did things the same way, so he never complained about his vision or cognitive problems. I also noticed that kids with Autism, although limited in multiple thinking, if they focus on something, they would be a genius on that subject. That to me makes them Artistic not Autistic. Thanks and keep up the good work!!!!
Jesse writes:
I would like to thank you for your sponsorship of Generation Rescue, I am the single father of an Autistic boy. He and I love to watch wrestling, and like with your Iraq shows, this is another feather in the cap for WWE. Thank you again for all the good that you do.
The campaign to support Generation Rescue is already in full swing at WWE.com.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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