WWE: 10 People Who Quietly Had A Huge Influence In Its Success

10. Bonnie Hammer, Chairman Of NBCUniversal

A hugely important person in the WWF Attitude Era was USA Network executive Bonnie Hammer. It was the hottest period of WWE business, and Vince's relationship with Hammer was vital. The fact she was on the same wave length as McMahon, and the fact that she was behind the WWF despite several controversies, allowed the wrestling company to become a giant in broadcasting and beyond. Hammer believed in the potential of wrestling as sports entertainment. When other corporate network types scoffed at pro wrestling as mainstream longevity television, Hammer stuck up for Vince and company. She credits the success of the USA Network as being "one third original series, one third acquired shows, and one third World Wrestling Entertainment." For her 50th birthday, Vince McMahon presented Hammer with a WWE Championship belt. She displays it proudly on the wall of her office. Hammer has benefited from the success of wrestling as much as McMahon has, she rode the same wave to huge achievements and has gone from being a USA exec to ending up Chair of the whole of NBCUniversal. She is now one of the most powerful people in the whole of television. The adage of friends in high places can be applied here, Vince is hugely better off to have such a powerful corporate player just a phone call away. "She just came in and rolled up her sleeves. She taught us a lot about network quality writing, story arcs, character development. She really helped the overall brand." Vince states about Bonnie. High praise indeed. Hammer is seen as the person who made the WWF a male soap opera, the person who convinced Vince to limit the "sport" and push the "entertainment".