10 WWE Creative Secrets The Writers DON’T Want You To Know

8. They Literally Don't Know What They Are Doing

Vince McMahon no idea
WWE

A few years back, in a corporate video produced as a recruitment tool, WWE said the quiet part loud. The video scanned as satire - a "can't be true but somehow is" deal.

The most radical take on life in WWE - and those who have worked there have said this on record - is that it is comparable to a cult. The very first thing somebody says on the video is "The mission of the creative writing team is to put smiles on people's faces".

In talking head segments, the staff at the time run through their backgrounds. Not one of them mentions WWE; they state their experience in TV, soap opera, sports and music, but not one of them mentions WWE. Actually, that's untrue. WWE is mentioned. One of the writers says "My experience is in everything but WWE."

In an amusing moment, provided you have a dark sense of humour, one of the writers reveals that the writers' assistants sometimes get to contribute to the process. Not the wrestlers, but the people who check for grammar mistakes.

The subtext of the video is the most damning part of all, because not once is Vince McMahon's name mentioned. The man who for all intents and purposes is creative isn't mentioned in the 'Life at WWE' video. It's as if Vince is the living manifestation of "the small print".

"Argh! I didn't read the part where I have to pop a demented accused sex offender or he'll scream bloody f*cking murder in my face!"

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!