8 Secrets Behind WWE Posters You Never Noticed

1. Commander In Chief, But Not A Ref

Takers Hands Posters
WWE

WWE brought a PPV to Washington, D.C. for the first two in two years in 2011, and themed the entire show around the capital accordingly. Wittily titled 'Capitol Punishment' - a name surely set for a comeback as part of the company's ongoing partnership with the Saudi GSA - the event emanated with an elaborate set cleverly designed to mimic the Capitol Building. In the weeks leading to the show, WWE put out ads splicing footage of Barack Obama between WWE superstars, as they leaned as hard as possible into politics.

Those trailers had to carry a disclaimer meticulously explaining that the footage of Obama was not a presidential endorsement, but parody. The company were moved to release a similar statement regarding the show's poster, which though contemporaneously criticised smartly took inspiration from the country's tradition of satirical political cartoons. The drawing depicted the 44th president in full referee garb, officiating a non-existent match between John Cena and Rey Mysterio. WWE took to social media to confirm that Obama would not, in fact, actually be involved in the show, and that it was mere publicity.

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Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.