WWE: 10 Non-Wrestling Projects Vince McMahon Poured Money Into

3. WWE Studios

In 2002, WWE, possibly emboldened by the break-even success of No Holds Barred, decided that it would be a good idea to produce theatrically-released films starring their very own wrestlers. The best (or most available) screenwriters were enlisted to draft stories that would harness what WWE fans loved about their favorite superstars and transfer it to an even wider audience. The result, of course, would be money. The first release, See No Evil, came in 2006 and starred Kane as monstrous slasher Jacob Goodnight. Despite terrible reviews, it cracked a profit, as did the studio's sophomore effort, John Cena's The Marine. The next film on the docket, however €“ The Condemned, starring WWE's all-time biggest star, Steve Austin €“ suffered major losses. A few more bombs followed, and WWE tired of losing money €“ it was time for a new strategy. Beginning with the Big Show-starring Knucklehead in 2010, WWE decided to focus primarily on DVD releases. Yes, they would give films theatrical runs, but they would be extremely limited (think a few theatres for a week) and the DVD versions would hit stores weeks later. They tried this tactic for The Chaperone, The Reunion, and Inside Out, among other films €“ and they continued to lose their shirts. It was time for a new strategy. Maybe, just maybe, not every movie needed a wrestler in a starring role. In 2011's The Day, no wrestlers appeared €“ the same went for 2012's Barricade. The result? Money was lost. It was time for a new strategy. Today, WWE Studios employs a mélange of techniques €“ some movies, like The Marine 3, go straight to DVD (those are the only ones which seem to do well with any regularity), others, like No One Lives, have limited releases, and some €“ the ones starring top talent, like 2013's profitable The Call, with Halle Berry €“ go coast to coast. Still, whatever the correct formula is, WWE has yet to pinpoint it. WWE Studios continues to lose money each and every year. Final Tally: $41.5 million loss