Coca Cola are going to be sponsoring WWE, both for Tribute To The Troops and the Slammys Raw. Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that WWE have been wanting this for decades. Coca Cola is a giant, sponsoring such massive mainstream events as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics. The coup for WWE is proof that bad Raw ratings aren't impacting the perception of the wrestling brand. The company has managed to get over the idea that they are hot. It should also be noted that NBC Universal has worked hard to change the advertising industry's perception of WWE. In 2016 there will be five hours prime time WWE on USA Network each week. That financial stake is why NBC Universal helped get new sponsors on board, and landing Coca Cola is a sign that the effort paid off. A family friendly sponsor of this magnitude would never have touched WWE in the past. This is why Vince McMahon continues to push WWE as PG, as it opens up the door for stronger and wider business relationships. Going back to an era like the nineties is unfathomable right now. That said, this week's Raw, which was the best of the year and jumped up in the ratings, was far edgier and had a violent weapons match on the card. Plus, Roman Reigns bled in the main event. It was WWE pushing their PG limitations, but it isn't a sign that McMahon is changing direction. PG is here to stay.
