WWE Gives $18.5 Million To Super PAC, Now Called Essential Service
Right now, many places around the United States are closed due to the coronavirus. Apparently, that does not include WWE.
Recently, they were deemed as essential service by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Therefore, WWE can now hold live shows out of their Performance Center.
The decision has been met with criticism. That only increased after Linda McMahon promised Florida $18.5 million through a Presidential Super PAC.
At a press conference, DeSantis stood his ground. He compared his decision to let WWE operate to Disney, despite them closing their parks.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Statement
“Disney asked for some of the gardening people to go because they have millions of dollars worth of stuff there and it’s just gonna go bad,” said DeSantis. “I said, ‘is there gonna be social distancing?’ They said, ‘yeah they’re just gonna go out there and work themselves.
“Obviously WWE, there’s no crowd and it’s just a very, very small group of people. We just look at it at a case by case basis.”
“We haven’t had a lot of requests. I think a lot of this will be ‘What do we look like in May with some of this rather than ‘can we do stuff?’ The one thing I support is, I think that we do need to support content especially sports and events.”
“I think people are starved for content, we haven’t had a lot of content since the beginning of March. If people are being told to stay by the house this is something for them to do.”
WWE’s Relationship With Donald Trump
Despite hosting live shows, fans are still no allowed in attendance. Also, WWE must follow certain guidelines from a permit they received.
Still, this has not stopped people from expressing their anger. At RAW, the police showed up several times after complaints from concerned citizens.
WWE does have a good relationship with Donald Trump. Do not forget, Trump once shaved Vince McMahon bald at WrestleMania 23.
Although, the timing is questionable. Only one day after the $18.5 million donation, WWE was deemed as essential.
And, on top of everything, an on air talent tested positive for the coronavirus.
Negative Reaction Pours In
Let’s sharpen this a bit.
Linda McMahon made her fortune as a WWE executive. DeSantis just saved WWE from breaching their Fox TV contract and losing $205 million per year. McMahon currently runs Trump’s SuperPAC. https://t.co/HW5RDz6XEN
— Bryant Durrell (@BryantD) April 14, 2020
.@StephanieCNews and I pieced together this timeline regarding #WWE:
April 9: DeSantis qualifies WWE as essential. Same day, Linda McMahon’s re-elect Trump Super PAC commits $18.5 million to Florida.
April 10: Vince McMahon reportedly made decision to tape live in Orlando. https://t.co/lmyomQUmSp
— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) April 14, 2020
People are just now making the connection between the WWE being deemed essential and Linda McMahon’s involvement with the current administration?!?! pic.twitter.com/i8ZyjNGgUl
— Restless AF (@amartinezkc) April 14, 2020
#WWE now considered an “essential business” in Florida. Gives the appearance of conflict of interest since @Linda_McMahon wife of the @WWE CEO runs a @realDonaldTrump SuperPac! Will resume tapings despite employee testing positive for #coronavirus https://t.co/8zRvZFzDPr #WWERaw
— AprilDRyan (@AprilDRyan) April 14, 2020
A Super Pac run by Linda McMahon to re-elect Trump has vowed to spend millions in Florida may be the answer you are looking for. https://t.co/HDBPNK5fv9
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) April 13, 2020
Rarely are there coincidences in politics.
April 9: @GovRonDeSantis signs EO deeming @WWE “essential” and allowing operations.
Same day Linda McMahon announced pro-Trump SuperPAC would spend $18.5M in Florida.
L. McMahon is former SBA Administrator and wife of WWE Chair. https://t.co/PIP23SwU2z pic.twitter.com/aKg0iDWhwF
— Greg Angel (@NewsGuyGreg) April 14, 2020