Disney in talks with WWE over ‘special events’ together in 2027

The Walt Disney Company and WWE could be set to join forces with a partnership focused on their “common” family audiences.

Disney and WWE are in talks over “some special events” in 2027.

The iconic studio and wrestling giant have already got an arrangement as WWE’s premium live events air on Disney-owned ESPN in the US, but the partnership between the pop culture cornerstones is set to deepen.

Mark Shapiro, the head of WWE’s parent company TKO, told the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference: “When it comes to going after families, that’s our audience. I think advertisers are starting to see that.

“Frankly, I’m excited about 2027 as we’re working with the Walt Disney Company on some special events around Disney and WWE and bringing those two audiences together since, of course, what do they have in common? Family.”

Meanwhile, WWE’s partnership with Netflix is ongoing 20 months after the streamer became the home of Monday Night Raw in the US, and all WWE content internationally.

Gabe Spitzer, Vice President Global Live Sports and Entertainment for Netflix, told Sports Media with Richard Deitsch: “We’re constantly meeting with other WWE talent to see if there’s a fit in the sports phase.

“They’ve been great partners in trying to volunteer that time. Not just in sports. They’re meeting with our film and scripted series team.

“How can we cast some of those superstars in some of our shows? That creates a larger cohesiveness across Netflix.

“It can help lift WWE and help us in terms of viewership to create more of that fan affinity.”

Meanwhile, Spitzer also opened up on how involved Netflix is in WWE content when it comes to blood or cursing, after fans noticed a range of edits in recent weeks.

He said: “Not often. Obviously, there are ratings standards that anyone has to adhere to. We’re Netflix so we try to be a little looser on that.

“The place where we’ve had conversations with them around locations has also helped us…

“There have been examples where, with the Raw coming up in a couple of weeks, it’s leading to a big Roman Reigns championship match [in Mexico City on September 14] after this tournament they’ve done, the ability for us to promote three to four weeks out for a big Raw.