In a strategic move to delve deeper into highly produced video content, Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, is set to collaborate with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) for an exciting venture. The partnership will result in the creation of a new weekly series named WWE Speed, marking X's foray into the dynamic world of professional wrestling.
Scheduled to kick off in the upcoming spring, WWE Speed promises a thrilling experience for fans. The series will feature wrestling matches, each lasting up to five minutes, complemented by appearances from renowned stars such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. X and WWE plan to roll out 52 episodes annually, spanning a two-year deal and demonstrating their commitment to providing consistent, engaging content.
Elon Musk's X has been on the forefront of an aggressive push into the video realm ever since Musk's acquisition of the platform in October 2022. Earlier this year, X unveiled an impressive lineup of new video shows, including collaborations with notable figures like former CNN anchor Don Lemon, sports-radio commentator Jim Rome, and former US Representative Tulsi Gabbard. In a similar vein, a partnership was formed with Paris Hilton in the previous year, focusing on original video content covering fashion, beauty, travel, and various other topics.
The WWE collaboration announcement strategically precedes the Super Bowl, a historically pivotal advertising event for X. Recognizing the significance of sports content, X has consistently leveraged live events such as the Olympics and the World Cup to foster extensive conversations on the platform. Notably, in 2023, fans generated over 142 million posts related to WWE, showcasing the enduring appeal of wrestling on X.
Although specific financial terms of the X-WWE deal were not disclosed, X is placing a strategic bet on the potential of high-quality video content to attract increased advertising revenue. The platform has faced financial challenges since Elon Musk's takeover, with ad sales reaching approximately $2.5 billion last year, falling short of the targeted $3 billion.
While the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, X is clearly betting on high-quality video content to attract more advertising revenue. The platform's financial performance since Musk's takeover has been challenging, with ad sales falling short of targets in 2023. This partnership, along with others, represents a strategic attempt to improve the platform's financial health and user engagement.