The WWE is an integrated media and entertainment company, principally engaged in the development, production and marketing of television programming, live events, and the licensing and sale of branded consumer products featuring the World Wrestling Entertainment brand. WWE has been involved in the wrestling industry for over 20 years, and has developed into the premier "sports entertainment- company in the world. .
WWE creates compelling and complex characters, and weaves them into interactive entertainment that combines social satire, action adventure, drama, mystery, athleticism and humor. The interactions among the characters reflect a wide variety of contemporary topics, often depicting exaggerated versions of real life situations and typically containing "good versus evil" or "settling the score" themes. Story lines are usually played out in the wrestling ring and typically unfold on weekly television shows and monthly pay-per-view events. Woven into the story lines is the ongoing competition for the various World Wrestling Entertainment championship titles. .
WWE's success is, in large part, due to the continuing popularity of its performers. WWE currently has exclusive contracts with approximately 140 performers, ranging from development contracts with prospective performers to long term guaranteed contracts with established performers. These contracts vary depending upon a number of factors, including the performer's popularity with the audience, his or her skill level, and prior experience. The performers are independent contractors who are highly trained and motivated; they portray popular characters such as The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, Triple H, Goldberg, Kane, Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar. WWE constantly seeks to identify, recruit and develop additional performers for the business. Once recruited, established performers are immediately incorporated into the story lines while less experienced performers participate in their own extensive developmental training programs.
