During the early days of wrestling, Vince McMahon and Linda McMahon pioneered using cult branding tactics to build a loyal following. They created larger-than-life characters, intense storylines, and unique marketing strategies that made fans feel like they were part of an exclusive club. This approach helped transform professional wrestling from a regional attraction to a global phenomenon, with the WWE now boasting an incredibly passionate fan base. The McMahons’ innovative branding techniques enabled them to construct a wrestling empire that has experienced phenomenal expansion, as evidenced by the WWE’s stock price surging from $8 in 2002 (when we initially covered the brand in our book The Power of Cult Branding) to an astonishing $100 at present. Such success has put the WWE in a position to be acquired by Endeavor Group Holdings Inc, the owners of UFC, a brand that also leverages cult branding tactics to cultivate its devoted following.
So what is cult branding, and how has it helped the WWE to grow and succeed over the years? Cult branding is a marketing strategy that focuses on building a devoted following of fans who are deeply committed to a particular brand or product. These fans are not just loyal customers; they are evangelists who will go to great lengths to promote and defend the brand they love. They are passionate, engaged, and emotionally invested in the success of the brand.
The WWE has been incredibly successful in building a cult brand over the years. They have cultivated a passionate following of fans deeply committed to the company and its wrestlers. This has been accomplished through a variety of tactics, including creating compelling storylines and characters, engaging fans through social media and other digital platforms, and hosting live events that provide fans with an immersive and unforgettable experience.
One of the key elements of the WWE’s success has been their ability to create larger-than-life characters that fans can connect with on an emotional level. From the iconic Hulk Hogan to Stone Cold Steve Austin to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the WWE has produced a steady stream of wrestlers who have captured the imaginations of fans around the world. These wrestlers have become household names, and their popularity has helped to elevate the profile of the WWE as a whole.
The WWE’s cult branding tactics have also attracted the attention of celebrities and artists outside of the wrestling world. WrestleMania, the WWE’s biggest event of the year, has featured appearances by notable names such as Snoop Dogg, Bad Bunny, and Logan Paul. These celebrity appearances not only bring added star power to the event but also help to expand the reach of the WWE’s brand to new audiences. By attracting mainstream attention and breaking into popular culture, the WWE has solidified its status as a cultural phenomenon and cemented its place in the entertainment industry.
Another important factor in the WWE’s success has been its embrace of social media and other digital platforms. By engaging with fans on social media, WWE has been able to build a strong sense of community around their brand. Fans interact with wrestlers, share their own content, and stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments in the world of professional wrestling.
From the very beginning, WWE has been successful in creating live events that provide fans with an immersive and unforgettable experience. From WrestleMania to SummerSlam to Monday Night Raw, the WWE has created a series of events that are more than just wrestling matches. Combining athleticism, storytelling, and entertainment, these spectacles entice fans to travel the world to witness the event firsthand.
The WWE’s success is a testament to the power of building a cult brand. By building a devoted following of fans who are emotionally invested in the success of the brand, WWE has been able to grow and thrive over the years. With an acquisition by Endeavor Group Holdings Inc on the horizon, the future of the WWE looks bright, and fans around the world are eagerly anticipating what comes next.
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With over 20 years of experience as The Cult Branding Company, we’ve honed our strategies and methods to help companies identify their brand’s DNA, gain deep consumer insights, and understand the marketplace ecosystem. We are an independent agency that creates strong and provocative relationships between good companies and their customers.