09 March 2023 , 08:35
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The WWE has reportedly begun talks with gambling regulators over legalising betting on its big matches.
The notion of punters placing money on PPV events has never been permitted, given that the outcomes are already scripted by the WWE creative team. And proposed finishes are regularly leaked both on social media and on websites that produce wrestling spoilers.
The iconic Triple H, real name Paul Levesque, took over the company's creative operations in 2022 after long-time WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon left the company over misconduct allegations. However, in January, McMahon sensationally returned as executive Chairman, to oversee a proposed sell of the business.
And now, according to news outlet CNBC, the WWE is negotiating with gambling regulators in Colorado and Michigan to legalise betting on its shows. The company is working alongside accounting experts Ernst & Young in a bid to assure regulators that results will not be leaked by any of its personnel.
To minimise the possibility of outcomes being known, the WWE are even proposing that wrestlers themselves are kept in the dark over the result until moments before the contest starts. Such a method would undoubtedly alter storylines and the build-up to big clashes.
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It is of little surprise that McMahon and co have got Ernst & Young on board. The firm have previously worked with organisers of the Academy Awards and the Emmys, where betting on winners is legal, to ensure outcomes are kept confidential.
WWE punters could soon be betting on the likes of Roman Reigns (WWE)CNBC also added that The Colorado Division of Gaming told CNBC that to date, it has not considered allowing betting to take place on WWE matches. The WWE themselves had not responded to requests to comment.
Fans however, have reacted cynically, with @BrianSpiva tweeting: "Is it April 1 already?" @jamesabaileyjr added: "Seek help if you're thinking about betting on this."
The news comes just weeks out from Wrestlemania, the marquee PPV event in WWE. The 39th edition of the event will take place over two nights at the SoFi Stadium, with Roman Reigns defending his undisputed heavyweight titles against Cody Rhodes in the main event.