WWE’s Influence on ESPN Reviews Raises Concerns Over Editorial Independence
ESPN has stopped including letter grades in its editorial reviews of WWE premium live events following objections from the wrestling organization, sparking a debate about the potential for content providers to influence journalistic practices. The move, first reported by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, raises questions about the separation between ESPN’s coverage and its lucrative broadcasting deal with WWE.
The Removal of Letter Grades
According to multiple sources, WWE expressed concerns about the grades assigned to its premium live events (PLEs). The initial event reviewed under the new ESPN deal, Wrestlepalooza on September 20, received a “C” grade from ESPN combat sports reporter Andreas Hale, which reportedly drew significant attention from both fans and within WWE. Hale subsequently gave Crown Jewel in October a “B” grade. Following these reviews, letter grades were removed from subsequent event evaluations.
ESPN’s Response and Conflicting Statements
An ESPN spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics of the situation. However, one source with knowledge of ESPN’s approach maintained that the decision to discontinue letter grades was made independently by ESPN, and that WWE did not directly request the change. When pressed for further explanation, the source declined to respond. WWE likewise did not respond to inquiries from POST Wrestling regarding any discomfort with the reviews.
Prior Promises of Editorial Independence
The situation contrasts with assurances made by ESPN executives prior to the commencement of the $1.6 billion, five-year media deal with WWE. During a media call in September 2025, Senior Vice President of ESPN+ John Lasker and then-Vice President of Programming & Acquisitions Matt Kenny both affirmed that ESPN’s reporters would maintain full independence in their coverage of WWE, describing it as a “separation of church and state.”
Access to WWE Talent
Since Hale’s initial reviews, ESPN’s digital reporters have reportedly experienced difficulty securing original comments from WWE talent. Whereas WWE talent continues to appear on ESPN’s televised broadcasts, there have been no recent examples of ESPN’s digital editorial staff gaining access for original reporting or interviews. An ESPN source contended there have been no issues with access, but could not provide specific examples.
Fan Sentiment and Review Alignment
Interestingly, Hale’s letter grades appeared to align with general fan opinion. Wrestlepalooza’s “C” grade corresponds with an average rating of 2.4 out of 5 on the Dropkickd app and 5.31 out of 10 on Cagematch.net. Similarly, Crown Jewel’s “B” grade aligns with ratings of 4.0 out of 5 on Dropkickd and 8.21 out of 10 on Cagematch.net.
WWE and ESPN’s Intertwined History
The relationship between WWE and ESPN extends beyond the current broadcasting agreement. WWE President Nick Khan previously worked as a sports media agent at CAA, representing several ESPN personalities. TKO President Mark Shapiro held an executive position at ESPN until 2005.
Looking Ahead
The situation raises broader questions about the potential for commercial interests to influence editorial independence in sports media. As streaming wars intensify and media deals become increasingly valuable, maintaining a clear separation between coverage and business relationships will be crucial for maintaining public trust.