WWE is embracing AI as TKO calls it a ‘major priority’

TKO held a Town Hall meeting recently and Post Wrestling has been all over the coverage for it, including obtaining audio of the meeting itself. There’s a lot in there but one of the major takeaways getting a lot of attention are comments made related to TKO’s use of AI in both UFC and WWE.

From Post Wrestling:

TKO Chief Financial Officer Andrew Schleimer spoke at the town hall about the company’s use of AI. He noted that they’ve only run tests and pilots and are still in the early stages. He cited the use of AI for data and analytics on WWE and UFC consumers, as well as minor uses to enhance broadcasts.

TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro called the company’s embrace of AI a “major priority,” emphasizing how AI could help employees become more efficient and productive. He noted how the UFC uses AI for fighter rankings and explained WWE’s use of AI.

“Nick Khan and Triple H are using AI for storylines with the WWE,” Shapiro said. “What’s resonating? What superstars are resonating? In what pockets of the country are they resonating? That helps us with, obviously, our content, our editorial, our creative, our mapping, our touring, and of course, maximizing revenue and getting our product out to the fans most in need of it.”

Schleimer makes it sound like they are dipping their toes in and navigating the new world accordingly while Shapiro certainly comes off a bit more aggressive about it. What isn’t exactly clear is, well, exactly how they’re using it. This is a very broad way of covering the topic without giving away too much.

While I was writing this very post, WWE put the following video on its social media from this week’s episode of NXT television. Go ahead and click in to take a look at the comments:

The timing there popped me.

Either way, WWE is in on AI.

Are you in on their use of it?