WWE wrestlers have a special relationship with the Games
Professional wrestling personality Stephanie McMahon will represent World Wrestling Entertainment at the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi today.
“I remember volunteering at the World Games when they were in Connecticut, in the north-east of the US, when I was in high school,” the American, 42, said of her first Special Olympics experience.
Ms McMahon is the daughter of WWE chairman and chief executive Vince McMahon, and the sport entertainment company’s chief brand officer. The company’s association with the event has grown in recent times.
“We have a decades-long partnership with the Special Olympics,” she said yesterday.
“There is just something really special between WWE and the Special Olympics. Not only are we both truly about community and inclusion, but there is this bond between our superstars and the athletes.”
WWE have been involved in the build-up to the Games, with a number of their wrestlers making appearances in the UAE over the past 12 months. Daniel Bryan, the current WWE world heavyweight champion, was a guest at and participated in the Special Olympics IX Mena Games last March.
Four-time WWE women’s world champion Sasha Banks visited Dubai in December for the 100-day countdown.
“It is not a part of their contractual obligations to do this work,” Ms McMahon said.
“They do it because they love it. I have had so many of our wrestlers say that it is the best part of their jobs when they get to go into the community.
“To see them interact with the Special Olympics athletes, the way they hug each other, and the inspiration they draw from one another – it is a very special relationship.”
WWE have shown support for the event by promoting it in their programming. Members of the US team were invited to attend the Elimination Chamber, a professional wrestling event, in Houston last month.
Ms McMahon plans to spend her time in the country soaking up the atmosphere.
“I am going to be part of the opening ceremony tomorrow,” she said. “After that, I am doing everything I can to support our incredible partnership with the Special Olympics and Special Olympics World Games.”