Mark Shapiro confirms WWE’s use of AI, ‘Nick Khan & Triple H are using AI for storylines’
After our Dave Meltzer reported last October about a new hire brought into usher WWE’s growing use of AI in creative, TKO president Mark Shapiro confirmed the news in Monday’s company town hall meeting.
The latest news comes courtesy of Post Wrestling who obtained audio from the town hall. In their reporting, they gave the following quote from Shapiro who said using AI in WWE is “a major priority” for both efficiency and productivity.
“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.”
It’s unknown specifically how they are using it or with what partner. Meta appears the likely company due to their existing partnership with the UFC, but that is unconfirmed.
TKO chief financial officer Andrew Schleimer also spoke at the meeting and seemed to contradict Shapiro’s comments, saying they have only run “tests and pilots” and are in the early days.
From Post:
“He cited the use of AI for data and analytics on WWE and UFC consumers, as well as minor uses to enhance broadcasts.”
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.