Stephanie McMahon Reveals WWE's International Expansion Plans Are On Hold Because Of COVID-19

Stephanie McMahon has revealed that WWE had to put their international expansion plans on hold during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

WWE continues to grow globally with Performance Center hubs in different countries across the world, while the WWE Network was introduced to the Middle East last year prior to WrestleMania 36.

However, McMahon says the promotion needed to push further plans to expand internationally back after the coronavirus outbreak.

Speaking to Sports Illustrated, McMahon said: "From a business standpoint, our international expansion plans had to be put on hold. One of our focuses for growth is recreating what has been so successful in the United States and growing it internationally. Those plans were put on hold and we had to pivot.

"There were a lot of different adjustments. In terms of driving revenue from the sales and sponsorship perspective, we had to get very creative.

"We found that our sponsors and partners wanted to stay with us. We’re on the air every week, and they knew they could rely on us. It was also important to invest in the ThunderDome. That was helpful for everyone, bringing in virtual fans with [virtual production/fan experience company] The Famous Group, connecting with fans all around the globe."