WWE’s growing focus on Mexican wrestling has become a talking point among fans, but Konnan believes the company’s strategy goes far beyond simply adding more lucha libre to its programming. In his view, it’s about reaching one of the biggest audiences in the United States today while also preparing for the future.
Speaking on Keepin’ It 100, Konnan was asked about WWE’s increasing emphasis on Mexican talent and explained that several factors are driving the company’s approach, starting with the size of the Mexican-American population.
“There’s so many other mitigating factors that go into this. First of all, you know, out of all the Hispanics in the United States—Colombians, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, etc.—the biggest is Mexican, and there’s 65%. So there’s a huge swath right there.”
Konnan also pointed to changing demographics in the United States, arguing that the country’s younger population is becoming increasingly diverse. Because of that, he believes WWE is putting itself in position to connect with an audience that will only continue to grow.
“As I had mentioned before, the first census that was ever taken, which was like in the 1790s by Washington, since that census to the last census, the last census was the first time where the population 16 and under was non-white, which is letting you know it’s going to be a more diversified country as we go forward.”
The discussion then shifted toward whether WWE is essentially investing in its future audience by expanding its focus on Mexican wrestling. Konnan agreed that’s exactly how he sees it: “Yeah. Yeah.” While Konnan’s comments focused heavily on demographics, he also made it clear that there isn’t just one reason behind WWE’s strategy.
“There’s so many other mitigating factors that go into this.”
Taken together, Konnan believes WWE’s increased investment in Mexican wrestling isn’t simply about what’s happening on television today. From his perspective, it’s about reaching a massive audience now while also positioning the company for the next generation of wrestling fans.
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