WWE Responds To John Oliver's Vince McMahon Criticism, Claims He 'Ignored Facts'

Late night television host John Oliver took aim at the World Wrestling Entertainment during the latest episode of Last Week Tonight, where he criticized WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon labeling him an “a------“ both inside the ring and outside. The promotion has reacted to the scathing comments and invited the television host for WrestleMania 35 which takes place at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, April 7.

Oliver praised WWE for its entertainment value and admitted to being a fan of the promotion, but things took a more serious tone when he questioned McMahon’s alleged blatant disregard for the welfare of wrestlers who work for WWE. He cited many previous interviews by former pro-wrestlers speaking about the mistreatment meted out to them by the company.

The Last Week Tonight host spoke about the unfair contracts handed out to wrestlers, which call them independent contractors, while they are exclusively tied to the WWE and not allowed to work elsewhere. The contracts also do not provide any health insurance and annual paid leave to the wrestlers.

"While the character Vince is an a------, it's important to know that the real Vince is also an a------," Oliver said. "Many fans legitimately hate him because while the WWE has made him a billionaire, many wrestlers say he's treated them terribly."

Oliver admitted this segment was done due to the proximity of WrestleMania 35 – the WWE’s flagship pay-per-view event – that helped the company earn over $900 million in revenue in 2018. Moreover, at the end of the show, he also called for the fans to make themselves heard about unfair treatment meted out to the wrestlers.

WWE is not one to take criticism lying down and was quick to respond to Oliver’s comments. The company made it clear that the health and wellness of “their performers” was a top priority, and the management invited Oliver to attend WrestleMania in order to learn more about the working of the company.

"John Oliver is clearly a clever and humorous entertainer, however, the subject matter covered in his WWE segment is no laughing matter," WWE told Hollywood Reporter. "Prior to airing, WWE responded to his producers refuting every point in his one-sided presentation.”

“John Oliver simply ignored the facts. The health and wellness of our performers is the single most important aspect of our business, and we have a comprehensive, longstanding Talent Wellness program. We invite John Oliver to attend WrestleMania this Sunday to learn more about our company,” the statement added.