Changes

The largest professional wrestling promotion has been [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE).  WWE has sought respectability since 2003 by sponsoring an annual "Tribute to the Troops" performance at a military base which is also broadcast on television.  Mainstream media figures, such as [[Katie Couric]], the Muppets,<ref>http://www.wwe.com/shows/tributetothetroops/2012/the-muppets-hang-out-with-superstars-and-divas-photos</ref> and [[Barack Obama]]<ref>http://www.wwe.com/videos/president-obama-addresses-the-wwe-universe-26078867</ref> made cameo appearances on the 2012 show to lend credibility to what would otherwise appear to be fake performances.  Conservative Governor [[Robert McDonnell]] also appeared on the program but distanced himself by telling the troops "to laugh with the WWE."<ref>http://www.wwe.com/videos/virginia-governor-bob-mcdonnell-talks-about-the-troops-26077001</ref>  [[Donald Trump]] appeared on several WWE programs; in addition, he has nominated former WWE co-owner [[Linda McMahon]] to top positions in both his administrations (as head of the [[Small Business Administration]] during his first term, and as nominee for Secretary of the [[United States Department of Education]] during his second term).

The largest professional wrestling promotion has been [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE).  WWE has sought respectability since 2003 by sponsoring an annual "Tribute to the Troops" performance at a military base which is also broadcast on television.  Mainstream media figures, such as [[Katie Couric]], the Muppets,<ref>http://www.wwe.com/shows/tributetothetroops/2012/the-muppets-hang-out-with-superstars-and-divas-photos</ref> and [[Barack Obama]]<ref>http://www.wwe.com/videos/president-obama-addresses-the-wwe-universe-26078867</ref> made cameo appearances on the 2012 show to lend credibility to what would otherwise appear to be fake performances.  Conservative Governor [[Robert McDonnell]] also appeared on the program but distanced himself by telling the troops "to laugh with the WWE."<ref>http://www.wwe.com/videos/virginia-governor-bob-mcdonnell-talks-about-the-troops-26077001</ref>  [[Donald Trump]] appeared on several WWE programs; in addition, he has nominated former WWE co-owner [[Linda McMahon]] to top positions in both his administrations (as head of the [[Small Business Administration]] during his first term, and as nominee for Secretary of the [[United States Department of Education]] during his second term).

Other major promotions include [[All Elite Wresting]] (AEW), [[Ring of Honor]] (now owned by the same company owning AEW), the [[National Wrestling Alliance]] (which was originally the predominant organization, in its heyday organized into "territories"), [[Impact Wrestling|Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]], Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA) and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) (two Mexican-based organizations which feature the high-flying ''lucha libre'' style) and Japanese promotions All Japan Pro Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling (known for its "strong style" which features stiff, hard body blows) Pro Wrestling Noah, and Stardom (which exclusively features women wrestlers), and many regional promotions exist throughout the United States, Canada, Japan, Europe and Australia.

Other major promotions include [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW), [[Ring of Honor]] (now owned by the same company owning AEW), the [[National Wrestling Alliance]] (which was originally the predominant organization, in its heyday organized into "territories"), [[Impact Wrestling|Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]], Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA) and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) (two Mexican-based organizations which feature the high-flying ''lucha libre'' style) and Japanese promotions All Japan Pro Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling (known for its "strong style" which features stiff, hard body blows) Pro Wrestling Noah, and Stardom (which exclusively features women wrestlers), and many regional promotions exist throughout the United States, Canada, Japan, Europe and Australia.

==References==

==References==