Wrestler CM Punk’s return helps WWE crush social media record

WWE broke its social media record over Thanksgiving weekend, with the return of wrestler CM Punk at Survivor Series, garnering more than 71 million views across all of the sports entertainment company’s platforms.

Survivor Series, a premium live event held for 37 years, took place Saturday at Allstate Arena in Chicago. While ardent WWE fans have been talking about the possibility of CM Punk’s return to the organization for weeks, his appearance at the WWE event after nearly a decade away from the company surprised almost everyone. the world, and many took to social media to talk about it.

WWE said Tuesday that the throwback moment had been viewed more than 71 million times across all platforms, making it the largest social post in company history. The previous record was a handheld video last year of Logan Paul as he jumped off the ropes during a match. This video garnered over 40 million views across Paul and WWE’s social platforms in less than 24 hours.

WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, said Survivor Series sponsorship revenue increased 24% from the previous year. Viewership increased by 44%, eclipsing the record set last year. 17,138 people attended the event, breaking the record set in Brooklyn in 2021.

Earlier this month, WWE announced it was collaborating with the Big 12 for the conference championship match on Saturday, as the company further strengthens its ties with outside sports organizations.

As part of the partnership, the game’s Most Outstanding Player will receive a custom-made WWE Championship belt, and a co-branded WWE X Big 12 logo will appear throughout the stadium and on the field. The Big 12 Conference and WWE will also collaborate on a line of Big 12 Championship merchandise, which will be available online and in stadium team stores.

The Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship will take place Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.