Despite being one of the most divisive figures in professional wrestling history, former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon was instrumental in the expansion of WWE. Having said that, McMahon is also claimed to have turned down a 1995 sponsorship offer from Budweiser for a humorous reason.
WWE’s sponsorship strategy has changed dramatically over the years, and the corporation now places logos around ringside and on the ring mat. WWE has also branched out by partnering with companies like Sazerac Brands’ Wheatley Vodka, breaking with its previous policy of refusing to work with sponsors who sell alcoholic beverages.
While speaking on Kliq This, Kevin Nash recalled an encounter with Anheuser-Busch representatives during his time as WWE champion in 1995. Nash talked about meeting executives at the Super Bowl and attending parties where discussions about potential sponsorship took place.
Anheuser-Busch has expressed interest in placing the Budweiser emblem on the turnbuckles during WWE pay-per-view events for a fee of around $200,000, but Vince McMahon declined the offer.
