By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE chairman Vince McMahon says WWE isn't trying to compete with UFC by having a more family-friendly and "sophisticated" product that doesn't depend on violence.

"You really can't compete with that," McMahon told the AP. "Why not deliver a more sophisticated product and not go to those extremes? If the audience wants those extremes, they know where to go and how to get it."

McMahon says it's the right decision for WWE to aim for PG-level programming after going through the TV-14 Attitude era.

"We just followed our audience and tried to listen to them," McMahon said. "It's a more sophisticated product. It's just the right move business-wise, but more specifically the right move in terms of reaching our audience."

Caldwell's Analysis: Apparently McMahon's use of the word "sophisticated" is to say WWE isn't relying on excessive violence and finding other ways to draw ratings. McMahon, unfortunately, is missing out on what is drawing money and TV ratings for UFC if that's all he sees. It's character development, new match-ups (not Cena vs. Orton over and over), and compelling TV storylines on The Ultimate Fighter. It's also ironic hearing McMahon criticize another organization for using violence since that was his bread and butter in the late-1990s. Going back to his criticism of TNA several months ago for having a distasteful product, he's knocking anyone who uses excessive violence since he's "not allowed to" anymore.

Link: AP Report.

[Vince McMahon art credit Grant Gould (c) PWTorch]

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