Is Slim Jim withdrawing its sponsorship of the 2024 Royal Rumble? If so, could this lead to other advertisers following suit? 

There's a new report from WrestleVotes concerning the WWE's advertising partner and its involvement with The Royal Rumble:

This story has not been confirmed. However, if Slim Jim does withdraw its Royal Rumble sponsorship, it's a bad sign for the WWE, which could see similar sponsorship deals end. The WWE has developed new income sources through sponsorship deals such as last year's Mountain Dew Pitch Black Match at The Royal Rumble and Cinnamon Toast Crunch sponsoring the Dominik Mysterio vs Rey Mysterio match at WrestleMania 39.

Wrestling News' Paul Davis reported on the WWE's recent involvement with Slim Jim:

Slim Jim and WWE were doing a viral campaign on social media leading up to the show featuring The New Day attempting to find the missing Slim Jim car.

H/T Wrestling News

It's common for brands to suspend advertising or sponsorship deals when a company or celebrity is involved in an apparent scandal. While Vince McMahon has not been found guilty of anything, the publicity surrounding the sex trafficking case against him is horrendous. Factor in the alleged texts released as part of the lawsuit and family-friendly advertisers don't care if McMahon is guilty or innocent. That's their prerogative, which is bad news for the WWE.

Saying Goodbye to Blue Chip Companies?

This could just be a temporary situation where Slim Jim waits to see how things proceed. They may continue partnering with the WWE once the controversy quiets down. On the other hand, if Slim Jim does end its partnership with the WWE, it could lead to a cascade effect where other sponsors join suit.

The WWE has cultivated "blue chip" advertisers, that is, "blue chip companies" that advertise with the WWE:

A blue chip is a company that is recognized nationally for its positive reputation and high-quality product or service. Blue chips are successful businesses that can be trusted to perform well and operate profitably even under adverse market conditions.  They’re generally well-established, long-running companies that have proven their stability and steady growth over some time.

H/T Gocard;ess.com

That's not to say that the WWE gets the elite of the elite when it comes to advertising. You may recall one of the reasons FOX passed on renewing its rights deal with SmackDown was due to advertisers paying a lower rate for wrestling, despite the blue brand delivering in the ratings.

Is the WWE Scrubbing Vince McMahon from WWE Shop?

In another sign that the WWE is doing damage control, a piece of Vince McMahon merchandise has reportedly been pulled from WWE Shop. According to Wrestling News' Paul Davis:

Fans who are already in Tampa for Royal Rumble weekend have noticed that a Vince McMahon shirt that was displayed on Thursday for sale is no longer available as of today. The shirt was also up on WWEShop.com but was pulled sometime within the last few hours. The shirt was on WWEShop.com earlier this morning. The shirt was made to commemorate the McMahon winning the 1999 Rumble match.

H/T Wrestling News

What do you think of these latest developments following the news of the lawsuit filed against Vince McMahon, John Laurinatis, and the WWE? Do you expect more fallout?

Photo Credit: WWE