WWE wants to be in ‘Next Five’

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. became the first company to publicly lobby for tax incentives under Connecticut”™s “Next Five” program, with Stamford-based WWE saying it plans to hire at least 200 people for a TV network it is planning.

To date, nine companies have received First Five tax incentives, which are reserved for businesses hiring 200 people or more, including NBC Sports and Charter Communications in Stamford, and ESPN in Bristol. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy won authorization from the Connecticut General Assembly for 15 companies in all to receive incentives.

WWE stated its “Next Five” aims while defending its record paying Connecticut taxes, after ConcussionInc.net released an internal WWE document that disclosed a recent $4.5 million tax settlement with state auditors covering a five-year period.