The Hamilton Ave Journal 12.17.09: Volume 2 – Issue 116

Posted by JP Prag on 12.17.2009

Is Vince McMahon one of the most powerful people in cable? Will TNA get more viewers by advertising during RAW? Has The Big Show finally broken through a merchandise barrier? Do MMA and wrestling actually share an audience? All this and more is answered in this week’s edition of the Hamilton Ave Journal!

THE HAMILTON AVE JOURNAL
By JP Prag

Volume 2 – Issue 116

ABOUT THE JOURNAL

The Hamilton Ave Journal is the only wrestling news report focused solely on the business of wrestling. Here in the Journal we not only look at the stories that are important to the investor and business-minded person, but also delve deeper into stories that most fans of wrestling would overlook. That is because the Journal is about getting the heart of the matters that affect the companies and outlooks of the wrestling world.

And where is Hamilton Ave? That is the location of the WWE Production Studio in Stamford, CT, and thus the most powerful place in the wrestling world. Besides, The East Main Street Journal just does not have the right ring to it.

Who am I? I am JP Prag: consultant, entrepreneur, businessman, journalist, and wrestling fan.

Now, ring the bell because the market is open.






The Journal's front page area known as What's News isn't just about telling you what has happened. The stories in this section are about what will have an effect on the wrestling industry, individual federations, and the wallets of the fans.

LEAD STORY: Industry loves WWE

Last month, CableFax released a list of the most powerful women in cable. Coming up in the runners up category were three of the WWE's top ladies in COO Donnie Goldsmith, Executive Vice President of Marketing Michelle Wilson, and Executive Vice President of Creative Development and Operations Stephanie McMahon. Also showing up at number two was one of the most important women in the WWE's world: USA President Bonnie Hammer. Ms. Hammer has been involved in everything from the look and feel of the shows to changing angles on a live RAW by calling Vince McMahon during the show.

This month, CableFax released their list of Top 100 "Cable Power Players". Much like their other list, this one consisted of who they thought had the most influence and reach in the cable industry. Coming in at number 40 was none other than WWE Chairman of Board and CEO Vince McMahon. Says CableFax:

Behind every great (show)man is, er, no longer a woman. Wife and WWE CEO Linda left the ring this summer to pursue the Republican nod to challenge Sen Chris Dodd (D-CT). Son and EVP Global Media Shane inexplicably departed soon after "to pursue other opportunities in the marketplace," Vince said. While those losses could be large, WWE's stellar cable ratings continued apace in '00 (in late Oct USA notched 7 of the top 10 shows, led by the WWE's 3.8 rating), revenue growth for live and TV events rose 13% and the subtle shift of WWE's product to the mainstream moved ahead.

CableFax seems quite taken with the WWE—as well as any press release USA or the WWE sends out. While the numbers they use have been deconstructed by the Journal in the past, these numbers are getting repeated in many media outlets. With that type of exposure, the WWE continues to look good in the eyes of investors and advertisers. Mr. McMahon did lose a spot himself from last year's 39, but they may have more to do to the strength of others compared to a weakness in him or the WWE.

Also related to the WWE on the list were:

#2 Steve Burke, President of Comcast Cable. Should Comcast purchase NBC-Universal from GE, he will be the most important man in the WWE Universe.

#10 Jeff Gaspin, Chairman of NBC Television Group. His contract with the WWE is everything they have for now.

#11 Bonnie Hammer, as covered above.

#34 David Cohen, Executive Vice President of Comcast. He will become one of the main contacts for the WWE in the post-Comcast acquisition world.

#42 Mark Cuban, President and Co-founder of HDNet. The recent RAW guest co-host is regular host of potential WWE competition ROH.

#68 Dave Howe, President SyFy. ECW's future is largely in Mr. Howe's hands.

Plenty of others who directly or indirectly affect the WWE were among the list, showing just how many people really have a hand in how and where the WWE is seen.


Newsbites

Some items of note in the rest of the wrestling business world:

TNA has been airing commercials during RAW and other WWE programming in local markets. Notable were Detroit, MI and Rockland County, NY. Along with the billboard in New York City, TNA is continuing to push awareness, something they have been sorely missing for years.

Verizon On-Demand will be adding HDNet and HDNet movies to their lineup which means that ROH's weekly show will also now be on-demand. This is especially helpful for ROH after HDNet lost affiliation with Time Warner Cable.

TNA Epics has been given an official launch date of January 14, 2010 after the end of the regular airing of iMPACT. There is no word yet of what the regular timeslot will be or how long the contract is for. Either way, having another show will be a beneficial revenue stream for a growing TNA.

The WWE will not only have to deal with iMPACT on January 4, 2010, but the following week will now have UFC Fight Night Live going up against RAW. SpikeTV seems to be getting their various affiliated brands to work together, so this is part of their concerted effort to see how MMA and wrestling each do on a Monday night.




In the Marketplace we look at the trends in television ratings. This section is less for critical analysis by the Journal but more for the reader to see what is really going on and to draw their own conclusions.

As with stocks, here in the Journal we track the progress of television ratings. If ratings are the barometer by which we judge the product, then over the course of 52 weeks we should be able to see patterns, trends, and anomalies.

For the week ending December 16, 2009, here are the current standings of our shows:





RAW
Close (This Week's Rating): 3.3
Open (Last Week's Rating): 3.2
Percentage Change: ▲ 3.1%
52-Week High: 4.5
52-Week Low: 3.1
All Time High: 8.1
All Time Low: 1.8

SmackDown*
Close (This Week's Rating): UNAV
Open (Last Week's Rating): UNAV
Percentage Change: N/A
52-Week High: 2.3
52-Week Low: 1.6
All Time High: 5.8
All Time Low: 1.0

* SmackDown! ratings may include fast overnight if final ratings are not posted. Also, SmackDown! ratings are for the prior week as overnights are not available before this article goes to print.

ECW
Close (This Week's Rating): 1.0
Open (Last Week's Rating): 0.8
Percentage Change: ▲ 25.0%
52-Week High: 1.4
52-Week Low: 0.7
All Time High: 2.3
All Time Low: 0.6

TNA iMPACT**
Close (This Week's Rating): 1.0
Open (Last Week's Rating): 1.0
Percentage Change: UNCH
52-Week High: 1.3
52-Week Low: 0.9
All Time High: 1.3
All Time Low: 0.6

** TNA iMPACT's are for the prior week as ratings may not be available at the time of the Journal's posting

SuperStars***
Close (This Week's Rating): 0.9
Open (Last Week's Rating): 0.9
Percentage Change: UNCH
52-Week High: 1.0
52-Week Low: 0.7
All Time High: 1.0
All Time Low: 0.7

*** SuperStars ratings may include fast overnight if final ratings are not posted. Also, SuperStars ratings are for the prior week as overnights are not available before this article goes to print.

Analysis:

ECW made a minor rebound this week, returning to a 1.0 after the series low of a 0.8. They were they only ones with a significant move as iMPACT and Superstars did not move at all, RAW edged up a small amount on the three hours show with a 3.3, though the show did do a 3.5 in the normal two hour slot. SmackDown's rating was unavailable this week due to it not making the top 25 syndicated list, with the lowest show getting a 2.3. Since SmackDown has been around a 2.1 recently, it would be a fair guess to estimate it is right about there or less.




We all know that wrestling is a business, but we don't often pay attention to what sells and makes money. Money and Investing looks into the top selling items in the world of wrestling and any interesting figures that may have come out this week.

What are the top selling items for the WWE? WWEShopZone.com releases a list of varying numbers to show what is selling for them:

1. John Cena Never Give Up T-Shirt ($25.00)
2. John Cena Never Give Up YOUTH T-Shirt ($22.00)
3. D Generation X Snugglez Blanket ($29.99)
4. John Cena Never Give Up Baseball Cap ($20.00)
5. Jeff Hardy My Life My Rules Ultimate DVD Package ($34.99)
6. WWE 2009 Topps Trading Cards ($3.00)
7. WWE Red Gift Bag ($3.00)
8. D Generation X Army Strong T-Shirt ($25.00)
9. WWE Day Dream 2010 Calendar ($17.99, on sale $9.99)
10. Jeff Hardy My Life My Rules DVD/T-Shirt Package ($28.99)
11. Jeff Hardy My Life My Rules DVD ($34.95, on sale $23.58)
12. John Cena Attitude Adjustment Sweatband Set ($12.00)
13. Gift Wrap Pack ($6, on sale $3.99)
14. D Generation X Worlds Littlest Member YOUTH T-Shirt ($22.00)
15. Are You Ready: The Unauthorized History of D Generation X Paperback Book ($16, on sale $10.53)
16. D Generation X Worlds Biggest Member T-Shirt ($25.00)
17. Rey Mysterio Deluxe Aggression #23 Action Figure ($15.99, on sale $14.99)
18. Hardys Green Pendant ($10.00)
19. Big Show Deluxe Aggression #23 Action Figure ($15.99, on sale $14.99)
20. John Cena Attitude Adjustment Pendant ($10.00)

In the surprise of the week, clocking in at number 19 is The Big Show. The Big Show has rarely ever done well for sales numbers and has not made the top selling list in the past, but it appears that his action figure is in high demand. Otherwise, the list was filed with the usual mix of John Cena, Jeff Hardy, and DX—though the latter certainly had an interesting one with their number 3 "Snugglez Blanket".


TNA sometimes releases a list of top selling items on ShopTNA.com. According to the site the top selling items were:

1. Don's Insane Brown Bag Special ($19.99, on sale $18)
2. Don West's Vintage Celebration ($59.97, on sale $10.99)
2. Beer Money (Take A Fall) ($0.99, on sale $0.89)
3. Sting Plastic Mask ($4.99, on sale $3.99)
4. Complete 2008 PPV DVD Set & Autographed Sting Card ($240, on sale $71.99)
5. Sting "Discharge" T-shirt ($19.99, on sale $14.99)
6. Beer Money - Daily Buzz Shirt ($19.99, on sale $14.99)
7. TNA Logo T-Shirt Special ($24.99, on sale $22.49 to $24.99)
7. TAZ Beat-down Hoodie ($39.99, on sale $29.99)
8. No Surrender – 2009 DVD ($19.99, on sale $14.99)

And another item got deleted this week, but otherwise the list stayed exactly the same.




Wrestling isn't just about watching and reading. The best way to be a wrestling fan is to experience it live. Where is wrestling coming to in the next 2 weeks? The Personal Journal answers that question.

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
20 (Dec) TNA Final Resolution (Orlando, FL) RAW Live (Tallahassee, FL) SmackDown / ECW Live (Orlando, FL)	21 RAW (Tampa, FL) SmackDown / ECW Live (Fort Myers, FL) TNA iMPACT (Orlando, FL)	22	23	24	25	26 RAW Live (Greensboro, NC) SmackDown / ECW Live (Albany, NY)
27 RAW Live (Buffalo, NY) SmackDown / ECW Live (Raleigh, NC)	28 RAW (Hartford, CT) SmackDown / ECW Live (Charlotte, NC)	29 SmackDown / ECW (East Rutherford, NJ) RAW Live (Manchester, NH)	30 WWE SuperShow (Syracuse, NY)	31	1 (Jan)	2

Do you know a wrestling event coming up? Send one in to The Hamilton Ave Journal and we'll be sure to add it to the list.




The Editorials section is designed for you, the readers, to respond to the views presented in the Journal, send an important news item, or talk about another overlooked business related item in wrestling. Just beware: the Journal reserves the right to respond back.

From the commentary section last week, the usual WWE selling machine covered above was commented on by I Miss Stone Cold:

As much as I loath and detest Cena and DX (love HBK, hate DX HBK), I can't deny they sell the merchandise.

It just goes to show that as bad as it makes the TV shows, WWE PG FOR KIDZ is doing good for sales.

In other commentary sections you may read someone say, "A shows rating has nothing to do with a show's quality." But what is more of a distinction then sales? Just because it is not to one person or a group of people's taste does not mean it is not "quality" to someone else. The adage "one person's trash is another person's treasure" holds true to our various forms of entertainment.

How those ratings get reflected often determines what shows end up on the air. Krunchy asks:

Wouldn't Comcast want Smackdown on the ACTUAL NBC NETWORK? I mean, it's getting about the same ratings as The Jay Leno Show, right?

While Jay Leno's ratings for that timeslot are quite bad, they are not down to SmackDown's level. The ratings expected in a timeslot on that network should be double to triple what Jay Leno is doing, and no WWE programming has ever done that. While the old WWE Saturday Night Main Event did good enough numbers for its timeslot, SmackDown is a much more expensive show and would not have the ratings pull on NBC. But for most cable networks that would be under the Comcast/NBC umbrella SmackDown would be a very large players.

If you wonder where SmackDown's ratings stand, they did not even make the Top 25 syndicated shows this week. What would NBC do with a show like that?

Leaving behind the WWE and moving in to their competition, first up is Japan's latest promotion "Japan SMASH", which is set to combine MMA and wrestling matches on the same card. Says Jack Conner:

Certainly heard of WAR. Lance Storm wrestled for them for a spell.

From what I gather though, whilst there have been companies promoting worked-shoots in the past, Tajiri's fed will promote a mix of some all-worked bouts and some all-shoot bouts.

I can't say I have much confidence in this; I'm still not convinced that the cross-over appeal of MMA and wrestling is as big as wrestling fans like to think it is.

On a personal level, I know MMA fans and I know wrestling fans, but I don't know anyone who enjoys both, but then maybe I'm the exception rather than the rule.

There are many writers on this site that enjoy both, but then again they may be the exception rather than the rule.

Finally, dAVE checks in from across the pond on TNA's latest venture:

Just an update on the TNA/UK front, Virgin 1 appear to have quietly dropped Impact from its schedule. It's now back to being on Bravo exclusively.

That would be two TNA programs in the UK that have not quite panned out, although with Epics premiering in the USA it may be back in the UK in short order.


Plenty more was written, so be sure to take a look. And if you enjoy the Journal, why not bookmark 411mania.com and make it your home page? You can do that by clicking here.




This concludes Issue #116 (Volume 2) of THE HAMILTON AVE JOURNAL. Join us next week as we get ready to ring the bell again.

Till then!