The Hamilton Ave Journal 06.17.10: Volume 2 – Issue 142
Posted by JP Prag on 06.17.2010
Has the Undertaker's absence from television hurt his sale potential? What is the story on the upcoming WWE video games? Is TNA finally going back to their ratings before the move to Monday? Check out the Hamilton Ave Journal for all the details!
&showPrintTHE HAMILTON AVE JOURNAL
By JP Prag
Volume 2 – Issue 142
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: Playing the game
As reported in the Journal several weeks ago, THQ has planned to release three WWE related games this year. Concurrently, the Journal found trademarks for some of the potential upcoming games, though their exact purposes remained relatively unknown. But at E3 this year, THQ revealed the three upcoming titles:
WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2011: the next iteration of the series of the same name that has sold more than 50 million units
WWE All Stars: more of classic characters title similar to two years ago WWE Legends
WWE SmackDown vs. RAW Online: a free-to-play online game that will only be available in South Korea for now. The title will test out if the WWE product can work in an online world and if they can make any money off a micro-transaction system.
Says Danny Bilson, Executive Vice President of Core Game Brands for THQ:
"Through our new direct eight-year agreement and invaluable partnership with WWE, the opportunities to bring the brand's ever-changing content and vibrant WWE Superstar personalities to life in the videogame world are more promising than ever... Our E3 lineup of WWE products has exceptional potential, reaching core and casual audiences with a definitive simulation-based experience, fun, fast-paced and larger than life action through our newest brand extension, as well as an innovative new way to embrace WWE through our free-to-play online initiatives for the Korean market."
Obviously, with another seven and half years left on the contract, expect plenty more from THQ and the WWE.
Also at E3, the WWE sent several wrestlers and personalities to make their presence known.
Meanwhile, TNA also officially released their new line of toys from JAKKS Pacific.
As was the issue with their video game, the product spent so much time in development that they became outdates. While Kurt Angle did not comment on his "Main Event Mafia" appearance, AJ Styles got a good jab in on the fact that he no longer sports the beard his action figure wears.
Drawing parallels to the Midway game, Suicide made his return at the press event with a toy of his own. This has led to once again the character returning to television.
JAKKS was a powerful partner for the WWE for many years, but Mattel has proven thus far to work out for the better. TNA, though, has a long way to go and JAKKS may just be the partner they need to get on the shelves and get noticed.
Newsbites
Some items of note in the rest of the wrestling business world:
Plans are already underway for WrestleMania 27 in Atlanta, GA as WWE officials are meeting with city planners. The WWE has been setting up WrestleMania as a huge event to plan for and their corporate advertising appears to be paying off.
TNA President Dixie Carter has been teasing the world via Twitter that there are "big changes" in store for TNA in the coming weeks in months. While no one even inside the company seems to know what the changes are, Ms. Carter has confirmed that the company has not been sold nor do they have a network TV deal. At this point, all there are are rumors and speculation, so the Journal will stand by for some concrete news.
What is known is that TNA ReAction has pushed back its start date from June 24, 2010 to July 15, 2010. At that, the show will jump from the original 8:00pm timeslot before iMPACT to the 11:00pm after iMPACT spot.
Masked Republic is hoping to get more orders for their Viva La Lucha PPV series. For those who order the first three events, they will receive an Hijo de Rey Misterio mask. At this point, it remains to be seen if the company will produce all events as scheduled since PPV-only companies have had difficulty staying in the game. For now, tough, Masked Republic does have a contract with many PPV providers.
The WWE has tentatively set their Q2 earnings release for August 5, 2010. As expected, the Journal will have a full analysis the following week.
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 time we should be able to see patterns, trends, and anomalies.
For the week ending Wednesday June 16, 2010, here are the current standings of the shows:
Analysis:
For the first time in a long time it was actually an up week for wrestling programs (with the exception of NXT).
First up, TNA broke the 1.0 barrier, something that has not been achieved since the 1.14 March 4, 2010 (the last Thursday show before the move to Mondays). Aside from last week, TNA has been on a straight climb up since moving back to Thursdays, although their ratings are obviously still down to where they were before the move. TNA did a lot of damage to themselves shifting timeslots on three occasions in a few short months, but they have shown that they have the ability to recover.
RAW saw their first 3.4 rating since the commercial free edition on May 17, 2010. Before that, the RAW on March 29, 2010 had a 3.66 rating. While originally losing out to shows like Dancing with the Stars, even with much of the competition retired for the summer RAW has been mostly in the 3.0 to 3.2 range. If they can again move up to a 3.5 average remains to be seen but it was a year ago next week that the show hit a 4.5 (the 3 hour commercial free episode).
SuperStars also slightly ticked up while SmackDown maintained its rating. Both are facing preemption issues,with SuperStars tonight being pushed ahead an hour to face off against the first segments of iMPACT. It will be quite interesting to see where both SuperStars and iMPACT come in next week given this direct competition.
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. The Undertaker's Deadliest Matches DVD ($34.95, on sale $21.50)
3. The Undertaker's Deadliest Matches DVD Package ($59.95, on sale $29.99)
4. Randy Orton Lobotomy T-Shirt ($25.00)
5. John Cena Never Give Up Baseball Cap ($20.00)
6. John Cena Never Give Up Sweatband Set ($12.00)
7. WWE Red/Blue Reusable Bag ($3.99)
8. The Best Pay Per View Matches of the Year 2009-2010 DVD ($34.95, on sale $21.49)
9. John Cena Illustrated YOUTH T-Shirt ($9.99)
10. John Cena Never Give Up YOUTH T-Shirt ($22.00)
11. Miz I'm Awesome T-Shirt ($25.00)
12. D Generation X Army Strong T-Shirt ($25, on sale $14.98)
13. The Undertaker's Deadliest Matches DVD/Pendant Package ($44.95, on sale $22.99)
14. John Cena Never Give Up Pendant ($10.00)
15. WWE 11 Piece School Accessories Value Pack ($9.99)
16. John Cena Never Give up Sweatshirt ($40, on sale $19.98)
17. Edge Throwback T-Shirt ($25.00)
18. WWE Championship Toy Spinner Belt ($19.99)
19. Randy Orton Lobotomy Beach Towel ($19.99)
20. Santino Cobra T-Shirt ($25.00)
Despite being gone for weeks, the Undertaker has continued his longest stay in the top selling list. Most times the Undertaker has appeared, it has been for a week or two at most. This time, he has managed to hold on to three spots, showing the Deadman still has plenty of sales potential.
Cutting in between the John Cena, Randy Orton, and Miz items, Santino Marella again made the list, apparantly after his additional exposure on RAW this past week. And already coming in at number fifteen is a back-to-school pack. Sometimes parents planning ahead too much does help the WWE.
TNA sometimes releases a list of top selling items on ShopTNA.com. According to the site the top selling items were:
1. Don West's Vintage Celebration ($59.97, on sale $6.99)
3. Sacrifice - 2005 ($19.99, on sale $14.99)
4. Jeff Hardy Enigma T-Shirt (Glow In The Dark) ($19.99)
5. Bound For Glory 2005 ($11.99, on sale $4.99)
6. RVD - Video Wall T-shirt ($19.99)
8. Mr. Anderson.........People Are Fake T-Shirt ($19.99)
9. Cross The Line Triple Pack 3.0 (Triple Threat) ($24.99, on sale $19.99)
And one more item leaves the list, but the list otherwise remains 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 upcoming weeks? The Personal Journal answers that question.
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, WWE PPV buyrates were of course a big battle ground. August says:
" Thus far, the continued rebranding of PPVs has helped bolster buyrates across all shows, with the notable exception of WrestleMania."
You realize what this means, right? It's time to rebrand Wrestslemania!
The Journal has tried to cover this topic in the past, but many are resistant. While what you say is a joke today, in the future it could be true. If the WWE felt the "WrestleMania" brand name no longer had value or was not pulling in what they wanted, the company would do away with it. The WWE has one goal and one goal alone: to make money. If dropping the WrestleMania name led to that, they would do it. Their attempt to get rid of Survivor Series should prove that there is no brand loyalty in the company. The only reason it is coming back is because the company finally realized that the UFC PPV the night before hurt the buyrate. People only have so much money and time and if they are forced to make a decision between the WWE and UFC, the WWE is going to be hurt the most.
Sticking in the PPV world, MacDollarz said (among many other things):
Ratings don't equal buys.
To this, Guest#5604 said:
I assume there is a general conversion rate and ranges that are considered poor, average, good, and excellent.
I mean, if nobody is watching the show, why would they buy the PPVs? Especially on a regular basis? And what would that do for their merchandise sales? Kids won't know about Cena's new shirts if they don't see him wearing it. All that in show advertising of any of their products go to waste.
Good ratings might be the result of good booking, creating interest in the PPV. It has been stated many times that during a good build, the opponents in a feud are kept away from straight up one-on-one competition, so nothing should be given away.
I'm sure the data is out there if WWE actually wants to find out. Hire some math or MBA interns to crunch the numbers. Since they have been going toward mainstream business practices with the hires of some of their newer (and female) executives, it wouldn't be beyond reason. In real terms it shouldn't cost too much either.
Figuring out what is good booking is somewhat subjective and nebulous, but they have also been hiring for people to catalog their tape library. I assume tags will be put in for matches so plot lines and feuds can be called up easily, so this too can be done.
The Journal has done this analysis in past issues with the limited data available and found a correlation. However, it might be interesting to redo the entire analysis and only look at the past year. During this time, ratings have slipped while PPV buyrates have gone up. How can this be so? Well, the WWE has changed their audience. While the older audience carried over from the Attitude Era was a larger pool, these people were less likely to order PPVs, attend events, or buy merchandise not DVD or video game related.
By shifting to a younger audience, the WWE has alienated much of that audience, but are yet more profitable because the new audience--despite being smaller--is more likely to buy PPVs, attend shows, and buy high margin t-shirts. Conversely, we have seen DVD and video game sales suffer. Despite those drops, the WWE has more than compensated in other areas of their portfolio.
And as noted above, despite some people of the older generation not liking the new PPV names, Jesus Christ lets us know where that stands:
Doesn't matter. As long as they keep 'out-doing' the previous year's buyrate, it will stand.
WWE could re-brand WrestleMania as 'WWE Dog Doo-Doo', and if the buyrate increased from the previous year's Mania, the new name would stand.
Money baby, money!
That's really it on that.
Moving on in the WWe's business, Cap wants to know:
Is WWE's stock a buy right now or should I just wait for it fall some more. I was thinking by September it should go down more.
The Journal cannot really make a recommendation without knowing your personal situation. Is this a long term buy or short term? How much can you invest? Why do you want to buy (just to make a profit or to have ownership). Here are some (though not all) factors to consider:
PROS
Quarterly dividend of $0.36 a share
WWE has large reserve of cash
Profits continue to rise each quarter
Current price 15% below 52-week high
CONS
Until the last quarter, dividend payouts were beyond operating cash
The stock price already reflects what investors think of the WWE's position
Revenues are stagnant despite rising profit, a number that will scare investors
The current price is 48% above the 52-week low
Moving out of the WWE's business and in to TNA's, Hellpop states:
Retailers may be wary because the last attempt at TNA action figures, by Toy Biz, were not well received. But Jakks is a strong company, and their UFC toys are all around, so it may not be a problem.
To which Guest#8994 responds:
Part of choosing a company to partner with is the strength of their sales & distribution network. This hopefully leads to better item placement, higher inventory levels, etc.
It is the same reason the WWE went with Mattel. The WWE and TNA have a long history of picking different distribution partners in many parts of the world just based on their ability to get products on to shelves. After all, if the product is not in the store then who can buy it?
Going back to MacDollarz but this time talking about video games:
The Midway game actually helped them out a lot exposure wise because the commercial was EVERYWHERE, EVERDAY.
It's important they get off of that South Peak games deal and get into bed with maybe EA, Activision or Epic Games; a company that advertises hard.
Just having commercials is not enough. In order to expose people to the product the customers would have to buy or rent the game, which really did not come to fruition much. Darth Mortis says:
Yea, and the games themselves are now filling the 2 for $10 bins at Wal Marts worldwide.
Sadly, the 'exposure' didn't seem to make much of an impact. The ratings didn't skyrocket, buyrates didn't increase and the games didn't sell.
Yes, the ads did run a lot, but that didn't translate to anything.
Exposure only counts if it makes people interested, otherwise it means nothing.
Even more that that, the one thing TNA suffers from the most is brand awareness. At the end of the day, the game did not increase people's awareness of their existence, which is the real point. No one was expecting a huge skyrocketing of any figure except one: people knowing that TNA exist. And today, that same problem exists at the core of everything.
And finally, from the reading is fundamental class Vic says:
Is it that hard to just come out and admit you are a TNA employee because nobody loves the company that much!
While Hoodoo91 worries about Vic's emotional state...:
Your perception of "love" us rather disturbing.
... Doc proves his comprehension skills with:
Vic, he is actually making critical observations on both TNA and WWE business models. To me, he just comes across as a business observer, something I enjoy because the business of wrestling is so rarely discussed. Read the articles a little better next time.
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 #142 (Volume 2) of THE HAMILTON AVE JOURNAL. Join us next week as we get ready to ring the bell again.
I still say Midway they helped TNA awarness,not as much as people expected.But it did help a bit.
Now the Toy Biz deal did not really help at all,Mainly at that time because I beleive TNA didnt have many name brand talent under contract for long.
DDP,Hall,Nash,Hardy these guys were in and out the company and buy the time Angle,Christian,Steiner and Booker got there..TNA opted out the contract to sign with Jakks I beleive.
This time around at least theyll probably move a nice amount of toys and get some good money and help expand the brand.
They really need a new videogame deal though.Id like to see them go to EA or Activision.
Posted By: MacDollarz. (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 12:30 AM
I wonder where TNA will go creative and marketing wise if these toys move and licsensing picks up a bit.
I think they will probably tone things down a bit instead of going an ECW style route that they have planned,regardless of the Extreme Stable coming up.
There´s more money in marketing towards kids and teens than adults in wrestling.I think the WWE has proven that.
TNA could probably reach some mid way point.
Posted By: MacDollarz. (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 12:35 AM
"First up, TNA broke the 1.0 barrier, something that has not been achieved since the 1.14 March 4, 2010"
alright, never have i commented because i respect your opinions so much, i am an accountant myself and run a quite succesful business south of the border...so....my question is this...if you get the chance to work for TNA? (wich i dislike so much for their stupid decisions)do you think you could help improve their bussines model??
Posted By: armin (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 12:44 AM
.if you get the chance to work for TNA? (wich i dislike so much for their stupid decisions)do you think you could help improve their bussines model??
Posted By: armin (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 12:44 AM
I do not presume to speak for JP Prag, but I'm going to toss my opinion out here.
There are many voices within TNA that have opinions of how TNA should be run. Many of these people have a lot of clout. Since you have run a successful business, you know how political opinionated people who get paid a lot (and therefore have influence) can be. Jumping into such a situation that does not have one clear defining voice that can set a direction is futile. Ultimately piecemeal changes do not move a company in the right direction. Instead, a situation like this is like a drunk ameba, flowing every which way.
Second, I does not appear that TNA has yet realized that they have the problems Prag (and I) perceive that they do. You have to understand that you have a problem before you can solve it. The resources, understanding (I would prefer people who understand why they are going what they are doing so they can react correctly), and enthusiasm would not be available without this understanding.
Even without this, there are the issues of prioritizing and ambition.
Part of the recent hires and moving of time slots was due to the ambition of catching up to WWE and the belief that it could be done in one big stroke. Realistically, they were not close enough nor did they have enough resources available (although Panda Energy itself has quite a bit of resources) to do so. With management like that, could a new executive who believes in constant, incremental growth (until the time really is ripe) stay in place long enough to effect change?
And with the amount of things that need to be changed at TNA and the limited resources available, will the right choices be made in the order and extent of changes? Because money is not the only resource, but talented people with an enthusiasm for the industry are also resources. Revamping everything at once, completely would be quite a shock to the system. There would be a mental and emotional revolt, even if there were no mass exodus or actual mutiny. People seem to handle only so much change. In my personal opinion some of the people on the business side, some unseen by us, also need to go if they do not understand the fundamental problems within TNA.
Continuing to speak for myself, because I like challenges, if certain issues could be taken care of and guarantees made that I could believe on others, I'd take a shot. I've been thrown into many situations without enough resources and having an incomplete background and still come out ahead. This would be the biggest challenge though.
Posted By: Guest#6540 (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 01:24 AM
I like this test game with THQ and testing the viability of the micro-transaction system. This is the type of exploration that I did not see under Shane McMahon, although in his defense this may have very well started under his watch. I had not felt that gaining more web based revenues was an area they had matured in.
Since this is free, I assume it will be ad supported.
Posted By: Guest#1117 (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 01:28 AM
How to improve TNA's buisness model...
1 - Drop all but 1 of your ppv's, and use bi monthly 3 hour special episodes i their place.
2 - Use TV time to develop angles and talent
3 - Trust in younger, lesser known talent to run with the ball, and use the older brought in for name recognition talent for on screen mentor, mangerial roles (no more wrestling if you are 50+) and as agents and trainers backstage
4 - ADVERTISE, ADVERTISE, ADVERTISE. and not just on Spike during your own show. the WWE doesn't have to advertise on any channel they can afford to to get people aware of their existance. TNA does.
5 - Market to kids. MacDollarz is correct when he posted this...
"There's more money in marketing towards kids and teens than adults in wrestling.I think the WWE has proven that."
damned right there is. as was also pointed out, most who were fans in the Attitude Era haven't spent a dime on PPV's, Merchandise or even house show tickets. for the most part, they stream or download PPV's/DVD's and if they buy anything at all, it is games.
the children and younger teens, however, will (a) get their parents to buy PPV's, Toys or Shirts for them, (b) save up their allowance for the money or (c) teens will get part time jobs and spend that money on merchandise, DVD's or even tickets on their own.
the Attitude era occured during a unique time in the internet's history, as peer to peer file sharing became more and more common place and broadband connections became more affordable. suddenly, only one person had to buy a dvd, rip it, upload it and the whole world could watch it.
and this is the era that TNA is trying to build itself up in. no one knows what TNA's buyrates are, but in the age we are in now, we have free streaming of ppv's as well as the download options.
the best thing that TNA could do is definitely drop their PPV model, if not altogether then at least down to 1 - 4 PPV's a year, go with 3 - 4 hour specials once every month or two and make their money on the ad revenue and through international sales of the shows to their overseas markets.
getting rid of hogan, bischoff, russo, flair and the rest of the cronies will have an effect on the booking, but most likely little effect on the bottom line so long as TNA maintains the status quo.
Posted By: Darth Mortis (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 01:31 AM
One thing you forgot to mention in the evaluation of WWE stock is the upcoming election in Connecticut. Regardless of whether or not Linda McMahon wins the the senate seat, there will likely be a large amount of speculative interest in WWE stock. While I'm not an expert in the stock market, I would advise avoiding a purchase of WWE stock until after mid-November, unless you want to gamble on the market.
Posted By: Coyotespaw (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 03:00 AM
"the best thing that TNA could do is definitely drop their PPV model, if not altogether then at least down to 1 - 4 PPV's a year, go with 3 - 4 hour specials once every month or two and make their money on the ad revenue and through international sales of the shows to their overseas markets."
Well it has been repeated ad nauseum here that Dixie Carter has already stated that she wants to get out of the PPV business.
Since her newest extra special news that we all need to know has the approval and therefore knowledge of Spike, I believe that doing specials in place of PPVs has already been negotiated.
My belief is predicated on the fact that only new business would need approval by Spike. Certainly no internal TNA business that does not impact present contracts would warrant discussion.
However, if TNA were to have such shows, Spike would be the first people to approach. Advertisers would need to be sounded out, time would have to be scheduled, etc.
As for the rest of Darth's post, I'm not sure how much streaming really detracts from the PPV sales of the 25+ set. See, at 14 I REALLY wanted to know and be up to date on all the things I followed. Post college, I have a lot more interests and responsibilities. Finding out on 411 or the next RAW is good enough. Given the disappointing state of mainstream wrestling, I may not even have wanted to watch even a stream.
But it is true, when one doesn't have to worry about bills and life, putting one's money into merch and PPVs (and the parent's money into the same) is easier.
Historically, it is not the second modern boom that should be copied (nWo & Attitude) but the first (Rock and Wrestling Connection). Hogan didn't tell older teens/college students to say their prayers and eat their vitamins. He told kids. Even then, you couldn't market a line like that to teens.
Posted By: Guest#2097 (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 03:23 AM
TNA shouldn't market to kids. That's absurd. WWE is going to win that war. Since that's WWE's main focus, TNA should work on the opposite of that. ECW and WCW were both successful because they targetted different audiences than the WWE. Sure, they were #2 or #3, but they had large audiences. Most of TNA's troubles this past year has been trying to steal the WWE's audience... Which won't work because the WWE core audience is kids who don't know what the Monday Night War was. As soon as TNA can get some more of the old WCW audience to watch, they're closer to growing.
As for Toy Biz... TNA didn't have anything to do with their failure or vice versa. Toy Biz was a tiny company that could NEVER get it's figures into major retailers. Toy Biz ran Marvel Legends, the most successful comic toy line in decades and couldn't properly distribute them. Which is why they eventually had Hasbro distribute their toys. Which led to eventually Marvel ditching Toy Biz all together and going direct with Hasbro.
Toy Biz didn't struggle to get TNA on the shelf, they struggled to get anything on the shelf. Jakks has a much smarter business model and experiance. Which is key. Jakks has signed, TNA, NWA and NJPW to deals. They KNOW the wrestling figure market. They already have 90% of the molds made. All they need is new heads. It's a shoe-in to be a success.
Posted By: Guest#4571 (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 04:34 AM
This might be a stupid question, but if one assumes Bryan Danielson's firing was a work, is WWE in violation of SEC rules by putting out false news?
Posted By: Good Robot Cena (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 07:02 AM
With this question of business model flying around I would be interested in the Journal's take on the rumored swich of TNA from PPV to (at least partially) CotC style 'free to TV specials'.
I know this is just idle IWC gossip at the moment, and TNA's PPV distrobution contracts may block any such move in the near future, but in the big IF of the future this were to occour where would the money come down on this? (in your oppinion anyway;) )
Posted By: Dave^G (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 08:09 AM
TNA's name will remaina major impediment to their success. First, it tells you nothing about the product. Like it or not, WWE tells you what you are getting with its monkier. Second, it's sixth grade level double entendre, which does nothing to elevate the preception of the company or the product. Theyd' do well to select a name that communicated what they were and their mission statement succintly, i.e. Extreme Championship Wrestling.
Posted By: Iron Knee (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 09:36 AM
I agree with TNA needing to reduce their PPVs and increase their TV promotion capabilities, but the same could be said for WWE as well.
I have been saying for the last 3-4 years that WWE and TNA need to trim PPVs, have 1 PPV every 3 months and use the TV time to develop the huge angles and to run the course of the smaller ones.
Make PPVs seem epic, make them seem like can't-miss-TV.
Having a PPV every 3-4 weeks makes for weakly designed and executed angles that people don't care for.
TNA suffers from this moreso because of their booking. Russo and his incoherent ways of throwing twists and turns rivals that of M. Night Shayamalamadinglongdong. Bischoff has already proved he cannot last in the business as an absolute power over any aspect.
In short, TNA cannot be fixed in the sense of being a wrestling superpower promotion, but there are things they can do to greatly increase their quality of program, such as the reduction in PPVs, increased TV time (both in advertisting and running 3 hour TV programs occasionally), and scrapping their current booking mold (and people behind it) to allow their young talent to flourish, as opposed to the old talent hogging the spotlight.
Posted By: MPMoore (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 10:03 AM
Undertaker is lucky Michelle McCool looks really hot.
Posted By: Guest#5373 (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 11:10 AM
Love how the Jakks packages are in a six-sided blister. Really drives home just how much of their visual branding TNA lost when they switched back to a traditional ring.
Posted By: HeartBurnKid (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 11:35 AM
Think about it the angle is now switched to NXT targeting Legends they took out Bret this week, Undertaker a couple weeks ago and IRS Mike Rotundo will turn out to be the one driving the limo. He's pissed at management for shitty treatment, tax evasion, and being snubbed at the Hall of Fame while Dibiase got inducted. Plus his son Husky Harris is on the new season of NXT so there could be more additions coming and Rotundo could be pissed at management for changing his son's name brilliant angle and a nice save after the Danielson fiasco.
Posted By: Safa (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 11:44 AM
This might be a stupid question, but if one assumes Bryan Danielson's firing was a work, is WWE in violation of SEC rules by putting out false news?
________________________________________
if this is a work, and they posted the information on the corporate site as if it were real, they might very well be in serious trouble for providing false information to investors.
if it is a shoot and they post it, then the firing is legit, but they have the option to rehire in the future.
but have they ever posted hirings and firings of talent on the corporate site before?
Posted By: Darth Mortis (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 03:14 PM
Midway helped TNA in the long run because dozens of used copies of that game will be lining the bins of Gamestop & FYE games for years until they pull an ET and bury them out in the desert.
Even if it's only a subtle flick of the eye-- it's like a tiny little advertisement you can't help but see when you're looking for something better.
Posted By: Guest#2618 (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 03:24 PM
This column is one of the headliners in the 411 world. Keep up the good work.
Posted By: TylerMorganWPG (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 03:32 PM
Hmm...goodbye Wrestlemania, hello Entertania?
Posted By: No (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 07:34 PM
hey i tried emailing it to you but for the event calander supreme pro wrestling offers live wrestling every third sunday at 6200 mcmahon drive in sacramento ca we are the premier wrestling orgainization in nor cal doors at 430 every month 10 for adults 5 for kids
Posted By: the saint (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 10:49 PM
Last year I would have agreed with dropping half the ppvs but not atm.Tbh,i feel they might be at least close to breaking even on most with BFG,Lockdown and a few others being profitable.
As long as theyre not LOSING REAL MONEY on PPV´s I say its a bad idea right now.
They picked up alot of talent that can help in that area.
DVD releases and sales will also suffer.Whos gonna be a dvd of clipped matches...
I say stay the course and take PPVs on the road.At least for another 2 years.
Posted By: MacDollarz. (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 11:11 PM
This might be a stupid question, but if one assumes Bryan Danielson's firing was a work, is WWE in violation of SEC rules by putting out false news?
Posted By: Good Robot Cena (Guest) on June 17, 2010 at 07:02 AM
Proving this is a work would be tough. I imagine all the paperwork signs that his contract is terminated has been done. And really, just because a person is fired doesn't mean he can't be hired back again. This would be especially true if the firing was done under duress.
WWE has already laid the groundwork for bringing Danielson back. They had a poll, released statements, etc.
I would have a hard time seeing how this would be meant to manipulate stock prices though. I have real doubts that the SEC has enough people that know much about wrestling. They would be hard put to assemble an argument they could defend.
Posted By: Guest#2350 (Guest) on June 18, 2010 at 03:28 AM
It is possible that some of the % conversion from ratings to PPV buys is not from targeting a younger audience, but from the downturn in the economy.
With the recession and continuing unemployment, people feel less secure in spending large amounts of money on things like vacations. However, people staying at home still want to be entertained. They may see PPVs as an affordable luxury.
Posted By: Guest#6555 (Guest) on June 19, 2010 at 12:36 AM
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