The Hamilton Ave Journal 12.22.07: Volume 1 – Issue 13

Posted by JP Prag on 12.22.2007

Wrestling makes NBC/Universal the number one cable group, Georgia tries to regulate wrestling, TNA matches a ratings high while RAW drops after one week, and Chris Jericho returns to the Top Ten.

THE HAMILTON AVE JOURNAL
By JP Prag

Volume 1 – Issue 13

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.




WHAT'S NEWS

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.

Wrestling helps make NBC/Universal #1

On Thursday, NBC/Universal (a division of GE) sent out a press release naming their cable group of networks the number one in average primetime viewership among key demos. The press release states:

The NBC Universal Entertainment Cable Networks, USA Network, SCI FI Channel and Bravo, have all delivered record-breaking ratings results in 2007, making NBC Universal Cable the number one entertainment cable group in average primetime viewership among key demos... The NBC Universal Entertainment Cable Group set the pace in 2007, averaging 712,000 adults 18-49 and 736,000 adults 25-54 in primetime through December 9 to top all other cable entertainment groups.

USA has been home to WWE RAW and has just been extended for two more years through 2010. SciFi is the home of ECW which has been renewed for another year through December 2008. Among the wrestling related highlights, NBC/Universal stated through their press release:

USA out-delivered ABC for 2007 on Mondays from 9-11pm among M18-49 by +38% and M25-54 by +18% for 2007 with "WWE Monday Night Raw," which was just renewed for an additional two years.

Since coming back to USA, RAW has given USA overall an advantage over other networks in average ratings. Meanwhile, SpikeTV has seen their position slip from a near top ranking since losing RAW, but gaining ground with TNA and the Ultimate Fighter.

Although NBC/Universal did not list the other groups, they would include (but are not limited to):

ABC/Disney (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ABC Family, The Disney Channel) – Home of ratings giants Monday Night Football, Hanna Montana, and High School Musical

CBS/Viacom/MTV (MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Nick 2, TV Land, Spike, Comedy Central) – Consistent ratings winners Spongebob Squarepants, The Daily Show, TRL, and Avatar

Tuner Broadcasting (CNN, TBS, TNT, Court TV, Cartoon Network) - #1 in Cable news, Adult Swim lineup, basketball

News Corp/FOX (Fox News, FX, Fox Sports Net, National Geographic, Showtime) – Dexter, the fastest growing news network, local sports

Discovery Networks (Discovery, TLC, Animal Planet, BBC America, Travel Channel) –The Universe, Trading Spaces, House Flippers

Scripps (HGTV, Food Network, Fine Living) – House Hunters, Iron Chef

As can be seen, the competition is fierce between the groups, so beating out giant players like ABC/Disney and CBS/Viacome/MTV is quite an accomplishment, one that NBC/Universal could not have accomplished without wrestling.

Of interesting not, the press release did not mention ECW despite the fact that the program is still consistently one of the network's highest rated original shows. The focus remained on the highly successful mini-series "Tin Man" and other original programming that does not fully reach ECW's level.


Georgia looks to regulate wrestling

Earlier this week, the Georgia State Athletic and Entertainment Commission held a public meeting to discuss proposed rule changes aimed at regulating professional wresting in the state. Although not affected by current rules, the WWE put Georgia on notice saying it would not hold events in the state if several of the rules were passed as they were prohibitive to doing business.

Meanwhile, nearly 70 local wrestlers and promoters attended the hearing which resulted in a 60-day delay of considerations. Local wrestling organization NWA Anarchy and international WWE both expressed pleasure with the results thus far.

Georgia has a long history of professional wrestling, being home to Georgia Championship Wrestling which eventually became a piece of WCW under Turner Networks. WCW's home offices were at One CNN Center in Atlanta. Georgia was also the home of Chris Benoit, whose double-murder suicide earlier this year has prompted many investigations into drugs in wrestling.

Among the rules proposed by the Georgia Stat Athletic and Entertainment Commission that many considered prohibitive were (direct quotes from Rule 85-4-.01 Notice of Intent to Adopt):

All promoters must have a valid Professional Organization License issued by the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission

A Surety Bond of not less than $10,000 must be on file with the commission before the event.

Within (10) days after your event each promoter is required to complete and return a regulatory fee of 5% of the gross proceed of the event. This 5% fee is on ticket sales at your event.

Before any event can take place a physician must be at ringside and stay at ringside throughout the event. The physician fee is paid by the promoter. Also, an ambulance with 2 EMTs must be present ringside throughout the event. There must be adequate security personnel in the arena to control fans and the wrestlers.

Wrestlers MAY NOT deliberately cut themselves and all wrestlers must be over (18) years of age.

No one under the age of 18 is allowed in any area of the venue other than their seat except when accompanied by a guardian

A Commission representative may be assigned to your event to monitor activities. The cost for this representative is $100 and is paid by the promoter. This fee can be paid along with the same CHECK or MONEY ORDER for the 5% fee.

The promoter shall be liable for ensuring that all statutes and rules promulgated by the commission are strictly observed and carried out.

Before the beginning of a wrestling show, all changes or substitutions in the advertised program of wrestling shall be posted at the ticket window and at the entrance to the facility.

Changes or substitutions shall also be announced in the ring before commencement of the first match along with the information that any ticket holder desiring a refund based on those announced changes or substitutions shall be entitled to receive a refund before commencement of the program.

Purchasers of tickets shall be entitled, upon request by them, to a refund of the purchase price of the tickets, if the request is made before the commencement of the first match.

All wrestling or entertainment shall take place either in the ring or within the partitioned-off portion of the gym or arena. Physical activity shall not be permitted between wrestlers, referee, or wrestling event staff in the audience or outside of the safety partition.

Wrestler's Equipment
a. A wrestler shall be clothed in clean apparel.
b. A wrestler may wear two (2) pair of trunks, one (1) over the other.
c. If a wrestler wears shoes, they shall be fitted with soft tops, soft smooth soles, soft laces and equipped with eyelets only.
d. A wrestler may not have any grease, lotion, or foreign substances on the body.
e. A female wrestler must wear trunks and a top.
f. The inspector present at the event may disallow the use of inappropriate attire or disqualify a wrestling participant for the lack of appropriate attire.

Contestants shall have their fingernails trimmed closely.

Ring Barrier.
a. A ring shall be enclosed within a barrier which shall be erected between the ring and the seating area in the arena.
b. The barrier shall be at least:
i. Six feet (6') away from the ring; and
ii. Four feet (4') away from the first row of the seating area.
c. the ring barrier shall conform to the following requirements:
i. Be constructed of metal or other shatterproof material;
ii. Be designed to prevent a wrestler from exiting through the barrier into the seating area during a contest;
iii. Be built to a height of at least forty-two inches (42") from the floor of the arena; and
iv. Be stable.
d. The ring barrier shall be approved by the commission or the commission's representative before its use during a contest.

Time Limits
a. A wrestling match shall have a maximum time limit of sixty (60) minutes.
b. The commission may authorize any other time limit.

Conduct of Wrestling Contest.
a. A wrestling contest shall be determined by:
i. One (1) fall; or
ii. Two (2) out of three (3) falls.

Scoring a Fall.
a. A fall is scored by a wrestler when the wrestler's opponent has both shoulders touching the mat for a count of three (3) seconds.
b. The referee shall signal the wrestler scoring a fall by immediately slapping the mat.

Breaking
a. A wrestler:
i. Shall break a hold when instructed by the referee;
ii. Failing to break upon instruction by the referee, the offending contestant shall be given a count of ten (10) to release the hold; and
iii. Failing to release the hold after the count of ten (10), the offending contestant shall be disqualified and the opponent shall be awarded the match by the referee.

When any part of a contestant's body is touching the ropes or is outside the ropes or if, in the judgment of the referee, the contestant is no longer able to properly protect him/herself, the referee shall call time and the contestants at once shall release any holds and return to the center of the ring to standing positions and resume the bout.

Prohibited activities:
a. The following actions are prohibited:
i. Inhibiting breathing by covering the nose and mouth at the same time; and
ii. Unsportsmanlike or physically dangerous conduct.
b. A wrestler continuing to engage in prohibited activities after sufficient warning may be disqualified by the referee.
c. No wrestling contestant shall use a foreign object(s) or prop(s) with the deliberate intent to lacerate himself or herself, or one's opponent. No animal blood or human blood, other than that of the wrestling contestants that is incidentally introduced during a match, may be used as a prop or special effect in any wrestling match. Vials, capsules or any vessel containing a gel substance appearing to be or simulating blood may be used as a prop or special effect during a wrestling contest so long as the container cannot cause lacerations upon breakage.
d. The intent to use a foreign object(s) or prop(s) during a wrestling match must be disclosed to the commission prior to any wrestling contest and shall be subject to the approval of the commission. This shall include any vial, capsule or container holding a gel substance that is meant to simulate blood.

Refusal or Inability to Continue.
a. If a wrestler refuses or is physically unable to continue a match, the match shall be ended and the decision awarded to the wrestler's opponent.

Tag Team Wrestling
a. "Tag Team Wrestling" means a contest between two (2) teams each composed of two (2) or more wrestlers.
b. The time limit for this type of contest shall be a maximum of sixty (60) minutes.
c. A team shall be awarded a fall when a member of the team scores a fall against a member of the opposing team.
d. A two (2-)minute rest period may be permitted between falls.
e. A tag team contest shall be conducted as follows:
i. The contest shall begin with one (1) wrestler from each team inside the ring while the respective partners remain outside the ring on the apron;
ii. The wrestler(s) outside the ring may not enter the ring unless a fall is scored or his/her partner has tagged his/her hand;
iii. In order to be eligible to receive a tag, the wrestler's partner shall be outside the ring on the apron in the proper corner with both feet on the ring apron and only receive the tag over the top ring rope;
iv. When the tag is made, the wrestler making the tag shall leave the ring as the partner enters the ring;
v. Only two (2) wrestlers from opposing teams shall be permitted to be in the ring at any one (1) time;
vi. After the scoring of a fall a wrestler may relieve the partner;
vii. If a wrestler is unable to continue; the wrestler's partner shall continue the contest alone;
viii. The referee may call time after an injury to permit the injured wrestler to be removed from the ring; and
ix. Release the rope provided in the team corner until officially tagged by the partner.

Referee.
a. The referee shall have the authority to conduct the contest and enforce the regulations of the commission;
b. Referees assigned to officiate a contest shall:
i. Be properly attired thirty (30) minutes before the scheduled time of the opening contest; and
ii. Remain attired and available until all matches have been concluded.

Responsibility of Promoter.
a. A promoter shall be responsible to the commission for the conduct of its representatives and employees, including officials and contestants affiliated with the event.
b. The promoter shall be responsible for conducting the wrestling contest in a safe, peaceable, and orderly fashion.
c. Violation of the commission's regulations by a representative or employee of the promoter, including officials and contestants affiliated with the event, may be grounds for disciplinary action against the promoter.

Obviously, the rules are quite specific and costly. Whether motivated through political, monetary, or just means, the Commission would have a hard time convincing any wrestling organization to stay in the state of Georgia with such rules. They put undue pressure and responsibility on the promoters and do not put individual responsibility on the wrestlers. Also, no organization is going to want a commission to decide the rules of a contest. A ban on blading is particularly interesting considering the area is famous for some of the bloodiest matches in wrestling history.

The Journal will continue to watch this story as it develops over the next 60 days.


MARKETPLACE

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. Please note that gaps in the chart below are due to data not being released/available.

For the week ending Thursday December 20, 2007, here are the current standings of our shows:





RAW
Close (This Week's Rating): 3.5
Open (Last Week's Rating): 4.1
Percentage Change: ▼ 14.6%
52-Week High: 4.3
52-Week Low: 2.5
All Time High: 8.1
All Time Low: 1.8

SmackDown!*
Close (This Week's Rating): 2.7
Open (Last Week's Rating): 2.6
Percentage Change: ▲ 3.8%
52-Week High: 3.3
52-Week Low: 2.2
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): 1.3
Open (Last Week's Rating): 1.3
Percentage Change: UNCH
52-Week High: 2.3
52-Week Low: 0.6
All Time High**: 2.3
All Time Low**: 0.6

** ECW's All Time figures include ECW on TNN

TNA iMPACT***
Close (This Week's Rating): 1.2
Open (Last Week's Rating): 1.1
Percentage Change: ▲ 9.1%
52-Week High: 1.2
52-Week Low: 0.6
All Time High: 1.2
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

Analysis:
As noted last week in the Journal, RAW failed to maintain any audience that was gained with the 15th anniversary special and only highlighted what was missing from their show now. The WWE, with an older-skewed audience, is still losing them to complacency and other forms of entertainment. Efforts like AM RAW and the new children's focused magazine will help create an audience in the future, the WWE is lacking qualities to gain an audience today.

On the other end of spectrum, despite high IWC-related criticism, TNA tied its highest rating ever this week with a 1.2. This if the first time iMPACT has received such a rating since July 19, 2007 and is only the 6th time since iMPACT premiered that they have reached this level. Can iMPACT begin to consistently deliver 1.2's and grow from there? That will be the first challenge of 2008.


MONEY AND INVESTING

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 ten selling items for the WWE? From WWEShopZone.com:

1. WWE Black Gift Bag
2. WWE RAW Greatest Hits – The Music CD
3. Triple H The Conqueror T-shirt
4. Shawn Michael Heartbreak and Triumph DVD Retro T-shirt Package
5. WWE Best of Raw 15th Anniversary DVD & CD T-Shirt Package
6. Chris Jericho Y2J T-shirt
7. John Cena My Life DVD
8. WWE Best of Raw 15th Anniversary DVD
9. Stone Cold Steve Austin Destroyed That T-shirt
10. Triple H Grey Skull T-shirt

WWE's shopping list got a little mixed up this week with several items moving in-and-out while the Black Gift Bag remains number one. After a week's absence, Chris Jericho returned to the list with a new T-shirt. Jericho T-shirts may not sell for very long, but they do sell high volume immediately. Triple H, though, may have a point as his two t-shirts have been in the top ten for nearly three months. It's hard to argue with the man when he does sell like that.

TNA requires a little bit more research. Their website does not release Top Ten lists, so the Journal does a general search for a space on "featured products" and sorts by most popular. They came up in order as:

1. The History of TNA: Year 1 DVD
2. Instant Classic: The Best of Christian Cage DVD
3. TNA Fleece Jacket
4. NEW TNA Hoodie
5. TNA Bound for Glory 2007 DVD
6. TNA Fleece Blanket (B)
7. 2008 Wall Calendar
8. Long Sleeve TNA Logo T-shirt (Navy)
9. Long Sleeve TNA Logo T-shirt (Charcoal)
10. TNA Christmas Ornament

There was almost no movement on TNA's selling list where a couple of items (Long Sleeve T-shirts) switched places. Other than that, TNA split their fleece blankets into Black and Red, but Black maintained its position in the top ten. The winter items are a big coup for TNA and they should continue to push them as long as they can.


PERSONAL JOURNAL

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
23 (Dec)	24	25	26 RAW Live Nashville, TN SmackDown!/ECW Live Albany, NY	27 TNA Live Montreal, Quebec RAW Live Chattanooga, TN SmackDown!/ECW Live East Rutherford, NJ	28 TNA Live Quebec City, Quebec RAW Live Atlanta, GA SmackDown!/ECW Live Hershey, PA	29 TNA Live Gatineau, Quebec RAW (Tapings) Greensboro, NC SmackDown!/ECW Live Baltimore, MD ROH Live New York City, NY
30 RAW Live Raleigh, NC SmackDown!/ECW (Tapings) Richmond, VA TNA Live Oshawa, Ontario ROH Live New York City, NY	31	1 (Jan)	2	3	4 RAW Live White Plains, NY	5 RAW Live Poughkeepsie, NY (Matinee) RAW Live Poughkeepsie, NY (Night) SmackDown!/ECW Live Canton, OH

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.

EDITORIALS

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.

No critical pieces were written this week, so worth your read instead is:

Scott Slimmer has instant access to WWE Armageddon, yet I have no Hidden Highlights from him in my inbox.

Ari Bernstein launches a Podcast on everyone's favorite ROHbots.

Another retro 2007 column? This time Julian Williams ranks the Top Ten!

Because you were bad this year, Ryan Mancuso but Big Daddy V and Abdulla the Butcher vs. The Headhunters. Maybe you'll be nice next year.

And, of course, a week would not be complete without a good dose of my very own HIDDEN HIGHLIGHTS!!

Also check out my review of the Stardust DVD.


CLOSING BELL

This concludes Issue #13 (Volume 1) of THE HAMILTON AVE JOURNAL. Join us next week as we get ready to ring the bell again.

Till then!