Jim Ross Speaks On WWE's Growth, WWE Channel, Grisham & Striker, More
Posted by Ashish on 11.08.2009
New blog from JR!
Jim Ross has a new blog entry up. Highlights are below.
On WWE's growth: WWE's controlled growth as they continue to grow their brand internationally seems to be the way to go. Systematic, organized touring based on demand for tickets and the power and productivity of their TV partners are two key elements for this potential lucrative business element. As these TV outlets grow they will bring with them better delivery of PPV events which adds to finding "new monies." International business growth, as I have said for years, is exciting for the WWE brand.
On a WWE Channel: As I wrote earlier in the week, the potential of a WWE Channel is another positive. There are virtually unlimited ways to create new programming notwithstanding the Legends Roundtables, watching DVD releases w/ the talents involved with the production, daily blocks of World Class, AWA, etc has credence. Producing internet "radio shows" along the line of ESPN's Mike and MIke, etc would work. Producing a specific number of hours of daily programming and then repeating it seems doable. The potential is really limitless.
On Grisham and Striker: Grisham and Striker are beginning to mesh as a solid broadcast duo and their efforts will continue to be a work in progress which is to be expected. I like their potential. Their progress may see yours truly assume another role TBD upon my return which works for me. I feel that I'm fortune to be able to help the team in a variety of ways. All of that is up in the air and is pure speculation until I've been medically cleared. Maybe there is a three man booth in my future especially on selected PPV's. Who knows but I for one am not concerned. Just anxious to get back in the game.
One downside to the wwe channel is wwe possibly wanting to move their shows to that channel and hurting exposure. The wwe needs to move a PPV to NBC... A good one such as The Royal Rumble, and this would greatly increase the viewers. They can make up for the ppv buy rates with the ad dollars.
Posted By: Guest#1817 (Guest) on November 08, 2009 at 01:30 PM
I agree with JR about WWE's business model being very smart. It's the reason they have managed to turn big profits in recent years, despite the decline in the wrestling industry as a whole. The negative thing, as a fan, is that as WWE becomes more corporate and structured, the soul is taken away from everything. It's all so bland and lifeless now. So if your a shareholder you make out great, but if your a fan you have to feel let down.
Posted By: Guest#4003 (Guest) on November 08, 2009 at 01:34 PM
Rare for a guy to be supportive of his replacements. Kudos to JR and a wish for a speedy return to health.
Posted By: Guest#5777 (Guest) on November 08, 2009 at 02:06 PM
"Producing internet "radio shows" along the line of ESPN's Mike and Mike"
Please god, no. A world of no. Additionally, no.
Posted By: Lucius (Guest) on November 08, 2009 at 02:31 PM
Get well soon JR. I'd like to see a 3 man commentry team
Posted By: Flyin' Bryan (Guest) on November 08, 2009 at 03:24 PM
Cole, Lawler, and JR would make a good three man team.
Posted By: Michael (Guest) on November 08, 2009 at 04:55 PM
No offense to J.R. but I don't miss him one bit. If anything, I'd like to see him back on RAW with a HEEL King. Michael Cole I do wish ill will upon. Just because people are acknowledging your stupid, cliched commentary on TV doesn't mean it's okay to keep doing it.
Posted By: Ron Mexico (Guest) on November 08, 2009 at 05:03 PM
Yeah I noticed Cole has actually been using his phrases more and more. I remember back in 99-00 on Smackdown he wasn't this bad. I mean he filled in for J.R. before that on Raw and did a really good job. The only problem with him was we knew he was only keeping the seat warm until J.R. came back.
Posted By: JBass24 (Guest) on November 08, 2009 at 06:25 PM
I just hate how the WWE is putting most of their resources and time into enhancing and promoting their "brand" rather than caring about putting out a quality product, but if it makes them money then oh well.
Posted By: jasonel (Guest) on November 08, 2009 at 06:33 PM
I can't really argue with anything JR has to say here. The main problem with Grish and Striker is Striker needs to decide whether he wants to do PBP or a color commentator. This guy talks so much during a broadcast, its hard for the PBP guy to get a word in. It's not like back in the day where Monsoon and McMahon held down most of the PBP and then occasionally while Bobby and Jesse were doing the color commentary, the color man might do some PBP. Striker's commentary is great but its all over the place. His color analysis just needs a lil more polish, that's all.
Posted By: Dwayne (Guest) on November 08, 2009 at 07:02 PM
"It's the reason they have managed to turn big profits in recent years, despite the decline in the wrestling industry as a whole." - Guest #4003
Actually the WWE has seen declining revenue for years and in the financial report they released last week overall revenue is down 10% year-over-year... 10% drop in revenue year-over-year is a =BIG= number
Posted By: Michael Wallstreet (Guest) on November 08, 2009 at 08:27 PM
wrong mike wallstreet, wwe is increasing revenue and is making more proftis than they even did back in the stupid attitude era.
wwe is doing the right thing by being pg because wwe gets to attract better advertisers, get families to come to shows which boosts attendance figures.
the raw ratings are fine since raw is one of the highest rated shows on cable which makes usa very happy.
Posted By: Guest#3222 (Guest) on November 08, 2009 at 10:48 PM
I agree with wallstreet. Financials indeed are down, and the product is as bad as it has ever been. I'm still waiting for the "cylical business" to cycle back around again into the next boom. The one Triple H has been talking about since 03. Wow, six years later and they are still in this funk. News flash, it's not a cyclical business when you can only put on something that's worth a shit once every 10 years! That's just what I call bad business.
Posted By: Jason (Guest) on November 09, 2009 at 02:05 AM
the current announce teams are doing fine. sorry JR, i hope they find a backstage role for him. he isnt getting any younger or better.
as for wwe business, all three shows are the highest rated for their respective networks. since they are PG, they are raking in cash hand over fist.
Posted By: rey (Guest) on November 09, 2009 at 05:49 AM
