Wrestlenomics

Video version of this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKoHkcaSpNc WWE withdrew its Q1 and full year 2020 guidance earlier this week due to the potential business impact of COVID-19. Brandon Thurston puts this in context and estimates how much revenue WWE generates directly from WrestleMania and what the impact would be if the event and related events are canceled. Support this podcast at...

Video version of this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTatIcui2GI Brandon Thurston analyzes the pattern of decline in a number of WWE's key metrics. While the company has reach financial heights in recent years, its increase in revenue and profits have coincided with a decrease in revenue generated directly by consumers. The role of Vince McMahon as head of creative, the absence of Jo...

With WWE apparently ready to sell the broadcast rights to its pay-per-view events to a major streaming service, Brandon Thurston discusses possible buyers and options for how the PPVs might be offered. Plus, many interesting notes we learned from WWE's 2019 annual report. Finally, what does an increased reliance on revenue from business partners -- and a decreased reliance on revenue directly...

WWE CEO Vince McMahon told investors today there may be a "transformative" change coming to WWE business. Just one week after announcing the exit of co-presidents George Barrios and Michelle Wilson, it was revealed pay-per-view events may be moving off the WWE Network and onto a major streaming service. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertisi...

George Barrios and Michelle Wilson are out as co-presidents of WWE. Brandon Thurston discusses the news of the exit and likely firing of the #2 and #3 corporate officers for the world’s biggest pro-wrestling company. Vince McMahon commented: “I decided a change was necessary as we have different views on how best to achieve our strategic priorities moving forward.” We take your questions, as read...

Brandon Thurston is joined by Chris Harrington to review the WWE Q3 2019 earnings report. WWE shares fell by more than 15% following Thursday's report. Multiple key metrics showed declining trends. Vince McMahon was missing from the conference call due to the event in Saudi Arabia happening the same day. WWE had to adjust its profit projection for the year but is still expected to break its co...

Brandon Thurston is joined by Chris Gullo to discuss NXT’s debut on the USA Network, viewed by 1,179,000 viewers. What does this mean for the upcoming head-to-head competition with AEW? Impact Wrestling’s parent company, Anthem, has acquired AXS TV. What are the political implications for the wrestling landscape now that Anthem owns New Japan Pro Wrestling’s U.S. broadcast? Plus, new analysis: As...

Brandon Thurston is joined by Chris Gullo to talk about the news of NXT moving to USA Network. Background reading: Press release (https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2019/08-20-2019-140343362) Showbuzzdaily: Record of WWE NXT viewership on Dec 17, 2017 (https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2017/12/14/16778800/ratings-for-nxts-first-show-on-the-usa-network-are-in) Seeking Alpha not...

Brandon Thurston reviews WWE's Q2 2019 earnings report in-depth with Wrestlenomics founder Chris Harrington. In the second half of the podcast, Brandon talks with Chris Gullo and D.J. Jarka more about WWE business news and Q2 metrics from other pro-wrestling companies. WWE and Pro-Wrestling Industry Q2 2019 Info Sheet: https://payhip.com/b/zypj Brandon's Fightful article on the WWE Q2 repo...

Ahead of WWE's event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Friday, we take an in-depth look at WWE's controversial and lucrative relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Website: wrestlenomics.com Twitter: twitter.com/wrestlenomics  Instagram: instagram.com/wrestlenomics  Facebook: facebook.com/wrestlenomics  YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCD_WfonwdEwz91hcv3Mhsog  Reddit: reddit.com/r/wrestlenom...

VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6-x-33dXtY ------------------ Notes document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EnXLg8XNl-fRaa-LntJn9S2zi92LjeRHHByiU1SR-kE/edit?usp=sharing ------------------ Website: wrestlenomics.com Twitter: twitter.com/wrestlenomics Instagram: instagram.com/wrestlenomics Facebook: facebook.com/wrestlenomics YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCD_WfonwdEwz91hcv3Mhso...

Website: wrestlenomics.com Twitter: twitter.com/wrestlenomics  Instagram: instagram.com/wrestlenomics  Facebook: facebook.com/wrestlenomics  YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCD_WfonwdEwz91hcv3Mhsog  Reddit: reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/  Brandon's Twitter: twitter.com/brandonthurston  Brandon's Instagram: instagram.com/farmer_thurston * * * **References:** Full John Oliver WWE segment: https://...

Website: wrestlenomics.com Twitter: twitter.com/wrestlenomics Instagram: instagram.com/wrestlenomics Facebook: facebook.com/wrestlenomics YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCD_WfonwdEwz91hcv3Mhsog Reddit: reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/ Brandon's Twitter: twitter.com/brandonthurston Brandon's Instagram: instagram.com/farmer_thurston **References:** WWE press release https://corporate.wwe.com/invest...

**Topics:** * Wrestlemania attendance: what WWE announces versus paid attendance * WWE TV viewership demographics: Rousey arrival coincidences with disproportionate decline in female viewership * WWE Co-President George Barrios’ response to questions on WWE popularity * WWE proxy statement discloses top executive salaries, update on shares of company ownership **Links:** Website: [wrestlenomics.co...

YouTube version: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNWnq5G01r4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNWnq5G01r4) This week's topics: * WWE Other media alegbra : including estimates on revenue related to Greatest Royal Rumble, reality TV series, Mixed Match Challenge, Crown Jewel, Super Showdown * WWE Co-President Barrios asked about new company, competition  * AEW Double or Nothing sells out * Kenn...

Brandon Thurston discusses WWE's full year 2018 and Q4 earnings report that was released Thursday. YouTube version: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTbg0l37Q-I](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTbg0l37Q-I) **“In other words, we know what we’re doing,” McMahon said of record revenue and profit numbers.** **"We have the best wrestling, the best wrestlers in the world," Barrios said, res...

For the last time for the foreseeable future together, Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Thurston (@brandonthurston) talk wrestling business. Mookie discusses his new job as Vice President of Business Strategy for All Elite Wrestling, as well as his visit to Japan for Wrestle Kingdom and other shows. Brandon talks about a serious car accident involving his wrestling students. You can ord...

Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Howard Thurston (@brandonthurston) go over the biggest moments in wrestling business from 2014 to 2018\. Led by the launch of the WWE Network, the five-year period was one of the most interesting and revolutionary periods in wrestling history. Show notes:  [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bhrmjTIgCNscHm5dj-A7IET8SGcL_Sqf47oiGeDVwAg/edit?usp=sharing](...

Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Howard Thurston (@brandonthurston) talk these topics: * Mookie's WWE most matches study 2018 * Impact moving from Pop to Pursuit * News about WWE TV deals in New Zealand and Japan, no news about UK deal * Biggest stories of the year in wrestling * There's never been a better time to be a pro wrestler * NJPW sells out New Beginning USA shows * New...

Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Howard Thurston (@brandonthurston) talk these topics: * WWE viewership new lows: breakdown of viewership and demographics for Raw and Smackdown, female audience continues to decline * Eric Bischoff's TED talk comparing media, politics and pro wrestling  Show notes: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WYREECMsJ80xc8Nr_gYCyJnVkHD6CwFD6C0fY9jk-xE/edit?...

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Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Howard Thurston (@brandonthurston) talk about these topics * WWE stock continues to recover * Ring of Honor signs PCO, Brody King * WWE decides not to run NXT Takeover head-to-head with ROH/NJPW MSG show * Changes to WWE NXT UK deals * New legal filings * XFL cities * Scholarly wrestling articles Show notes: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RF_pkkcBj...

Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Howard Thurston (@brandonthurston) talk about the wider pro wrestling landscape in light of the news of trademarks taken out by All Elite Wrestling. --------------------------------------- On this week's premium show, Chris & Brandon discuss: * WrestleMania weekend events * Mookie going to Japan! ------------------------------------------ Check o...

Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Howard Thurston (@brandonthurston) talk about WM35 ticket sales (actuals vs exaggerations) and go in-depth reviewing a top WWE's executives vision of modern developmental: * WWE WrestleMania 35 ticket sales open: exclusive details on stadium capacity, predictions on gate and average ticket price * Triple H NXT conference call: talent development, NXT...

Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Howard Thurston (@brandonthurston) talk about two interviews with with executives from the two biggest wrestling promotions in the world: * WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon's interview at the Web Summit * NJPW CEO Harold Meij's interview with Uproxx * * * Chris and Brandon talk about additional topics every week on WRESTLENOMICS PREMIUM....