Wrestlenomics Radio

Brandon Thurston talks over the effect empty building wrestling shows are having TV viewership and whether viewers will bounce back whenever programs can return to arenas.We consider the possibility of WWE selling to a major media company, executive stock sales and the performance of major wrestling companies' YouTube channels.Follow Wrestlenomics at http://twitter.com/wrestlenomicsVisit http://wrestlenomics.com for written analysis of wrestling business.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio2532/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Wrestling business analyst Brandon Thurston breaks down the WWE Q1 2020 earnings call in a level of granularity as only he can.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio2532/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Brandon Thurston reviews the recent events that led up to WWE's decision to cut costs and lay off or furlough workers, as well as the recent closure and bankruptcy of Vince McMahon's XFL.May 2018: WWE discloses it received a minority stake in Alpha Entertainment related to XFL IP transaction with Alpha.https://otp.tools.investis.com/clients/us/wwe/SEC/sec-show.aspx?FilingId=12727687&Cik=0001091907&Type=PDF&hasPdf=1Dec 2017, Nov 2018, Mar 2019: Vince McMahon sells a total of $379.7 million in WWE shares, most if not all, to fund the XFL/Alpha Entertainmenthttps://twitter.com/wrestlenomics/status/1250129065052422147Feb 6: Vince McMahon on Q4 earnings call takes XFL questionshttps://twitter.com/BrandonThurston/status/1249820096220073985 (AUDIO)March 10: Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System drops lawsuit against WWEhttps://twitter.com/wrestlenomics/status/1245030531298967552March 11: NBA suspends seasonMarch 12: Smackdown proceeds in the PC with no audienceMarch 12: XFL suspends

Vince McMahon's latest endeavor into professional football seems to have come to an end after most XFL employees were laid off this morning.Does WWE's "cinematic" approach demonstrated at Wrestlemania have an economic relevance? What does it mean for the development of new stars?Follow Wrestlenomics at twitter.com/wrestlenomicsVisit the website at wrestlenomics.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio2532/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Brandon Thurston talks about these subjects:-Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs on his governor's stay-home order-Predictions on how long it'll be before wrestling events will go back to normal-WWE will remain profitable despite COVID19 restrictions-WWE and AEW TV rights aren’t at risk-Wrestlemania offered as a $60 PPV on streaming platforms-Wrestlenomics dubstep math: Showing how venue merchandise likely doesn't compensate for WWE house show losses-Q1 2020 viewership trends, top quarter-hours for NXT and AEW-“XFL Lawsuit” dismissed-WWE's India TV deal finalized-John Cena on whether it's possible for WWE to develop another major starFollow Wrestlenomics at twitter.com/wrestlenomicsVisit the leading source for wrestling business analysis: wrestlenomics.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio2532/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://red

As we remain quarantined at home, the wrestling business continues on. Brandon Thurston talks about these topics:-COVID19 risks, Roman Reigns pulls out of Wrestlemania match-Vince McMahon enters into stock sale agreement with Morgan Stanley-Is WWE’s PPV rights deal dead?-WWE COVID19 risk model-Paul Levesque’s new corporate title-How do investors and analysts think about WWE’s business?Visit the newly revamped wrestlenomics.com for data sources and blog posts.Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: twitter.com/wrestlenomicsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio2532/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

*The latest news on COVID19's effect on the wrestling business.*Paul Levesque's new EVP title.*What are people actually referring to when they say 'attendance'? Brandon Thurston gives an overview of the most highly-attended wrestling events of modern times. Live gate (revenue generated from ticket sales) is better understood than attendance in more recent times. The most lucrative events in wrestling history are largely Wrestlemania events. Events bought by authoritarian governments also have an interesting place in these ranks.Video version for attendance section: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8qIDxWUdx4Facebook: http://facebook.com/wrestlenomicsTwitter: http://twitter.com/wrestlenomicsInstagram: http://instagram.com/wrestlenomicsWebsite: http://wrestlenomics.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio2532/donationsAdvertising Inquiries:

Video version of this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKoHkcaSpNcWWE 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 — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio2532/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Video version of this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTatIcui2GIBrandon 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 John Cena and WWE's inability to create difference-making stars have been key factors.Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: twitter.com/wrestlenomicsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio2532/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 from consumers -- mean for wrestling fans?Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio2532/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio2532/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 by Kate Carney. Plus a preview of the WWE Q4 and full year 2019 earnings report that will be taking place Thursday, February 6.WWE press release: https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2020/01-30-2020-213333313Wrestlenomics Pro Wrestling Industry Report, Full Year 2019: https://payhip.com/b/qICihttps://wrestlenomics.comhttps://twitter.com/wrestlenomicsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio2532/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/b

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 company financial records for 2019.Website: wrestlenomics.comTwitter: twitter.com/wrestlenomicsInstagram: instagram.com/wrestlenomicsFacebook: facebook.com/wrestlenomicsYouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCD_WfonwdEwz91hcv3MhsogReddit: reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio2532/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 the 2010s come to a close, who had the most top voted matches for each decade? What would WWE’s PPV buys be like if there was no WWE Network? Has WWE recover the opportunity cost for the Network?Finally, we take a quick look at Linda McMahon’s recent political donations.Background:https://deadspin.com/with-nxt-moving-to-usa-network-wwes-wednesday-night-wa-1837486293https://www.anthemse.com/post/anthem-sports-entertainment-to-partner-with-axs-tv-founder-mark-cubanhttps://www.newsweek.com/impact-wrestling-axs-tv-anthem-weekly-show-bound-glory-1459001https://www.thewrap.com/axs-tv-layoffs-40-employees-mark-cuban-sale-ant

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 notes on MKM speculation on value of NXT deal (https://seekingalpha.com/news/3492953-wwe-plus-3_6-percent-mkm-sees-nxt-deal-coming-soon?dr=1#email_link) Deadline: cable rankings (https://deadline.com/2018/12/cable-tv-network-ratings-2018-lists-fox-news-usa-network-1202523019/) Awful Announcing: cable coverage (https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/nielsen-coverage-estimates-september-espn-nbcsn-nbatv-mlbn-nfln.html) Website: wrestlenomics.com Twitter: twitter.com/wrestlenomics  Instagram: instagram.com/wrestlenomics  Facebook: facebook.com/wrestlenomics  YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCD_WfonwdEwz91hcv3Mhsog  Reddit: reddit.c

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 report: https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/wwe-q2-analysis-vince-mcmahon-calls-aew-blood-and-guts-wrestlemania-s-paid-attendance-most-metrics 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_thurstonSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSupport

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/wrestlenomics/  Brandon's Twitter: twitter.com/brandonthurston  Brandon's Instagram: instagram.com/farmer_thurstonSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio2532/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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_WfonwdEwz91hcv3Mhsog Reddit: reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/ Brandon's Twitter: twitter.com/brandonthurston Brandon's Instagram: instagram.com/farmer_thurstonSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio2532/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8UQ4O7UiDs  WWE investor deck showing adjusted OIBDA estimate for 2019:  https://corporate.wwe.com/~/media/Files/W/WWE/documents/wwe-investor-presentation-02-11-2019.pdf  WWE hierarchy of influence: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics/status/1052994990614474752 Payroll liability spreadsheet:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IwcG-SaaN8XW2WzHXi2737FbGGFK_a_W7TEPO02mgPU/edit#gid=1374663635  Travel expenses spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OkocZGPo6anw4cAaAh7xrr1WvSjm9XnBl34TnxpJfcA/edit#gid=178818493  Stamford Advocate article:  https://www.stamfo

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/investors/news/press-releases/2019/03-20-2019-210006370  WWE HQ Q&A document https://corporate.wwe.com/~/media/Files/W/WWE/press-releases/2019/wwe-hq-relo-q-and-a-03-20-2019.pdf  Stamford Advocate article https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/business/article/Former-Stamford-UBS-site-sells-for-33-million-12442382.php  WWF stadium attendances reported in WON 4/9/2001 (subscription required) https://members.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-newsletter/april-9-2001-wrestling-observer-newsletter-wrestlemania-x7-reviewed  Wrestlemania paid attendance based on WWE KPIs https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/