WWE Q2 Financials
The key takeaways from the WWE financials are that the company took in $199 million in revenue for the WrestleMania quarter, an all-time record.
Profits for the quarter were only $800,000, but they had projected only breaking even, so that wasn’t a surprise. For the Mania quarter, they actually lost money in the network division (Network, PPV) due to the costs of programming and WrestleMania costs. They spent $21.5 million on WrestleMania in total.
WWE also generated $29.4 million in revenue on WrestleMania. On 6/30, they had 1,511,000 network subscribers broken down as 1,130,000 in North America and 381,000 outside North America. They plan on adding more than 300 hours to the network between now and the end of the year. We’ll have a lot more on WWE financials in the next issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
The stock market didn’t have major feelings on the results as the stock closed at $19.75 per share Thursday as compared to a close of $19.74 per share Wednesday. The Dow was down .009% today while the NASDAQ and S&P were slightly up.
The second week of Impact on Thursday will be tonight on Pop TV at 8 p.m. headlined by Drew Galloway vs. Mike Bennett in the Bound for Glory series and Abyss & Crazzy Steve vs. Robbie E & Jessie Godderz for the tag team titles.
THE ROUND-UP
The Week In Lucha Libre: A look at the TripleMania card; CMLL intrigue
WWE Cruiserweight Classic results: Zack Sabre Jr. debuts; Brian Kendrick returns
WWE NXT results: TakeOver main event is set; Ibushi makes his debut
WWE Cruiserweight Classic week three preview: Zack Sabre Jr. makes his debut
The Week In British Wrestling: Hero & Dennis go to war again
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Figure Four Weekly
READ IT HERE: Figure Four Weekly 7/25/2016: More concussion legality! – Just moments after last week’s issue was put to bed, news broke that WWE had been hit by yet another lawsuit from Massachusetts lawyer Konstantine Kyros against WWE. Before, there were of a small handful of wrestlers with no prospects of dealing with WWE again suing strictly over nebulously worded concussion-related claims. This time, there are over 50 plaintiffs, including a lot of surprises, and the counts have been expanded to include variations on misclassifying them as independent contractors as part of an alleged racketeering scheme.
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Wrestling Observer Newsletter
READ IT HERE: August 1, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Brand split week one, Brock Lesnar and the WWE Wellness Policy – The entire story of Brock Lesnar, UFC drug testing, WWE drug testing and its history leads the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. There is also full coverage of week one of the brand extension, what has been good and what hasn’t, as well as coverage of Battleground, the G-1 Climax tournament, and the deaths of well known personalities on a regional basis like announcer Bill Cardille and Oregon advertising icon Tom Peterson.
The lead story explains in detail why Lesnar was not suspended, the changes in the policy where he can’t be suspended, who else has those loopholes, where they came from, why PED usage is more of a competitive advantage in WWE than in most real sports and why people who claim wrestling isn’t competition miss the entire point. There is also a look back to 2007 when a large percentage of the roster was suspended at the same time without test failures and why, including how office people have been treated different from talent on the subject. Take a look into specifics of the case of Randy Orton, performance vs. cosmetic in wrestling and how it has changed, how WWE differs from the other major promotions, when steroid testing started in WWF, when it was dropped and when it was restarted, a look back at the key component of the 1994 indictment of Vince McMahon and subsequent trial, and what happened and why WWF dropped drug testing.
A look back at the cases involving Eddy Guerrero and Chris Benoit, the success of the program all inside.
In this issue, take a look at Lesnar’s schedule, the situation with Paul Heyman, what the next steps for UFC and athletic commissions regarding the Lesnar test failures and the reaction to all this from Mark Hunt. This issue also looks at Hunt’s argument regarding how Lesnar gained financially from cheating and how Lesnar was not treated differently than anyone else when it came to drug testing in the UFC.
Finally, examine week one of the brand split, the changes in the SummerSlam show, Roman Reigns booking, the ascension of Dolph Ziggler and Finn Balor, as well as business notes and a match-by-match rundown of Battleground with star ratings.
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Wrestling Observer Newsletter BACK ISSUE
READ IT HERE: June 21, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Hart family files lawsuit against WWF, WCW Great American Bash review, more – The expected lawsuit filed by the Hart family against a number of defendants, the main one being the World Wrestling Federation, was announced at a press conference on 6/15 in Kansas City.
THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE
In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter in the lead story discussing Brock Lesnar, there was something we missed regarding the Wellness policy on the corporate website which reads: “This policy, as it may be amended from time to time, is applicable to and binding upon all WWE Talent under contract to WWE who regularly perform in-ring services as a professional sports entertainer.” It is not applicable to Lesnar because they classify that he doesn’t regularly perform in-ring services as a professional sports entertainer.
Lucha Underground will be back a few months earlier than originally planned. Season three, which just completed tapings a few weeks ago, debuts on Wednesday, 9/7 at 8 p.m.
Regarding the loss of the WWE Women’s title on Monday night by Charlotte, it was a booking decision made to try to make the first new era Raw show big. The title change had been booked to take place at SummerSlam all along, and now, a rematch is scheduled for that show instead. On the Wednesday night edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez and I discussed a story going around that the title loss Monday was because Charlotte was taking time off, but that isn’t the case. In fact, her schedule over the next six weeks is pretty brutal.
ZZ Loupe, Josh Woods and Tom Kingdon were released today from WWE developmental. Loupe was from the Tough Enough show, and while he had charisma, but didn’t progress to their satisfaction. Woods was an MMA fighter and former college wrestling champion from University of Central Florida (the same college Tom Lawlor went to), while Kingdon was a tall bodybuilding champion who was signed about a year ago.
Evangelista Cyborg Santos, who suffered a fractured skull in a fight with Michael “Venom” Page on 7/16 in London, underwent seven hours of surgery yesterday in Houston. There is no listed recuperation time, but Santos has said he will be back soon.
WWE
Ballers, the HBO series starring Dwayne Johnson, has been officially renewed for a third season. The second season just started a couple of weeks ago.
There will be an NXT show in Toronto in late September.
A story on the class action lawsuit against WWE can be read here.
Voice of America has an article on the WWE concussion lawsuit
The New York Times has a report on concussions as well. (thanks to Chris Cruise)
E! will be taping a Rusev & Lana wedding tomorrow in Los Angeles for Total Divas. There are actually two weddings: the television version, and the other version, which takes place later.
There is a presale happening now for the 12/18 Roadblock PPV with the password of WWEPPV.
Former WWE writer Kevin Eck talks with The Miz.
WWE and Aaron’s have a partnership where WWE will send talent to some Aaron’s stores with drawings to attend a December PPV event. Talent will appear on 8/1 at a store in Atlanta, 8/29 at a store in Houston, 8/30 at a store in Dallas, 9/27 at a store in Cleveland and 11/28 at a store in Charlotte.
Bob Backlund appears today at a block party for the New Britain, CT, Bees at New Britain Stadium which starts at 4 p.m.
NXT striking coach Seth Petruzelli has been training at the Team Vision Dojo in Orlando to become a pro wrestler.
UFC / MMA
Lingerie Fighting Championships is interested in signing Ronda Rousey, should she decide to retire from UFC. I’m sure they are.
Vitor Belfort vs. Gegard Mousasi are reportedly close to signing to face each other at UFC 204 in Manchester. That’s a good middleweight fight to make underneath the Michael Bisping/Dan Henderson title rumoured to headline the card in case either falls out due to injury.
Islam Makhachev, who was pulled from his bout with Drew Dober less than 24 hours prior to UFC on FOX 19, tested positive for meldonium the USADA announced Wednesday. Despite the fact the substance is on the WADA banned list, Makhachev was found to be not at fault for ingesting it and will not receive a suspension.
Randy Brown (7-1), coming off his first career loss in April, will take on Erick Montano (7-3) at the UFC Hidalgo, TX show on September 17th.
MISCELLANEOUS
Jessie Godderz will be hosting Big Brother After Dark at 1 a.m. tonight on Pop TV.
A gallery of NCAA champions who went on to win Olympic gold medals, including Kurt Angle can be seen here. (thanks to Denis Gorman)
Jesse Ventura talks politics and pro wrestling. (thanks to Chris Cruise)
A Pokemon Go article quotes pro wrestling Hall of Famer Hiroshi Hase who is now a member of the Cabinet in Japan. That’s the real cabinet, not a pro wrestling gimmick cabinet. (thanks to Michael David)
Cody Rhodes on Twitter teased more appearances for ROH saying, “It’s probably not a one-time thing Bay Bay.” Rhodes has been wanting to work with Adam Cole, Bay Bay.
Brian Blair’s speech from last weekends Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame inductions can be seen here.
Blair also did an interview where he spoke about The Iron Sheik, saving Brutus Beefcakes’s life, and more that can be seen here.
Tully Blanchard, JJ Dillon and Magnum TA discuss Magnum’s career ending car accident.
WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco and Hannibal discuss incidents where they’ve had to use amateur wrestling in pro matches to protect themselves.
A story on independent wrestler and promoter Beau James is here.
East Coast referee Daryl Lankford, 42, who is battling cancer, has had a Go Fund Me campaign set up. He can also be reached at joelfan71@hotmail.com.
Sonjay Dutt has a seminar tomorrow in Omaha at 2 p.m. Cost is $40. For those interested, they can e-mail ProWrestlingPhoenix@hotmail.com. The promotion runs tomorrow night at the Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha headlined by Dutt vs. Hype Gotti.
Friday night at Auditorio Municipal in Tijuana is headlined by Psycho Clown vs. Pentagon Jr. vs. Pagano and El Texano Jr & La Parka vs. Mesias & Villano IV, plus Taya and Fabi Apache appear.
Smash Wrestling on Saturday night in Oshawa, ONT at the Music Hall. You have to be 19+ to attend.
Chase Owens vs. Damien Wayne has been added to the 8/6 NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling show at the Kingsport, TN Civic Auditorium, called Fire on the Mountain. The name of the show is the same as the one Jim Cornette used for one of the old Smoky Mountain big events of the year.
Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling on 8/13 in Vancouver, BC at the Russian Community Centre.
Viva La Lucha on 8/13 in San Diego at Montgomery High School with Rey Mysterio Jr. (returning to his old high school), John Morrison, TJ Perkins, Nicho (Original Psicosis), Teddy Hart, Willie Mack and more. Tickets are at LuchaShop.com.
All Star Wrestling on 8/26 in Cloverdale, BC at the Alice McKay Building featuring the semifinals and finals of their tag team tournament.
Innovative Hybird Wrestling on 8/27 in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia.
Steel City Pro Wrestling on 8/28 in Hamilton, ONT at 222 Queenston Rd.
FULL on 8/28 in Houston at the Arena Theater has Octagon & Tinieblas Jr. vs. Fuerza Guerrera & Pirata Morgan.
Absolute Intense Wrestling Blood sport on 9/9 in Cleveland at Our Lady of Mt Carmel with Dan Severn and Shayna Baszler appearing.
Revolution Pro Wrestling on 9/10 in Napa, CA at the Exposition will be headlined by Caristico.
Elks Wrestling is on 9/18 in Camp Hill, PA at 4 p.m. with talent from the Maven Bentley Association, CZW, On Point Wrestling, Classic Championship Wrestling, Atomic Championship Wrestling and more.
MCW Pro Wrestling on 9/24 at the MCW Arena in Joppa, MD has a 10 a.m. convention and 7:30 p.m live show. Appearing at the convention are Bill Apter, Bret Hart, Jimmy Hart, Howard Finkel, Honky Tonk Man, Hillbilly Jim, Greg Valentine, Jim Ross, Paul Orndorff, Koko B. Ware, Brutus Beefcake, Tito Santana, Jim Cornette, Jim Neidhart, Bob Orton Jr., Nikolai Volkoff, Dennis Stamp, Hornswoggle, Tammy Sytch, Fred Ottman and Magnum T.A.
Pure Wrestling alliance no 10/21 in Guelph, ONT at the Red Chevron Club.
Promociones Gutierrez at the LIFE Pavilion in Laredo, TX has a 40th anniversary tribute show to Rayo de Jalisco Jr. Rayo teams with Atlantis & Octagon against L.A. Park & Rush & Laredo Kid.
RESULTS: CHIKARA doubleheader from Saturday 7/23 in Toronto:
Afternoon show: Kobald b Evil Uno, Rick Riley & Saul Caprice & Big Deal b Getty Young & Justin Bachman & ?, Oleg the Usurper b Warren Barksdale, Icarus & Kodama & Mark Angelosetti & Obariyon b Heidi Lovelace & Princess Kimber Lee & Ashley Vox & Delmi Exo, Trent Seven & Tyler Bate b Scott Parker & Shane Matthews, Hermit Crab & Rock Lobster and Amasis & Ophidian, Drew Gulak b Dasher Hatfield.
Evening show: Missile Assault Man b Stephon Smith, Soldier Ant b Lucas Calhoun, Trent Seven & Tyler Bate b Hype Rockwell & Race Jaxon, Los Ice Creams won tag team title over Kodama & Obariyon, Rick Riley & Saul Caprice & Big Deal b Juan Francisco de Coronado & Praksh Sabar & Proletariat Boar of Moldova, Hallowicked b Fire Ant, Princess KimberLee b Shayne Hawke.
RESULTS: CHIKARA vs Smash on Sunday in Toronto: Big Tank b Cecil Nyx, Super Smash Brothers b Dasher Hatfield & Oleg the Usurper, Mike Rollins & Pepper Parks (Braxton Sutter in TNA) b Brent Banks & Scotty O’Shea, Princess Kimber Lee b Candice LaRae, Kevin Bennett won four-way over Juan Francisco de Coronado, Space Monkey and Tyson Dux, Matt Cross b Hallowicked, Fire Ant & Soldier Ant & Worker Ant b John Greed & Sebastian Suave & Tarik, Johnny Gargano b Icarus (thanks to Steven Ashe)
Bull James, formerly Bull Dempsey in NXT, is taking bookings through Bill Behrens at showbis@aol.com. Also taking bookings is Mark Crozner, who wrote Bray Wyatt’s theme song. Among other names available for bookings through Behrens are Eric Bischoff, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, Sean Waltman, Diamond Dallas Page, Rick Steiner, Jay Lethal, Christopher Daniels, Frankie Kazarian (Daniels & Kazarian can’t do wrestling matches in the U.S.), Drew Galloway, Al Snow, Tommy Dreamer, New Jack, Slim J, Jimmy Rave, Matt Sydal, Ricochet, Stevie Richards, Blue Meanie, Sam Shaw, Joey Ryan and many others.
In honor of Dave Meltzer’s recent induction into the George Tragos / Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, now available for a limited time, 9 issues of Dave Meltzer’s California Wrestling Report. Journey back over 40 years to read the early work of today’s most respected wrestling journalist. Your collections won’t be complete without these rare and hard to find editions. All 9 issues (Aug 26, ’72; Sept 9,’72; Sept 30, ’72; Oct 21, ’72; Nov 13, ’72; Dec 9, ’72; Jan 6, ’73; Feb ’73 & March ’73) totaling 130 pages in all, are available to readers for only $85 for Canada; $95 for USA; $120 for International. All payments must be in U.S. funds. (Due to the extreme age of the publications, there are 5 pages that do not reproduce that well)
After The California Wrestling Report Dave began to produce his newest project “International Wrestling Gazette”
Now available for a limited time, the first 5 issues of Dave Meltzer’s International Wrestling Gazette. Journey back almost 40 years to read the early work of today’s most respected wrestling journalist. Your collections won’t be complete without these rare and hard to find editions. All 5 issues (January, February, March, April & May 1974) total 141 pages in all, are available to readers for only $85 for Canada; $95 for USA; $120 for International . All payments must be in U.S. funds. (Due to the extreme age of the publications, there are a few pages that do not reproduce that well and I have reproduced the best I can from the copies I received)
Buy both the California Wrestling Report issues along with the International Wrestling Gazette together and receive a $10 discount off the combined price. Paypal payments can be made to grantsindex@nexicom.net
TODAY IN PRO WRESTLING HISTORY (7/28): Gagne vs. Thesz; Guerrero wins ECW TV Title
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