WWE announced today the WrestleMania 26 PPV held in March generated $45.1 million in "economic impact" to the Phoenix/Glendale, Arizona market.
The PPV event, which featured Shawn Michaels's retirement match, created over $45 million of "direct, indirect, and induced impact" from non-locals specifically visiting the area for WrestleMania, according to WWE's news release.
This year's study conducted by Enigma Research Corporation concluded that WrestleMania Week created 510 full-time jobs in the area and 63 percent of fans were from outside of Phoenix.
Also, the study concluded that 58 percent of fans were between the ages of 40 and 40. Moving lower down the scale, the study concluded 23 percent of fans were between the ages of 5 and 19.
The following is a break down of the last three years, which is indicative of the recent downturn in WWE's business along with softness in the U.S. and global economies:
WM24 in Orlando: $51.5 million economic impact
WM25 in Houston: $50.0 million economic impact
WM26 in Phoenix: $45.1 million economic impact
source: pwtorch.com
November 4, 2010
WWE Announces Economic Impact of WrestleMania XXVI
Rumor Mill - Plans for Several Top WWE RAW Stars
WWE's creative team has discussed holding a Sheamus vs. Wade Barrett program at some point in 2011.
The Nexus spokesman is said to be "super over" with key personnel in the organization and has consequently overtaken the position held by Sheamus earlier this year. They also feel he has surpassed the "Celtic Warrior" in garnering heat from the audience.
Also on tap for Barrett is the climax of his feud with John Cena early next year, and a subsequent WrestleMania program with The Undertaker—providing the SmackDown star is healthy.
Barrett and Sheamus, as well Cena and Randy Orton, are considered the focal points of RAW going forward, until Triple H returns and joins the main event mix. Sheamus' current program with John Morrison is considered a placeholder feud until the "King of Kings" returns to action.
source: wrestling observer newsletter
Update on The Undertaker
F4WOnline.com is reporting that The Undertaker is set to undergo shoulder surgery this week for a torn rotator cuff.
Jim Cornette Stands Up for WWE
Jim Cornette returns to Who's Slamming Who this week and Stands Up For WWE! This is one edition of Cornette's Commentary you do NOT want to miss. Jim talks about what he would do to help "Stand Up For WWE" on his segment this week. Anyone that is a fan of Jim Cornette, this is one episode you can't miss! Classic Cornette! This segment was recorded on Election Day, so Cornette holds NOTHING back.
You can listen to the show at WhosSlammingWho.podomatic.com
WWE Reports 2010 Third Quarter Results
>br>“In the third quarter, our results reflected the Company’s continued focus on optimizing business results in a difficult environment,” stated Vince McMahon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We generated earnings growth despite a decline in revenue across many of our businesses. We believe our ongoing talent transition and the sluggish economy were important factors in these declines. Based on our history of developing talent and creating content with broad appeal, we are confident we can address these creative challenges. Further, by taking advantage of our strategic opportunities, we can achieve meaningful growth.”...More?
WWE Chief Operating Officer Donna Goldsmith read a prepared statement at today's investor conference call where it was noted that the transition in talent had an affect on the company's latest financial results.
Explaining the company's soft business, Goldsmith noted Shawn Michaels and Batista retiring following WrestleMania, The Undertaker and CM Punk missing time with injuries, and that Chris Jericho was "temporarily out of the ring."
Goldsmith said the company is focused on developing new stars, specifically naming Wade Barrett, Alberto Del Rio and The Nexus.
In regards to WWE Studios projects, she noted their productions set for 2011 will have smaller budgets compared to before.
This Day in Wrestling History
Greg Valentine defeated Wahoo McDaniel for the NWA U.S. Heavyweight title.
November 4, 1982
The infamous "gun confrontation" between Steve Austin and Brian Pillman occurs on a live WWF(E) RAW show.
November 4, 1996
November 3, 2010
Senator-Elect Blumenthal Sets his Priorities - Use of Steroids in the Wrestling Industry
State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said Wednesday that one of the issues he will focus on as a newly elected United States Senator will be the use of steroids in the wrestling industry.
At a brief press conference at the Hartford Hilton, Blumenthal said, "One issue that I clearly saw as important (in the campaign) is the potential dangers of steroids, the real dangers of steroids and the long-term health consequences of steroid use. And that will be a focus of mine as a United States senator."
"I won't say beyond that what I would do about any of the other issues of the campaign that related to the way that my opponent ran her business or treated the people who worked for her, but I think that the campaign clearly involved a contrast in our respective records."...More?
source: theday.com
Mr. Anderson Reveals Chair Shots to the Head Banned in TNA
Over the past few years, we are learning more about the dangers of hard shots to the head. Concussions have become a major issue in the NFL with the league taking strict measures to enforce its rules and also putting in place a battery of tests before some can return to action following a concussion.
Now, TNA Wrestling is taking at least big step to help prevent concussions and head injuries by banning unprotected chair shots to the head.
"TNA has absolutely thrown down the gauntlet and said no more unprotected chair shots," stated TNA star Mr. Anderson on the "Between The Ropes" radio show. "And every time there is a chair involved in the ring, the agents will come up and say please make sure for me that you are not going to ... that you're going to put your hand up. Please tell me you're going to put your hand up or it's going to be a back shot or something like that."
It's a measure that needed to be put in place considering the danger involved in cracking someone over the head with a steel chair. Too many people have had their livelihood threatened or changed for the worse by taking these shots. It's outdated and totally unnecessary in the wrestling business now...More?
source: fanhouse.com
Steve Austin Says He Will Return to Raw Next Month
During an appearance on the Howard stern radio show on Wednesday, WWE Hall of Famer "Stone Cold" Steve Austin stated he would return as a guest star on WWE Monday Night Raw on December 27 in Albany, NY. Prowrestling.net added that Austin is scheduled to be involved in at least one segment with Stern Whack Pack member Jeff the Drunk.
source: wrestleview.com
Exit Poll Data From Linda McMahon's Senate Run
Based on exit-poll data, Connecticut voters felt 40% to 11% that Linda McMahon's relationship with WWE made them less likely to vote for her. Almost 70% of voters said they believe she "unfairly attacked" her opponent Richard Blumenthal.
Male voters supported Blumenthal 52% to 45% while female voters also supported Blumenthal, 60% to 39%. Linda won with white male voters, 50% to 48%. Blumenthal won with white female voters, 56% to 43%.
The only age demographic that Linda won with was voters over the age of 65 years old, with 52% to 46%. Linda failed to reach the younger and middle-aged voters.
What's Next for Linda McMahon?
Linda McMahon says she will not be returning to her old post as the CEO of WWE following her U.S. Senate defeat in Connecticut on Tuesday.
McMahon, who was replaced by Vince McMahon
as WWE CEO, has told reporters that she would consider running for Senate again in a future election.
In the interim, she plans to "work with" with new government officials in Connecticut. She hinted at that during her concession speech last night when she vowed to work with Richard Blumenthal, who defeated her for the Senate seat.
McMahon was also asked if she would change anything about her campaign. She reportedly she "would not have run the campaign any differently."
source: pwtorch.com
