Hulk Hogan made an appearance on "The LAW" radio show where he discussed a problem he is setting with Spike TV not being available in enough homes in his opinion, which is why TNA seems to struggle with getting its TV audience to buy PPV.
"A lot of it has to do with awareness and the fact that we can get to the people. If I go into my hotel room in Chicago there are certain cable networks that are on like USA Network - there is no Spike TV. I mean a lot of it depends on who you can get to and who you can reach there is a lot more than 'the fans aren't buying it' there is more to the equation and that's a very shallow statement and that's not a fact. The people that see it are buying it, there just aren't enough people seeing it. That's what it is - it's creating awareness, a marketing plan we have to work with Spike TV and boost them up the ladder. I don't know how many cable networks there are in the States if it's 25 or 35 but in the paper it shows you who the top ten are so if we can get Spike up to that number one position the whole equation would change on how many people are buying it and change the equation and someone wouldn't say 'no one is buying it' well the people that are seeing it are buying it so it's creating that awareness to make people more aware that the product is there and that they can get it and when they walk into a hotel in Brantford that Spike is available."
On a side note, as of January 2011, Spike TV was available in 99.5 million homes - or 85.8% of the country. In comparison, USA Network is available in 99.95 million homes - or 86.2% of the country.
source: john pollock, the law
May 16, 2011
Hulk Hogan Says TNA's Problem Is Spike TV Awareness
J.R. Comments on TNA's Billboard in Stamford, CT
Jim Ross offered his thoughts on TNA occupying billboard space in Stamford, Conn., where WWE is headquartered, for their new marketing campaign.
"Thoughts? A complete waste of money unless obscure mentions such as this one is what TNA is looking for. Silly expenditure of money IMO. One would think that organization would have bigger and more important fish to fry. However, what TNA does isn't any of my business or concern but the question was asked and has now been addressed. I would guess that many WWE, Stamford based employees learned of TNA for the first time via the local billboards."
WWE CFO Discusses TV Network Plans, "Project Evergreen," B+ Storylines, Triple H's Formal Role & UFC as Competition
WWE CFO George Barrios covered several WWE business topics during a presentation Monday at the J.P. Morgan Global Technology Conference. The following are highlights of Barrios's comments.
Barrios discussed throughout the 35-minute presentation the importance of WWE's forthcoming TV Network, which he described as a "potential game-changer" for WWE. Barrios said the current plan is to roll out a formal TV Network in some form within the next 12-18 months after the groundwork is taken care of internally.
Barrios said one aspect is ready - digitizing their video library - which they are calling "Project Evergreen." Barrios noted WWE is taking some of their $4-5 million capital expenditure investment to develop new filmed content for the Network. The other aspect is continued discussions with potential TV partners to establish the look & feel of a Network.
"I've said publicly if we're successful to the degree I think we can be successful, it's a game-changer for the company," Barrios said at the end of the conference.
Barrios gave a formal description of Triple H's new role in the talent department. He essentially broke down Hunter's role as a liaison between new talent and TV production trying to bridge the gap as a "talent coordinator and developer."
"Hunter's role is going to be focusing on the creation of characters within that (talent relations) department," Barrios said. "Who better to teach than someone who has done it himself?"...More?
source: pwtorch.com
Lack of Updates
MVP Wins New Japan Pro Wrestling IWGP Intercontinental Championship
Former WWE United States Champion MVP became the first ever IWGP Intercontinental Champion by defeating Toru Yano in the tournament final of New Japan Pro Wrestling's "Attack the East Coast" Tour. Montel Vontavius Porter completed the three-day tournament that played out during NJPW's American tour. Click here for photos.
This Day in Wrestling History
Andy Kaufman dies of kidney failure due to large cell carcinoma in Los Angeles, California. Kaufman is best known in the wrestling world for his 1982 match with Jerry Lawler at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, Tennessee, and subsequent expletive-laden appearance with Lawler on the Late Show with David Letterman.
May 16, 1984
May 15, 2011
WWE Draws Near $1 Million Gate in Mexico City
WWE's May 13th Raw brand event in Mexico City, Mexico drew almost 20,000 fans for a live gate around $1 million.
This Day in Wrestling History
Happy Birthday to Ron Simmons
May 15, 1958
The Sheik defeats Bobo Brazil for the Detroit NWA United States Heavyweight Title in Detroit, Michigan, ending and beginning both men's ninth reigns.
May 15, 1976
The WWF(E) debuted at the Houston Coliseum forthe first time. The venue was a long-time stronghold of promoter Paul Boesh, who did commentary for the event. Ted DiBiase, who had just signed for the Million Dollar Man role, made his first appearance in seven years for the WWF(E) here, cutting an in-ring promo announcing he was now part of the company. The One Man Gang came out for his match and a physical issue was teased, since DiBiase had been a babyface in the market and hadn't yet been introduced as the persona he's known worldwide for these days.
May 15, 1987
WWF(E) broadcast Raw as part of a three episode TV Taping in Binghamton, NY. The taping featured Hunter Hearst Helmsley, the future Triple H, in his Raw debut. Hunter Hearst Helmsley pinned John Chrystal at 3:10 with a standing Diamond Cutter.
May 15, 1995
Shawn Michaels resigned as WWF(E) Commissioner and Ric Flair defeated Jeff Jarrett for the WCW Heavyweight title and his 15th Heavyweight title reign.
May 15, 2000
partial source: pwinsider.com
May 14, 2011
WWE Top 25 Most Impactful Women
#5: STEPHANIE MCMAHON
From T-shirt model in early WWE Shop catalogs to savvy WWE executive, Stephanie McMahon's passion for power has taken her a very long way. The daughter of the WWE Chairman, she may've been christened "Billion Dollar Princess" but the former Women's Champion is just as bold and enterprising as her dad. Steph's betrothal to Triple H birthed the infamous McMahon-Helmsley Era, while the Invasion she pioneered in 2001 nearly drove her father out of business. But familial strife aside, none can disagree that daddy's little girl has grown up to become one of the most influential women of the squared circle.
Full List
Supporting Female Wrestling Melissa Anderson's Passion
Melissa Anderson has been out of the TNA spotlight for more than a year now, but that doesn't mean that she hasn't been busy. In fact, she might be among the most-traveled female indy workers out there, having fought across the continent over the past year, and a return trip to Japan pending.
And with 10 years under her belt, she is one of the veterans out on the circuit, able to share her life lessons on everything from growing up a second-generation wrestler to how to best perform when the camera lights are on...More?
source: slam wrestling
