Inside WWE's 10-Q filing with the SEC on Friday are some additional notes on WWE's Second Quarter 2013 (April through June) business:
- WWE provided data that points to the PPV price increase for WrestleMania almost being a wash when looking at the entire Second Quarter financial picture.
The price of WrestleMania increased 9.0 percent domestically, leading to the average revenue per PPV buy for all events in the Second Quarter being $23.92, up 11.7 percent from $21.41 in Q2-2012.
WWE disclosed: "Revenue from the three events in the quarter declined 3.0 percent versus the prior year quarter as a combined 13.0 percent decline in buys was nearly offset by a 12.0 percent increase in the average revenue per buy."
- WWE's quarter-over-quarter increase in TV Rights Fees Revenue is broken down as:
$38.0 million domestically vs. $32.4 million in Q2-2012 and $14.2 million internationally vs. $13.1 million in Q2-2012.
- WWE's purchase of a new corporate jet was made official on June 16. The purchase price was confirmed at $27.0 million to replace the current jet. Adding in improvements and upgrades to the aircraft, the total cost will be $31-33 million.
WWE noted they will sell the current jet "after completion of the purchase of the new aircraft and subsequent refurbishment of both the purchased aircraft and our existing aircraft."
- Staff-related expenses for a potential WWE Network was $2.7 million in the Second Quarter. WWE disclosed: "The Company incurred higher talent development costs of $1.0 million, marketing expenses of $1.0 million, and higher professional fees of $0.7 million, primarily to support our content related initiatives, including the potential launch of a WWE network."
- WWE revealed the financial performance in the United Kingdom, which WWE described as their "largest international market."
In Second Quarter 2013 (which includes WWE's annual post-WrestleMania European Tour), WWE generated $11.825 million in the U.K., compared to $11.427 million in Q2-2012.
For the first six minutes of 2013, U.K. revenue was $19.528 million, down from $19.578 million in the first half of 2012. So, the result is essentially a wash.
- WWE followed up on their $5.0 million investment in Tout by noting they met certain metrics as part of their two-agreement. WWE reported: "During the six months ended June 30, 2013, we achieved the required performance metrics and recorded revenue of $439,000."
WWE subsequently doubled its investment in Tout. WWE was eligible to receive up to 11,250 shares of Tout common stock over the life of the agreement, then WWE increased its Tout investment to 22,500 shares.
- On May 30, WWE made an investment of $2.2 million in a "live event touring business." WWE did not detail who the company is. WWE disclosed: "Our investment does not provide the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee."
- WWE revealed their latest revenue from Film & Television Production Incentives, which comes from filming TV in various U.S. states that have a tax credit.
In Second Quarter 2013, WWE received $437,000 in tax credits (vs. $395,000 in Q2-2012). For the total first six months of 2013, WWE received $1.148 million (vs. $1.560 million in the first half of 2012).
August 2, 2013
WWE discloses more business items - WM29 price increase a wash?, TV Revenue, new corporate jet, Tout investment, Network costs, U.K. performance, investment in "live event touring business," tax credits, more
Graphic Novel to be Released on Andre the Giant
Mike Johnson is reporting that the comic-book company, Lion Forge Comics, will be releasing a graphic novel on WWE Hall of Famer Andre the Giant. The book will be written by Brandon Easton and will look at Andre's life and legacy. There is no release date yet for the book.
The Dead Man Cometh: WWE2K14 "Phenom Edition" to Feature Iconic WWE Superstar Undertaker
2K today announced that enigmatic WWE Superstar Undertaker® will be featured through the “Phenom Edition” of WWE® 2K14, the forthcoming release in the WWE flagship video game franchise. Available for the Xbox 360® games and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, while supplies last, the WWE 2K14 “Phenom Edition” is scheduled to include the following items:
• Exclusive tin coffin box;
• Exclusive collectible art card personally autographed by Undertaker;
• Exclusive Undertaker playable character: “American Badass”;
• Exclusive Undertaker-themed controller skin;
• “WWE Undertaker – The Streak”: Disc #1 (on Blu-Ray/DVD);
• Access to WWE 2K14 global pre-order offer: Ultimate Warrior playable character;
• Copy of WWE 2K14 video game.
“The Deadman. The Lord of Darkness. The American Badass. The Phenom. In every aspect of his career, Undertaker has commanded the admiration and respect of WWE fans and newcomers alike for more than two decades,” said Chris Snyder, Senior Director of Marketing at 2K. “His unequivocal legacy will be fully realized in the WWE 2K14 ‘Phenom Edition’ and is a must-have item for any collector.”
With captivating ring entrances and looming, omnipresent appeal, Undertaker is WWE’s longest-tenured current Superstar and holder of several WWE titles throughout his storied 20-year career. He is best known for his unrivaled winning streak at WrestleMania®, WWE’s biggest event of the year, where he boasts a 21-0 record. Whether he took on Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior early in his career, aligned in tag team competition with his brother Kane®, delivered career-defining matches against WWE Superstar Triple H® and WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels® or squared off against his most recent WrestleMania opponent CM Punk®, Undertaker is responsible for some of WWE’s most prolific and memorable moments.
Become Immortal – 2K’s lineup of premier sports simulation titles expands with the Company’s upcoming release in the renowned WWE video game franchise, WWE 2K14. Developed by Yukes for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system, WWE 2K14 is positioned to be the most electrifying, authentic and comprehensive WWE video game experience to date. WWE 2K14 is not yet rated by the ESRB. Fans who pre-order WWE 2K14 will receive Ultimate Warrior at no extra cost on launch day on October 29, 2013, in North America and November 1, 2013, internationally.
July 31, 2013
July 30, 2013
WWE, Gravity Jack Announce ‘SlamCam’ Mobile Augmented Reality Experience For IPhone And IPad
Gravity Jack, Inc. today announced the iOS release of ‘SlamCam’, an interactive sweepstakes and multimedia-filled mobile application commissioned by WWE for a test program in the Canadian market. Users of The SlamCam app can scan any of WWE’s ‘SlamCam infused’ marketing materials, like billboards, Facebook cover photos, and more, and instantly take part in a virtual scavenger hunt, gain access to exclusive WWE digital content and be entered in the WWE SlamCam sweepstakes. The SlamCam experience makes use of augmented reality technology that has revolutionized the way that both the in and out-of-home marketing and advertising industries approach both consumer engagement and the fan experience, alike.
“Consumers are living in an extremely digital world and are exposed to unprecedented levels of marketing everyday,” says Gravity Jack CEO, Luke Richey. “Augmented Reality breaks the mold and offers brands and consumers, alike, truly interactive, incredibly engaging experiences.”
“WWE is committed to providing our fans with the richest interactive experience in entertainment,” said Ed Wells, WWE SVP and Managing Director, International. ”The SlamCam augmented reality initiative is an exciting evolution in fan engagement, allowing our fans to unlock original content, participate in sweepstakes, and seamlessly continue on to the official WWE app to discover a virtually endless amount of up to the minute information about their favorite Superstars.”
Augmented reality and visual search are often used hand-in-hand and allow a computer device (like a smartphone, tablet or high-tech glasses) to scan a real-world scene, using the device’s camera. The device analyzes what it is seeing, constantly searching for recognized details, features or objects within the real-world field of view. When the device recognizes something within the scene (a logo, a building, a billboard, etc…), it instantly begins to stream relevant, digital content merged seamlessly into the user’s view. This content can range from streaming video, to 3D models of a product, or even hidden, touch-to-interact content and has resulted in unprecedented levels of engagement and consumer interaction. Gravity Jack, began creating this technology in 2009, with the mission of bringing this technology to the masses, while providing real ROI for brands and marketers.
“We don’t believe that brands who have worked for years to establish an identity should need to compromise that by using someone else’s platform or app,” says Ryan Darbonne, the company’s Director of Marketing. “We created an engaging technology, but then backed it with extensive analytics and ROI for brands like the WWE. Then, we packaged it up, so it can be added to any app, whether we created it or not. It’s an amazingly fun experience for the consumer, which translates to a massive increase in engagement and return for the brands. That is where the value is.”
July 29, 2013
WWE Series 'Total Divas' Gets Strong Start on E!
The cable network's latest unscripted series outpaces all premieres of the last year, while "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" nears a season high.
E! looks like it launched a solid Sunday partner for the Kardashians. WWE reality jaunt Total Divas opened to 1.3 million viewers last night, eclipsing every network opener in nearly a year.
The 10 p.m. broadcast of Total Divas took in 885,000 adults 18-49 and a 1.1 rating among households, making it the most watched premiere since Married to Jonas last August. This comes on the heels of lackluster launches for other Sunday fare such as What Would Ryan Lochte Do? and The Wanted Life.
Total Divas retained less than half of its lead-in from Keeping Up With the Kardashians, though the network flagship was near a season high with 2.8 million viewers. Keeping Up returned for its eighth season with 3 million viewers in June.
A midnight encore of Total Divas added another 700,000 viewers, 500,000 of them adults 18-49.
source: hollywoodreporter.com
July 28, 2013
July 27, 2013
Rumor Mill - WWE Inducting DX In The HOF With A Controversial Member Next Year?
It looks like DX as a group will be the 2014 WWE Hall of Fame headliners. They were going to go in this year until WWE worked out a deal with Bruno Sammartino.
The big news coming out of a possible DX induction is the return of Chyna to WWE TV. Word going around WWE is that she will be invited. Sources close to Chyna are also aware of a possible induction and there may have been some early communication between the two sides already.
WrestleMania 29: The World Television Premiere to Air on NBC Saturday, August 3 at 9/8C
WWE® and NBC are joining forces to bring WrestleMania to network television on Saturday, August 3 at 9/8C when WrestleMania 29: The World Television Premiere airs on NBC. For the fifth year in a row, this special will allow fans to relive moments from the greatest sports entertainment spectacle in history.
The one-hour broadcast will feature the highly anticipated re-match between box office mega-star, The Rock® and WWE Superstar John Cena® for the WWE Championship. WrestleMania 29: The World Television Premiere delivers this epic main event in its entirety for the first time on broadcast television.
On April 7, WWE’s record-breaking, annual pop-culture extravaganza grossed more than $72 million, as 80,676 fans from all 50 states and 34 countries converged on MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. WrestleMania 29 broke the record for MetLife Stadium’s highest grossing entertainment event. The event was broadcast around the world on pay-per-view in more than 100 countries and 20 languages.
Next year's WrestleMania 30 takes place on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. Ticket information will be announced later this year.
July 26, 2013
Scott Hall Comments on the MSG Curtain Call Incident
"I had already given my notice, I gave 90 days written notice to Vince (McMahon) that I didn't want my contact to run over. I didn't say I was leaving, more on the line of lets talk about new terms and then later Kevin Nash gave his, Kev left a week after me. I figured I'm leaving anyway but I'm still wrestling in the semi main event every night, Kev is in the main event.
"It was Diesel and Shawn in the main event and I was wrestling Triple H because Goldust was injured, so they moved Triple H up to that slot, he was brand new to the company and was still kind of doing that rich boy thing and we saw he was a really talented guy and we liked him straight away. We snapped him up really quick because we needed a designated driver.
"As far as the infamous curtain call it wasn't planned, I had my match with hunter and it was one of the best matches I had in my career. Pat Patterson was the booker at the time and he pulled me and Hunter aside, gave us some ideas and we followed them and the match was great. There was an intermission when they set up the cage for Kev and Shawn's match and Vince told me to meet him in his office in Madison Square Garden and when I was in there talking to him Shawn came strolling in and said after the match he wanted Hunter and myself to come out, and Vince went along with it.
"We had permission, it wasn't some kind of outlaw renegade move to hurt the company, which is what everybody seems to say. For me, I felt the responsibility to go out there and say good bye to the fans at MSG, and thank you for supporting me all of these years. That is the last time the four of us have ever been together at one time."
WWE’s Divas Ready to Face Reality
New series on E! pulls back curtain on WWE as the company looks to grow fan base around its female wrestlers.
WWE’s roster of female wrestlers, known as the Divas, haven’t been much in the spotlight lately — their match at this year’s “WrestleMania” was even canceled at the last minute. But the company is looking to change that with “Total Divas,” a new reality show that premieres Sunday on E!.
Series explores life beyond the ring for seven Divas as they compete for ring time, attend events and deal with a grueling travel schedule while juggling their personal lives. Show is the first time WWE has allowed cameras backstage to show its athletes out of character and not playing their on-screen personas.
Produced by WWE and Bunim-Murray Prods (MTV’s “The Real World”), “Total Divas” will revolve around the Bella Twins, Brie (Brianna Garcia-Colace) and Nikki (Nicole Garcia-Colace); Naomi (Trinity McCray) and Cameron (Ariane Nicole Andrew), better known as the Funkadactyls; Natalya (Natalie Katherine Neidhart), a third-generation wrestler with the WWE; and newcomers Eva Marie (Natalie Eva Marie Nelson) and Jo-Jo Offerman...More?
source: variety.com
WWE Hall of Fame Beckons for Warrior
WRESTLING experts predict the Ultimate Warrior will finally enter the WWE Hall of Fame next year.
The beloved former WWE world champion has long been at odds with company owner Vince McMahon.
But the man with the colourful face paint and personality to match completed an unlikely virtual comeback last week by signing as a character in the new WWE 2K14 console game.
Since then, Warrior has featured heavily on the WWE’s website and even recorded a new interview in which he PRAISED McMahon.
He is yet, however, to appear back inside a WWE ring.
It is now thought the Warrior will follow other former out-of-favour grapplers Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund — who entered the Hall of Fame this year — by headlining the 2014 induction event.
The 54-year-old is fondly remembered by WWE fans for his WrestleMania VI defeat of Hulk Hogan, as well as classic feuds with Rick Rude and Randy Savage.
Multiple fallings-outs with McMahon led to a stop-start WWE career, which finally ended in 1996.
After a failed run in WCW in 1998, Warrior became a writer and motivational speaker — returning to the ring just once a decade later for an independent event in Spain.
Having been welcomed back into the WWE fold by McMahon on Twitter, Warrior replied: “Vince, thank you for your personal welcome back to the WWE Universe. It is noted and appreciated.
“All the Warriors of Parts Unknown take pride in being one of the original galaxies of the universe you created.
“Not one of my days has passed without a flashback to my time in the business and my relationship with you.
“After 17 years of battling one another, perhaps the stars have finally aligned and destiny is prepared to tell one of sports entertainment’s greatest stories.
“I am proud Ultimate Warrior is an iconic, immortal spirit in the universe you created. I know, Vince McMahon, you are proud, too.”
source: the sun
Jake the Snake: WWE star seeks comeback with Kickstarter movie
Troubled former WWE star Jake "the Snake" Roberts wants a new role, one that doesn't involve him flinging a cobra at opponents.
Starting in the 1980s, Roberts, 58, was a star of the WWE (then known as the World Wrestling Federation), known for his dark persona and large store of live snakes. But he has in more recent years struggled with a substance-abuse problem.
Now he's aiming for a comeback in "Heavy Water," a low-budget sci-fi movie by Andrew Donoho that is trying to raise money through a Kickstarter campaign.
Roberts plays Jed, the leader of a band of misfits who gather around a mysterious psychiatric facility.
"With a bit of molding, Jake's experience as a professional wrestler translated into strong performances and brought a powerful presence to his character," the Kickstarter pitch says. "His ability to improvise, take direction, and become the character shines through in his depiction of Jed."
Not sure what that "bit of molding" might entail, but "Heavy Water," which the filmmakers say has already completed shooting and is being edited, has a long way to go financially. As of Friday afternoon, the film had raised less than one-fifth of its $25,000 goal.
Meanwhile, Roberts is telling fans he's beating his addictions. “254 days coke free. 33 with out a drink!” he recently tweeted.
source: latimes.com
July 25, 2013
New York Orders Madison Square Garden To Move
Madison Square Garden, the most famous Arena in the world and for much of the WWF/WWE's history, their most important venue, was officially informed today that their lease to operate on their current location has been officially limited to the next decade.
The New York Council voted 47-1 yesterday to limit the lease as they want the venue to move to another location in order to expand and modernize Penn Station, the train station that sits underneath the property.
MSG, owned by Cablevision, is in the midst of a self-financed renovation that has cost nearly one billion dollars.
The venue has hosted more WWF/WWE title changes than any other venue as well as three Wrestlemanias, the first Summerslam, the first Elimination Chamber bout and many, many other important moments in WWE history.
The story has turned into a major story in the NYC area.
The current version of MSG opened in 1968. It is the fifth location for the Arena since the original opened in 1879.
source: pwinsider.com
Former Wrestler Fatally Stabs Woman in Tampa
A former professional wrestler will be charged with murder after he allegedly stabbed a woman Wednesday night at a Tampa apartment complex, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.
Brian McGee, 29, fled the apartment complex after the stabbing, which occurred at around 8:30 p.m., the sheriff's office said. The apartment complex is located at 8451 Del Lago Circle, Tampa.
When deputies arrived they discovered the female victim had been stabbed multiple times. She died at the scene as a result of her injuries. Her identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, deputies said.
McGhee's vehicle was spotted in Tampa and a pursuit involving Hillsborough deputies, the Florida Highway Patrol and Tampa Police Department ended at Interstate 75 and County Line Road in Pasco County where the suspect's vehicle crashed.
McGee was transported to St.Joseph's Hospital in Tampa for treatment. When he is released, he will be charged with first-degree murder, deputies said.
About 30 minutes after the stabbing was reported, McGee updated the profile picture on his Facebook page of a cut arm with a bloody wound. Friends and family left messages for him to contact them and to do the right thing.
McGee wrestled under the names Donovan Ruddick and D.T. Porter. He also used the nickname "The Future." He started his wrestling career in 2006, according to a pro wrestling web site.
In 2009, Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked McGee 476 out of 500 best single wrestlers. At one time, he was signed by the World Wrestling Entertainment, but in 2012 his contract with WWE ended, according to his Facebook page.
According to his Facebook page, McGhee was in the U.S. Navy from 2002 to 2004.
source: tampa tribune
In May of 2012, wrestlinginc.com reported on a strange Facebook post on McGhee's account:
WWE developmental talent Brian McGhee, who appears as DT Porter for Florida Championship Wrestling, denied posting a message on Facebook crying for help due to alleged mistreatment from camp officials. He claimed on the account that it was hacked.
The hacker's statement reads: "Guys, I don't know how much longer I can handle this. Every day is a constant struggle to keep my sanity. I love wrestling and it's all I ever wanted to do. Already going crazy since I've been for like ten months now, but it gets worse. Every day a trainer goes out of his way to rib or disrespect me in front of the boys because I've been out so long. I can't clear myself. I wanna wrestle more than anything, but I don't even know who I am anymore. It's so f--king hard. I just feel it just building inside of me and I don't know how much longer I can contain it. I have daydreams of just f--king everyone up on some real s--t. I'm not a kid. I'm a f--king man. But what do you do when the people in charge of helping you get to the main roster are the ones making your life the hardest. I've been drinking almost every day. It's to the point to where I keep Vodka and Gin in my trunk. Help me!"
July 24, 2013
Update on Kassius Ohno
There has been a lot of speculation regarding the status of Kassius Ohno and whether or not he’s on his way out of WWE before getting called up from developmental. The rampant rumors and doubts about his status have “only added to his frustration” about not getting called up. We are able to confirm that due to frustration, his attitude has been pessimistic and weight training sessions have not been a priority to him.
Ohno’s physique has never been his strong suit but there have been times he’s been pulled aside and asked to focus more on weight training. These type of suggestions usually end up offending him.
Kassius has been on the short list to get called up to the main roster several times but every time he’s been “tested with his attitude and commitment,” he’s failed the test. The stability of TNA Wrestling, the word going around in NXT is that it may not be the option it once was for workers that do not make it in developmental.
source: wnw premium news
July 23, 2013
Things Get Heated Backstage At Raw With Triple H & Top WWE Stars Over Blown Spot Involving Ryback, More
Brad Maddox’s lines in the opening segment of this week’s show were once again a worked shoot play on Vince McMahon’s former mindset on Daniel Bryan.
Triple H called the CM Punk/Paul Heyman segment some of the best promo work in many years. The program is being built with the “big fight feel,” something both Vince McMahon and Heyman love. Hunter is really high up on the realism and feels it shows a side of Punk’s character that hasn’t been seen WWE television. One observer pointed you would have to go back to Punk’s program with Raven in Ring of Honor to know that he really had it in him. While both Vince and Hunter feel Punk plays a better heel in the ring, they are “very happy” with this current direction and feel it’s a completely different kind of babyface.
Daniel Bryan’s match against Antonio Cesaro was being called a second “Match of the Year” candidate in just as many weeks. Triple H greeted Antonio Cesaro as soon as he got backstage and CM Punk and others gave him an ovation. Many workers were spotted watching the bout on the monitor backstage.
Their was criticism from Daniel Bryan beating Ryback by count out. As “poor as poor booking can get,” is how one key observer described it. After the show Vince McMahon went to Bryan and told him that sometimes it’s “good to be wrong.”
WWE officials were furious over the Brie Bella nipple slip on last night's RAW. The apology that she tweeted out was ordered by management. While not shown on television, Nikki Bella came out to the ring on crutches for the Miz TV segment on this week’s Monday Night Raw.
Triple H “blew a gasket” on Ryback for his botched spot at the end of the match with Daniel Bryan where he was supposed to protect Bryan and catch him then put him through a table. It was seen as “careless and reckless” that Ryback just let Bryan bump to the outside and didn’t know how to improvise after completely botching it. According to a source backstage, Hunter got in Ryback’s face and was screaming “carelessness” at him. Bryan is expected to get x-rays on his collar bone on Tuesday but isn’t believed to be hurt as he worked the dark match main event following the taping. However, it’s worth noting this continues to hurt the stock of Ryback. Not only was Hunter upset with the spot but CM Punk and John Cena were vocal about it as well. Cena is someone that rarely calls out others, so when he does, people listen.
source: wnw premium news
July 22, 2013
Ring of Honor Two-Day Tryout Camp Details
Ring of Honor will hold a two-day tryout camp and seminar on August 31 and September 1 at the ROH wrestling dojo in Bristol, Pa. Delirious, Kevin Kelly, Truth Martini, Michael Bennett, Bob Evans, Todd Sinclair, and Maria Kanellis will be among the ROH personnel on hand. For more details, visit ROHWrestling.com
The two day camp is open to any pro wrestler with at least one year experience, and there is a $300 registration fee. The deadline to register is August 30.
