Wrestlenomics Radio

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/

**Topics:** * Wrestlemania attendance: what WWE announces versus paid attendance * WWE TV viewership demographics: Rousey arrival coincidences with disproportionate decline in female viewership * WWE Co-President George Barrios’ response to questions on WWE popularity * WWE proxy statement discloses top executive salaries, update on shares of company ownership **Links:** Website: [wrestlenomics.com](http://wrestlenomics.com) Twitter: [twitter.com/wrestlenomics](http://twitter.com/wrestlenomics) Instagram: [instagram.com/wrestlenomics](http://instagram.com/wrestlenomics) Facebook: [facebook.com/wrestlenomics](http://facebook.com/wrestlenomics) YouTube: [youtube.com/channel/UCD_WfonwdEwz91hcv3Mhsog](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD_WfonwdEwz91hcv3Mhsog) Reddit: [reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/](http://reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/) Brandon's Twitter: [twitter.com/brandonthurston](http://twitter.com/brandonthurston) Brandon's Instagram: [instagram.com/farmer_thurston](http://instagra

YouTube version: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNWnq5G01r4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNWnq5G01r4) This week's topics: * WWE Other media alegbra : including estimates on revenue related to Greatest Royal Rumble, reality TV series, Mixed Match Challenge, Crown Jewel, Super Showdown * WWE Co-President Barrios asked about new company, competition  * AEW Double or Nothing sells out * Kenny Omega officially joins roster * AEW President Tony Khan on talent hirings * Undertaker at Starrcast II * NJPW Google web search Brandon's WWE Other media spreadsheet: [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1PJQJbTkBQLUdrptA8Ml4wyZ-l2Go9HPeeOBOW0pSmwo/](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1PJQJbTkBQLUdrptA8Ml4wyZ-l2Go9HPeeOBOW0pSmwo/)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/bran

Brandon Thurston discusses WWE's full year 2018 and Q4 earnings report that was released Thursday. YouTube version: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTbg0l37Q-I](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTbg0l37Q-I) **“In other words, we know what we’re doing,” McMahon said of record revenue and profit numbers.** **"We have the best wrestling, the best wrestlers in the world," Barrios said, responding to a question that seemed to allude to the launch of All Elite Wrestling.** * WWE records record revenue and profits * Hints about Crown Jewel money * Vince McMahon comments on Ronda Rousey, star power, declining attendance and viewership * George Barrios defends Live Events business * WWE Network news: subscriber update, no more post-Mania update * Merchandise sales down * UK TV deal update * NXT event business Brandon's Fightful article on WWE earnings report: [https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/wwe-q4-full-year-report-record-finances-vince-mcmahon-ronda-rousey-declining-

For the last time for the foreseeable future together, Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Thurston (@brandonthurston) talk wrestling business. Mookie discusses his new job as Vice President of Business Strategy for All Elite Wrestling, as well as his visit to Japan for Wrestle Kingdom and other shows. Brandon talks about a serious car accident involving his wrestling students. You can order the Wrestlenomics mug mentioned on this show by emailing wrestlenomics@gmail.com or DM on Twitter @BrandonThurston or @wrestlenomics. Mugs are $20 for shipment in the US, $17 if you were a Patreon subscriber. $25 for shipment in the UK. See the mug at [tinyurl.com/wrestlenomicsmug](tinyurl.com/wrestlenomicsmug) Accident recovery fund for the "Buffalo Brothers" is at: [https://www.gofundme.com/buffalo-brothers-car-accident-recovery-fund](https://www.gofundme.com/buffalo-brothers-car-accident-recovery-fund) Thanks for listening.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donation

Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Howard Thurston (@brandonthurston) go over the biggest moments in wrestling business from 2014 to 2018\. Led by the launch of the WWE Network, the five-year period was one of the most interesting and revolutionary periods in wrestling history. Show notes:  [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bhrmjTIgCNscHm5dj-A7IET8SGcL_Sqf47oiGeDVwAg/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bhrmjTIgCNscHm5dj-A7IET8SGcL_Sqf47oiGeDVwAg/edit?usp=sharing) ------------------------------ Check out discussion of pro-wrestling business data and legal news at https://www.reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/ ------------------------------ Email questions and comments to wrestlenomics@gmail.com.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://r

Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Howard Thurston (@brandonthurston) talk these topics: * Mookie's WWE most matches study 2018 * Impact moving from Pop to Pursuit * News about WWE TV deals in New Zealand and Japan, no news about UK deal * Biggest stories of the year in wrestling * There's never been a better time to be a pro wrestler * NJPW sells out New Beginning USA shows * New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on wrestling Show notes: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CuIRpRraYRrlL56ksrLK3fHPeq07ERN1UDZb4b7uLBM/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CuIRpRraYRrlL56ksrLK3fHPeq07ERN1UDZb4b7uLBM/edit?usp=sharing) -------------------------------------------------- Check out discussion of pro-wrestling business data and legal news at https://www.reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/ -------------------------------------------------- Email questions and comments to wrestlenomics@gmail.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donationsAdverti

Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Howard Thurston (@brandonthurston) talk these topics: * WWE viewership new lows: breakdown of viewership and demographics for Raw and Smackdown, female audience continues to decline * Eric Bischoff's TED talk comparing media, politics and pro wrestling  Show notes: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WYREECMsJ80xc8Nr_gYCyJnVkHD6CwFD6C0fY9jk-xE/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WYREECMsJ80xc8Nr_gYCyJnVkHD6CwFD6C0fY9jk-xE/edit?usp=sharing) --------------------------------------------- Check out discussion of pro-wrestling business data and legal news at [https://www.reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/](https://www.reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/) -------------------------------------------- Email questions and comments to wrestlenomics@gmail.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio2532/

**This week's episode is brought to you by [Simple Contacts](simplecontacts.com/we). The contact lens prices are unbeatable, the vision test is only $20 and shipping is free. Best of all, our listeners  get $20 off their first Simple Contacts. Go to [simplecontacts.com/we](simplecontacts.com/we) or use the promo code WE.** ----------------------------------------------- Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Howard Thurston (@brandonthurston) talk about these topics: * New WWE board of directors * Vince McMahon sells $22 million in WWE stock * WWE Co-President George Barrios talks at UBS conference * WWE trademarks * Mookie's scholarly paper round-up * Mookie goes to NXT show * Scholarly wrestling articles  Show notes: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e-0odBoLFcdN9cEOM--EGDQvmOoLADyYOOiYT5ybAgI/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e-0odBoLFcdN9cEOM--EGDQvmOoLADyYOOiYT5ybAgI/edit?usp=sharing) ------------------------------------- Check out discussion of p

Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Howard Thurston (@brandonthurston) talk about these topics * WWE stock continues to recover * Ring of Honor signs PCO, Brody King * WWE decides not to run NXT Takeover head-to-head with ROH/NJPW MSG show * Changes to WWE NXT UK deals * New legal filings * XFL cities * Scholarly wrestling articles Show notes: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RF_pkkcBjd5ysGdNGkazNhlwnNXaBlsruHowZcib9jk/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RF_pkkcBjd5ysGdNGkazNhlwnNXaBlsruHowZcib9jk/edit?usp=sharing) ------------------------------------ Check out discussion of pro-wrestling business data and legal news at https://www.reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/  ------------------------------------ Email questions and comments to wrestlenomics@gmail.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio2532/donations

Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Howard Thurston (@brandonthurston) talk about the wider pro wrestling landscape in light of the news of trademarks taken out by All Elite Wrestling. --------------------------------------- On this week's premium show, Chris & Brandon discuss: * WrestleMania weekend events * Mookie going to Japan! ------------------------------------------ Check out discussion of pro-wrestling business data and legal news at [https://www.reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/](https://www.reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/) ------------------------------------------------ Email questions and comments to wrestlenomics@gmail.com.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

Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Howard Thurston (@brandonthurston) talk about WM35 ticket sales (actuals vs exaggerations) and go in-depth reviewing a top WWE's executives vision of modern developmental: * WWE WrestleMania 35 ticket sales open: exclusive details on stadium capacity, predictions on gate and average ticket price * Triple H NXT conference call: talent development, NXT UK brand, international Performance Centers, NXT/PC's financial value * * * Chris and Brandon talk about additional topics every week on WRESTLENOMICS PREMIUM. Sign-up for $5 at [patreon.com/wrestlenomics](patreon.com/wrestlenomics) and listen to this week's premium episode. On this week's premium show, Chris & Brandon discuss: * "Why Pro Wrestling"   * Mookie's Legal Update (Appeals, the "gun post" explained) * UFC gets a better PPV cut! * * * Check out discussion of pro-wrestling business data and legal news at [https://www.reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/](https://w

Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Howard Thurston (@brandonthurston) talk about two interviews with with executives from the two biggest wrestling promotions in the world: * WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon's interview at the Web Summit * NJPW CEO Harold Meij's interview with Uproxx * * * Chris and Brandon talk about additional topics every week on WRESTLENOMICS PREMIUM. Sign-up for $5 at [patreon.com/wrestlenomics](patreon.com/wrestlenomics) and listen to this week's premium episode. * Ring of Honor mentioned on Sinclair earnings conference call * MLW sets attendance record * Tetsuya Naito says he turned down WWE offer * Jericho cruise * End of WWE Raw overrun * Decision-making with WWE Network analytics * WWE stock movement * WWE job listings * Legal update: Kyros, Dale Gagne(r) and more * * * Check out discussion of pro-wrestling business data and legal news at [https://www.reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/](https://www.reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/) * *

Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Howard Thurston (@brandonthurston) talk about the news coming out of WWE Crown Jewel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ----------------------------------- Chris and Brandon talk about additional topics every week on WRESTLENOMICS PREMIUM. Sign-up for $5 at [patreon.com/wrestlenomics](patreon.com/wrestlenomics) and listen to this week's premium episode. * Legal update including Konstatine Kyros' new video on the WWE concussion lawsuit  * New trademark filings, including one for John Cena's 6th move of doom  * NJPW Power Struggle business  * Comparing WWE ticket prices to inflation  * Impact viewership down after change to new timeslot  ------------------------------------- Check out discussion of pro-wrestling business data and legal news at [https://www.reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/](https://www.reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/) -------------------------------------- Email questions and comments to wrestlenomics@gmail.com.Support this pod

Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Howard Thurston (@brandonthurston) the week in pro wrestling business news: * WWE Evolution ticket sales * WWE Crown Jewel, Ronda Rousey comments  * WWE's stock falls following Q3 report  * "Re-imagining" WWE live events  * Are customers paying less for WWE Network subscriptions?  * NXT attendance  * Roman Reigns taking a leave of absence from WWE to fight leukemia  * NJPW GIF policy  * WWE vs. Kyros legal update  --------------------------------------- Chris and Brandon talk about additional topics every week on WRESTLENOMICS PREMIUM. Sign-up for $5 at [patreon.com/wrestlenomics](patreon.com/wrestlenomics) and listen to this week's premium episode. This week's Wrestlenomics Premium went in-depth reviewing and analyzing WWE's Q3 earnings report. The show is available in both video and audio-only versions! --------------------------------------- Email questions and comments to wrestlenomics@gma

Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Howard Thurston (@brandonthurston) are joined by Wrestling Observer Live co-host Mike Sempervive (@Sempervive) to discuss the latest news on WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia, including a background of the geo-politics involved. * * * Chris and Brandon talk about additional topics on WRESTLENOMICS PREMIUM. Sign-up for $5 at [patreon.com/wrestlenomics](patreon.com/wrestlenomics) and listen to this week's premium episode. This week's Wrestlenomics Premium topics: * Hierarchy of WWE influence: Who drives WWE decision-making and to what extent? * Beer sponsors in pro-wrestling * Lawsuit involving Charlotte & Ric Flair * Quick preview of WWE Q3 report, happening this Thursday The Wrestlenomics team will have a special episode, following Thursday's WWE Q3 report, analyzing all the related news, available exclusively to subscribers at [patreon.com/wrestlenomics](patreon.com/wrestlenomics)! * * * Email questions and comments to wrestlenomics@gmai

Chris Harrington (@mookieghana) and Brandon Howard Thurston (@brandonthurston) discuss news of WWE coming under criticism for its business deal with the Saudi government. With WWE Crown Jewel scheduled for November 2 in Riyadh, the wrestling company says it's "monitoring" the situation surrounding allegations that the Saudi government orchestrated the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Brandon wrote an article on the topic for The Daily Beast here: [https://www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-wwe-buddies-are-deeply-in-bed-with-saudi-regime](https://www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-wwe-buddies-are-deeply-in-bed-with-saudi-regime) * * * Chris and Brandon talk about additional topics on WRESTLENOMICS PREMIUM. Sign-up for $5 at [patreon.com/wrestlenomics](patreon.com/wrestlenomics) and listen to this week's premium episode. This week's Wrestlenomics Premium topics: * WWE Q3 Google Trends * Reports of NJPW morale * Article on WWE $60 * List of Most Important Off-Screen WWE Personnel *