Wrestlenomics Radio

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston are here to discuss the WWE and TNA multi-year partnership and what each side has to gain. Rich Fann from PWTorch.com will stop by to discuss the WWE and TNA alliance, the benefits and liabilities of this news, the potential value on both sides and lots more.Plus: Netflix holds its earning call and comments on WWE’s viewership, an update regarding DR. Carlon Colker, Nick Khan speaks in Las Vegas, AEW Grand Slam Australia & Dynasty, and whether WWE has a ‘Hulk Hogan Problem’ this weekend. VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/qCuZFt8GkacMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRMerch: https://store.postwrestling.comTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/Patreon: https://patreon.

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss all the latest filings in the Janel Grant case and Vince McMahon’s SEC settlement.Plus: Netflix releases its first set of viewership figures for WWE Raw, TKO & Saudi Arabia poised to launch a boxing promotion, SmackDown viewership trends in the three-hour format, and the UFC’s media rights are up in the air. They also chat about Thurston’s latest opinion piece in the Wrestlenomics Report RELATED:Netflix Global Viewership dataJanel Grant’s team requests additional timeVince McMahon’s team files oppositionTKO nearing potential launch of boxing league with Saudi ArabiaMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRMerch: https://store.postwrestling.comTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestlenomics.c

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston are back to discuss the SEC’s announcement that Vince McMahon will pay a fine and reimburse WWE over regulatory violations.On Friday, the SEC announced that the former WWE chairman will pay a fine and reimburse WWE for his failure to disclose two agreements signed in 2019 and 2022.Pollock & Thurston discuss the fallout from this news, Vince McMahon’s on-the-record statement, and what happens next. Plus, a breakdown of the viewership data for the WWE Raw premiere on Netflix.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/cRA8mcevu70RELATED:Vince McMahon fined $400,000 by SEC, ordered to reimburse WWE for $1.3 millionSEC announcement Netflix announces WWE Raw premiere averaged 2.6 million householdsMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRMerch: https://store.postwrestling.comTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/You

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston react to WWE's launch on Netflix and the fallout from the show at the Intuit Dome.They chat about the presentation on Netflix, the reaction to the show, and the coverage it received.Plus: An update on all the latest news involving the Janel Grant case, SmackDown to move back to two hours, WWE’s involvement with Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer and the audience rejecting of Hogan, John Cena’s schedule for 2025, Royal Rumble 2026 going to Saudi Arabia, the start of the AEW on Max era, and Dana White joins the Meta board of directors.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/hvSz10jxkn0Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRMerch: https://store.postwrestling.comTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestlingBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comWrestlenomicsSubscribe: https://wrestle

The full written version of the new weekly newsletter: https://wrestlenomics.com/newsletter/2024/wrestlenomics-report-3-hour-smackdown-all-in-texas-lee-fitting-aew-international-rights-netflix/Housekeeping: What is this?Smackdown moves to 3 hours in JanuaryEarly All In Texas estimate of tickets distributedNetflix NFL games average about 24 million viewers, no major issuesAEW international rights: ITV renews UK, Sky in Italy expires, new Canada dealWWE moves to Netflix in India in AprilWWE, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis re-file motions to compel arbitration, as expectedOpinion: What Lee Fitting’s hiring says about the new WWE and Nick KhanMusic: "Two of Us" by SaidbysedClips from Nick Khan's January 2023 interview with Bill Simmons: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nba-no-mans-land-bradys-bleak-future-and-a-sit-down/id1043699613?i=1000595139416Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio2532/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy &

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss the Lee Fitting story in the New York Times and Saturday Night’s Main Event ratings.Katie Strang and Andrew Marchand have a major story covering Lee Fitting’s departure from ESPN last year amid misconduct allegations. John & Brandon chat about the story, what is alleged, and WWE’s decision to hire Fitting.Plus: WWE returned to NBC with Saturday Night’s Main Event and the ratings are out (including streaming numbers), Tony Khan speaks before ROH Final Battle, WWE’s holiday tour attendance numbers & more.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/VudIZKxFC64RELATED:Lee Fitting was ESPN’s ‘golden boy’ — then his alleged misconduct ‘finally caught up to him’WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event ratings 1985-2008 Saturday Night's Main Event TV ratingsTony Khan ROH Final Battle 2024 media call notesMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.c

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston review Mark Shapiro’s comments at the UBS conference on TKO’s upcoming year, including its launch on Netflix.The TKO president and COO spoke about WWE’s move to the top streaming platform in the world, the potential of more two-night premium live events, site fees, and TKO’s interest in boxing. Plus: The latest on the investigation into Vince McMahon and the status of the “stay”, additional details emerge regarding the issues between CM Punk and Ryan Nemeth in AEW, AEW All In Texas begins its promotional push, and Dana White is finally asked to speak about the status of Conor McGregor.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/m4MtUFTsTG4RELATED:AEW All In TexasMark Shapiro speaks at UBS ConferenceDetails on CM Punk - Ryan Nemeth issues (Fightful)Dana White comments on Conor McGregor’s statusMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: http

The latest on pro wrestling business, with Brandon Thurston.Latest Dynamite ratings and other AEW ratings and attendance trendsWWE ratings and attendance trendsSaturday Night's Main Event ratings from 2006 to 2008. How NBC performs lately in that time slot.Your questions======

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston chat about WWE and Netflix’s media day and what viewers can expect in January when Raw moves platforms.Plus: WWE is attempting to place the ring boy lawsuit on hold until a Supreme Court ruling, WWE sets another arena record for Survivor Series in Canada, Eric Bischoff criticizes AEW, Saturday Night’s Main Event returns to NBC this month, and a two-month check-up on NXT since its move to CW. VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/EO20zWuaIn8RELATED:Netflix, WWE Execs Preview ‘RAW’ Streaming Move, Address Tyson-Paul Fight GlitchesWWE & Netflix Executives Talk 2025 ‘Raw’ Roll OutWWE seeks to have ring boy lawsuit put on holdWWE Survivor Series press conference notesAEW Dynamite ratings on Thanksgiving Eve The Story of Ted Turner and Professional Wrestling Music courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRM

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss the fallout for Conor McGregor after the conclusion of the civil case where a jury found him liable for sexual assault.We welcome lawyer Jason Cruz from MMA Payout to discuss the decision, the fallout for McGregor’s business endeavors, and his future in fighting.Plus: AEW is moving its Grand Slam event to a smaller arena in Brisbane in February, Ricky Starks pulled from GCW events, the latest on Wesley Eisold’s suit over the ‘American Nightmare’ trademark & a change in the Southern District of New York.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/FSYpl1pH5_8RELATED:Conor McGregor found liable for sexual assaultVideo game developer ends relationship with Conor McGregorOwners of Proper No. 12 remove Conor McGregor from its marketingAEW Grand Slam Australia is moved to a smaller venueRicky Starks pulled from upcoming GCW appearancesWWE, Fanatics' attorneys argue Cody Rhodes’ neck tattoo is part of his likenessMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSub

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss Linda McMahon’s role in Trump’s administration, Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson & AEW’s third-quarter performance.The President-elect has chosen Linda McMahon to lead the Education Department with many questioning this latest cabinet choice.Netflix staged one of its biggest events ever this past Friday, the boxing match from AT&T Stadium, but the broadcast was hardly flawless. Plus: AEW’s Q3 performance, WWE confirms its location for Raw on Jan. 6, AEW rolls out dates for December & 2025 including three nights at the Hammerstein Ballroom, a massive Republican presence at UFC 309 in New York City and Pollock & Thurston react to the WON Hall of Fame Class of 2024.RELATED:Wrestling scandals shadow the rise of Linda McMahonNetflix Stock Rises Again As Tyson-Paul Fight Sets Streaming RecordAEW Q3 2024 Key Performance Indicators: TV ratings, attendance, PPV buysAri Emanuel discusses WWE’s move to NetflixAEW announces events at Hammerstein BallroomNovember 18, 2024

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston cover the latest including Linda McMahon’s role in Trump’s cabinet, WWE’s cuts, Tyson vs. Paul on Netflix & more.Pollock and Thurston chat about Linda McMahon’s rumored appointment to Trump’s cabinet as its head of commerce, Dr. Carlon Colker issues another filing and Ann Callis responds, WWE makes a handful of talent cuts, and Netflix presents Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul this Friday at AT&T Stadium.Plus: Toronto will host Elimination Chamber, NXT goes on the road again, a discussion on UFC and WWE’s alternative pay-per-view models, and the surge in sign-ups for Blue Sky could see a shift in wrestling-based social activity. VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/pr882vQHKpUMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRMerch: https://store.postwrestling.comTwitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwre

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston go through TKO’s Q3 earnings report, a breakdown of the Crown Jewel show, and chat about the WON Hall of Fame.Pollock and Thurston discuss the details from Wednesday’s Q3 earnings and call with analysts, the key takeaways from the report, and a follow-up interview Mark Shapiro did on CNBC. Our guest is U.K. journalist Robert Jackman, who attended the WWE events in Saudi Arabia this past weekend and provides an in-person report on WWE’s popularity in the country, fans who travel to the shows, and its relationship with the General Entertainment Authority.  Plus, What does a Trump administration mean for Vince McMahon? And, we go through the candidates for the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Hall of Fame.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/7q9RuizIuuERELATED:TKO Reports $57.7M Net Income for Q3: WWE and UFC FinancialsMark Shapiro on UFC media rights, McMahon, gambling and moreLinda McMahon contributed more than $10 million to help elect Donald Trump in 2024Music courtesy: “P

On the first Sunday of each month, Wrestlenomics Radio is free for everyone. Wrestlenomics Radio is available every week exclusively for subscribers at patreon.com/wrestlenomics.======The latest on pro wrestling business, with Brandon Thurston.WWE, AEW popularity (attendance & TV ratings) monthly updateBloodline story continues to pop quarter-hours, YouTube highlightsWrestlemania ticket prices over timeUpdate on WWE/TKO ownershipMerchandise rankings estimatesYour questions:How would you assess NXT ratings on CW so far?NXT vs. Dynamite head-to-head this WednesdayDo you worry that covering controversial topics will hurt Wrestlenomics?How much money could an ROH on TruTV deal reasonably be worth?How would TKO price tickets if demand declined?======

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston provide a breakdown of the WWE ID program, which was announced this week. They discuss the details the company has shared along with additional information and many questions this initiative brings up. Mark Pollesel, promoter of C*4 Wrestling in Ottawa, Ontario, joins us to share his reaction to WWE ID program and the response he received on Tuesday after outlining those issues on X. Plus: A report suggests Vince McMahon is looking to resume his career, WrestleMania 41 tickets create an uproar, TKO’s stock responds to acquisition announcement, and WWE returns to Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel and Raw.RELATED:WWE launches indie wrestling development programVince McMahon preparing to launch entertainment companyMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” by Ben TramerPOST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRMerch: https://store.postwrestling.comTwitter/Faceboo

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston are joined by Greg Gutzler and Lee Cole to discuss the lawsuit filed by five ex-WWF ring boys against Vince & Linda McMahon and TKO.This is a detailed look at the 82-page complaint, the allegations by five John Does who worked for the WWF throughout the 1980s, and what they accuse the WWF of knowing. Greg Gutzler, partner at DeCello Levitt, is representing the five ex-ring boys and speaks about the development of this case, the process leading to Wednesday’s filing, and the horrific details outlined.Lee Cole, the older brother of the late Tom Cole, joins us to share his feelings on this lawsuit being filed, carrying out his brother’s wishes, and he was caught up in the middle of this story during the early ‘90s through his brother.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/vMzH2xvRjK0RELATED:Vince and Linda McMahon Named in New ‘Ring Boy’ Sex Abuse Lawsuit Against WWEFormer WWF ring boys allege horrific abuse by ring announcer Mel Philips in new lawsuit Music courtesy: “Pani

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss the long ties between the UFC and Donald TrumpJournalist Karim Zidan of Sports Politika returns to chat about his new audio series In the Red Corner detailing Trump’s history with the promotion and how it has served the Republican strategy to cater to its audience.Plus: Preliminary approval is granted by Judge Richard Boulware, Rolling Stone speaks with six ex-WWE writers, Piers Morgan presents a trainwreck involving Vince Russo and Phil Mushnick, NXT books the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia with an immediate sellout, and all the latest TV ratings. RELATED:Inside the WWE Writers Room, ‘A Kingdom Ruled by Fear’Piers Morgan Uncensored Judge issues preliminary approval for $375 million settlement in Cung Le caseMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” Ben Tramer”POST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhRMerch: https://store.postwrestling.comTwitter/Face

NOTE: Sorry for the poor quality of Brandon's audio. I had tech issues just as we were going live -BrandonJohn Pollock and Brandon Thurston chat about the latest filing by Janel Grant’s team and look back at the career of the late Joe Koff. This past week, Grant’s team filed a memorandum opposing Dr. Carlon Colker & the Peak Wellness clinic’s attempt to dismiss their bill of discovery as Grant continues to seek her past medical records.Former ROH COO Joe Koff passed away this week and we welcome former ROH staff member Jordan Goodman to share his thoughts on working with Koff, the popularity of the promotion, running at Madison Square Garden, and how Koff will be remembered in the industry. VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/live/6RQkTvaDS7oRELATED:John Pollock’s obit on Joe KoffJanel Grant representatives speak with media after new filing in case against doctor associated with Vince McMahon Defendants in Kevin Kelly & Tates’ case argue improper venue, seek arbitration clauses to be enforcedMu

John Pollock and Brandon Thurston are joined by Janel Grant’s spokesperson Kendra Barkoff Lamy to speak about their request for WWE to waive NDAs. Then, Pollock & Thurston will speak with independent wrestler Logan Knight about yesterday’s meeting of the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, in which officials declined to change their rule that prevents transgender wrestlers from participating in matches.Plus: Note on the AEW ownership structure, site fee figure for SummerSlam 2025 in New Jersey, TV ratings from the past week & more.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/LzukZ2V5enERELATED:Janel Grant’s representation asking for NDAs to be waived in sex trafficking lawsuit against Vince McMahon, WWE & John LaurinaitisWrestling commission grapples with gender rules, decides to defer to state legislatureMusic courtesy: “Panic Beat” Ben Tramer”POST WrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://discord.

On the first Sunday of each month, Wrestlenomics Radio is free for everyone. Wrestlenomics Radio is available every week exclusively for subscribers at patreon.com/wrestlenomics.AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery announced a renewal of Dynamite and Collision for TBS and TNT in a deal that will also broadcast the program live in homes without cable through the Max streaming service.VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/live/rzwRVLeybycThe latest news in pro wrestling business, with Brandon Thurston. -AEW and WBD announce media deal renewal-NXT debuts on CW, with the network's highest P18-49 of 2024-State of AEW, WWE TV ratings, attendance as Q3 ends-What WBD & AEW announced, what we still don't know-Why household reach is an important focus of the dealYour questions, including:-The future of TV ratings reporting-Overruns' effect on TV ratings-Will AEW become profitable?-If Smackdown goes to 3 hours, why didn't NBCU just renew Raw?======Music credit: “Sports FM” by Shane Ivers: https://www.silv