Wrestlenomics

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_thurston

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VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6-x-33dXtY

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Notes document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EnXLg8XNl-fRaa-LntJn9S2zi92LjeRHHByiU1SR-kE/edit?usp=sharing

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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

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations

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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.stamfordadvocate.com/business/article/As-WrestleMania-returns-Stamford-based-WWE-booms-13742639.php

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations

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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/1IuWQ8mhhN5Tp38IobdQgjciGqrqfnEDaGP4fUw8KCcw/edit#gid=283150825 

It Wasn’t Just Khashoggi: A Saudi Prince’s Brutal Drive to Crush Dissent

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/17/world/middleeast/khashoggi-crown-prince-saudi.html

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations

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**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://instagram.com/farmer_thurston)

**References:**

Wrestlemania announced attendance vs. paid attendance [https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston/status/1107020602941075461 ](https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston/status/1107020602941075461)

Ranges for paid Wrestlemania attendance based on round numbers in KPIs

[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IuWQ8mhhN5Tp38IobdQgjciGqrqfnEDaGP4fUw8KCcw/edit#gid=283150825](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IuWQ8mhhN5Tp38IobdQgjciGqrqfnEDaGP4fUw8KCcw/edit#gid=283150825)

WWE Co-President George Barrios at Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference (2/26/2019)

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-i2bgLTjZw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-i2bgLTjZw)

WWE Popularity Assessment [https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/state-current-wwe-popularity ](https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/state-current-wwe-popularity)

George Barrios’ Defense Of WWE's Declining Popularity Metrics [https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/george-barrios-talks-about-wwe-s-current-popularity ](https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/george-barrios-talks-about-wwe-s-current-popularity)

WWE earnings call audio [https://www.earningscast.com/WWE/20170504 ](https://www.earningscast.com/WWE/20170504)

Roman Reigns on off-season

[https://talksport.com/sport/wwe/507655/exclusive-roman-reigns-interview-talks-dean-ambrose-and-the-usos-possibly-leaving-wwe-and-pours-his-heart-out-on-fan-support-during-leukemia-battle/](https://talksport.com/sport/wwe/507655/exclusive-roman-reigns-interview-talks-dean-ambrose-and-the-usos-possibly-leaving-wwe-and-pours-his-heart-out-on-fan-support-during-leukemia-battle/)

WWE TV viewership demographics [https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston/status/1105523295934398465 ](https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston/status/1105523295934398465)

WGRZ news segment on “The Destroyer” Dick Beyer [https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/wrestling-legend-the-destroyer-passes-away/71-d72c3df6-d39c-4702-8ef8-08e7fcc72687 ](https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/wrestling-legend-the-destroyer-passes-away/71-d72c3df6-d39c-4702-8ef8-08e7fcc72687)

WWE proxy statement 2018

[https://otp.tools.investis.com/clients/us/wwe/SEC/sec-show.aspx?FilingId=13277449&Cik=0001091907&Type=PDF&hasPdf=1](https://otp.tools.investis.com/clients/us/wwe/SEC/sec-show.aspx?FilingId=13277449&Cik=0001091907&Type=PDF&hasPdf=1)

WWE ownership and voting power:

[https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston/status/1103382534057005058](https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston/status/1103382534057005058)

Mustafa Ali segment on Splinter News

[https://twitter.com/splinter_news/status/1105800680135118848](https://twitter.com/splinter_news/status/1105800680135118848)

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations

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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/donations

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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-viewership-and](https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/wwe-q4-full-year-report-record-finances-vince-mcmahon-ronda-rousey-declining-viewership-and)

WWE Popularity Assessment article: [https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/state-current-wwe-popularity](https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/wwe-q4-full-year-report-record-finances-vince-mcmahon-ronda-rousey-declining-viewership-and)

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations

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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 [email protected] 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.

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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)

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Check out discussion of pro-wrestling business data and legal news at https://www.reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/

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Email questions and comments to [email protected].

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations

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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)

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Check out discussion of pro-wrestling business data and legal news at https://www.reddit.com/r/wrestlenomics/

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Email questions and comments to [email protected].

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy