Wrestling Random Thought 2

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Filthy_Rich

My fit cost a rack
Oct 22, 2003
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www.officialxraided.com
Just subscribed yesterday since a six month subscription is less than ordering WM30 on Comcast. Pretty dope. I'm watching on Apple TV so not sure if I'm seeing all the features but it's definitely worth it if you plan to buy at least two PPV events a year. Only thing is the resolution varies based on the connectin. Most of the show was HD for me yesterday but it dropped in parts. Typical Wifi shit though.
 

Rasan

Producer
May 17, 2002
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Chula Vista, South Bay, San Diego, California
WWE Network off to strong start - latimes.com


By Joe Flint

April 7, 2014, 12:16 p.m.

Vince McMahon is on the way to pinning down online video.

WWE's new online network has signed up about 667,287 subscribers and is projected to hit 1 million by the end of the year, which the company said was the magic number for the service to be break even.

Launched 42 days ago on Feb. 24, the WWE Network costs subscribers $9.99 a month. Content includes access to all of WWE's pay-per-view events including Sunday's "Wrestlemania" event. There is also a library of vintage WWE programs available. Subscribers must make a six-month commitment.

Much of the entertainment industry is watching the WWE Network to determine the viability of online networks. WWE had initially planned to launch a traditional cable channel and then toyed with a pay-TV channel model similar to HBO.

But Chief Executive McMahon decided instead to embrace an over-the-top Internet model.

"Our fans are early adopters of new technologies," McMahon said in January. WWE's chief revenue and marketing officer, Michelle Wilson, said offering an Internet-delivered service will also give the company "control of our destiny."

Not all of WWE's cable partners were thrilled with the launch of the WWE Network. There are concerns that the more people sign up for the network, the fewer people will pay cable and satellite operators for WWE pay-per-view events.

Some even threatened not to carry "Wrestlemania," but none followed through on that, according to a WWE spokesman.

Separately, WWE still has not announced new TV deals for its popular shows "Raw" and "Smackdown," which currently can be seen on NBCUniversal's USA and Syfy, respectively. WWE is shopping the shows to other networks and has said it plans to have contracts in place either at the end of April or in May.

PHOTOS: Celebrities by The Times

Cable channels that have kicked the tires of "Raw" and "Smackdown" include FX Networks, parent of FX, FXX and AMC. However, WWE is said to be seeking a big increase in rights fees and that is proving a challenge for suitors.

There is also a chance that the shows won't move. NBCUniversal has limited matching rights for both shows.

The challenge for potential buyers is that although WWE fare gets big ratings, there isn't much of a trickle-down effect. Also, though WWE has softened its content to appease advertisers, it still does not always command a commercial rate commensurate with the size of its audience.
 
Feb 9, 2006
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Went and got that free week subscription of the WWE Network. Been watching hella old stuff that last 2 days. Haha its pretty cool. Been watching all the old Summerslams and Royal Rumbles. Watching the old Money In The Banks and watching all the old ECW ppvs. Makes me pissed cuz I see how good shit used to be haha.

Really glad WWE is giving you a free week to check it out. Shits dope
 

Cheaptimes

C'mon now...
Jan 3, 2005
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www.twitter.com
Former WWE champ nabs suspected burglar in Arizona
Reuters


PHOENIX (Reuters) - A hapless burglar in Arizona learned a hard lesson when he broke into the Phoenix home of former World Wrestling Entertainment heavyweight champion Daniel Bryan, police said on Friday.

Bryan, 33, was returning home with his wife late on Thursday when he saw two suspects running out of a rear door, authorities said. The ex-professional grappler gave chase and was able to catch 22-year-old Cesar Sosa.

Sergeant Tommy Thompson, a spokesman for the Phoenix Police Department, said a struggle ensued and that Bryan, whose real name is Bryan Danielson, was able to detain the suspect until police officers could take him into custody.

It was not immediately clear which of his trademark wrestling moves and holds the former WWE champion employed. The second suspect managed to get away, Thompson said.

Sosa was booked into jail on suspicion of one count of burglary. He also had an outstanding felony warrant for kidnapping and burglary.

Danielson, at 5 feet 10 inches and 210 pounds, has held several other titles in addition to the WWE heavyweight belt. He is originally from Aberdeen, Washington.

(Reporting by David Schwartz; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Sandra Maler)
 

Rasan

Producer
May 17, 2002
19,730
24,632
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Chula Vista, South Bay, San Diego, California
WWE Network Hits 700K Subscriber Mark in 5 Months

WWE Network Hits 700K Subscriber Mark in 5 Months - ABC News


Home> Sports
WWE Network Hits 700K Subscriber Mark in 5 Months
Jul 31, 2014, 1:27 PM ET
By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer
Associated Press

WWE is set to make its deep vault of classic matches on its video-streamed network available around the globe.

WWE has hit 700,000 subscribers since the company home to Hulk Hogan, Brock Lesnar and John Cena launched the WWE Network in February, an increase of just 33,000 since the company revealed its initial total in April.

The sports entertainment giant had hoped to reach 1 million subscribers by the end of the year. WWE could still hit that target by next year, with international network expansion coming Aug. 12 in more than 170 countries and territories, including Hong Kong, Mexico, Spain, and Russia.

But WWE lost $14.5 million in the second quarter and will lay off seven percent of the company's staff.

WWE announced Thursday a new 10-year partnership with Rogers Communications in Canada that will launch the WWE Network as a traditional pay-TV channel in Rogers' cable systems, also starting Aug. 12.

"WWE's core business metrics remain strong, and WWE Network continues to be the single greatest opportunity to transform WWE's business model," said Vince McMahon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Additionally, we identified efficiencies that will improve our 2015 OIBDA outlook by $30 million. Based on these initiatives, we are optimistic about our potential to drive long-term growth."

So much hinges on the health of the network.

George Barrios, WWE's chief strategy and financial officer, said before the network launch about 1 million subscribers would allow the network to break even. Barrios had said WWE could have between 2 million and 4 million global subscribers.

Barrios told The Associated Press this week the network should still hit those numbers, though he had not laid out a timetable for reaching that mark.

"We've done a lot of research that makes us excited about the ability to get to that place," he said. "Then it's going to be a ground game every day."

Barrios said if the WWE could average 1.5 million subscribers in 2015, the company, with headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, would expect a profit of $100 to $120 million.

The expansion should help and more tag-team partners are on the way. The network is prepared to eventually air live in Britain, Italy, United Arab Emirates, Germany and Japan. The WWE Network is expected to air live in Britain by October.

WWE is still a hit every Monday night with its flagship show, "Raw," and posts solid ratings for Friday night's "Smackdown."

The July 28 "Raw" averaged 4.317 million viewers and last week's averaged 4.43 million — so the fan base is there for the WWE to think big when it comes to network numbers.

But, much like the bad guy who needs time to turn good, some viewers are still hooked on the traditional PPV outlet, even at $50-$60 a month with no additional content.

"It takes time for people to hear about it, so part of it is awareness," Barrios said. "Part of it is people getting comfortable with it being something they want to shift to. The pay-per-views were a behavior we trained for 30 years and people don't change overnight. It's time and awareness."

WWE said 91 percent of subscribers access the network at least once per week and use 2.5 devices to consume network content. WWE said 90 percent of subscribers are satisfied with WWE Network, with 51 percent extremely satisfied and 39 percent somewhat satisfied.

Those fans will soon face a change in how they pay their bill to have 24-hour access to The Rock and Daniel Bryan. The network launched set at $9.99 per month with a six-month commitment. The company will introduce new payment plans in August, including a $19.99 monthly plan (with no commitment) and an upfront one-time payment option for its existing $9.99 per month offering (with six month commitment).

WWE will add a resume play feature for video content in the next few months.

WWE is making a strong network push centered around its loaded Aug. 17 SummerSlam card in Los Angeles. The show boasts the best on-paper main event of the year with company stalwart Cena defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against former UFC star Lesnar. Also, Stephanie McMahon will face Brie Bella in one of the other marquee matches.