Connect with us

Opinion

Professional Wrestling: It’s A Business!!

Published

on

WWE Vince McMahon Business

My piece last week got a lot of people riled up, so I felt the need to expand one of the points I made, that Roman Reigns is in the spot he’s in because what he does for the WWE’s bottom line.  Some people disputed the notion that he brings in that much, and some conceded that point but didn’t care and expressed that the best worker should be your number one guy.  And that second dispute somehow got expanded into saying that they shouldn’t care about the money and just worry about wrestling.  All of those things lead me to think that a lot of people just don’t understand how the business works, either today or throughout history.  And I don’t want to be that guy but sometimes you just have to be because logic is being denied and defied all around you.  So here we go….

Yes, Roman Reigns is one of the top moneymakers in the company.  Dave Meltzer occasionally reports what he hears from the WWE people as far as merchandise sales, and has said repeatedly that Roman and AJ are the top two full time guys for merchandise sales (John Cena is still the number one guy in the whole company).  Either you believe Meltzer or you don’t, I guess.  But if you trust him on star ratings and backstage rumors but question him on merch sales, you’re telling on yourselves.  Other than merch sales go check the YouTube video view numbers every week.  Considering that run of the mill YouTube show makers with a few hundred subscribers can make money from their shows imagine what a company that has over 29 million YouTube subscribers and has videos topping a million views every week is making.  Roman Reigns routinely gets over a million views on his show segments and gets more than anyone other than Ronda Rousey and occasionally Braun Strowman.  That translates into money, boys and girls, plain and simple.  No getting around that.

Now as far as putting your best worker in your top spot……..yeeaahhhhh.  If your top worker is Ric Flair that’s fine.  But if it’s somebody who isn’t bringing in as much money as some other people on your roster that’s a bad idea.  And by top guy that doesn’t mean world champion, just the guy who’s in most of your main events and big matches.  At the height of his popularity during the Attitude Era Stone Cold Steve Austin was never the best worker in the WWF.  Neither was the Rock. Hulk Hogan was never the best wrestler either in the WWF/E or WCW.  Even back in the territory days guys like Dusty Rhodes and Junkyard Dog were the biggest names despite not being the best worker in the place.  Heck, Bruno Sammartino was not the worker that Lou Thesz and Verne Gagne were either, but he was the biggest draw in the country.  On the flip side Verne Gagne the promoter decided that Nick Bockwinkel was a better option to headline in the AWA instead of Hogan….how’d that work out?  I sincerely doubt that WCW would have overtaken the WWF when it did if they ran with Dean Malenko instead of the NWO.  And lastly, when the WWF did go with the best workers in Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels they fell behind in the Monday Night Wars.

But why care about the money, what about the WRESTLING?  It’s a business.

Without the money there is no wrestling for us to watch.

Unless your company is owned by a TV network like Sinclair or fronted by a billionaire with endless cash to burn like Ted Turner then you have to maximize your revenues and profits.  You have to maximize TV ratings so that you get the most lucrative TV deals you can.  So to do that you have to feature people who sell merchandise, get clicks on your YouTube channel to get you more ad money, and sell more tickets.  New Japan isn’t booking Chris Jericho and putting a belt on him just because he’s good in the ring.  His presence draws the attention of people who don’t care about New Japan Pro Wrestling, or people who don’t watch wrestling but listen to his band Fozzy. Even your local indie companies have to book people with some name recognition to get people to come in who might otherwise pass on their shows.  They’re not doing Make a Wish stuff for people who only want to see great in ring workers, they’re running a business.  And the hard truth of the wrestling business is that workrate doesn’t sell anywhere as much as you might think.   Here’s how I know:

Ring of Honor is on free television every week,  Truly free, not even basic cable.  They don’t just have jobber matches either, they have title matches and title changes.  On free TV.  You don’t have to spend a dime to see all their best wrestlers in real, important matches.  And if you can’t swing their pay per view prices or their subscription service fee most of their archival stuff that’s worth seeing can be found on YouTube.  Do you look any of it up?  They tour all over the US, and their tickets are cheaper than WWE shows.  Have you been to a show?  Do you even check to see if they’re coming to your town?  I’m willing to be your answer to most if not all of those questions is no.  Why?  Because look at the crowds at ROH shows.  I went to Best in the World in June; the building was half full and yet that was such a success for them that they’re doing another Pay Per View there in October.  And that’s in one of the easiest places to get to in the country.  Ring of Honor built it but not only are most of you not coming you’re not checking to see if it’s there even though it’s the cheapest and easiest one to get into.  So no, you don’t really care about workrate that much.  You care the most about stars, characters, and people that get your attention at the surface level.  Which is fine!  Just be honest about it, ok?

As always, the proof is in the pudding–not the tweets.  Until next time.

Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Nefarious Means

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chris King: The Wyatt Sicks’ Wasted Potential By WWE

Chris King takes a look at the WWE and their wasted potential of Uncle Howdy and the Wyatt Sicks faction.

Published

on

Wyatt Sicks WWE

Chris King takes a look at the WWE and their wasted potential of Uncle Howdy and the Wyatt Sicks faction.

It’s that time of the year again, folks; it’s unfortunate and downright awful that so many WWE superstars got released today. I’m not going to list all of them, but I am going to talk about one of my favorite factions, 

The Wyatt Sicks. Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, Erik Rowan, and Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy) were something special. After Bo’s brother Bray Wyatt’s tragic passing, WWE felt like there was a hole that needed to be filled. Wyatt was one of the most creative and brilliant characters, and Bo would be taking over his brother’s concept and bringing it to life. In 2024, at the end of an incredible documentary highlighting Wyatt’s career and struggles, Bo appeared on the screen portrayed as Uncle Howdy. The last time Uncle Howdy was seen on-screen was at the 2023 Royal Rumble, where Wyatt defeated LA Knight in a Pitch Black Match. Howdy jumped off a structure onto Knight. 

This post-credit scene sparked so much speculation and excitement that Wyatt’s brother would carry on his legacy and possibly debut the faction that was Wyatt’s concept. On the June 17th episode of Monday Night Raw, The Wyatt Sicks made their dramatic debut ,destroying the backstage area as well as “murdering” Chad Gable. It was such an iconic arrival for Howdy as he made his menacing walk from the back into the audience who were chanting “Holy Shit.” The Sicks and American Made (Chad Gable and The Creed Brothers) battled for months, with The Sicks being victorious. On the September 9th episode of Raw, The Sicks defeated them, with Howdy getting the win with Sister Abigail. 

The following year, The Sicks would move over to Friday Night SmackDown, and it seemed like WWE had a plan in place. They would win the tag team championships from The Street Profits and start to look dominant. Now, what should have happened next is Howdy should have won the United States title. The Sicks could have held all the gold over on the blue brand, but it never happened. The Sicks entered into a never-ending feud with The MFT’s (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, JC Mateo, and Talla Tonga.) It started off exciting, and the WWE Universe was red-hot for their interactions. 

After months of repetitive matches and The MFT’s stealing their lantern, the feud grew tiresome and boring. Even Tama asked Solo why they are still holding onto the lantern, as it was destroying them as a whole. Finally on the SmackDown before Mania, Tama

gave the lantern back to Howdy against Solo’s wishes. Please explain to me why both factions fought almost every single week instead of just having one final blowoff match at WrestleMania. 

It should have been either a massive street fight or a falls count anywhere match on the grandest stage of them all. Instead, it turned into a meaningless week-after-week extravaganza that benefited no one. The MFTs won the rivalry, and The Sicks don’t even work for WWE anymore. This was the same criminalized creative process that Wyatt dealt with during his first run in the company. 

We’ll never know how much of a dangerous force The Wyatt Sicks could have been in the WWE. For all their careers’ sake, I hope they stay far away from the company for as long as possible. Every superstar that was cut deserves better!

Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Nefarious Means

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Continue Reading

Opinion

Chris King: Bloodline Saga: Is This the Right Call For WWE?

Chris King questions the WWE’s logic in setting up Jacob Fatu as the next challenger for World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns 

Published

on

WWE Jacob Fatu Roman Reigns Backlash

Chris King questions the WWE’s logic in setting up Jacob Fatu as the next challenger for World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns is once again World Heavyweight Champion after his dominant win over CM Punk at WrestleMania 42. On the following night on Monday Night Raw, The OG Bloodline came back together as a well-oiled machine as The Usos stood side by side with Roman. With the WWE Universe asking who would be the first to challenge “The Tribal Chief,” Jacob Fatu shocked the world by answering the call. 

Fatu is running hot after his impressive win over Drew McIntyre and feels like he is ready to become the new world champion. This bloodline segment ended Raw, and it picked right back up on SmackDown with even Solo Sikoa and the MFTs involved. This is now two shows that have been centered around The Bloodline saga, and it’s made me question whether or not WWE should be retelling this story. 

The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, The Usos, and Solo Sikoa) ran WWE for over four years as Reigns’ henchmen, doing his dirty work to retain his title. Even though Roman has declared he doesn’t want Jey and Jimmy to serve him, it sure seems like WWE are spinning their wheels. Fatu could add a whole new chapter into the story, even if he’s not able to beat Roman at Backlash. “The Samoan Werewolf” could be forced to do the same thing as Jey did all those years ago and fall in line. 

 In my opinion, I feel like Fatu should be challenging for the Undisputed WWE Championship because that’s a title I feel like he should win. I understand standing up to your blood and trying to prove you’re the best, but I don’t think this is the right move. It feels like 2022 all over again, as The Bloodline is the central focus on both shows. If Fatu doesn’t win, what happens to all his momentum he’s been building over the last two years? 

Why did WWE make this the best choice for storyline purposes? Why couldn’t creative have come up with a different challenger for Roman? There are so many other superstars that could challenge The Tribal Chief, such as Rusev, Bron Breakker, Gunther, or even a returning Sheamus. 

I just can’t help but question WWE’s logic here, and it kind of reminds me of all the times The Shield reunited. Could WWE be pushing the same storyline too many times here? Could the WWE Universe get tired of this rinse and repeat cycle of The Bloodline Saga?

Are we about to see all the weekly episodes solely focused on The Bloodline again? Will it be cinema… Yes. Is there still money in The Bloodline… Yes. Was it the right call? That’s to be determined!

Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Nefarious Means

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Continue Reading

Sports

Entertainment

Sports Entertainment

Today In Pro Wrestling History33 minutes ago

Today In Pro Wrestling History: April 29th

A legendary retirement, a collision in North Korea and quite a bit of Backlash shows up strong today!

News10 hours ago

TNA Impact on AMC Drops to 175,000 Viewers, 0.03 18-49 Rating Amid Heavy Sports Competition

TNA Thursday Night Impact averaged 175,000 viewers on AMC last week, a 17.5% decline from the previous week’s 212,000 and...

News10 hours ago

Nick Hogan Open to Pursuing In-Ring Career After Viewing Hulk Hogan: Real American

Nick Hogan told the Bonus Edition of the 83 Weeks podcast that after watching the final version of Hulk Hogan:...

News10 hours ago

AJ Lee Thanks WWE Peers After Triumphant Return, Reflects Post–WrestleMania 42

AJ Lee’s surprise return to WWE in September after more than a decade away reignited excitement among fans and fellow...

News10 hours ago

Family of Marc Izard Launches GoFundMe to Bring Fan Home After WrestleMania Weekend Death

The family of Marc Izard has set up a GoFundMe page to bring his body back from Las Vegas to...

News10 hours ago

CM Punk Explains Why He Uses His Platform to Speak Out on Social Issues

CM Punk candidly addressed why he chooses to speak on social issues, explaining that his visibility as a high-profile wrestler...

News10 hours ago

JD McDonagh Eyes Producer Role, Mentorship and an Irish Wrestling Academy After In-Ring Career

In a recent interview with German Suplex Talk, JD McDonagh said he can’t picture life away from wrestling and hopes...

News10 hours ago

Natalya Offers Condolences Following Marc Izard’s Passing

WWE star Natalya took to social media to express her heartbreak and offer condolences to the family of Marc Izard...

News10 hours ago

Jeff Jarrett: WWE “Pulled the Rung Out From Under” Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42

Veteran promoter and wrestler Jeff Jarrett criticized WWE’s handling of the WrestleMania 42 main event, saying the company “pulled the...

News10 hours ago

Jordynne Grace Says She Wants to Work With Paul Heyman

During an appearance on “Aussie Heat,” Jordynne Grace revealed she would like the opportunity to work with Paul Heyman. Grace...

Advertisement

Buy A Chairshot T-Shirt!

Chairshot Radio Network

Trending

WP Twitter Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com