WWE: Is it Dying?

[MoonWalker0]

so i thought about this earlier. it seems like the UFC keeps growing and the WWE just keeps falling by the wayside. now with brock losing in 2 minutes to some random 3rd world kickboxer it seems like the WWE is losing its respectability.

i don't know how people can think Vince wants brock back in the WWE after his performance over the weekend.

[chisle94]

so i thought about this earlier. it seems like the UFC keeps growing and the WWE just keeps falling by the wayside. now with brock losing in 2 minutes to some random 3rd world kickboxer it seems like the WWE is losing its respectability.

i don't know how people can think Vince wants brock back in the WWE after his performance over the weekend.

People just want to talk about the negatives... "The WWE guy" came into MMA and defeated one of the most decorated fighters in the UFC and became the heavyweight champion. No body can ever defend wrestling, but when one of 'our guys' make a mistake or do something wrong, it's always wrestling that takes the hit.

[Eleazar18]

Yes.its too pg
Everythings expected
We need something new.not something for little Jimmy

[badreligion]

It's dying because it's stale and everything is predictable . Also , there aren't any guys who everyone can relate with .

[ICEMANLIDDELL]

Oveerm isn't a third world kick boxer? but that aside It seems as if UFC is growing yes? its, "as real as it gets" people love that, WWE is still very popular however its becoming very stagnant and people are seeing UFC as a much better alternative to watch and practice or participate in, Ive been doing MMA for years now its a lot of fun! the fights not so much, but I've done very little ( 2-3 months ) of Wrestling Training and let me tell you, wrestling takes it out of you a lot faster than MMA, the bumps, the cardio and certainly the timing for moves its very hard, MMA from my perspective seems like a better choice from every angle, however I still would rather be a wrestler. I can see why people would rather MMA though.

[Iandaddy99]

I think its largely down to the fact that they are unable to come up with orginal and captivating storylines, and the fact that they are aiming it at kids instead of 18-40 Year old males a desicion which has significantly hurt ratings.
The change can be largely attributed apparently due to the desire for sponsors, who would only partner with WWE if they had a family friendly product. Also the fact that Linda is running for senate, means that they had to change the product.

[mcbrainlegend]

WWE has actually been getting better since 2010 I would say.

[Hormel]

WWE has actually been getting better since 2010 I would say.

I tottaly understand why. They went pg to get new viewers , but eventually they have to go edgier to keep all these new kid viewers interested as they get older

[NextBestThing]

Is your definition of dying the same as making plenty of profit? Cause that's what WWE is doing.

[Esthetique]

its dying because its some fake acting bs

[pearljamfan]

so i thought about this earlier. it seems like the UFC keeps growing and the WWE just keeps falling by the wayside. now with brock losing in 2 minutes to some random 3rd world kickboxer it seems like the WWE is losing its respectability.

i don't know how people can think Vince wants brock back in the WWE after his performance over the weekend.

overeem was born in england and lived most of his life in the netherlands..........when did either of those become 3rd world

as for wwe dying
2007 revenue $485,700,000 profit $52,137,000
2008 revenue $526,457,000 profit $45,416,000
2009 revenue $475,161,000 profit $50,303,000
2010 revenue $477,700,000 profit $53,500,000

wwe are on course to make a lower profit in 2011 but thats to do with the money they have spent on this network

[NextBestThing]

overeem was born in england and lived most of his life in the netherlands..........when did either of those become 3rd world

as for wwe dying
2007 revenue $485,700,000 profit $52,137,000
2008 revenue $526,457,000 profit $45,416,000
2009 revenue $475,161,000 profit $50,303,000
2010 revenue $475,161,000 profit $53,500,000

wwe are on course to make a lower profit in 2011 but thats to do with the money they have spent on this network

Wonder what they spent that extra 50 million on in 2008

[pearljamfan]

Wonder what they spent that extra 50 million on in 2008

reports they spent $20m alone on making the citrus bowl in orlando look half way decent for mania24, jericho talks about it on the story of wrestlemania dvd, i suppose a large chunk went on mayweather and all the celebs they brought in that year as guest hosts such as shaq, big ben etc

[LiftTilDeath]

reports they spent $20m alone on making the citrus bowl in orlando look half way decent for mania24, jericho talks about it on the story of wrestlemania dvd, i suppose a large chunk went on mayweather and all the celebs they brought in that year as guest hosts such as shaq, big ben etc

don't forget the mcmahon million dollar giveawsy

[MightyGhalibrah]

so i thought about this earlier. it seems like the UFC keeps growing and the WWE just keeps falling by the wayside. now with brock losing in 2 minutes to some random 3rd world kickboxer it seems like the WWE is losing its respectability.

i don't know how people can think Vince wants brock back in the WWE after his performance over the weekend.

The UFC will continue growing. It's a great sport.

I don't think WWE is necessarily going to "die out" because of the UFC. It's two different types of entertainment.

But I think I read an article somewhere, where yes, even some people that work with Vince backstage says he seems "threatened" by the UFC's growing presence.

I personally would say though that WWE's "entertainment" aspect has been dying since possibly 02' - 03'

The attitude era and the Monday Night Wars was were it was AT man!!

Somewhere after that time though came the "PG era" WWE...... ughhhhh friggin John Cena

[Sampaa]

It just needs Jeff Hardy.

[LetsRide21]

[ASIAN NIGHTMARE]

Yes, WWE has been "dying" every few years for the last 30 years or so.

[TheDivil]

[pearljamfan]

The UFC will continue growing. It's a great sport.

I don't think WWE is necessarily going to "die out" because of the UFC. It's two different types of entertainment.

ufc ppvs number are down big time in 2011 http://www.mmametrics.net/2011/10/uf...isappoint.html

ppvs attendance wise has also done weak numbers this year, most shows have not come close to selling out and scalpers are not even bothering with the upcoming ufc ppvs, couple that with the fact they have now probably lost their number 1 and 2 draws it going to be tough for ufc to grow from here, financially they will be fine as they just signed a megadeal with fox

[df7215]

Yes.its too pg
Everythings expected
We need something new.not something for little Jimmy

You can still have a successful product while being PG, people need to get over blaming PG for all of its problems. The product has been fairly stale since 2004, well before they went PG.

[broadcast]

WWE has a strong hold on their target demographics and will be in business for a long time. They're not targeting us, the older fans. They haven't been for a long time.

[Mrs Grudge]

The Netherlands is a 3rd world country?

[elperfecto]

so i thought about this earlier. it seems like the UFC keeps growing and the WWE just keeps falling by the wayside. now with brock losing in 2 minutes to some random 3rd world kickboxer it seems like the WWE is losing its respectability.

i don't know how people can think Vince wants brock back in the WWE after his performance over the weekend.

People have been saying MMA, UFC in particular is growing (which is true) and the "fake" stuff will die since 2007. Since then the UFC has struck a deal with a major Network, however as some already pointed out their PPV buyrates are down from just a year ago. Interesting numbers Pearl Jam posted.

Pro wrestling will always be around nuff said. It's entertainment and there will always be a market for their brand of entertainment.

[TheDivil]

Ironically, UFC does better the more it incorporates pro-wrestling elements. S: heels and faces, grudge matches, and wrestling style promos and shoots (Silva-Sonnen II anyone?). Also no coincidence at all that Brock has been their biggest money maker.

In general, human beings just like a freak show. Jon Jones vs GSP would be an MMA purists wet dream and would be an awesome chess match. But if you showed that match on PPV on Saturday night, and the following night on Sunday you put Lesnar vs Kimbo on PPV, I guarantee you the Lesnar v Kimbo fight would easily outdraw it.

[Mrs Grudge]

Ironically, UFC does better the more it incorporates pro-wrestling elements. S: heels and faces, grudge matches, and wrestling style promos and shoots (Silva-Sonnen II anyone?). Also no coincidence at all that Brock has been their biggest money maker.

none of those things are really pro wrestling elements. you have to take into account that pro wrestling in itself is a parody of sports.

In general, human beings just like a freak show. Jon Jones vs GSP would be an MMA purists wet dream and would be an awesome chess match. But if you showed that match on PPV on Saturday night, and the following night on Sunday you put Lesnar vs Kimbo on PPV, I guarantee you the Lesnar v Kimbo fight would easily outdraw it.

GSP vs Jones would outdraw Lesnar vs Kimbo, and if the latter did out draw the former, it would not be 'easily'.

[TheDivil]

none of those things are really pro wrestling elements. you have to take into account that pro wrestling in itself is a parody of sports.

Well sure, everything is taken from something else. But Dana White is obviously looking closely at the WWE business model to see how things are done. Everything from having a contract with JAKKS to produce action figures and replica belts, to the production values and graphics, to the build up videos and touring strategies (UFC Fan Expo, etc) is all based on what has worked for McMahon. White has said that himself many times.

GSP vs Jones would outdraw Lesnar vs Kimbo, and if the latter did out draw the former, it would not be 'easily'.

I disagree. I think heavyweights, freaks, circus shows, etc will always draw a bigger mainstream udience than anything that appeals to the built in fan base of any sport/interest. Gina Carano-Cyborg was one of Strikeforce's all time biggest audiences. I bet people didn't tune in for the technical acumen.

There's a reason why Hogan tearing his shirt got one of the biggest pops of the year in wrestling.

[Penicks]

this thread prompted me to search for midget mma

everythingwentbetterthanexpected.jpg

[Mrs Grudge]

Well sure, everything is taken from something else. But Dana White is obviously looking closely at the WWE business model to see how things are done. Everything from having a contract with JAKKS to produce action figures and replica belts, to the production values and graphics, to the build up videos and touring strategies (UFC Fan Expo, etc) is all based on what has worked for McMahon. White has said that himself many times.

White said he based the UFC's model on Pro Wrestling, but I don't get how it has become "more like Pro Wrestling". I mean really, production value and graphics? They must have been copying ROH for those because the UFC is very bland when it comes to that :O.

I disagree. I think heavyweights freaks, circus shows, etc will always draw a bigger audience than anything that appeals to the built in fan base of any sport/interest.

A welterweight fighting a light-heavy weight would be a much bigger freak show than two heavyweights fighting each other.

Kimbo Slice is no where near a big of a draw as GSP is, not even close. Jon Jones is also a much bigger draw than Kimbo, and the only reason why Jon Jones is not bigger is because he is young and relatively new. You really think that a person with Jon Jones fighting style doesn't go under the 'freak' category? The guy does german suplexes and kung fu kicks. With out any crazy background like being an ex porn star, he will likely become one of the biggest draws ever if he continues fighting.

And really, what's the best example you can think of? Brock Lesnar? What about guys like Michael Jordan, Joe Montana or Peli? What is their extravagant quirks or backgrounds? Brock Lesnar is the biggest draw, because MMA is still young and has no superstars yet, not because Brock Lesnar said **** Budlight.

There's a reason why Hogan tearing his shirt got one of the biggest pops of the year in wrestling.

What does that have to do with your point? Pro Wrestling in itself is a circus, so why would citing Hulk Hogan supplement what you're saying?

[TheDivil]

White said he based the UFC's model on Pro Wrestling, but I don't get how it has become "more like Pro Wrestling". I mean really, production value and graphics? They must have been copying ROH for those because the UFC is very bland when it comes to that :O.

Touche lol.

You can't honestly be saying that you don't see parallels between White's presentation of MMA (and PRIDE before that, to be fair) with modern day wrestling though. I'm simply saying that if they stuck to purist's visions of MMA - no music, no fuss, everyone is a GSP style respectable professional, and they shake hands after a fight, etc, that wouldn't have near the success or the headlines the next day as stuff like Lesnar spitting his mouthpiece out and punking out Bud Light. And all those kinds of things are most commonly associated with wrestling. It's why critics will say to flamboyant athletes to "leave the WWF theatrics at home" and similar putdowns.

A welterweight fighting a light-heavy weight would be a much bigger freak show than two heavyweights fighting each other.

You may be thinking too much with an MMA fans perspective. Going off my own personal experiences, I have quite a few friends who aren't MMA fans, but they'll call me up and say "Hey, are you watching that fight tonight? I actually wanna see this one!" and ten times out of ten, the fight they are talking about is Lesnar vs Carwin, Gina vs Cyborg, Kimbo's TUF debut, Silva vs Griffin, etc. I never get anyone calling me saying they're thinking of dropping the $50 to see Edgar vs Maynard or Guida vs Henderson.

What does that have to do with your point? Pro Wrestling in itself is a circus, so why would citing Hulk Hogan supplement what you're saying?

To illustrate the point that people will always be attracted to big names, big bodies, freakish looks, feelgood moments, good stories, and markout moments over anything technical. An old man past his prime got a bigger pop than anything Ziggler sold all year long. I'm not saying it's right or wrong, I'm just saying it's human nature.