WWE held an investor conference call today to discuss the third quarter numbers that were released
CEO Linda McMahon read a prepared statement, explaining how DVD and video sale numbers will be different this year due to Wrestlemania falling in a different quarter. They also have several titles exclusively released for Walmart that don’t have high sale numbers due to the fact the are Walmart only. Linda noted the success of “The Rise And Fall Of ECW” DVD.
Linda went on to talk about WWE Films, stating that work is being done on The Marine starring John Cena and Goodnight starring Kane. She also revealed that the first project for Steve Austin will be a movie called The Condemned in which Austin plays a former cop that competes for a “deadly reality show”.
There will be a DVD release, exclusive to Walmart and Armed Forces Stores, covering WWE’s Smackdown in Iraq last December.
Linda also put over the success of recent shows in Japan and overseas.
Senior Vice President of Finance Frank Serpe then discussed the numbers.
A question and answer session then took place with investors. Here are some highlights of the session:
– There will be new merchandise to go along with the launch of WWE 24/7, focusing on classic stars and events. No items were mentioned specificaly. WWE has also signed “Superstar” Billy Graham, Chief Jay Strongbow and other former stars to help promote the channel and make appearances at live shows and ticket onsale events.
– Their SpikeTV deal will expire in September/October. Linda went on record that they are in negotiations with other cable channels, as well as continuing to talk with SpikeTV. She stated that negotiations will finish soon and that they are looking for the best deal for their programming. No specific companies were named.
– Linda put forth that while WWE and Viacom are working together as part of a “strategic alliance”, the SpikeTV and UPN deals are and always have been separate.
– Linda stated that the Jakks lawsuit could go to court, or could be settled. She went on to say that it will be “business as usual” with Jakks and THQ while the dispute is taken care of.
– When asked about the creation of new characters and stars, Linda put over John Cena, saying he will become a star and merchandise leader for the Smackdown brand.
– No release dates were given for The Marine or Goodnight, but both films will have their “editor’s cut” completed by the end of next month.
– Plans have been made to run more international tours with both brands simultaneously, culminating in back-to-back TV tapings. Linda said they want to return to international markets more often, but at the same time not burn the markets out.
– Concerning the brand split, Linda said they are happy with the extension, but again pointed out that only 28% of fans watch both shows. Linda said that they are pleased with the split, and the stars they have created. She went on to say that they(WWE) will never be fully satisfied, but they are happy with the split. Linda admitted it was a “hard road” but they like where it is at.
– When asked if there would be more crossover appearances by RAW stars on Smackdown and Smackdown to RAW to help bring viewers from one show to another, Linda said that would be up to the creative team.
– Wrestlemania XX sold over a million PPV buys, after international and replays were counted in. They are excited about SKY in the UK carrying Wrestlemania 21.
Strangely, no mention of The Rock was made during the conference call.
Credit- PWInsider.com
