Wrestlenomics

Wrestlenomics covers the business of pro wrestling. Pollock & Thurston is a weekly podcast hosted by John Pollock of POST Wrestling and Wrestlenomics’ Brandon Thurston. They are often joined by a relevant guest.

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496 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes496

Newest first

May 10, 2023 · 1 hr 29 min
Richard Deitsch of The Athletic, AEW & WBD deal | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston chat with reporter Richard Deitsch from The Athletic and the Sports Media Podcast. The three speak about the rise of professional wrestling as a sports property, the impact Nick Khan has had on the company, WWE’s domestic television deals with Fox and NBC Universal, the emergence of AEW, and how pro wrestling is covered by outlets and state of wrestling media. Plus, Pollock & Thurston discuss the report of a pending deal between AEW & WBD, the potential increase they could garner, Ari Emanuel on the WWE-UFC merger, and a New York bill proposed on pro wrestling regulation. Video version: https://youtube.com/live/C2SGXYJx1FY Richard Deitsch is the host of the Sports Media Podcast and writes for The Athletic. Subscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribe Patreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.com Forum: https://forum.postwrestling.com Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhR Merch: https://store.postwrestling.com Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestling Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 7, 2023 · 1 hr 57 min
AEW sells 60,000 to Wembley Stadium
Brandon Thurston, Jesse Collings, and Chris Gullo discuss the latest news in pro wrestling business. All In ticket sales reach 60,000 WWE in Puerto Rico WBD earnings report WWE Friday Night Smackdown preliminary rating is lower than usual Current trends for WWE TV ratings, attendance, and Cagematch.net reception ELO draft standing update Superchat: Does AEW All In improve the perceived value of AEW TV in Britain? Superchat: Did this week's AEW Dynamite rating skew younger? AEW hires Will Washington as Director of Wrestling Administration Video version: https://youtube.com/live/KAWIqsKfSX4 📺 Tune in to Wrestlenomics Radio every Sunday at 11:00 am ET at youtube.com/c/wrestlenomics 📊 TV ratings reports and data: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics 🎙️ Listen to our weekly podcast: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ 🌐 Website: https://wrestlenomics.com Brandon Thurston on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Chris Gullo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Jesse Collings on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesseCollings Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 4, 2023 · 57 min
WWE Q1 Earnings Analysis, AEW All In Tickets | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston break down WWE’s Q1 earnings report and discuss the early success of AEW All In. The two chat about the first quarter of 2023 for WWE and the key divisions that highlighted the period, notes from earnings Q&A, how the merger was discussed, and notes on the domestic rights negotiations. Plus, they react to the early pre-sale success for AEW’s All In event at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Subscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribe Patreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.com Forum: https://forum.postwrestling.com Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhR Merch: https://store.postwrestling.com Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestling 📺 Tune in to Wrestlenomics Radio every Sunday at 11:00am ET at youtube.com/c/wrestlenomics 📊 TV ratings reports and data: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics 🎙️ Listen to our weekly podcast: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ 🌐 Website: https://wrestlenomics.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Apr 30, 2023 · 1 hr 29 min
Former WWE writer sues, alleging racial discrimination
Brandon Thurston, Jesse Collings, and Chris Gullo discuss these topics: New lawsuit against WWE alleging racial discrimination Peacock subscribers, Jeff Shell steps down as NBC Universal CEO WWE & AEW rights value compared to other leagues WWE business since Wrestlemania & Vince's return Superchat: Was WWE badly underpaid by Comcast before FOX came in? Wrestlenomics Draft Video version: https://youtube.com/live/LgiulblhiN0 📺 Tune in to Wrestlenomics Radio every Sunday at 11:00 am ET at youtube.com/c/wrestlenomics 📊 TV ratings reports and data: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics 🎙️ Listen to our weekly podcast: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ 🌐 Website: https://wrestlenomics.com Brandon Thurston on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Chris Gullo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Jesse Collings on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesseCollings Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Sports FM by Shane Ivers is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZAhZ0iPHPw Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Apr 26, 2023 · 1 hr 9 min
Television Sports Rights with Pat Crakes | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston welcome Pat Crakes to discuss the sports media industry, major deals on the horizon, and where professional wrestling fits in that space. They discuss the WWE’s domestic rights package, the battle between linear and streaming platforms, the value of SmackDown to Fox, WBD’s relationship with AEW, and the growth of the UFC. Crakes is a former SVP of Programming, Research & Content Strategy at Fox Sports and currently runs Crakes Media. Video version: https://youtube.com/live/gloJJbKMq8Y 📺 Tune in to Wrestlenomics Radio every Sunday at 11:00am ET at youtube.com/c/wrestlenomics 📊 TV ratings reports and data: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics 🎙️ Listen to our weekly podcast: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ 🌐 Website: https://wrestlenomics.com Subscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribe Patreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.com Forum: https://forum.postwrestling.com Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhR Merch: https://store.postwrestling.com Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestling Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Apr 23, 2023 · 1 hr 36 min
WWE and AEW media rights renewal mania
Brandon Thurston, Jesse Collings, and Chris Gullo discuss these topics: AEW partner WBD supposedly interested in WWE rights Key questions for media rights outlook Stardom at Yokohama Arena AEW reportedly booked United Center for CM Punk return in June LWO leads WWE merchandise analysis for second week in a row Video version: https://youtube.com/live/PHe8dL4Fryk 📺 Tune in to Wrestlenomics Radio every Sunday at 11:00 am ET at youtube.com/c/wrestlenomics 📊 TV ratings reports and data: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics 🎙️ Listen to our weekly podcast: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ 🌐 Website: https://wrestlenomics.com Brandon Thurston on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Chris Gullo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Jesse Collings on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesseCollings Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Apr 16, 2023 · 1 hr 42 min
Nick Khan’s comments on merger, media rights
Brandon Thurston, Jesse Collings, and Chris Gullo discuss these topics: Nick Khan’s interview on LightShed Live, talking WWE’s merger with UFC, media rights, talent pay, sponsorships Whether WWE events will go back on pay-per-view WWE Summerslam ticket sales AEW All Access ratings compared to Power Slap AEW All In pre-sale registrations for Wembley Stadium Video version: https://youtube.com/live/64OtDPjGbd8 POST Wrestling's summary of the Nick Khan interview 📺 Tune in to Wrestlenomics Radio every Sunday at 11:00 am ET at youtube.com/c/wrestlenomics 📊 TV ratings reports and data: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics 🎙️ Listen to our weekly podcast: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ 🌐 Website: https://wrestlenomics.com Brandon Thurston on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Chris Gullo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Jesse Collings on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesseCollings Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Apr 13, 2023 · 50 min
WWE merger analysis with Brandon Ross of LightShed
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston welcome Brandon Ross of LightShed Partners with his reaction to the WWE-UFC merger, reaction from Wall Street & the major questions moving forward. They go over the merger announcement, the many personalities involved, the value Nick Khan has brought to WWE, the volatility of Vince McMahon, WWE’s streaming and domestic television rights, the impact the NBA rights could have, PLE strategy, and next month’s WWE earnings call. YouTube version: https://youtube.com/live/j9FMcNZ-kB0 The LightShed Podcast with Brandon Ross is available on Spotify POST WRESTLING Subscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribe Patreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.com Forum: https://forum.postwrestling.com Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhR Merch: https://store.postwrestling.com Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestling WRESTLENOMICS Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Website: https://wrestlenomics.com/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Apr 9, 2023 · 1 hr 16 min
WWE and UFC will merge
WWE and Endeavor announced on Monday morning that WWE and Endeavor's UFC will merge by late 2023. Brandon Thurston and Chris Gullo discuss one of the most pivotal stories in pro wrestling history. WWE-UFC merger Possible layoffs New ownership breakdown Wrestlemania business Vince's return to creative Video version: https://youtube.com/live/PNzO6kkoNwA 📺 Tune in to Wrestlenomics Radio every Sunday at 11:00 am ET at youtube.com/c/wrestlenomics 📊 TV ratings reports and data: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics 🎙️ Listen to our weekly podcast: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ 🌐 Website: https://wrestlenomics.com Brandon Thurston on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Chris Gullo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Jesse Collings on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesseCollings Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Apr 4, 2023 · 40 min
CNBC’s Alex Sherman on Endeavor-WWE-UFC | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston welcome CNBC reporter Alex Sherman to discuss Endeavor’s move to merge WWE with UFC under a new company. Sherman was the reporter to break the news on Sunday and we will speak with Sherman about this seismic event for the companies, the broader media landscape, Vince McMahon’s role, and what this means for all the key players. Plus, Pollock & Thurston react to the discussion and answer questions from listeners. Video version: https://youtube.com/live/A8nacmOqYSw POST WRESTLING Subscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribe Patreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.com Forum: https://forum.postwrestling.com Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhR Merch: https://store.postwrestling.com Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestling WRESTLENOMICS Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Website: https://wrestlenomics.com/ Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @wrestlenomics Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Apr 3, 2023 · 56 min
BREAKING NEWS: WWE sold to Endeavor | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston discuss all aspects of Endeavor’s purchase of WWE and launching a new company with UFC. The two discuss the sale from all angles, analysis of Ari Emanuel and Vince McMahon’s appearance on CNBC, the many questions that arise, the role McMahon will hold, what Endeavor sees in the combination of WWE & UFC & more. Plus, your listener questions regarding the sale. Subscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribe Patreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.com Forum: https://forum.postwrestling.com Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhR Merch: https://store.postwrestling.com Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestling Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Apr 2, 2023 · 45 min
Breaking news: WWE near deal to merge with UFC, reportedly
WWE is near a deal to merge with UFC, according to a report from CNBC. Brandon Thurston is joined by MJ from NJ to break down what we know so far. Video version: https://youtube.com/live/JfTkLypiu3c Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Apr 2, 2023 · 1 hr 24 min
The business of Wrestlemania 39
Brandon Thurston and Jesse Collings talk about the latest news about the business of Wrestlemania, including: Vince McMahon is officially a WWE employee again and was present at Wrestlemania Attendance of Night 1, Smackdown, and Supercard of Honor Brandon estimates the gate for both nights of Wrestlemania combined could be around $20 million WWE is getting $1.8 million subsidies from Puerto Rico related to Backlash Nick Khan’s latest appearance on CNBC Video version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbN79WIZ8xU 📺 Tune in to Wrestlenomics Radio every Sunday at 11:00 am ET at youtube.com/c/wrestlenomics 📊 TV ratings reports and data: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics 🎙️ Listen to our weekly podcast: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ 🌐 Website: https://wrestlenomics.com Brandon Thurston on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Chris Gullo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Jesse Collings on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesseCollings Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Mar 26, 2023 · 1 hr 53 min
Wrestlemania week attendance is up | Wrestlenomics Radio
Brandon Thurston, Jesse Collings, and Chris Gullo talk about these subjects in wrestling business: WWE's 8-K filing of reimbursement agreement with Vince McMahon related to sexual misconduct investigation Wrestlemania tickets distributed update Latest estimated tickets distributed for Wrestlemania weekend events Quarterly annual growth rates for TV and attendance for WWE and AEW AEW Forbidden Door tickets distributed update WWEShop top merchandise sellers/most items update ShopAEW top merchandise sellers update PWTees top merchandise sellers update With recent business numbers should Roman Reigns be a Wrestling Observer Hall Of Famer? Super Chat- Any thoughts re Fite as loss leader /OTT service? Is there a long-term risk in changing the perceived cost of GCW/Mania weekend(like the network did for Mania), maybe even for non-Fite/GCW-associated PPVs? Video version: https://youtube.com/live/VSF5BEekISA 📺 Tune in to Wrestlenomics Radio every Sunday at 11:00 am ET at youtube.com/c/wrestlenomics 📊 TV ratings reports and data: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics 🎙️ Listen to our weekly podcast: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ 🌐 Website: https://wrestlenomics.com Brandon Thurston on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Chris Gullo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Jesse Collings on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesseCollings Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Mar 22, 2023 · 28 min
Pro Wrestling Streaming with Mike Weber of FITE TV | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston speak with Mike Weber of FITE TV as the platform gets set for its busiest week of the year. They discuss the growth of FITE TV, its expansion with the FITE+ streaming service, the state of the streaming industry in combat sports, The Collective series of shows, and his thoughts on a potential WWE sale. Subscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribe Patreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.com Forum: https://forum.postwrestling.com Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhR Merch: https://store.postwrestling.com Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestling Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Mar 19, 2023 · 1 hr 34 min
AEW begins running house shows
Brandon Thurston, Jesse Collings and Chris Gullo talk about these subjects in wrestling business: AEW begins running house shows AEW announces six-show Canadian tour NXT Stand And Deliver ticket sales ROH Supercard of Honor ticket sales Wrestlemania ticket sales WWE live event market-to-market comparison Comparing Google Trends, quarter-hours, and WWEShop daily top 10 item counts between Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes Scissorfest trademarked by The Acclaimed AEW Collision trademark filed MLW viewership update Tony Khan's approach and criticism of promoting AEW on Social Media Super chat: What's the chance of CM Punk coming back to AEW? Super chat: Is Tony Khan on Twitter too much? AEW's upcoming Canadian tour and other potential international markets. Video version: https://youtube.com/live/QaP7TwsXH64 📺 Tune in to Wrestlenomics Radio every Sunday at 11:00 am ET at youtube.com/c/wrestlenomics 📊 TV ratings reports and data: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics 🎙️ Listen to our weekly podcast: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ 🌐 Website: https://wrestlenomics.com Brandon Thurston on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Chris Gullo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Jesse Collings on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesseCollings Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Mar 12, 2023 · 1 hr 36 min
Is Roman Reigns a draw?
Brandon Thurston and Chris Gullo talk about these subjects in wrestling business: Talent analytics for Roman Reigns across TV ratings, Google web search, YouTube videos, WWEShop The latest coverage on WWE's attempt to legalize gambling on matches GCW challenges AEW's "Fight Forever" trademark WWE confirms two PLEs after Wrestlemania in Puerto Rico and Saudi Arabia Comments on WWE from Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch and from Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel, both at the Morgan Stanley TMT conference Video version: https://youtube.com/live/C86aiTQqKic Video version of Brandon’s catch-up super chat discussion with MJ from NJ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI-CDwD4D-k 📺 Tune in to Wrestlenomics Radio every Sunday at 11:00 am ET at youtube.com/c/wrestlenomics 📊 TV ratings reports and data: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics 🎙️ Listen to our weekly podcast: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ 🌐 Website: https://wrestlenomics.com Brandon Thurston on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Chris Gullo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Jesse Collings on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesseCollings Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Mar 5, 2023 · 1 hr 45 min
AEW's weakened fan interest
We demonstrate declines in various consumer metrics for AEW over the last year. Brandon Thurston, Jesse Collings, and Chris Gullo discuss possible causes ahead of AEW's Revolution pay-per-view in San Francisco. AEW fan interest is weakening Why is AEW fan interest down? Is Endeavor interested in buying WWE? AEW All Acess premiere date, ratings expectations Super chat: Should Revolution be considered a B PPV? Super chat: Can potential WWE bidders lowball TV rights? Video version: https://youtube.com/live/ezR-nTx4eB8 📺 Tune in to Wrestlenomics Radio every Sunday at 11:00 am ET at youtube.com/c/wrestlenomics 📊 TV ratings reports and data: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics 🎙️ Listen to our weekly podcast: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ 🌐 Website: https://wrestlenomics.com Brandon Thurston on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Chris Gullo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Jesse Collings on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesseCollings Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Feb 26, 2023 · 2 hr 4 min
Is the WWE Performance Center a success?
Brandon Thurston, Jesse Collings, and Chris Gullo discuss: Evaluating the WWE PC WBD's claim about AEW Dynamite viewership Keiji Muto's retirement likely draws highest attendance in Japan in years Wrestlemania ticket sales update Video version: https://youtube.com/live/Apf5Eu1QH7g 📺 Tune in to Wrestlenomics Radio every Sunday at 11:00 am ET at youtube.com/c/wrestlenomics 📊 TV ratings reports and data: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics 🎙️ Listen to our weekly podcast: https://wrestlenomics.com/podcast/ 🌐 Website: https://wrestlenomics.com Brandon Thurston on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Chris Gullo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Jesse Collings on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesseCollings Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Feb 23, 2023 · 41 min
Labor Rights for Pro Wrestlers with attorney Lucas Middlebrook | Pollock & Thurston
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston speak with labor attorney Lucas Middlebrook on the state of independent contractors in professional wrestling. They discuss the lack of representation for wrestlers, the steps necessary to form an association or union, the difference between the two, escalating revenue in the industry, independent contractor status & many other subjects. Additional reading: In the WWE, Wrestlers Say Labor Abuses Are Everywhere (Jacobin) Subscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribe Patreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.com Forum: https://forum.postwrestling.com Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Q795HhR Merch: https://store.postwrestling.com Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: @POSTwrestling Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy