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

Aug 2, 2021 · 1 hr 23 min
AEW's United Center ticket sell fast, WWE budget cuts
CM Punk's debut in AEW seems imminent as the United Center is nearly sold out after presale. Bray Wyatt is released, reportedly telling talent it was due to budget cuts. Plus the latest on viewership and ticket sales from Brandon Thurston and Chris Gullo. Wrestlenomics' Patreon is a must for understanding wrestling business. Subscribers get: - TV ratings analysis and original reporting - Viewership Spreadsheet with 15,000+ data points - Emergency audio and more! Just $5/month: http://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Chris Gullo on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Jul 26, 2021 · 1 hr 20 min
Week 2 with WWE back on the road
Early Smackdown ratings show the bump the show got last week has been reduced in half, but this week was against the opening of the Olympics. We predict the ratings for Raw, an update on live event business, a preview of the WWE Q2 report on Thursday, and more! Wrestlenomics' Patreon is a must for understanding wrestling business. Subscribers get: - TV ratings analysis and original reporting - Viewership Spreadsheet with 15,000+ data points - Emergency audio and more! Just $5/month: http://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Chris Gullo on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Jul 19, 2021 · 1 hr 20 min
Live events are back
Brandon Thurston and Chris Gullo discuss the week's news in wrestling business as Smackdown did strong rating for the first WWE event at full capacity since March 2020. Raw is next on Monday. Dynamite in its second show on the road exceeded 1 million viewers. Dynamite at Arthur Ashe Stadium in September will be AEW's most-attended event ever; meanwhile plenty of tickets remain for Smackdown at Madison Square Garden. Plus, WWE's deal with Hulu is nearing the end of its term, according to Brandon. Where could the next-day rights land for Raw and Smackdown? Wrestlenomics' Patreon is a must for understanding wrestling business. Subscribers get: - TV ratings analysis and original reporting - Viewership Spreadsheet with 15,000+ data points - Emergency audio and more! Just $5/month: http://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Chris Gullo on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Jul 12, 2021 · 1 hr 9 min
WWE Raw sets a new low ahead of touring
Raw on Monday had its lowest viewership ever. But how much will ratings improve when live fans are back in attendance? Meanwhile, AEW Dynamite had its first show back on the road this past Wednesday. Plus, an update on ticket sales. Wrestlenomics' Patreon is a must for understanding wrestling business. Subscribers get: - TV ratings analysis and original reporting - Viewership Spreadsheet with 15,000+ data points - Emergency audio and more! Just $5/month: http://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Chris Gullo on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Jul 5, 2021 · 1 hr 4 min
How will the return of fans affect ratings?
Will the return of live fans bring a short-term of sustained improvement to ratings for wrestling programs? Plus, updates on ticket sales, TV ratings, and Google web search. Impact Wrestling recorded its lowest rating ever on AXS TV, but errors in program guides might be a factor. AEW Dynamite returns to its normal time-slot. And WWE Raw approaches all-time lows again. Wrestlenomics' Patreon is a must for understanding wrestling business. Subscribers get: - TV ratings analysis and original reporting - Viewership Spreadsheet with 15,000+ data points - Emergency audio and more! Just $5/month: http://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Chris Gullo on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Jun 28, 2021 · 1 hr 1 min
Return to touring draws nearer, more WWE releases
The return to touring for WWE and AEW is only a week away. We look at how ticket sales are going for the first events back on the road. Plus more on AEW's investment into gaming. Dynamite has its last preemption before returning to its normal Wednesday slot. And we dive deep in cagematch data and look at who had the most matches and wrestled for the most promotions over the last several years. Payhip link for Wrestlenomics Pro Wrestling Industry Report 2020: https://payhip.com/b/69Sp ($6) Or get the 2020 report as part of your $5/monthly support at patreon.com/wrestlenomics where you can get access to the Wrestlenomics Viewership Spreadsheet, plus many other locked posts including exclusive analysis, data, and reporting. Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Chris Gullo on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support on Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Jun 21, 2021 · 1 hr 17 min
Myths about AEW's financial state
A feature on Tony Khan this week in Forbes indicated AEW isn't profitable yet, and has made a major investment in the gaming industry. We have an update on how ticket sales are going as WWE and AEW return to touring. AEW Dynamite on Fridays might give us some hints as to what the viewership of Rampage will be when AEW's second show debuts. Payhip link for Wrestlenomics Pro Wrestling Industry Report 2020: https://payhip.com/b/69Sp ($6) Or get the 2020 report as part of your $5/monthly support at patreon.com/wrestlenomics where you can get access to the Wrestlenomics Viewership Spreadsheet, plus many other locked posts including exclusive analysis, data, and reporting. Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Chris Gullo on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support on Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Jun 14, 2021 · 1 hr 16 min
WWE as a meme stock, post-Covid ticket sales
Brandon Thurston and Chris Gullo early indications of ticket sales for WWE and AEW as fans return to events. WWE became a meme stock on Wednesday, resulting in an increase in the stock price that sustained through the end of the week. No Showbuzz Daily needed. We have a viewership update on all wrestling programming on major network. Plus a look at the effect Total Divas and Total Bellas might have had on female viewership as it appears those reality series may be finished. Payhip link for Wrestlenomics Pro Wrestling Industry Report 2020: https://payhip.com/b/69Sp ($6) Or get the 2020 report as part of your $5/monthly support at patreon.com/wrestlenomics where you can get access to the Wrestlenomics Viewership Spreadsheet, plus many other locked posts including exclusive analysis, data, and reporting. Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Chris Gullo on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support on Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Jun 7, 2021 · 1 hr 5 min
Double or Nothing 2021 was AEW's 2nd highest-selling PPV
Brandon Thurston and Chris Gullo discuss PPV buys for AEW Double or Nothing and how much revenue it generated compared to the Revolution, the company's previous pay-per-view event. Plus more on speculation of a WWE sale, TV ratings trends, the most searched for names and companies in wrestling, and news of a lawsuit by IWTV against GCW. Payhip link for Wrestlenomics Pro Wrestling Industry Report 2020: https://payhip.com/b/69Sp ($6) Or get the 2020 report as part of your $5/monthly support at patreon.com/wrestlenomics where you can get access to the Wrestlenomics Viewership Spreadsheet, plus many other locked posts including exclusive analysis, data, and reporting. Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Chris Gullo on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support on Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 31, 2021 · 52 min
WWE and New Japan reportedly discuss working relationship
Brandon Thurston and Chris Gullo discuss reports that WWE president Nick Khan is pursuing an exclusive working relationship with New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Tony Khan then responded on Friday night ahead of AEW's Double or Nothing pay-per-view event. Payhip link for Wrestlenomics Pro Wrestling Industry Report 2020: https://payhip.com/b/69Sp ($6) Or get the 2020 report as part of your $5/monthly support at patreon.com/wrestlenomics where you can get access to the Wrestlenomics Viewership Spreadsheet, plus many other locked posts including exclusive analysis, data, and reporting. Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Chris Gullo on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support on Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 24, 2021 · 1 hr 10 min
WWE returns to live events, more AEW/TBS details
Brandon Thurston and Chris Gullo discuss the latest in wrestling business news. WWE will return to live events in July, beginning in Texas. More details about AEW's 2022 move to TBS. Plus, the revenues (and costs) related to the Zombie Lumberjack Match. Payhip link for Wrestlenomics Pro Wrestling Industry Report 2020: https://payhip.com/b/69Sp ($6) Or get the 2020 report as part of your $5/monthly support at patreon.com/wrestlenomics where you can get access to the Wrestlenomics Viewership Spreadsheet, plus many other locked posts including exclusive analysis, data, and reporting. Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Chris Gullo on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support on Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 16, 2021 · 1 hr 4 min
AEW returning to live events
Brandon Thurston and Chris Gullo discuss AEW's announced return to touring in July. Arena Mexico is reopening to fans as well. Showbuzz Daily may be down but we still have all the viewership numbers. Plus, is Don Callis still an EVP for Impact Wrestling? Payhip link for Wrestlenomics Pro Wrestling Industry Report 2020: https://payhip.com/b/69Sp ($6) Or get the 2020 report as part of your $5/monthly support at patreon.com/wrestlenomics where you can get access to the Wrestlenomics Viewership Spreadsheet, plus many other locked posts including exclusive analysis, data, and reporting. Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Chris Gullo on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support on Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 10, 2021 · 54 min
AEW's Blood & Guts wins cable on Wednesday
AEW Dynamite lead cable in P18-49 viewership on Wednesday this week, with its show headlined by a "Blood and Guts" match, a name coined by Vince McMahon in an earnings conference call. Plus, Dark Side of the Ring season 3 premieres and beats Impact on Thursday night. Payhip link for Wrestlenomics Pro Wrestling Industry Report 2020: https://payhip.com/b/69Sp ($6) Or get the 2020 report as part of your $5/monthly support at patreon.com/wrestlenomics where you can get access to the Wrestlenomics Viewership Spreadsheet, plus many other locked posts including exclusive analysis, data, and reporting. Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Chris Gullo on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support on Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 3, 2021 · 59 min
What NHL on Turner means for AEW
Brandon Thurston and Chris Gullo discuss how Turner's acquisition of NHL games might affect AEW's Wednesday night timeslot on TNT. We look at the latest in viewership, the popularity of WWE, and online video viewing as April 2021 comes to an end. Payhip link for Wrestlenomics Pro Wrestling Industry Report 2020: https://payhip.com/b/69Sp ($6) Or get the 2020 report as part of your $5/monthly support at patreon.com/wrestlenomics where you can get access to the Wrestlenomics Viewership Spreadsheet, plus many other locked posts including exclusive analysis, data, and reporting. Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Chris Gullo on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support on Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Apr 26, 2021 · 1 hr 3 min
WWE Q1 2021, MLW coming to Vice
Payhip link for Wrestlenomics Pro Wrestling Industry Report 2020: https://payhip.com/b/69Sp ($6) Or get the 2020 report as part of your $5/monthly support at patreon.com/wrestlenomics where you can get access to the Wrestlenomics Viewership Spreadsheet, plus many other locked posts including exclusive analysis, data, and reporting. Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Chris Gullo on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support on Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Apr 19, 2021 · 1 hr 1 min
Big ratings in the first week of the post-war era
A big week for TV ratings: AEW got its second-highest total audience ever, NXT had its first week in its new permanent Tuesday slot, Raw had a big audience for its post-Mania episode, Miz & Mrs. is back with new episodes, plus Impact and Smackdown. WWE put out its annual proxy statement, disclosing information about executive compensation and ownership. And Brandon stumbles across an SEC filing that sheds light on WWE's biggest customers and possibly NXT's TV rights fees. Payhip link for Wrestlenomics Pro Wrestling Industry Report 2020: https://payhip.com/b/69Sp ($6) Or get the 2020 report as part of your $5/monthly support at patreon.com/wrestlenomics where you can get access to the Wrestlenomics Viewership Spreadsheet, plus many other locked posts including exclusive analysis, data, and reporting. Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Chris Gullo on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support on Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Apr 12, 2021 · 1 hr 18 min
Wrestlemania 37, Undertaker NFTs, Nick Khan comments
Wrestlemania ticket sales, Undertaker NFTs drop, the Wednesday Night War ends, Nick Khan comments and star development and international expansion. Payhip link for Wrestlenomics Pro Wrestling Industry Report 2020: https://payhip.com/b/69Sp ($6) Or get the 2020 report as part of your $5/monthly support at patreon.com/wrestlenomics where you can get access to the Wrestlenomics Viewership Spreadsheet, plus many other locked posts including exclusive analysis, data, and reporting. Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Chris Gullo on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support on Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Apr 4, 2021 · 1 hr 9 min
NXT moves to Tuesday, extends USA deal
This week's topics, discussed by Brandon Thurston and Chris Gullo: - WWE announces NXT will move to Tuesday nights beginning April 13 on USA Network. - NBCUniversal and WWE have also extended their deal to broadcast NXT on the USA Network. Current terms expire this fall. - ROH COO Joe Koff quantifies viewership - WWE announces DraftKings deal - WWE Q1 earnings report announced for April 22 - Wrestlemania ticket sales update - Is Kenny Omega chasing away viewers? Female viewers? - Is violent content chasing away AEW female viewers? - Is Impact viewership down since AEW personalities started appearing? What about female viewership? - Does viewership usually grow going into Wrestlemania? Payhip link for Wrestlenomics Pro Wrestling Industry Report 2020: https://payhip.com/b/69Sp ($6) Or get the 2020 report as part of your $5/monthly support at patreon.com/wrestlenomics where you can get access to the Wrestlenomics Viewership Spreadsheet, plus many other locked posts including exclusive analysis, data, and reporting. Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Chris Gullo on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support on Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Mar 29, 2021 · 1 hr 21 min
WWE Network launches on Peacock
Brandon Thurston is joined by Chris Gullo to discuss the latest current events in wrestling business: Wrestlemania ticket sales, WWE Thunderdome moving to Yuengling Center (fka USF Sun Dome) in Tampa, WWE Network launch on Peacock, Impact moving to Thursday, NFL TV deals finalized, the announcement of Rhodes To The Top, AEW is running its first house show, the latest Wrestlenomics survey, plus Google Trends research with Python. Payhip link for Wrestlenomics Pro Wrestling Industry Report 2020: https://payhip.com/b/69Sp ($6) Or get the 2020 report as part of your $5/monthly support at patreon.com/wrestlenomics Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Chris Gullo on Twitter https://twitter.com/ChrisGullo Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support on Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Mar 15, 2021 · 50 min
Requiem for goodwill
AEW broke its pay-per-view sales record for Revolution last week Sunday, but also delivered a disappointing ending to the show. What does it mean for goodwill? WWE's reportedly looking to put more than 40,000 fans in attendance for each night of Wrestlemania. Will it really happen? Payhip link for Wrestlenomics Pro Wrestling Industry Report 2020: https://payhip.com/b/69Sp ($6) Or get the 2020 report as part of your $5/monthly support at patreon.com/wrestlenomics Follow Brandon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston Follow Wrestlenomics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics Read Brandon's written work at https://wrestlenomics.com Support on Patreon: https://patreon.com/wrestlenomics Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wrestlenomics-radio/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy