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

Mar 8, 2021 · 51 min
How viewership would be affected if NXT moves to Tuesday
"How much will NXT viewership increase if it moves to Tuesday? How much would AEW viewership improve if it's unopposed? How much would Impact Wrestling's viewership suffer if it goes head-to-head with NXT? We have examples from August and September that give us some clue. 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
Mar 1, 2021 · 1 hr 1 min
Tubular media ecosystem
With the U.S. version of the WWE Network set to migrate to NBCU's Peacock on March 18, we revisit, perhaps one last time: Was launching the WWE Network and cannibalizing pay-per-view worth it? Plus, interesting results related to the Wrestlenomics Net Promoter Score, WWE CFO Kristina Salen is interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, and more. 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
Feb 22, 2021 · 1 hr 3 min
Final verdict on WWE Network
With the U.S. version of the WWE Network set to migrate to NBCU's Peacock on March 18, we revisit, perhaps one last time: Was launching the WWE Network and cannibalizing pay-per-view worth it? Plus, interesting results related to the Wrestlenomics Net Promoter Score, WWE CFO Kristina Salen is interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, and more. 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
Feb 14, 2021 · 1 hr 5 min
TV ratings literacy
How does one read TV viewership data in a world of shifty eyeballs? We revisit trends of wider linear TV viewership and compare them to that of wrestling's viewership. New Japan Pro-Wrestling announced a deal recent with Roku. What does it means for NJPW and what does it tell us about their media strategy? Plus, WWE employee morale takes a hit as the company freezes raises and promotions while recording record profitability. Payhip link for Wrestlenomics Pro Wrestling Industry Report 2020: https://payhip.com/b/69Sp 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
Feb 7, 2021 · 1 hr 11 min
WWE Q4 & full year 2020 earning report
WWE's year began with executive upheaval, faced a pandemic, but still had the most profitable year in its history. Brandon Thurston unpacks the latest WWE earnings report and conference call. 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
Feb 1, 2021 · 1 hr 51 min
Welcome to the flock
WWE deal rights to the WWE Network in the U.S. to NBCUniversal's Peacock. Is it worth it? Could it still be a good idea to offer Wrestlemania as a stand alone pay-per-view? Plus, your questions! 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
Jan 25, 2021 · 44 min
Banking model of pro wrestling
NBCUniversal announced NBCSN is closing at the end of this year. What does this mean for WWE and NXT in particular? How much revenue does WWE stand to generate for a two-day Wrestlemania with limited capacity at Raymond James Stadium? And finally, what the work of education philosopher Paulo Friere can teach us about the pro wrestling industry. 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
Jan 18, 2021 · 54 min
Pop culture extravaganza
Wrestlemania will have fans in attendance, April 10 and 11, at Raymond James Stadium. Former WWE co-presidents George Barrios and Michelle Wilson open investment firm. What's WWE popularity like in India ahead of the Superstar Spectacle program? WWE CFO Kristina Salen was interviewed as part of the Consumer Electronics Show. Who are the most searched-for wrestlers in WWE, AEW, and NJPW? All that and more! 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
Jan 11, 2021 · 40 min
No chance in hell
NJPW has an India TV deal. A media deal in the U.S. and U.K. seems imminent. WWE Raw scores big ratings for its Legends Night program. Vince McMahon has countersued Oliver Luck. What does MLB's apparent downgrade in TV rights fees from ESPN mean for the sports rights market? Linda McMahon contributes millions to her Trump super PAC. 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
Jan 3, 2021 · 1 hr 3 min
Cable makes wrestling richer than ever
This week we explain how the modern wrestling media economy works and just why cable TV gives WWE and AEW so much money for rights fees. Plus, Covid prevalence in Japan and Tokyo are on the rise as Wrestle Kingdom approaches. And WWE Smackdown gets a huge lead-in on Christmas day, followed by normal viewership on New Years Day. 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
Dec 27, 2020 · 1 hr 32 min
Year 2020 retrospective
This week's episode opens with some memories about Brodie Lee (Jon Huber). Through a compilation of clips from earlier episodes of Wrestlenomics Radio, we take a look back at the unforgettable year of 2020, the challenges brought by Covid, the changes in the wrestling industry, and more. 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
Dec 19, 2020 · 46 min
More fans than ever
WWE Raw hit a new viewership low on Monday, but what does it mean in this evolving media landscape? What does it mean for the USA Network? Brandon puts WWE viewership and popularity in context. In case you missed it, former Wrestlenomics co-host and current AEW VP Chris Harrington and Brandon talked about Wednesday night minute-by-minute viewership here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlMHWoIo35Y 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
Dec 12, 2020 · 1 hr 5 min
Code of Champions
AEW Dynamite had stronger viewership than the more heavily hyped episode the week before. We analyze the ratings for Impact, AEW Dynamite, and WWE NXT this week. How close is AEW getting to the numbers put up by WWE Raw? Plus: NXT India coming soon, age demographic breakdowns, NXT Takeover reception, the Code of Champions, pure Performance Center projects, and more. 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
Dec 5, 2020 · 59 min
Is TV more valuable than PPV?
Following a heavily hyped episode of AEW Dynamite, we analyze the viewership and the apparent beginning of relationship between All Elite Wrestling and Impact Wrestling. Plus, we'll unpack whether the wrestling economy is now at the point where one episode of a major weekly wrestling program is more valuable than a pay-per-view event. 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
Nov 28, 2020 · 1 hr 1 min
Pay-per-view price inelasticity
This podcast is like an MBA class but pro-wrestling examples and no college credits. Brandon Thurston unpacks the history of pay-per-view price points and discusses how or if it affected wrestling PPV sales. Plus, what challenges will independent wrestling face in the hopefully near post-corona era? 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
Nov 21, 2020 · 59 min
But all TV is down
Join Wrestlenomics host Brandon Thurston as we harness big data to ask the big questions related to wrestling economics and wrestling popularity. Is WWE's viewership decline really that much worse than other wider trends in television and major sports? Plus news on WWE executive moves, the settlement of a class-action shareholder lawsuit. And analysis of the latest in viewership as AEW Dynamite edged out Raw this week in P18-34. 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
Nov 14, 2020 · 1 hr 23 min
20-factor test
A lot of AEW news this week coming off of the Full Gear pay-per-view. How many buys does it look like the event sold and how does that compare to previous AEW PPVs? Where might an additional one-hour AEW program land on TNT? Would WWE wrestlers pass the Internal Revenue Service's 20-factor test to be considered employees? A deep analysis of WWE developmental. Plus, a special presentation of Wrestlenomics Jeopardy with Kate Carney (@KateCarnage)! 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
Nov 7, 2020 · 1 hr 10 min
A case for sports-like wrestling
We'll go over a few things we've learned about WWE's finances after the Q3 report last week and a preview of a new estimate for Q4. Brandon estimates WWE will report more than $160 million in net income for the full year of 2020. Plus, now may be the time for a mainstream pro wrestling company to have a more sports-like creative approach. 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
Oct 31, 2020 · 1 hr 1 min
WWE Q3 2020: Finally a new star, and it's Nick Khan
WWE reported Q3 2020 earnings on Thursday. The first nine months of 2020 are already more profitable than any full year in company history. Hear the audio from call with comments from WWE executives themselves, along with Brandon Thurston explaining and breaking down the numbers and the jargon. New president and chief revenue officer Nick Khan made his debut on the call. This was also the first earnings call appearance for new chief financial officer Kristina Salen. Stephanie McMahon made a more prominent role than ever. And Vince McMahon has never felt more optimistic than now. What's the future of WWE's media rights value? Will the FAANG companies get involved in live sports rights bidding someday? 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
Oct 24, 2020 · 1 hr 6 min
The business of everything else
In advance of the WWE Q3 earnings report next week, a special WWE- and AEW-free podcast: *New Japan records positive net income for FY2020 *How close are Japan, the U.S., and Mexico to running the same number of events as in 2019? *TNA's 2017 business forecasts were disclosed as part of the Jarrett-Anthem lawsuit *How media effects independent wrestling 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