WWE to run worldwide feds?!

**spunkynut** · 03-02-2007, 11:05 AM

Quote:

News via insidepulse

'The new CFO of WWE, Michael Selick, revealed in Financial Week that the company is exploring the possibility of establishing separate WWE promotions running full-time in separate international markets. If everything went ahead it would go so far as to include separate TV tapings and storylines for each region, turning WWE from an overseas novelty into a local promotion.

Things are still in the preliminary stages but Vince McMahon has discussed it in detail with Stephanie, John Laurinaitis and others in the inner circle. The territories mentioned include a 'Pacific' region covering Japan, South Korea, China and Australia, a 'Hispanic' territory for Puerto Rico, Mexico and South America, and a European territory, with perhaps a Russian one at a later date. Meanwhile, in the USA, there would be two touring brands, most likely Raw and ECW, with Smackdown becoming the Hispanic brand as it is already well established in the market. Big pay increases would be given to senior agents and creative team members to move themselves and their families overseas, with potential performance bonuses depending on how well business goes. It would start off with a TV executive producer with experience of the region working closely with one agent and one writer who would be running the territory. There would also be a crew of wrestlers, who would also be expected to move their families overseas. Paul Heyman's name has actually been mentioned in connection to the Pacific region.

Shane McMahon, along with Selick, is working on a business plan for the venture, which remains in its formative stages. Potential drawbacks include the cost of producing WWE calibre shows, around $500,000 per week, and how TV stations in areas like Mexico would respond to the price. There is also the danger of international markets already beginning to get overexposed. Recent Japanese tours have not performed particularly well, there were concerns over the number of Australian tours, while advances for the next batch of Mexican dates have been well below expectations. Also, though WWE can get away with charging high prices for their shows at the moment as it is a novelty, doing so repeatedly would not help when taking on promotions like CMLL or AAA.

If it did come to pass then a lot of new wrestlers would of course be hired, as there would be a minimum of five brands. They are looking at promoting each market using both established WWE stars and top babyfaces based on ethnic backgrounds. Carlito, Mistico and Mysterio would be assigned to the Hispanic brand as top stars, they would look for a top Asian and Australian babyface, and guys like Regal, Finlay, Harry Smith and Paul Burchill could be assigned major roles in Europe. They would also likely raid the local markets in Japan and Mexico, whilst bringing back more of the '80s and '90s stars to make up the numbers. The only sure thing about the creative team members is that neither Stephanie McMahon nor Brian Gerwitz would work internationally. Gerwitz would likely become the chief writer of the USA brands, while Stephanie would hire more TV writers with Hollywood experience. Word is that the interntaionaly territories would be handled by Shane, with Vince concentrating on domestic business, though many have suggested that Vince's personality means he would want to be involved everywhere anyway.

Credit: Wrestling Observer newsletter (click here for subscription information) '

**TerranRich** · 03-02-2007, 11:34 AM

Wow. So they have shitty ratings lately, and they ... want to expand globally?

**Theo Dious** · 03-02-2007, 11:35 AM

So if I have this right, they would be overseas equivalents of DSW and OVW? Sounds intriguing.

03-02-2007, 11:35 AM

Try improving the current product first before expanding but it probably isn't a bad idea overall.

**Theo Dious** · 03-02-2007, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerranRich

Wow. So they have shitty ratings lately, and they ... want to expand globally?

Well actually, running a number of lesser promotions, if they had a low cost/high yield profit pattern, could be a wise financial move.

**TerranRich** · 03-02-2007, 12:46 PM

Probably. I just think the move is a little ill-timed.

**Jordan** · 03-02-2007, 01:16 PM

Amazing idea, this could turn the world of wrestling around completley.

**The One** · 03-02-2007, 02:02 PM

I always knew sooner or later the wrestling world would return to seperate territories under a giant umbrella...hell if you notice the two touring groups are already starting to seperate via region as it is. It's weird WWE is slowly morphing into an old NWA type system...which I am all for...but only if McMahon actually starts giving creative over to other people...

**Corkscrewed** · 03-02-2007, 03:17 PM

WWE is still hot overseas. Any drop in quality would be drastically overshadowed by the profits gained financially.

**starfox8500** · 03-02-2007, 03:34 PM

It's the whole monopoly thing. When one man (company) can dominate an industry, why the wwF' try to put effort into it?

**Xero** · 03-02-2007, 03:44 PM

Next thing you know we'll hear about a New Japan/WWE deal (again).

One RAW, one of their wrestlers attack in the ring. No one gives a fuck because no one has heard of them.

**Theo Dious** · 03-02-2007, 03:47 PM

I believe the typical response would be "I thought Funaki was on Smackdown?!"

**tucsonspeed6** · 03-02-2007, 04:18 PM

This is definately a good thing. There aren't enough McMahons to hog the programming in every single territory. Somebody's bound to have some quality shows. ANd wherever that is, I'm moving there.

**Mr. JL** · 03-02-2007, 06:40 PM

It is pretty scary just how BIG the WWE is getting.

03-02-2007, 06:41 PM

They do have a shit load of unused talent.

**Rob** · 03-02-2007, 06:49 PM

This ain't gonna happen. They can't write 2 decent TV shows now. Their product is too rushed and over saturated.

03-02-2007, 06:51 PM

3 TV shows if you count ECW.

**Xero** · 03-02-2007, 06:56 PM

They can't even write "shitty" ECW.

**What Would Kevin Do?** · 03-03-2007, 12:18 AM

It won't happen.

**Champion of Europa** · 03-03-2007, 02:45 AM

I heard a pretty good opinion on this. It would really freshen things up. When someone gets sent over to another brand, then came back years later, it'd be like they were a whole new character. It'd be like the days of territories all over again.

I personally really would like this to happen.

**What Would Kevin Do?** · 03-03-2007, 12:37 PM

Here's the thing.

WWE is not going to run national shows for all there different territory brands.

Second, WWE's favorite guys will be on the televised brands. Like WWE now, they will be watered down. Furthermore, if these other "territories" tour as much as WWE does now, even people in the territories will be watered down.

Ultimately, this will be WWE trying to rape the indy/foreign scene more, stealing talent, watering them down, etc.

Furthermore, I don't know about Mexico, but there's no way in hell I see A lot of Japanese wrestlers leaving their respective feds for a bastardized WWE brand.

**loopydate** · 03-03-2007, 12:39 PM

No, but I bet several gaijin would be willing to make the leap.

**What Would Kevin Do?** · 03-03-2007, 01:18 PM

If WWE wants to have a Pacific brand though, a fed full of Gaijin isn't going to get viewers. Japanese fans will want people they're familiar with, just like we would. WWE would have to get a few big Japanese names to get any sort of attendance that they would want (as I can't imagine they plan on running Dragongate size shows.)

I think the biggest name WWE could possibly get would be Vader. Next would probably be Albert.

I can't imagine a lot of Japanese "free agents" signing with WWE, as I doubt WWE would let them keep free agent status and wrestle elsewhere. Anyway, I can't imagine any established NJPW, AJPW, or Noah star jumping ship to WWE, especially when WWE's style is so different than the style they already work.

**Mr. Nerfect** · 03-03-2007, 03:39 PM

It probably won't happen, I can see it being a good idea, though.

If the WWE let Paul Heyman run the Asia-Pacific shows, they would be fucking amazing. Don't deny it. If they managed to get some biggish Japanese stars, I could see them doing alright. They may not even need to go Japanese with all of them. Umaga seems like a good fit for the Pacific brand. He's got the whole Japanese experience and the islander heritage. The WWE would likely snatch up guys like Giant Bernard, and Hell, even Steve Corino. This is a bit of a stretch, but if the WWE offered him enough money, Brock Lesnar could show up. That's if he stops being a whiney bitch and accepts a shit load of cash from them.

The Hispanic shows would be pretty cool, too. Rey Mysterio, Carlito, Paul London, Brian Kendrick, Chavo Guerrero, Mistico, La Parka, Val Venis (he speaks Spanish, his wife is from south of the border, and he had some success there), Shocker, Super Crazy and Perro Aguayo Jr. would make for some guys to have down there. Aaron Aguilera might get re-signed, and he could do some hardcore shit.

The European one also has me intrigued: William Regal, Finlay, Paul Burchill and Harry Smith may become main eventers. That's pretty sweet.

I can see the WWE marketting these brands in all markets available to them, and giving each one their own format, feel and style. I actually think the SmackDown! name should be given to the Asia-Pacific brand, whereas the Mexico/Puerto Rico one becomes Nitro.

This will allow the WWE to expand outwards, get even more guys exposure and experience, and there is one other bright side to it all:

Promotions that compete with these shows, like AAA, CMLL, Dragon Gate, etc. may, just may, get more attention if their show manages to hold its own.

I'm just glad I'm in Australia, so we'd likely pick up the Asia-Pacific brand regardless, and could potentially get Paul Heyman's booking.

**Corkscrewed** · 03-03-2007, 03:55 PM

I'm kinda anxious to see this happen so I can laugh when it fails.

**AdrianM** · 03-03-2007, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Steve

Try improving the current product first before expanding but it probably isn't a bad idea overall.

lol. let me guess, I bet you're from America right.
I'm here in Australia, and would love the opportunity to have good, regular wrestling shows, unlike the bi-yearly or yearly tours we currently have

**Pepsi Man** · 03-03-2007, 10:21 PM

I don't like this idea at all. For one thing, I see this as making the World Titles mean even less (if it's possible at all) than they do now.

**El Fangel** · 03-03-2007, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan X

Amazing idea, this could fuck the world of wrestling over completley.

03-03-2007, 10:50 PM

I doubt this will happen anytime soon anyway but they would gain a good profit from it.

**DaVe** · 03-03-2007, 10:51 PM

Wow. So they have shitty ratings lately, and they ... want to expand globally?

Eh, come on, Terran. The ratings lately have actually been their best for at least 2 years... ignoring ECW.

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03-02-2007, 11:34 AM	#2
TerranRich Herp a derp, and so on Posts: 8,830	Wow. So they have shitty ratings lately, and they ... want to expand globally?

03-02-2007, 11:35 AM	#3
Theo Dious EATER OF HOT POCKETS Posts: 14,340	So if I have this right, they would be overseas equivalents of DSW and OVW? Sounds intriguing.

03-02-2007, 11:35 AM	#4
King Steve Guest Posts: n/a	Try improving the current product first before expanding but it probably isn't a bad idea overall.

03-02-2007, 12:46 PM	#6
TerranRich Herp a derp, and so on Posts: 8,830	Probably. I just think the move is a little ill-timed.

03-02-2007, 01:16 PM	#7
Jordan It's a blood match! Posts: 27,382	Amazing idea, this could turn the world of wrestling around completley.

03-02-2007, 02:02 PM	#8
The One Boss Posts: 17,611	I always knew sooner or later the wrestling world would return to seperate territories under a giant umbrella...hell if you notice the two touring groups are already starting to seperate via region as it is. It's weird WWE is slowly morphing into an old NWA type system...which I am all for...but only if McMahon actually starts giving creative over to other people...

03-02-2007, 03:17 PM	#9
Corkscrewed Posts: 18,357	WWE is still hot overseas. Any drop in quality would be drastically overshadowed by the profits gained financially.

03-02-2007, 03:34 PM	#10
starfox8500 Future #1 Bro-ski o.t.w. Posts: 447	It's the whole monopoly thing. When one man (company) can dominate an industry, why the wwF' try to put effort into it?

03-02-2007, 03:44 PM	#11
Xero He's Here Posts: 60,735	Next thing you know we'll hear about a New Japan/WWE deal (again). One RAW, one of their wrestlers attack in the ring. No one gives a fuck because no one has heard of them.

03-02-2007, 03:47 PM	#12
Theo Dious EATER OF HOT POCKETS Posts: 14,340	I believe the typical response would be "I thought Funaki was on Smackdown?!"

03-02-2007, 04:18 PM	#13
tucsonspeed6 Banned WWE on 1/1/07 Posts: 2,141	This is definately a good thing. There aren't enough McMahons to hog the programming in every single territory. Somebody's bound to have some quality shows. ANd wherever that is, I'm moving there.

03-02-2007, 06:40 PM	#14
Mr. JL Posts: 4,834	It is pretty scary just how BIG the WWE is getting.

03-02-2007, 06:41 PM	#15
King Steve Guest Posts: n/a	They do have a shit load of unused talent.

03-02-2007, 06:49 PM	#16
Rob Part time poster Posts: 22,963	This ain't gonna happen. They can't write 2 decent TV shows now. Their product is too rushed and over saturated.

03-02-2007, 06:51 PM	#17
King Steve Guest Posts: n/a	3 TV shows if you count ECW.

03-02-2007, 06:56 PM	#18
Xero He's Here Posts: 60,735	They can't even write "shitty" ECW.

03-03-2007, 12:18 AM	#19
What Would Kevin Do? Ninja Mod, Esquire Posts: 12,676	It won't happen.

03-03-2007, 02:45 AM	#20
Champion of Europa SEX APPEAL Posts: 13,830	I heard a pretty good opinion on this. It would really freshen things up. When someone gets sent over to another brand, then came back years later, it'd be like they were a whole new character. It'd be like the days of territories all over again. I personally really would like this to happen.

03-03-2007, 12:37 PM	#21
What Would Kevin Do? Ninja Mod, Esquire Posts: 12,676	Here's the thing. WWE is not going to run national shows for all there different territory brands. Second, WWE's favorite guys will be on the televised brands. Like WWE now, they will be watered down. Furthermore, if these other "territories" tour as much as WWE does now, even people in the territories will be watered down. Ultimately, this will be WWE trying to rape the indy/foreign scene more, stealing talent, watering them down, etc. Furthermore, I don't know about Mexico, but there's no way in hell I see A lot of Japanese wrestlers leaving their respective feds for a bastardized WWE brand.

03-03-2007, 12:39 PM	#22
loopydate FIT Challenge Slag People Posts: 13,816	No, but I bet several gaijin would be willing to make the leap.

03-03-2007, 01:18 PM	#23
What Would Kevin Do? Ninja Mod, Esquire Posts: 12,676	If WWE wants to have a Pacific brand though, a fed full of Gaijin isn't going to get viewers. Japanese fans will want people they're familiar with, just like we would. WWE would have to get a few big Japanese names to get any sort of attendance that they would want (as I can't imagine they plan on running Dragongate size shows.) I think the biggest name WWE could possibly get would be Vader. Next would probably be Albert. I can't imagine a lot of Japanese "free agents" signing with WWE, as I doubt WWE would let them keep free agent status and wrestle elsewhere. Anyway, I can't imagine any established NJPW, AJPW, or Noah star jumping ship to WWE, especially when WWE's style is so different than the style they already work.

03-03-2007, 03:39 PM	#24
Mr. Nerfect Posts: 61,517	It probably won't happen, I can see it being a good idea, though. If the WWE let Paul Heyman run the Asia-Pacific shows, they would be fucking amazing. Don't deny it. If they managed to get some biggish Japanese stars, I could see them doing alright. They may not even need to go Japanese with all of them. Umaga seems like a good fit for the Pacific brand. He's got the whole Japanese experience and the islander heritage. The WWE would likely snatch up guys like Giant Bernard, and Hell, even Steve Corino. This is a bit of a stretch, but if the WWE offered him enough money, Brock Lesnar could show up. That's if he stops being a whiney bitch and accepts a shit load of cash from them. The Hispanic shows would be pretty cool, too. Rey Mysterio, Carlito, Paul London, Brian Kendrick, Chavo Guerrero, Mistico, La Parka, Val Venis (he speaks Spanish, his wife is from south of the border, and he had some success there), Shocker, Super Crazy and Perro Aguayo Jr. would make for some guys to have down there. Aaron Aguilera might get re-signed, and he could do some hardcore shit. The European one also has me intrigued: William Regal, Finlay, Paul Burchill and Harry Smith may become main eventers. That's pretty sweet. I can see the WWE marketting these brands in all markets available to them, and giving each one their own format, feel and style. I actually think the SmackDown! name should be given to the Asia-Pacific brand, whereas the Mexico/Puerto Rico one becomes Nitro. This will allow the WWE to expand outwards, get even more guys exposure and experience, and there is one other bright side to it all: Promotions that compete with these shows, like AAA, CMLL, Dragon Gate, etc. may, just may, get more attention if their show manages to hold its own. I'm just glad I'm in Australia, so we'd likely pick up the Asia-Pacific brand regardless, and could potentially get Paul Heyman's booking.

03-03-2007, 03:55 PM	#25
Corkscrewed Posts: 18,357	I'm kinda anxious to see this happen so I can laugh when it fails.

03-03-2007, 10:21 PM	#27
Pepsi Man Posts: 15,983	I don't like this idea at all. For one thing, I see this as making the World Titles mean even less (if it's possible at all) than they do now.

03-03-2007, 10:50 PM	#29
Rocky B Guest Posts: n/a	I doubt this will happen anytime soon anyway but they would gain a good profit from it.

03-03-2007, 10:51 PM	#30
DaVe yeah nah good mate Posts: 1,499	Wow. So they have shitty ratings lately, and they ... want to expand globally? Eh, come on, Terran. The ratings lately have actually been their best for at least 2 years... ignoring ECW.