With all of these changes, is Brock Lesnar still worth his high price tag?

Probably a non story but on WON Radio they had audio of Dave and Bryan interviewing Austin about the Network. Bryan asked Austin if he would be interested in doing something similar as his podcast on the network, Austin replied his ears would be open. I don't think the WWE has approached Austin about such a thing, but it wouldn't be a bad idea for a show. A weekly hour long in depth of interview of a wrestler could be very interesting. They wouldn't even need to get Austin per say (although I think Austin would strive as a sit down face to face interviewer), I am sure Joey Styles or even Foley (if he took a serious approach to it) could pull it off quite well.

I can imagine this being like what ESPN2 does with ESPNRadio AM shows. And I'd definitely watch.

Not for PPV. However, do they charge a higher ticket price for a Lesnar PPV vs. a non Lesnar PPV?

On Observer Radio, Dave mentioned that working with MLBAM will be very expensive, and that it means the break-even point for the Network will be higher than you would think it would be. Does anyone have any idea how much something like that will cost?

I tried to get some dollar figures from my source. He couldn't tell me anything a) he's most likely not privy to that information and even if he was, yeah, that wouldn't be a great idea to give it to some idiot like me.

 

I will say though, look at their clients. CBS, ESPN, Major League Baseball add in the fact they are the unquestioned leaders in live streaming (sports and non-sports) and yeah, it's a steep price but in my opinion worth it for the stability.

With all of these changes, is Brock Lesnar still worth his high price tag?

I'd argue he was barely worth it under the old model.

Not for PPV. However, do they charge a higher ticket price for a Lesnar PPV vs. a non Lesnar PPV?

No. But he gets $5 million a year for ten total appearances (TV & PPV combined), and he was enough of a difference maker on PPV to justify it. The gravy train may be close to running dry not just for Brock, but for a few of the older part-timers. We'll see.

They said they would be adding more content in the future.

 

When they add all the old house shows, MSG, Spectrum, Maple Leaf Gardens, etc... I may never leave the house.

With all of these changes, is Brock Lesnar still worth his high price tag?

Maybe if they give him a cooking show.

On Observer Radio, Dave mentioned that working with MLBAM will be very expensive, and that it means the break-even point for the Network will be higher than you would think it would be. Does anyone have any idea how much something like that will cost?

I tried to get some dollar figures from my source. He couldn't tell me anything a) he's most likely not privy to that information and even if he was, yeah, that wouldn't be a great idea to give it to some idiot like me.

 

I will say though, look at their clients. CBS, ESPN, Major League Baseball add in the fact they are the unquestioned leaders in live streaming (sports and non-sports) and yeah, it's a steep price but in my opinion worth it for the stability.

 

Thanks for checking.

I am going to be trying this out for sure but I am curious if they will be heavily editing the programming like they do with many of their dvds? That would be a big turn off for me.

Older programming is pretty much just going to be edited for music rights. Nothing for content, whether it's blood, Benoit, Ventura, etc.

 

What's the deal with stuff like Demolition or Big Boss Man's old music being edited? I thought they owned those songs. I used two examples that I think were edited but I could be wrong on them.

Looks like it will indeed be on AppleTV and they were handcuffed by Apple's weird policies in announcing it, as the reporters there got WWE-branded AppleTVs: http://bytenow.net/2014/01/08/wwe-network-apple-tv/

Michelle Wilson did say something about "another connected device that we're not allowed to announce" that sounded like AppleTV to me. Glad to hear this. When it comes to streaming devices that older adults use, AppleTV is high on that list.

 

Chromecasts in the press kits, too.

 

Wondering how closely they'll work with Google and Roku. It's in WWE's interest to be able to push streaming devices that cost the same as or less than the current PPV rates to people that don't already have game consoles or other connected devices hooked up to their TVs.

The network is getting a lot more buzz than I thought it would. Will that transfer to subscriptions? We'll see.

This venture has so much potential it's frightening. I would have liked some new in house productions announced instead of the older ones (Legends House) they've been sitting on for a while, mind.

Do folks here have experience with Roku? Is it a worthwhile device? Seems pretty affordable.

Do folks here have experience with Roku? Is it a worthwhile device? Seems pretty affordable.

I had a Roku and didn't love it, but I'm also someone who prefers to download content. If you're using it just to watch Netflix and WWE Network, it'll do the job. It's very much plug and play with minimal setup. I believe the newer ones also allow you to hook up a hard drive.

 

What's the rundown of promotions they are showing? WWE, WCW, ECW... then World Class, SMW, AWA? Have to think they'll add a good bit of Mid-South after the DVD did well.

Apple TV app makes this a slam dunk for me. I basically live off my Apple TV for my media viewing. This is pretty fucking incredible.

Do folks here have experience with Roku? Is it a worthwhile device? Seems pretty affordable.

Yes, yes, and yes, it is. If you don't already have a supported device, the entry level model (Roku LT) will do the job. Keep an eye on Amazon: Sometimes they discount the Roku LT by $10 to $40.

Is Vince drunk here or just show his age in a way?

 

I have 2 Rokus ( The 2 and the 3 ) and they are great. There is also a Roku app that let's you play your music, videos, and photos on your TV. Roku also got YouTube right around Christmas so you can also watch that on your TV too! I had Apple TV but like Roku better. Very easy to navigate. Woot.com also has Rokus marked down sometimes too.

Is Vince drunk here or just show his age in a way?

 

Oh man, I don't know... he looks pretty liquored up is my best guess.

He looks happy!

 

I mean... "Goddamnit, I'm happy!"

On Observer Radio, Dave mentioned that working with MLBAM will be very expensive, and that it means the break-even point for the Network will be higher than you would think it would be. Does anyone have any idea how much something like that will cost?

This is going to be interesting to see.

 

John

Man, in addition to everything else, the network is going to have a documentary mini-series on the life and career of William Regal.

 

shutup and take my money already.

The first live wrestling show on the WWE Network is gonna be a live edition of NXT on Febuary 27th. Already announced is Sami Zayn vs Antonio Cesaro 3, NXT title match Bo Dallas vs Adrian Neville in a ladder match and the Brotherhood(Goldust and Cody Rhodes).

Do folks here have experience with Roku? Is it a worthwhile device? Seems pretty affordable.

Love my Roku. Bought it for 60 bucks. When you get it, add the Plex app. Trust me.