Vanhalen 0 Report post Posted July 9, 2004 Im surprised Vince hasnt done this before, as hes had sell outs every time he comes to the country, 20,000+ for house shows and so on, but it seems they dont think the market in America will pick up anytime soon, and because of the strength of the pound, and popularity of live events, seems like we will get a decent deal on the live shows front WWE sent out the following press release today. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE World Wresting Entertainment® Launches Major Brand Initiative For The UK Year-Long Brand Push to Feature Production of Television Shows from UK, Increased Superstar Appearances, Advertising and Promotional Programs, As First Stage of Global Expansion Plan LONDON, England, July 7, 2004 – In recognition of the passion of UK fans and business partners, World Wrestling Entertainment today said it will extend its brand presence significantly in the United Kingdom over the next year as part of a major global expansion initiative. Building upon WWE’s successful UK TV and Live Event presence, the WWE brand initiative will introduce UK-based television production, additional live events, promotional programs, licensed product launches, and on-the-ground appearances from the larger-than-life WWE superstars. Spearheading this initiative, the WWE will produce its two flagship television programs, Monday Night RAW and WWE SmackDown!, from the UK in front of sell-out crowds at the Manchester Evening News Arena in October 2004. This is first time ever that the two shows have been produced outside of North America. Campaigns involving WWE commercial partners, including promotions, competitions, in-store appearances, school visits and new product launches featuring the WWE Superstars, are already in the planning stage. These are part of the UK-specific branding operation that will see a significant increase in presence for WWE licensees, retailers, promotional and media partners. “Our fans in the UK are incredible, and their loyalty, combined with the exceptional retail and licensing programs we have in the UK, is a linchpin to our strategy to expand WWE’s global presence,” said Shane McMahon, WWE’s Executive Vice President, Global Media. “Our UK initiative is groundbreaking for us, our business partners, and our fans. It will develop the model we plan to use in other countries as we further implement our global expansion strategy.” Leading up to the RAW and SmackDown! televised events in October, the WWE Superstars will perform to sold-out crowds in Belfast, Sheffield, Nottingham and London as part of a unique “double header” WWE European tour where UK fans nationwide will be invited to be part of WWE history. In April 2005, the WWE plans to return to the UK to produce again Monday Night RAW and WWE SmackDown!, triggering a second phase of promotions, sweepstakes and Superstar appearances In support of this initiative, WWE is undertaking a UK-specific ad campaign that will result in greater awareness for the brand. Licensees, retailers, promotional and media partners will all focus their WWE efforts around the same brand message and as a result of these synergies, there will be a significant increase in activities developed for their consumers. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) is an integrated media and entertainment company headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto and London. Additional information on the company can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. -30- Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BHK 0 Report post Posted July 9, 2004 Im surprised Vince hasnt done this before, as hes had sell outs every time he comes to the country, 20,000+ for house shows and so on, but it seems they dont think the market in America will pick up anytime soon, and because of the strength of the pound, and popularity of live events, seems like we will get a decent deal on the live shows front maybe I'm missing something here, but isn't the reason that WWE sells out live events, is really big live there, etc. is becasue of the rarity of the presence of it? I mean, say it was reversed, and they came to the US only once a year for a week long tour, I'd assume every show would sell out. I see UK fans tiring of it after a couple of years, just like US fans have, and business there eventually leveling off, like it has here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vanhalen 0 Report post Posted July 9, 2004 Yeah, but why not take advantage while its hot and the pound is strong, then when it cools off a bit, move back most operations to the states, he could switch backwards and forwards every so often, remember, a recent smackdown show drew just 640 people. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
King Cucaracha 0 Report post Posted July 9, 2004 They're only really doing this to make sure people will be interested in the product and therefore won't mind too much about buying the PPVs from next year. Still...it's a good idea, as in England right now you're near enough guaranteed a hot crowd. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted July 9, 2004 and when the Europe market dies down...they'll hammer the Asian market after it and then hit the Austrailian market hard... It's a cycle...to REALLY prove they are serious...They should have a Main PPV from England Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tino Standard 0 Report post Posted July 9, 2004 This is first time ever that the two shows have been produced outside of North America. I know I'm nit-picking here, but what about the Christmas Smackdown in Iraq just 7 months ago? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deancoles 0 Report post Posted July 9, 2004 I'd say this is the order of importance for the WWE Markets.5-8 are basically a guess and I picked UK ahead of Japan because even in the desperate years(91-95) they were still popular over here and got good attendances at House Shows and at Summerslam 92. 1.America 2.Canada 3.UK 4.Japan 5.Mexico 6.Other Asian countries 7.Other European countries(Germany,Italy and France) 8.Australia Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted July 9, 2004 This is first time ever that the two shows have been produced outside of North America. I know I'm nit-picking here, but what about the Christmas Smackdown in Iraq just 7 months ago? That was Smackdown only. It said BOTH shows were being produced. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steviekick 0 Report post Posted July 10, 2004 Having the Royal Rumble in London would be fitting.... 4000th POST~!~!!!!~!!!!~!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
