10 Common Misconceptions About Modern Day WWE
4. Business Is Bad
WWE’s ratings aren’t in great shape at the moment. Raw hit a historical low point in September, and while things have started bouncing back in recent months, WWE’s average viewership is as low as it has ever been. This has naturally led to droves of onlookers calling WWE’s current situation a state of crisis, but while ratings remain a strong indicator of viewing trends, they’re nowhere near as important as they used to be.
Consumption methods have changed drastically over the past few years. Viewers are gradually shifting away from live television and towards streaming services and records, and the downturn in ratings isn’t a WWE-specific problem, but one reflected throughout the television industry.
Viewership changes aside, WWE’s financials are in great shape. Revenue grew 20% to hit an all-time record of $658 million last year, and TV rights deals are set to grow from the current figure of $130 million to $235 million in 2018. Revenue from the Network grew 25% in 2016’s first six months compared to the previous year, and no other sporting entity can match WWE’s mastery of social media outreach.
Things aren’t perfect, but WWE have done a good job in adjusting their business practices to remain profitable in an ever-changing marketplace. They’re an incredibly robust business, and they’re doing just fine.