Every month WWE releases preliminary numbers about PPV buys, attendance trends, merchandise orders, website traffic and lots more. However, they stubbornly refuse to release information about the monthly number of WWE Network subscribers. Yet the WWE Network is what has revolutionized WWEs go-to-market model. So, now were left with enormous speculation and little information. If the company does not want to suffer from serious quarterly spikes (and dips) as investors over-react to their subscription numbers, all they need to do is provide monthly guidance. Right now, the real subscription numbers are closely guarded and even top decision makers are left in the dark. Its an inefficient way to operate and needless. Why should the WWE be forthcoming with 80% of their key statistics, but hold back such a vital one? Thats not in the investors best interest and ultimately its not in the companys best interests either. None of these recommendations will fix the WWE Network overnight. Its going to be a slow process. But each of these represent small steps the company can take which can seriously improve the health and well-being for this critical project.
I'm a professional wrestling analyst, an improviser and an avid NES gamer. I live in Saint Paul, Minnesota and I'm working on my first book (#wrestlenomics). You can contact me at chris.harrington@gmail.com or on twitter (@mookieghana)
