12 Ups & 13 Downs For WWE In 2019 (So Far)

6. The Q1 Financials

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Forefront Magazine

The balance sheet is going to sort itself out when the Saudi and FOX number comes through, but WWE's Q1 2019 financials were a disappointing flop.

Revenue fell by $5.3 million compared to the previews year. $28.6 in operating income turned into a loss, with WWE attributing it to "a decline in revenue and increased fixed costs, as well as higher stock compensation costs." Elsewhere, Raw and SmackDown viewership numbers were reported as being 14% and 13% down respectively, and there was an 11% dip in live event attendances with the shows yielding a $200,000 loss overall.

That a company with so many huge advantageous and assets found themselves in this situation is remarkable, and the numbers strengthen the argument that there has never been a wrestling promotion that gets so little from so much. Q2 may right the course, and WWE will remain stable, but Q1 was embarrassing.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.