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PWINSIDER Q&A: WWE ADDING MORE PPV EVENTS, WRESTLERS IN AIRPORTS, THE TRUTH IN WRESTLING AND MORE

Answered on 1/18

My question is regarding the number of PPVs that WWE runs.  Obviously, the business is far removed from the last boom period, yet with the addition of the WWECW brand, we now see more brand-only PPVs than ever, with some being only a couple of weeks apart from each other.  I could be wrong on this, but it seems that this glut of PPVs just waters down the quality of the shows, especially with how thin the star power is spread out over the brands.  Also given the problems with sponsors for their PPVs and the price hikes, does WWE really see that much of a profit in terms of buyrates to justify continuing with the number of shows they run now?  I’m not suggesting that WWE necessarily go back to the days of just the Big 4 and months-long slow builds for matches, etc., especially since the workers benefit from extra PPV bonuses, but it seems that reducing the number of PPVs would increase overall quality for the remaining shows.  

If WWE wasn't making money off of the PPV events, they wouldn't be squeezing more and more into the schedule.  In all honesty, WWE would rather get the 200,000+ loyalists that order every show to order another PPV, than try to convince the fans out there that are not ordering PPV events to give it a shot.  Has the quality of the shows gone down?  I think so, but until the buyrates dip to the point that WWE isn't making a profit, they will continue to pile more on and "milk the diehards" for more money.

Back in 2001, I was  flying to Miami and unknowingly was on the same plane as The Hardys and Raven. We took pictures with The Hardys who were both very nice and friendly. As we all waiting for our bags I noticed some other guy was sitting beside Jeff on a bench having him sign what looked like a bunch of cards. Any idea what this is? If this guy is selling these autographed cards or anything? Also do main eventers (Michaels, HHH, Edge, back then Austin) stroll through airports freely like I saw The Hardys do or do they get special treatment with security where you cant just walk up and shake their hand?

Honestly, it could have been Jeff signing cards for a fan, or it could have been him autographing cards for WWE, who have sold baseball-style cards with "autograph cards" inserted in random packs.   As for your second question, usually wrestlers stroll through the airport like anyone else.  Only on certain occasions, like overseas tours, do they require extra security. 

With WWE "Executing Order 66" yesterday, do you feel it's wise for TNA to pick some of those guys up?  Do you feel anyone is to any use for TNA?

I definitely think TNA should look at the talent who was released and see which wrestlers might fit into their organization.  I absolutely some of them can fit in, depending on what TNA's plans are.  Do I think TNA should pick up every WWE castoff?  No.  But if there is talent they feel can contribute to TNA's growth, they would be foolish not to look into bringing them in. 

After reading the books on Stampede Wresting, Shawn Michaels, Eric Bischoff and seeing what Bret Hart and Bad News Allen have to say about the business and each other. Where does the truth start and fantasy take over. It seems everyone has a different take on how something went down.

It has often been said that there are three sides to every story - yours, mine and the truth.  When it comes to books and interviews with wrestlers, it can sometimes be impossible to find any kind of consistency.  You pretty much have to take everything with a grain of salt, and try to get enough versions of the story from reliable sources to put together your own conclusion as to what the "truth" is. 

We know the WWE doesn't care about what the fans think since Vince knows what we want better than we do but what about TNA? Are they ignoring the fans disenchantment too because the other Vince feels he knows what we want too? I know they must read the message boards and here the disgruntlement in the voice of the fans.

I know for a fact that many within TNA are very sensitive to what the fans say and write about the company on the Internet.  In some cases, they seem to take the criticism to heart, while in other instances they seem intent on doing things "their way" no matter what the fans are writing (or chanting at the shows).  The bottom line, as always, is that the company needs to do enough to keep the fans around, otherwise they will go away. 

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