Some notes from the WWE 1st quarter (Wrestlemania was in the second quarter this year):
* Revenues from our Live and Televised Entertainment businesses were $70.4 million for the current quarter as compared to $98.2 million in the prior year quarter. That is a 28% drop from last year at this time.
* Business in North America is down to $89.7 million, this time last year it was $106.9 million.
* Live Event revenues were $19.6 million as compared to $26.0 million in the prior year.
* The 2011 WWE Royal Rumble PPV did 446,000 buys. This is down from last year’s 462,000 buys; a difference of 16,000 buys.
* The 2011 WWE Elimination Chamber PPV did 199,000 buys. This is down from last year’s 285,000 buys; a difference of 86,000 buys.
* PPV buys for the two PPVs are down 102,000 buys.
* McMahon noted that it was a somewhat disappointing quarter, but also stated that WrestleMania fell in the first quarter last year.
* McMahon also noted that PPV fell flat in the quarter, but said that TV ratings and the return of Tough Enough showed the power that the brand still has.
* McMahon discussed the new WWE, stating that they wouldn’t leave the current product model, but would be using their expertise in television production, live event production and licensing to create new revenue prospects for the company with other acquisitions and projects.
* They took on a loss of $1.5 million on The Chaperone, because they now take on all the costs of marketing and advertising themselves as part of their self-distribution of the film.
* McMahon noted that they would have two new live event programs, and that it would happen in the not too distance future. He also said finding a home for them would not be a problem. McMahon also stated that Edge’s unexpected retirement wouldn’t effect their bottom line because they are doing so well with developing talents.
* On current storylines, McMahon said that Rock’s return has brought them greater awareness by having older names mix it up with the new WWE talent, naming Miz and Alberto Del Rio.
* McMahon noted that they would have two new live event programs, and that it would happen in the not too distance future. He also said finding a home for them would not be a problem.
McMahon also stated that Edge’s unexpected retirement wouldn’t effect their bottom line because they are doing so well with developing talents.
* Barrios went on to explain that their revenue from toys increased 86% from a year ago due to their partnering with Mattel. (That's why PG isn't ending anytime soon.)