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411 on the current "Big 3" in Wrestling
Topic Started: Apr 19 2007, 11:51 PM (52 Views)
Crimson Shards
Unregistered

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Finally, how is RoH doing, financially? Do you see them ever making it a big 3, getting to the level ECW was at in wrestling's heyday? They seem to be drawing bigger crowds, in bigger arenas, than before, and their crowds have always been rabidly loyal. There's no question that their talent in terms of wrestling ability is miles ahead of anything on TV.

I don't have access to ROH's financial stats, but from what I can tell they're doing pretty well. Expansion into Britain and upcoming shows in Japan indicate this, as do increased attendance in the NYC & Philly markets, which along with Chicago are by far the most populous places they run on a regular basis. They run more and more shows each year, and DVD sales of shows, shoot interviews and other wrestling merchandise seem to be going well. I would have to believe that unless their cost for putting on shows and getting merchandise to sell and whatnot are much more than I would imagine them to be, they're making a profit. Which would put them ahead of TNA as far as finances go. Can they make it a "big 3"? I don't know...the gap between WWE and everybody else right now as far as worldwide recognition, television ratings and video sales go is vast. I do think they could fall into the ECW slot...but eventually one would think that ROH would have to go the television route if they really want to compete with the big dogs. From what I can tell about Gabe Sapolosky, he's learned from his mentor Paul Heyman's mistakes in that area and doesn't seem concerned with a television product at all because ECW getting a bad TV deal was part of what killed that promotion. Too many chefs in the kitchen. I think ROH can have a long shelf-life continuing to serve as an alternative for more internet smarky wrestling fans that want to watch something that isn't sports entertainment.

Of course, I may be biased because I go to ROH shows in Dayton and the Column of Hero is my new favorite column on this website. What, Ari took it back? Son of a buck...nah, just kidding, I like Ari too. Even if he no-sells the viciousness of the cravate.


Credit: 411 Wrestling

I think he raises a good point, however, one could argue that RoH is currently in the number two spot in American Pro-Wrestling. It is far bigger than any standard indy, a kin to how ECW got in it's later years, and could have a decent TV deal if it wanted (it actually airs in three countries outside America too). Also, unlike TNA, it is turning profit and is actually making money in a "sport" that has become a one promotion show mostly. Though, obviously even calling RoH the "#2" sounds a tad silly when there is such a large gap between WWE and the rest of the pack at this point and time.

I could certainly see, with how smart they've been so far business wise, RoH picking up where TNA has fallen on it's ass with. Granted, it would more than likely occur after TNA's ashes were swept under the rug and left to be forgotten. Not to mention I don't think they'll be "gunning" for the McMahons any time soon. But if they keep up at this pace, eventually they could do what so many others (ECW and TNA included) have failed to do, be successful AND have a TV show.
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Elrick
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As far as I'm concerned I'll watch RoH over anything WWE, TNA or wrestling wise, bar NOAH, But there practically RoH to me as both promotions share roster.

Storyline wise, RoH are gradually building quite interesting storlyines but it's nice to watch wrestling that isn't about storlyine'#s it's about mad ass spots and technical gods showing you how it should be done, tell me any RoH fan would watch Batista vs. Undertaker, over Nigel McGuinness vs. Chris Hero, I would reply with a simple and insulting "Bullshit!"
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Mi8playa
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Definitely. TNA is not only still not making a profit, they are turning more and more into a WWE-style show, which we all know won't make matters any better. TNA's only hope was/is to make wrestling you see on the indies, and show stuff that isn't seen in the WWE to a mainstream audience which they fail miserably at doing. Instead they produced dragged out pointless storylines and gimmicky match after gimmicky match.

I'd honestly rather watch WWE than TNA at this point in the game. Why watch the 2nd rate entertainment show when you can watch the number 1? Exactly.

IMO though WWE is in no great position either. Of course financial wise they have no worries at all, and they'll almost always have the fanbase, but at the same time, they aren't taking advantage of this fanbase, and are stuck in almost a "void" era. They are trying to cling on too long to too many things/people instead of paving the way for the new era. Sure they may think... *gulp* Lashley, Batista, and Cena *gulp* are the new era, but honestly whatever WWE shoves down our throats, we are forced to watch, and the loyal fanbase will do as Vince tells. If I was Vince, I'd give indy favorites a big push as the loyal fans would still love 'em and you'd get those indy fans to watch your product more often. I will admit, thus far Punk's push/latest storyline shows that true talent do sometimes come out and get what they deserve.

Now of course onto ROH, as evident by myself going to my 2nd ROH event on 5/12, sitting 4th row on the floor this time, it shows I'm a huge fan. Got hooked basically last June/July and been loving it since. Not much needed to add but the fact that I don't see ROH giving TV a shot until they are completely financially solid. I know they have made a profit and I believe are continually now making a profit, but Gabe learned from Heyman's wrongs and won't go the TV route until he knows he is financially solid and that TV executives won't change/force a certain product over the other.

Also, if they do go the TV route, I'd hope they won't make it a live show/weekly show to be honest. If they did that either the TV show would be unimportant or the 4 shows a month would have less value. If anything the route I'd like to see is if they go 1 hour, have maybe a dark match from a DVD release, preview new merchandise/DVDs, maybe recap like the videowire currently does, and even throw in an old match or two once in a while. I'd drool to see possibly a nice 20 minute to 30 minute main event match from an older DVD on free TV.

Anyways, I'll be sticking to my ROH. :D
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