WWE: Jim Ross blogs on SummerSlam, WWE network launch and upcoming shows

Jim Ross

Jim Ross posted his latest blog at JR’s BBQ, which is a great read. Here are some highlights:

The weak SummerSlam PPV buy rate: “Based on the WWE conference call this morning, executives were apparently disappointed with the Summer Slam PPV buys and the term ‘attraction’ was used as the reason. Couldn’t agree more. PPV’s are all attraction driven and they’ve always been. However, the more that is given away on free TV and the more free TV that is provided in general the harder it is for attractions to be considered worth spending extra, big bucks on and adding to one’s cable or satellite bill.

“Plus, too often major storylines are 1. over thought and 2. over exposed in largely a ‘sameness’ presentation on free TV to make them feel special enough for one to want to invest significant money on PPV to see more. I’m a believer that TV ratings can be achieved without giving away multiple, PPV attractions but only if long term, creative planning is firmly in place. Changing things on the fly and making 11th hour decisions regarding direction, etc will never be a successful formula.

“PPV’s should generally feature one of two things. if not both, in different, main event level bouts, 1. The ‘blow off’ of a well told storyline or 2. The first bout of a well set up issue. It gets very tricky when one is trying to get multiple, PPV’s out of two talents on successive PPV events. It can be done but it’s getting harder and harder or so it seems.”

The launch of the WWE Network: “One would assume that if WWE was going to launch their long awaited, ballyhooed, WWE Network that it would be leading into WM30 in New Orleans as that would create a buzz for two, major events. So, my best guess regarding the Network’s launch would be in the 1st quarter of 2014 but that is merely a guess and arguably not an educated one.”

His upcoming shows: “We have multiple, major promotion companies looking to promote my ‘Evening with Jim Ross’ shows in 2014 and I’m looking forward started. I’d like to do approximately 100 shows next year.”

Much more is contained in Ross’ latest blog, including more on what drives pay-per-view business, needing “hot” talent, NXT talents not getting called up, WWE 2K14, a WWE talent buried during a production meeting and much more. You can check out the full entry by clicking here.