Illegal streaming detracts from WWE revenue

The WWE network is home to over 5000 hours of wrestling content, both past and present. However, numerous claims of illegal streaming of their content has hindered their growth over the past three years.

Tonight's #SDLive emanates from @savemartcenter in Fresno, where @DaveBautista won his FIRST #RoyalRumble in 2005! https://t.co/i6hoHIqxyK

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) May 2, 2017

The network currently has over 1.9 million subscribers, good enough for fifth on the global network scale. Therefore, it would be reasonable to say that since its inception in 2014, WWE viewer growth has increased exponentially. The quarterly reports of 2016 support those assertions, as WWE announced a strong fourth quarter with record revenue and internet engagements. In a 2016 interview with WWE CEO Vince McMahon by businesswire.com, he elaborated on the great year his corporation had.

“During the past year, we continued to successfully execute our content strategy, which resulted in significant operational achievements and generated record revenue” McMahon said. “The increased engagement with our brands across multiple platforms provides a foundation for achieving our 2017 and long-term financial objectives.”

While these reports portray the successful year that the WWE had, doesn’t explain the steady decline in television ratings. In 2016, the average ratings for RAW and Smackdown were 2.26 million and 1.72 million viewers respectively. This is a direct correlation of fans turning their back on the product that could be perceived as lackluster of late. TWM news referred to this perception of the poor product as a cause of more illegal streaming.

“Since the introduction of the WWE Network, the rise of illegal streaming particularly for WWE events has increased,” the author stated. “Some fans are choosing to find an illegal stream ... for free. This same theory applies to weekly episodes of Raw & SmackDown.”

Fans have the unfair misconception that poor ratings are equivalent to poor show quality. However, the argument can be made that the low ratings is due to more accessibility. We live in the golden age of the internet, where everything and everyone is connected online. Furthermore, with the growing amount of opportunities for different devices that allow streaming, the television viewership will be affected by the illegal streaming. Instead of watching three hours of Raw every week, fans can save time and energy by downloading the stream and watching it at a different time.

WWE has been a global phenomenon for over 60 years. It continues to be successful through the creation of the network. The continued usage of illegal streaming has hurt the ratings for Raw and Smackdown, which diminishes the display of growth for their product. The solution for this is unclear, but until then, fans should just watch the product themselves to successfully create an opinion, instead of reading the ratings results.

Authored by Arik Armstead and Mohammed Kabir

Sami Zayn challenging Muslim wrestler stereotypes and Trump ban

Rami Sebei better known as WWE superstar Sami Zayn, spoke out against President Trump’s Muslim ban in the United States due to the injustice being served to these countries. Sami Zayn is tearing the stereotypes of Muslim Wrestlers by competing at the highest level.

Zayn, a Syrian Muslim born in Quebec, Canada, is a professional wrestler for the WWE. In the past the WWE portrayed Muslim wrestlers as the United States vs them. For example the Iron Sheik or Muhammed Hassan were characters that were looked upon as villains against American wrestlers. Sami Zayn is changing the perception of Muslim wrestlers as he is looked upon as one of the premier wrestlers on the WWE roster.

“Now I get to just be me -- and hopefully being me strikes a chord with a lot of young Arabs and non-Arabs, honestly. We're really not all that different," Zayn said to ESPN in a 2017 interview. 

Zayn emphasizes the big misconception of Arabic people where they are portrayed as radicals due to ignorance. This very ignorance is what led to the Muslim Ban.

I can't articulate how truly disgusted I am right now. #MuslimBan

— Sami Zayn (@iLikeSamiZayn) January 28, 2017

"The fear, hatred & division sold to us is a much bigger problem than our struggling brothers and sisters are. CHOOSE an open heart over anger," Zayn told ESPN in 2017.

He implies that his “struggling brothers and sisters,” are a problem, but the racial discrimination that Arabic people face is a much bigger issue. In today’s day and time no ethnicity should be facing inequality of any kind especially in the United States.

Due to WWE’s position in the wrestling industry Zayn has this platform to speak out and influence the younger generation. He’s paving the way for Muslim wrestlers to be looked at for their talent instead of their religion.

“With great power comes great responsibility,'" Sebei said in an ESPN interview. "With a platform that big, and with an opportunity this big, whether you want to be a role model or not, this puts you in a position where you have to be your best; it's really your duty to be the best that you can be.”

Zayn wants to emulate how important it is for a celebrity to maintain a positive image for their fans and followers. Celebrities are often more influential than they assume and they forget how “loud” their voice really is.

As a wrestler with Arabic descent Zayn often disagrees with the WWE's portrayal of Arabic wrestlers, especially when they’re seen as villains. He hopes that the WWE could have a more positive self image for their wrestlers. Zayn is an example of many celebrities that show the youth that it possible to make it big in America, it inspires them to strive harder.

"I think it's important for youngsters from all walks of life to have some sort of representative that they can look up to and aspire to be and let them know there's a chance for anybody from any background," Zayn said in an interview with ESPN cited from wrestlingnewsworld. 

"That's the spirit of America, right"? "Anybody from any background can make it anywhere with enough hard work. I think the more people from all walks of life who speak up and the more diverse success stories we have, the better that is for our youngsters growing up, knowing they can attain those same goals just like anybody else."

Authored by Anamul Hoque and Mohammed Kabir

Randy Orton takes strong stance against National Anthem protests

WWE superstar Randy Orton has voiced a strong opinion in the ongoing protests concerning the National Anthem and the fight for rights in America. Orton has took a strong stance on Colin Kaepernick and his decision to kneel during the National Anthem, as he feels that kneeling during the National Anthem is not the right way to go about the issue.

NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has carried out many protests in favor of the Black Lives Matter movement. He has decided to kneel down during the National Anthem before every game in attempt to show people that he will not stand by and do nothing while black people are oppressed throughout the country.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."

Sports writer and podcast host David Zirin backed Colin Kaepernick’s actions in a contentious tweet.

If you're sneering that it doesn't take courage to raise your fist during the anthem, then you're one of the reasons why it takes courage.

— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) September 20, 2016

WWE star Randy Orton went against Zirin’s remarks in another tweet that counteracted Zirin’s beliefs.

“Sneering? More like shaking my head. Courage? Lol riiiight. Courage. That’s what it takes to stand up and fight, not raise a fist,” Orton said.

The next day, a woman questioned Orton’s remarks in a tweet regarding the Black Lives Matter movement.

“Black people are dying randy. Where's your anger for that,” the woman asked.

Orton responded in yet another tweet regarding the issue, claiming that the issue is not limited to a certain race.

“Americans are dying. Pigment of skin doesn't matter. American people matter,” Orton stated.

Orton then doubled down on his opinions on the ongoing protests when interviewed in a podcast on the radio show Heated Conversations on Houston's Sports Radio 610, hosted by WWE Hall of Famer Booker T. 

“I basically said that Americans are dying, no matter the color of their skin, Americans are dying. And I also said courage is what it takes to stand up and fight, not kneel or raise the fist during the National Anthem.”

Orton was crystal clear in expressing his opinion on Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the National Anthem. He went on to explain how he has nothing against Colin Kaepernick.

"The issues he's kneeling for, I respect that he is kneeling for those issues," Orton said to Booker T. "I just disagree with his way of showing that it's an issue to him. You hear a lot of people say 'he sat the bench, he's looking for attention', whether that's true or not. Listen he's got a voice he's in the public eye, that's what all those social media followers are for.

"I want to hear what the man has to say. And in the recent weeks he's talked about what his issue was, and again I respect those issues man this world is a scary place. People are dying. There's a lot of issues and everyone needs to unite together, as hard as that may seem Book, and talk about the issues. Kneeling when the National Anthem is played, when the Pledge Of Allegiance is played, I just disagree with the way that he did it. That's all."

A report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed Colin Kaepernick, former San Francisco 49er quarterback and free agent, will be standing for the national anthem before games next season.

“Kaepernick no longer wants his method of protest to detract from the positive change that he believes has been created, sources told ESPN. He also believes the amount of national discussion on social inequality — as well as support from other athletes nationwide, including NFL and NBA players — affirmed the message he was trying to deliver,” Schefter said in March of 2017.

Though Kaepernick is still 100% behind the cause, his kneeling may have cost him his career.

“No GM will go near him ever again,” an anonymous NFL GM stated.

While Kaepernick’s actions and remarks may have placed a major dent in his career, Orton continues to play a huge role in the WWE. This coming April Orton will be headlining the biggest pay per view in the WWE, Wrestlemania, as he faces Bray Wyatt, his former companion, for the WWE championship.

Why is the WWE bringing back older superstars?

World Wrestling Entertainment has recently brought back many veteran and favored superstars. It first started off with bringing back Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson to Wrestlemania XXVIII and then Brock Lesnar showed up at Raw on April 10. Both Johnson and Lesnar targeted John Cena, one best wrestlers the WWE has to offer.

Wrestlemania XXVIII took place on April 1st, 2012 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, the home of Johnson. The main event was Cena vs. Johnson and the promotional nickname given to the match was “Once in a lifetime.” Wrestlemania XXVIII was the most watched pay-per-view in professional wrestling history. Johnson left the WWE in 2004, but made many appearances in movies and T.V. shows.

The heat between Cena and Johnson started in Wrestlemania XXVII, where Johnson interrupted Cena’s match with the Miz, causing the Miz to win. After the match, Johnson delivered his finisher, the Rock Bottom, to Cena. The next day on Raw, Johnson challenged Cena to a match a year later. Cena agreed to fight in Wrestlemania XXVIII. After months of waiting for the so-called “Once in a lifetime match,” Cena faced Johnson. Johnson ended up with the victory, after delivering a Rock Bottom to Cena. After Johnson left, there was more to come for Cena.

After a cruel and tough match against Johnson, Cena had to face the fighting machine, Lesnar. Lesnar tried to make a statement on Raw, when he gave Cena his finisher, the F5. Cena and Lesnar went at each other for about two weeks until John Laurinaitis had a contract signing in order to finalize their match at Over the Limit. At Over the Limit Lesnar and Cena put up a great fight. Both men were battered up and bleeding. Lesnar ended up breaking Cena’s arm with one of his submission maneuvers, but Cena was still able to deliver an Attitude Adjustment leading him to victory.

Although the WWE is bringing back many past superstars, they are doing it purely to attract watchers and buyers. With more fans and watchers there is more profit. Furthermore, which wrestling fan does not want to see generations collide or see another superstar return? In a bleacherrport.com survey, 92 percent of 1300 people said yes to the following question “Do you agree with the WWE's decision to bring back past superstars like The Rock and Brock Lesnar?" Even though, Lesnar has now left the WWE, he probably will come back. Let's see who the WWE brings back next.

Social media regulations in sports

Social media is the new medium of this age. Actors, politicians, and even the random guy down street are all trying to maximize social media in order to better their brand and public-image. However, not everyone is able to truly maximize the potential social media offers. A prime example of this is in the realm of professional sports. Almost all of the different sports have their own social media policy that can either be very restricting, such as Major League Baseball and the Olympic games, or a wide open field, such as that of World Wrestling Entertainment's.

Dolph Ziggler sporting a social media costume with the #heel hashtag

The WWE shows how successful an unfettered social media policy can be. The WWE has amassed over seven-hundred thousand followers on Twitter and over seven million fans on Facebook and encourages all the fighters to have their own social media presence. In fact, the WWE promotes the players’ social media presence whenever they are at a fight. They don’t place any restrictions on their players and it pays off. The fans are able to interact with the fighters like never before and this gives them a feeling of connection; WWE memes have trended multiple times on twitter. It pays off for the WWE as well, as they get an opportunity to drive traffic to their site and promote less popular content. They have struck social media gold with their policy of unregulation.

Not everyone has been so accepting. The Olympics have been anything but accepting of social media by putting in place harsh restrictions such as: not allowing the contestants to comment on anything other then the events that they took part in, or not being able to interview other players, and perhaps the most ridiculous thing is that they can’t post any pictures of the games themselves. The list goes on and on with more rules that completely kill the hope for athletes to develop a social connection with their fans, and ultimately all this hurts the Olympics as well. The Olympics is having to struggle with making the games more relevant, and it is quickly becoming the token of dying media.

Other leagues are also falling behind. MLB has recently implemented a new social media policy that is failing them. MLB has 1.6 millon Twitter followers about half of both the NBA and NFL. The MLB is also falling behind in new media forms of publication, specifically their presence on YouTube. Frequently MLB takes down fan-made videos with MLB content, not allowing the fans to interact and express their passions for the game. All this, while having a practically non-existent presence on the site, occasionally uploading videos not catching more than a thousand views. Compare this to the NBA who happily post game excerpts driving people to get interested in the game and watch it on tv, greatly increasing the revenue flow.

There is no doubt that social media can be very influential in sports, but the people in charge are still slow to embrace it. The WWE should be a model for other sports to look to for their social media policies. The WWE shows how being open can win you everything.

High flying fall

Jeffrey Nero Hardy, known as Jeff Hardy, is wrestling with a drug addiction. This professional wrestler has been through a lot of pain, both physical and emotional, throughout his life. His mom died when he was nine, and he hopelessly arrived to his house being burnt down with his dog trapped inside. These events made Hardy’s childhood a traumatic experience and might have been the cause for his problem with drug addiction.

Hardy gained multiple minor titles in the World Wrestling Entertainment and elevated himself to a point where fans were demanding he receive the WWE Championship. He finally got his chance to possibly contest the champion back in 2008, but blew it by testing positive for drugs.

His 60-day suspension from the positive test for drugs dropped his rank in the business, but Hardy still received a title match at the 2008 WWE pay-per-view Armageddon after working his way to the top again. His high flying fighting style caused him many defeats before and few people thought he would prevail; however, he proved them wrong when he landed a Swanton Bomb, his finishing maneuver, off the turnbuckle to win the championship.

His title reign was a fast one and Hardy’s career track became more rivalry based after losing it. Hardy had to recover from injuries, so the WWE decided to make his last match a rivalry match for his contract. The rivalry against Phillip Jack Brooks, known as CM Punk, was based around Hardy being a drug addict. Ironically, Hardy was arrested for drug trafficking just days after his contract expired.

Despite not having served time for drug trafficking charges, Hardy signed a contract with TNA. TNA fans were ecstatic when they saw the high flying extremist make his return. Unlike the WWE, TNA felt Hardy didn’t need to start from the bottom due to his popularity.

During TNA’s 2011 Victory Road pay-per-view, Hardy arrived in no state to wrestle and thus was forced to lose the main event in 90 seconds. Hardy’s embarrassing defeat was followed by his agreeing to serve his jail time. After his sentence of ten days in jail was finished, TNA urged Hardy to enter rehab as well. Hardy refused. If Hardy doesn’t take control of his addiction now, it is quite possible that he will see the same fate as his very first opponent, Scott Hall.