WWE Q4 2014 Reax

Read on for my thoughts on yesterday's WWE financial releases.
WWE announced they'll expand the Network to the Middle East and North Africa. That's fantastic! I'd like to see more performers from that neck of the woods if they can keep growing there.

WWE is also expanding in Canada per a deal with Rogers TV. Very good for WWE and for Canada. I think the Network might end up doing pretty well in the years to come.

WWE released their Q4 2014 earnings. The quick summary is of them doing pretty well in transitioning over to the WWE Network model. There's still a way to go for that to be a big success, but they're definitely making progress.

Some general notes, point by point:
- I'm really glad WWE is able to make money through new media platforms. That's been a struggle for a lot of industries.

- It's good to see those new TV contracts paying dividends.

- I'm curious to see the future of PPV on traditional media. It's still doing really well for UFC, but what does the future hold as far as transitioning to the Internet?

- International markets with the WWE Network will be really important going forward. Hopefully things pick up in the U.S., too, but I think WWE's going to have to give in to a degree to those who are discontent with the current way of doing things.

- I'm excited to see new original content being made for the Network in 2015. That's a good move. More value = more buys!

- The original content on the Network, especially the live stuff, has been a proven winner. I hope that continues.

- I think WWE Studios should stay away from original scripts that don't have non-wrestling name value attached, whether that name is Halle Berry or Fred Flintstone.

Here's a recap of the stockholder press conference. Some notes here:
- I think there are a lot of people who either just subscribe to the Network briefly here and there or signed up under a fake account or something. These are the people complaining on the Internet a lot. WWE's got a strong core of dedicated fans.

- The Network is well worth it even in non-Mania months. It's a shame more fans don't think that. Having more original content will help in that regard, I think.

- WWE continues to say they're more like Disney than UFC. It's an interesting mindset. I can see it in some ways.

- The recap was ridiculous with the talk about the Cancel WWE Network movement. They miscast Vince's argument and exaggerated the situation, possibly deliberately. While it's obvious a lot of people wanted Bryan to win, that doesn't mean Reigns doesn't actually have a strong fanbase. The vocal minority is just REALLY vocal, and people in that minority generally just interact with other people in that minority. Most Reigns fans have no clue what a "dirtsheet" is, and couldn't care much less. It's casual vs. hardcore fans basically.

More wrestling coming up.