WWE Q4 2018 Reax

Read on for my thoughts on WWE's financial release.
WWE announced buying back up to $500 million (!) in stocks before their financial release. That's a LOT of money to throw around.

WWE announced record revenue for 2018 and the final three months of 2018:
- WWE's international stadium shows, unsurprisingly, were big financial hits for WWE.

- Reality shows continue to be winners for WWE expanding its audience beyond wrestling fans.

- WWE got tens of millions of dollars from U.S. tax reform. Make of that what you will.

- Wow. Even with the big stadium shows, live event revenue was down. Time to hit the reset button there after WrestleMania.

- WWE continues to grow advertisers and sponsors. That's key with all the drops in viewership for Raw and Smackdown Live.

WWE held a conference call after the financial release, covered here:
- I'm very curious what the marketing for the new TV deals will be like, and how it will affect lackluster viewership.

- It looks like we're in for a lot of content from NXT branches in the years to come.

- A ridiculous amount of content and merchandise are coming.

- The UK deal will be a key source of revenue.

- I'd think if someone was interested in MMC, 205 Live, etc. on TV, we'd see it happen.

- Oh wow! Someone mentioned AEW! It's already at that level.

- Obviously expanding into other languages is going to be big for international growth.

- We'll definitely see more "Rondas" in the years to come. She's been a great addition.

WWE Co-President George Barrios appeared on CNBC's Closing Bell Thursday to discuss the company's record-breaking year.

More wrestling coming up.