WWE: Vince says company had “lousy” second quarter

WWE held its conference call today discussing the second financial quarter. Chairman Vince McMahon said the company had a “lousy” quarter, pointing to declining pay-per-view buys in the wake of retirements and injuries.

McMahon said the retirement of Shawn Michaels was expected, but the departure of Batista as well as unpredictable injuries to Triple H, Undertaker, Randy Orton and CM Punk left the company with little choice when it came to pay-per-view main events.

Buyrates for WWE PPVs have dipped this year, continuing a downward trend in buys.

McMahon described the situation as a “perfect storm” or injuries and departures.

One thing not discussed on the call – though discussed in the past – has been the internet streaming of WWE (and UFC) PPVs. UFC has taken a stand, going after websites that steal its content. WWE does the same, though it’s aggressiveness doesn’t appear to be anywhere near UFC’s.

Buyrates are down over the last decade in large part to streaming sites such as UStream, JustinTV and others. An inability to control those sites leaves many potential paying customers watching PPV product for free.

Same goes for TNA and it’s dwindling PPV market. In fact, I’d argue it affects TNA more – TNA attracts an older, more internet-savvy audience.