While pay-per-view numbers continue to decline for both WWE and the UFC, legendary play-by-play announcer Jim Ross is of the belief that it’s part of a change in society. As PPV numbers dwindle, both of the aforementioned brands seem more focused on growing their new digital service platforms.
“The mobile world is not going to become a cemetery,” Ross said in a recent interview with Bloody Elbow. “It is going to become more mobile. It is going to become more of an à-la-carte society with how we consume our entertainment.”
JR continued, “I think they’re hell bent and set that the WWE network is their future, and I don’t think that is a bad business plan long-term.”
Why, you ask?
“They are going to be able to control their destiny – good, bad, or indifferent as far as the television product is concerned. I think what they have done is show a lot of other networks what can be accomplished by building your own digital network. I think we will see more various entities follow the WWE model. They may learn from the WWE’s mistakes, as with any business, and see where they fell or fumbled.”
Regardless of the growing pains both WWE and UFC are experiencing as they continue the push behind their “WWE Network” and “UFC Fight Pass” programs, respectively, Ross feels that when all is said and done, both companies will have made the right decision.
“I think WWE had to take a step back and reduce their head count and budget to be able to take several steps forward,” said Ross. “I do believe, in the long haul, the WWE network is going to be very successful. I do, however, think that there were several strategic mistakes that were made and all you can do when you make those mistakes is try and learn from them and correct them. I see what they are trying to do and I think that the wave of the future is going to be this network.”
“Good Ole’ JR” concluded, “In 2-3 years from now, we are going to look back on this thing as a genius-like maneuver. Other companies are following suit, so I believe it is the future.”
Jim Ross talks about this and a host of other topics in a recent MMANews.com exclusive interview, which you can read in full by clicking here.
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