New Promotion Being Planned...Would You Watch?

[newpromoter]

Hi everyone:

I'm new to this board and was hoping to get wrestling fans' opinions on a new promotion I am considering starting. This probably should be posted somewhere else here, but since my account is still now, I evidently cannot post new threads in the other sections.

I'm a former indy pro wrestler myself and have entertained the idea of starting a promotion for some time now. We are currently exploring ways to secure the needed capital but want fans' opinions on the concept.

We are looking to produce a high-quality weekly two hour show to be delivered over the Internet. When I say "high-quality" I mean both in the content sense and in the production sense.

The focus of the promotion will be solid, high intensity wrestling. There will be plenty of story, angles, feuds, and a few gimmicks, but they will be reality-based along the lines of true sports rivalries like Terrell Owens/Donovan McNabb. We will not book the soap opera "You got my girlfriend pregnant so I'm going to kick your ass," or "You kidnapped my dog" or "My sister had sex with the porno star" storylines. Essentially we will present pro wrestling as a sport with lots of drama, story, and high intensity action.

Here are the fundamentals of the promotion:

• The promotion will be billed as a major league, not an indy.
• All shows will be delivered free over the Internet.
• No pay-per-views...ever!
• Talent will be in-house.
• Stories will be long-term, not made up as we go along or dropped after a week or two.

So my question is, would you watch?

 

[Hollywood Bradshaw]

you need to hire good writers, and have the money to back them up on the storylines they want to do.

I'd be willing to write for you, I've applied numerous times to World Wrestling Entertainment but it seems that without a masters degree in journalism and a previous entertainment industry job, you have no chance.

Even though I'm a recording artist fixing to make history on the independant scene by pushing 100,000 albums sold all by myself

I've also got a few gimmick idea's if you can find the right looking people for them.

 

[Luther_Hull]

It'll be interesting to see how this works out, me and my mate had a similar idea to do when we're older. How are you gong to make money to keep it alive, ticket sales and online advertising or sponsors or something?

Mods: This thread should be somewhere else, for those who have the power to move it.

 

[newpromoter]

How are you gong to make money to keep it alive, ticket sales and online advertising or sponsors or something?

Yes...with commercials. The show will be a two hour show with commercials. Eventually we will tour and tape and smaller venues...then go bigger in time. So ticket sales, advertising, and some merchandising (not too much where it's an annoyance) will be how we make money--the old fashioned pro wrestling way.

 

[newpromoter]

Oh, and yes, could a moderator please move this thread somewhere more appropriate? I would appreciate it.

 

[Hollywood Bradshaw]

Thanks! We'll definitely keep you in mind.

thanks...that would be awesome if you'd consider me for that.

I've been toying with the idea of doing an extremely indepth flash cartoon version of wrestling, totally professional and serious. (because I can't build my own federation) but I've got a TON of storyline idea's and things that NO ONE has ever done, that would just skyrocket a company's ratings.

 

[Downward Spiral]

Sounds interesting NewPromoter, and it will be interesting to see how you go with it. I hope you can get the money to make it because it would be the thrill of a lifetime. Hope it all works out for you.

I moved this to the Independent Wrestling section because I felt it belonged in here. Good luck.

 

[Big Ace]

Well, if you want to advertise, You might already know this, but I think YouTube and maybe a MySpace would be good ways to go. I've heard of wrestling chats on MySpace and you could advertise the promotion there and maybe a link to an official website if you want. Well, those are some suggestions that could come in handy soon. I'm going to create a promotion when I'm retired so I could use some of these ideas as well. By the way, if you ever need a wrestler, call me. I'm not legal to work in TX though...

 

[Hillmania]

definitely go for it, i'd watch it, as long as you don't make it like wsx or anything. u should have competitions to design title belts and stuff, and constantly poll your fans to see what they like and dont like, at least in the beginning. do it all just to keep the fans close to the company.

 

[Hollywood Bradshaw]

absolutely...I agree with hillmania. Letting the fans decided what titles to use, and I can tell you how to get HUGE press on your promotion for practically nothing and have a whole army of graphic artists make designs of belts for you.

if your curious, pm me and I'll tell you about it.

 

[Monster H]

Sounds Interesting.

I would watch, definately.

However, there is a risk of being viewed as a "Backyard" Fed, if you begin without big names. You need bigish names to hook the people in, and then keep them with the in house talent.

 

[Hollywood Bradshaw]

hey newpromoter, email me at [email protected] because it doesn't seem like I can send you a private message for some reason...I'd really like to talk to you.

 

[attila]

How would it be any different to other indy feds? The concept sounds very ROH only without the talents of the world's best at your disposal. I'd watch but what is the unique selling point of the organisation? How do you plan on differentiating yourself from the rest? Also, Ive been toying with the idea of a UFC-like wrestling fed and would love to hear your ideas!! Maybe I could help out with booking or just lend some of my own thoughts. I love the concept of a strictly sports-based product and billing a promotion in a NFL/UFC/WBC type way rather than a "wrestling promotion" type way. I think it could be big business if done properly.

 

[newpromoter]

definitely go for it, i'd watch it, as long as you don't make it like wsx or anything.

No need to worry there. Want to have an idea what this promotion will be like? Imagine a wrestling promotion that is the direct opposite of WSX.

 

[kuch1031]

Sounds like you have some good ideas for your show. WHat kind of arenas are you looking to book for your show? If you have a need for any writers let me know, I have a few ideas I would like to discuss about gimmicks or storylines.

 

[attila]

Probably not a good idea to suggest opening a new promotion on the forums. Everyone here is a diehard wrestling fan and chnaces are evryone will watch. You need to think about whether you would be able to attract others (less fanatical fans) and whether it would be financially sustainable based on what you come up with.

And besides that its a pain in the ass for you to bring up the fact that you are starting a promotion on here. Everyone wants to be a part of the creative team, lmaoo!!!!! I hope it all works out for you. Good luck bro.

 

[Dj Martyn]

There is three things you need to consider when starting any new buissness, and thats what you need to consider before the storys and the wrestling, because wrestlers will come if you have the money, because its a pay check to them, you pay there fee and they come and storylines, gimmicks will come when you pay a writer, no problems.

But you need to think about where the money is coming from, if you have a solid buissness plan, which is something you need to do , Write out an a4 sheet of paper with your entire intentions for the company (not the wrestling side) things like venues, equipment etc. and once you have the buissness plan it may be worth arranging meetings with the development directors of web based media companys to look for investment in your idea.

Failing that, you need to get someone proffesional to sell advertising space, it is not easy to do, and unless you have done it before (no offense) but you will struggle like anything.

and thirdly ...

be realistic, people want to watch wrestlers and see action and violence as well as technical matches and stiff brawls and they want names and characters they can latch on to, (and dont take this the wrong way but, i have seen these posts all over and its just more backyard feds with 12 year olds) I dont want to see you and your mates brawling on a matress or trampoline... i want a ring, with a crowd of at least 300 (for atmosphere) and wrestlers...actual wrestlers.

Now dont take any of that the wrong way, but i know how hard ti is to start a buissness from scratch and i dont want you to fall in to any pit falls.

P.s Before you hire a writer from the boards, seen as everyone wants to be one, ask for script samples and treatments that they have worked on, if they cant format a script properly then they probably arent that much of a pro and they are just a 16 yr old who thinks he could be the next Paul.E

 

[newpromoter]

But you need to think about where the money is coming from, if you have a solid buissness plan, which is something you need to do , Write out an a4 sheet of paper with your entire intentions for the company (not the wrestling side) things like venues, equipment etc. and once you have the buissness plan it may be worth arranging meetings with the development directors of web based media companys to look for investment in your idea.

Failing that, you need to get someone proffesional to sell advertising space, it is not easy to do, and unless you have done it before (no offense) but you will struggle like anything.

and thirdly ...

be realistic, people want to watch wrestlers and see action and violence as well as technical matches and stiff brawls and they want names and characters they can latch on to, (and dont take this the wrong way but, i have seen these posts all over and its just more backyard feds with 12 year olds) I dont want to see you and your mates brawling on a matress or trampoline... i want a ring, with a crowd of at least 300 (for atmosphere) and wrestlers...actual wrestlers.

Now dont take any of that the wrong way, but i know how hard ti is to start a buissness from scratch and i dont want you to fall in to any pit falls.

P.s Before you hire a writer from the boards, seen as everyone wants to be one, ask for script samples and treatments that they have worked on, if they cant format a script properly then they probably arent that much of a pro and they are just a 16 yr old who thinks he could be the next Paul.E

Yes, thank you for your suggestions. I have been in the business world for a very long time and understand the ins and outs of starting any new business. I've been involved in several successful startup businesses over the past ten years. We have a full understanding of the need for well documented business plans, advertising sales professionals, legal plans, etc.

On your concern that this will be a backyard fed--it's not going to be. Mind you, this will not be WWE out the gate, but it won't be a backyard fed, either. It will have a no-frills-by-design feel to it. Think Georgia Championship Wrestling on TBS for an idea of what we're considering. Essentially what I ask fans is this--if you can have good wrestling but no pyrotechnics, laser effects, or Jumbotron, would you take it? Or would you rather have so-so wrestling and all those frills?

 

[X]

Forget the frills, pyros, titantrons and all that, one of my favorite all time companies never had any of those for most of its duration, EC F'n W. If you have guys that are serious about their work, like those who were in ECW, who want to put out 100% there every night, not just guys looking for a paycheck who don't care about match quality.

Also, find a regional area. Fixate in one city, a big one maybe like ECW did with Philly, and keep it there usually in the same arena. This attracts a following to your product, and creates an individuality and atmosphere that is fantastic when you know it's nothing but wrestling fans out there to see their hometown do 'em proud.

I would definately watch it though man. I wouldn't say I'd be fixed for it every week, as it all depends on the product. I've seen a lot of people say exactly what you are only to introduce a flimsy ring in a back yard with 3 people in folding chairs watching, and a bunch of 16 year olds doing stunners and stuff. But I'd definately give you a chance bro.

There's one large question I have however, who is included on your roster? What's the level of experience? Any indy footage you can provide would be nice.

No matter what though man, go for it, WWE and TNA started out as small, small indy stuff and look where they are now. Good luck bro.

 

[thecruiser]

I have a question; Where exactly are you located? Anywhere in Canada by any chance? And, if there is any video footage of you wrestling, can you please e-mail me some? [email protected]

Good luck BTW. I hope this "idea" of yours survives and flourishes.

 

[Ultraviolent Icon]

Hey man. Sounds like an awesome promotion. Hope you can get it going. If you need help with anything just pm me or anyone else that can help. BTW you thinking about some hardcore stuff? Ifyou are id be of great assistance.

 

[Dj Martyn]

On your concern that this will be a backyard fed--it's not going to be. Mind you, this will not be WWE out the gate, but it won't be a backyard fed, either. It will have a no-frills-by-design feel to it. Think Georgia Championship Wrestling on TBS for an idea of what we're considering. Essentially what I ask fans is this--if you can have good wrestling but no pyrotechnics, laser effects, or Jumbotron, would you take it? Or would you rather have so-so wrestling and all those frills?

Well of course you can have great wrestling without the laser's pyros etc. Cos to be fair WWE annoys the hell out of me 50% of the time with its big pyros and over the top sets and screens, its unnecessary. I would deff watch, just dont go down the WSX route and you will have my support. to be fair i would prefer a happy medium, aka ROH.

 

[The Enforcer]

If you do decide to pick one major city to get everything started, I would suggest Tampa FL. The reason I say there is cause Tampa has die hard fans and that is where alot of wrestlers live. So seeing as how you would be in there city there might be a good chance of them coming to see a show and then getting your product name out there. Just a suggestion

 

[TheKingpin]

If you have the financial backing, i'd say go for it, but you need at least a good $50,000 in start up money, i just started taking business classes recently and have been pondering the basic costs to start up a promotion

Doing some research a couple of years ago, a 15'x15' & a 18'x18' ring was going for like $3,000-5,000...also consider storage for the ring too, unless you already have a decent sized garage/shed, renting a storage room is gonna cost easily $100/month...if you dont want the "indy" look, your gonna have to invest in an entrance way/ramp, i havent done research on these, but you could probably find pre-fab ones online for a decent price...aside from the ring & entrance, your gonna need 300+ folding chairs if your venue doesnt provide them for you, consider storage for these chairs too

your also gonna need a ring crew or a crew in general to help setup & dismantle the ring, be the refs, time keeper, trainers, announcers, camera crew, etc.

audio/video equipment is also gonna cost a pretty penny...easily a good $5,000 alone on video camera's, computers, lights, speakers, amps, wires, someone to run it, etc.

paying wrestlers can range anywhere from $100-$5,000 per wrestler times how many wrestlers you have

paying writers can range anywhere depending on their experience & how much they are writing for you

renting your arena/stadium/gym/building is another big expense, especially if you plan on traveling, for start up, i'd suggest working out a 3 or 6-month lease with a gym owner, then if your company is getting bigger you can begin traveling

dont forget to get this regulated through the town & state of where the show is, you'll have to pay some fees, but im not to sure what this will cost someone...also, someone has to be a registered promoter or something along those lines

easily $1,000+ if you want to start up your whateverwrestling.com address, but you can also get free promotion & advertising from MySpace, YouTube, Google Video, Free Video Hosting Sites in General...forums will also be your biggest advertising help, you have a good product & people will start talking about it via forums

tickets sales arent going to be the best right away unless you have some big names showing up...i suggest you do the very first couple of shows for free so the crowds know what to expect, then after 2,3, or 4+ shows, start charging for tickets, start small, $10 for general seating & $20 ringside, then after your established, $20 for general seating & $30 ringside

I hope my general outline helps some people understand the basic business side of starting a promotion...keep us updated on your plans, if you have great wrestling & great storylines, fans will watch...Good Luck

 

[X]

If you do decide to pick one major city to get everything started, I would suggest Tampa FL. The reason I say there is cause Tampa has die hard fans and that is where alot of wrestlers live. So seeing as how you would be in there city there might be a good chance of them coming to see a show and then getting your product name out there. Just a suggestion

I'd have to disagree there bro, starting in Tampa? That's not a stones throw away from Orlando, TNA's hometown. It would be hard as hell to draw people away from TNA to his promotion. And also, the LAST thing he wants is a wrestling turf war, remember when ECW came to LA for Heatwave back in like 98 and XPW started fighting the ECW guys and fuckin up the show? You don't want anything like that bro.

I'd say start it off up east, New York, Philly, New Jersey, places like those have huge fanbases for good wrestling, and that way you won't be competing with all the regional NWA guys in the mid south or the TNA guys in Florida.