This is from the WWN Network newsletter which covers DG USA, Evolve, Shine, etc. What do you think the WWE Network means to the state of independent wrestling now?
Everyone is talking about the WWE Network, and rightfully so. It is an out-of-the-box, game changer. WWE is basically sacrificing it's DVD and PPV revenue in an effort to gain leverage to negotiate sky high TV rights. They believe their future business model will depend on TV right fees and not the traditional DVD/PPV market. They might be right, this might backfire on them, but either way this is the gutsiest thing they have done since the late 90s and the biggest game changer since Vince McMahon wiped out the territories and went national in the 80s.
So where does this leave independent wrestling?
Promotions like Dragon Gate USA, EVOLVE, SHINE and Full Impact Pro are as mom-and-pop as it gets. WWE is Walmart. The WWNLive Family are the neighborhood grocery store that prides itself on delivering the highest quality and more personal service while adding to the community.
We are dependent on your DVD, iPPV and ticket sales. There will never be a huge TV deal in our future. You can see what happens when networks get involved. Then we wouldn't be who we are. So we are not in a position to take the gamble WWE is sucking us all into with the WWE Network.
Just like Walmart did to the mom-and-pop, WWE is giving you a product at a price that the small guy can't compete with. WWE's goal is to use all this content for $10 a month to bump up the subscribers and then leverage that into more TV fees. In the process, they are lowering the price expectations consumers have for DVDs, PPV and iPPV, similar to what Walmart did for a loaf of bread.
Now we can whine and cry, beg for your business cause we "deserve" it because we bring you good wrestling, or we can do something about it. We can get fired up and figure out ways to produce a more interesting, exciting and creative product to you. This is our attitude going into EVOLVE tonight, tomorrow and Sunday nights.
Whether we like it or not, WWE just aggressively changed the game. They are taking a major risk and doing it balls-to-the-wall. We must adapt to keep your support and interest.
Evolve or die.
We invite you to witness it all begin tonight. You can attend this weekend's cards by getting tickets at
www.DGUSA.tv or at the door on the night of the show. There will be tickets available at the door for all three cards. If you can't be there in person, we urge you to watch at
www.WWNLive.com on worldwide live iPPV in HD widescreen. If you have any questions or customer service needs, email us at Help@DGUSA.tv.
Here are the lineups and info for all three EVOLVE cards. This is the wake up call.
EVOLVE 25
The Orpheum
1915 E. 7th Avenue
Ybor City, FL 33605
9pm EST. Belltime
Main Event #1 - EVOLVE Title Match
EVOLVE Champion AR Fox Has An Open Contract!!!
Main Event #2 - Epic Six Man Tag Team Match
Johnny Gargano & The Bravado Brothers vs. Rich Swann & The Young Bucks
Main Event #3 - Hero Runs The Gauntlet
Chris Hero vs. Ricochet
Main Event #4 - FIP World Heavyweight Title Match
Trent Baretta defends vs. Anthony Nese
"Chance Of A Lifetime" FRAY! - Winner Gets A DGUSA Title Match At EVOLVE 27
(It starts with two wrestlers, another enters every two minutes, eliminations can take place anytime by pinfall, submission or DQ)
Competitors: Jon Davis, Chuck Taylor, Uhaa Nation, Caleb Konley, Lince Dorado
EVOLVE 26
January 11th
Orlando Downtown Recreation Complex
363 North Parramore Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
8pm EST. Belltime
Tag Team Main Event #1
Rich Swann &
? defend vs. The Young Bucks
Tag Team Main Event #2 - Champions Face Off!
EVOLVE Champion AR Fox & Uhaa Nation vs. DGUSA Champion Johnny Gargano & Jon Davis
Hero Runs The Gauntlet Match #2
Chris Hero vs. Anthony Nese with Su Yung
No Hype Needed
Ricochet vs. Trent Baretta
Open The United Gate Title Match
The Bravado Brothers defend vs. Dos Ben Dejos
Special Attraction Match
Chuck Taylor vs. Maxwell Chicago
SHINE Showcase Match
Su Yung vs.Mia Yim
Special Challenge Match
Caleb Konley vs. Lince Dorado
EVOLVE 27
January 12th
Edge Concert Hall
845 University Blvd N.
Jacksonville, FL 32211
8pm EST. Belltime
Open The Freedom Gate Title Match
Johnny Gargano vs. Winner Of FRAY! At EVOLVE 25
Hero Runs The Gauntlet Match #3
Chris Hero vs. Chuck Taylor
Grudge Match
Rich Swann vs. Jon Davis
Tag Team Challenge Match
AR Fox & Ricochet vs. Anthony Nese & TBD with Su Yung
Young Bucks vs. Bravado Brothers Single Challenge Match #1
Matt Jackson vs. Harlem Bravado
Young Bucks vs. Bravado Brothers Single Challenge Match #2
Nick Jackson vs. Lance Bravado
FIP Showcase Match - Six Way Freestyle
Trent Baretta vs. Caleb Konley vs. Jay Rios vs. Eddie Cruz vs. Jonny Vandal vs. Maxwell Chicago
Special Challenge Match
Uhaa Nation vs. Lince Dorado