Wrestling
In 2002, Pro wrestling was in a huge slump. WWF revenue for the last quarter is down 73%. Merchandise sales are not what they used to be, neither are the television ratings. So everyone else who is close to the business, ask the question - why is there a lack of wrestling fans?
Some say the problem began when WCW was bought by WWF, thereby eliminating the competition and limiting the choices of the fans as to what product they liked best. Another theory is the recent change of the WWF name to WWE. Others blame it on a weak economy. Others say that it's competition from other entertainment vehicles such as concerts and various sporting events. Everyone is speculating.
The fact is that wrestling goes through cycles. It has peaks and valleys. Much like a classic wrestling match that takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotion, with its high points and low points, history proves that slumps in the wrestling economy are common place.
The independent wrestling scene has always followed in the shadows of what the WWF, (uh, WWE) does. If the WWE takes a certain direction, the indies will follow. Right now, the WWE isn't leading that well.
Milwaukee has never been a hotbed for the business. It's never been a New York, Dallas, Atlanta, or Philadelphia. It was even a secondary town when Verne Gagne's AWA ran it in the 70's. If the WWE gauges wrestling's popularity in a certain area, then Milwaukee is undeniably in a wrestling slump. This past month there were 8,400 at the Bradley Center for RAW.
From an article by
Carmine DeSpirito
Promoter