Brandon Thurston
@brandonthurston.bsky.social
Email: brandon @wrestlenomics.com | Signal: BrandonThurston.14
Exclusive: For the first time we look at how WWE and AEW has been measuring with the old Nielsen method. On average, Big Data + Panel has been lower by:
Collision: -6% total viewers, -2% in P18-49
Dynamite: -9%, -20%
NXT: -9%, -27%
Smackdown: -14%, -20%
Collision: -6% total viewers, -2% in P18-49
Dynamite: -9%, -20%
NXT: -9%, -27%
Smackdown: -14%, -20%
November 21, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Exclusive: For the first time we look at how WWE and AEW has been measuring with the old Nielsen method. On average, Big Data + Panel has been lower by:
Collision: -6% total viewers, -2% in P18-49
Dynamite: -9%, -20%
NXT: -9%, -27%
Smackdown: -14%, -20%
Collision: -6% total viewers, -2% in P18-49
Dynamite: -9%, -20%
NXT: -9%, -27%
Smackdown: -14%, -20%
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
Bushiroad financial results show New Japan stagnant but gains for Stardom
The sports division slipped slightly year over year, with NJPW attendance down and Stardom growing in revenue and profitability.
The sports division slipped slightly year over year, with NJPW attendance down and Stardom growing in revenue and profitability.
Bushiroad financial results show New Japan stagnant but gains for Stardom - Wrestlenomics
The sports division slipped slightly year over year, with NJPW attendance down and Stardom growing in revenue and profitability.
wrestlenomics.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Bushiroad financial results show New Japan stagnant but gains for Stardom
The sports division slipped slightly year over year, with NJPW attendance down and Stardom growing in revenue and profitability.
The sports division slipped slightly year over year, with NJPW attendance down and Stardom growing in revenue and profitability.
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
Disappearing Signal messages and possible ‘Stunner’ group chat spark new dispute in WWE merger lawsuit
Shareholders say key executives used Signal’s auto-delete features during the merger process. Defendants argue the concerns are overstated.
Shareholders say key executives used Signal’s auto-delete features during the merger process. Defendants argue the concerns are overstated.
Disappearing Signal messages and possible ‘Stunner’ group chat spark new dispute in WWE merger lawsuit - Wrestlenomics
Shareholders say key executives used Signal’s auto-delete features during the merger process. Defendants argue the concerns are overstated.
wrestlenomics.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Disappearing Signal messages and possible ‘Stunner’ group chat spark new dispute in WWE merger lawsuit
Shareholders say key executives used Signal’s auto-delete features during the merger process. Defendants argue the concerns are overstated.
Shareholders say key executives used Signal’s auto-delete features during the merger process. Defendants argue the concerns are overstated.
NEW: Shareholder plaintiffs say key executives used Signal's auto-delete and may not have preserved messages properly during WWE's merger talks.
Their case alleges that Vince steered the TKO deal because it was the only path for him to stay with WWE.
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
Their case alleges that Vince steered the TKO deal because it was the only path for him to stay with WWE.
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
Disappearing Signal messages and possible ‘Stunner’ group chat spark new dispute in WWE merger lawsuit - Wrestlenomics
Shareholders say key executives used Signal’s auto-delete features during the merger process. Defendants argue the concerns are overstated.
wrestlenomics.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:35 PM
NEW: Shareholder plaintiffs say key executives used Signal's auto-delete and may not have preserved messages properly during WWE's merger talks.
Their case alleges that Vince steered the TKO deal because it was the only path for him to stay with WWE.
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
Their case alleges that Vince steered the TKO deal because it was the only path for him to stay with WWE.
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
AMC Networks is publicly-traded. AMC was in 60 million U.S. households as of last Dec, so probably lower now. But that's just under about as wide as ever-receding cable coverage gets. (Disney reported 61M for ESPN last week.)
AXS TV is probably in half that many homes at most.
AXS TV is probably in half that many homes at most.
November 16, 2025 at 10:51 PM
AMC Networks is publicly-traded. AMC was in 60 million U.S. households as of last Dec, so probably lower now. But that's just under about as wide as ever-receding cable coverage gets. (Disney reported 61M for ESPN last week.)
AXS TV is probably in half that many homes at most.
AXS TV is probably in half that many homes at most.
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
What comments from TKO executives suggest about WWE’s early run on ESPN | Analysis
“It’s going to take time for ESPN to grow that platform the way that they want to grow it,” Nick Khan said last week.
“It’s going to take time for ESPN to grow that platform the way that they want to grow it,” Nick Khan said last week.
What comments from TKO executives suggest about WWE’s early run on ESPN | Analysis - Wrestlenomics
“It’s going to take time for ESPN to grow that platform the way that they want to grow it,” Nick Khan said last week.
wrestlenomics.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:40 PM
What comments from TKO executives suggest about WWE’s early run on ESPN | Analysis
“It’s going to take time for ESPN to grow that platform the way that they want to grow it,” Nick Khan said last week.
“It’s going to take time for ESPN to grow that platform the way that they want to grow it,” Nick Khan said last week.
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
Update on WWE shareholder lawsuit: Paul Levesque deposed, phone activity for number associated with Mark Shapiro subpoenaed
Depositions don’t automatically become public but may be used in future exhibits.
Depositions don’t automatically become public but may be used in future exhibits.
Update on WWE shareholder lawsuit: Paul Levesque deposed, phone activity for number associated with Mark Shapiro subpoenaed - Wrestlenomics
Depositions don’t automatically become public but may be used in future exhibits.
wrestlenomics.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Update on WWE shareholder lawsuit: Paul Levesque deposed, phone activity for number associated with Mark Shapiro subpoenaed
Depositions don’t automatically become public but may be used in future exhibits.
Depositions don’t automatically become public but may be used in future exhibits.
Wrestling programs are measuring consistently lower in the first 7 weeks under Nielsen's new "Big Data + Panel" methodology versus the last 7 weeks when under the old method.
The 4 most prominent weekly WWE & AEW programs still on linear are down 14% to 20%.
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
The 4 most prominent weekly WWE & AEW programs still on linear are down 14% to 20%.
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
AEW and WWE viewership sees smaller data under Nielsen's new Big Data + Panel method | Analysis - Wrestlenomics
Dynamite, Smackdown, NXT, and Collision TV ratings are measuring between 14% and 20% lower
wrestlenomics.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Wrestling programs are measuring consistently lower in the first 7 weeks under Nielsen's new "Big Data + Panel" methodology versus the last 7 weeks when under the old method.
The 4 most prominent weekly WWE & AEW programs still on linear are down 14% to 20%.
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
The 4 most prominent weekly WWE & AEW programs still on linear are down 14% to 20%.
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
New for @postwrestling.com:
A settlement has been reached in principle in the “American Nightmare” lawsuit brought by musician Wesley Eisold against Cody Runnels (Rhodes), WWE, and its merchandise partner Fanatics.
www.postwrestling.com/2025/11/11/s...
A settlement has been reached in principle in the “American Nightmare” lawsuit brought by musician Wesley Eisold against Cody Runnels (Rhodes), WWE, and its merchandise partner Fanatics.
www.postwrestling.com/2025/11/11/s...
Settlement reached in Wesley Eisold's "American Nightmare" lawsuit against Cody Rhodes, WWE, and Fanatics - POST Wrestling | Podcasts, News, Reviews | WWE AEW NXT NJPW
The parties told the court they’ve expect to dismiss the case within 90 days, pending a written agreement.
www.postwrestling.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:22 PM
New for @postwrestling.com:
A settlement has been reached in principle in the “American Nightmare” lawsuit brought by musician Wesley Eisold against Cody Runnels (Rhodes), WWE, and its merchandise partner Fanatics.
www.postwrestling.com/2025/11/11/s...
A settlement has been reached in principle in the “American Nightmare” lawsuit brought by musician Wesley Eisold against Cody Runnels (Rhodes), WWE, and its merchandise partner Fanatics.
www.postwrestling.com/2025/11/11/s...
We may or may not end up seeing what's said depending on how the case plays out but Paul Levesque was to be deposed this morning in the WWE merger shareholder lawsuit.
Many others have already been or will be. Vince Nov 24, Ari on Dec 2, Mark Shapiro Dec 8, Nick Khan Dec 17.
Many others have already been or will be. Vince Nov 24, Ari on Dec 2, Mark Shapiro Dec 8, Nick Khan Dec 17.
November 11, 2025 at 3:34 PM
We may or may not end up seeing what's said depending on how the case plays out but Paul Levesque was to be deposed this morning in the WWE merger shareholder lawsuit.
Many others have already been or will be. Vince Nov 24, Ari on Dec 2, Mark Shapiro Dec 8, Nick Khan Dec 17.
Many others have already been or will be. Vince Nov 24, Ari on Dec 2, Mark Shapiro Dec 8, Nick Khan Dec 17.
NEW: TNA announced 7,794 for Bound For Glory, a new domestic record. Public records we obtained show 5,554 tickets sold and 6,137 scanned.
TNA says premium seating, standing room, guests, and their staff were also included in the announced figure. wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
TNA says premium seating, standing room, guests, and their staff were also included in the announced figure. wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
Bound For Glory sold at least 5,554 tickets as TNA announced 7,794 in attendance - Wrestlenomics
Public records show 6,137 tickets scanned. TNA says standing room, additional guests, and staff brought the total higher.
wrestlenomics.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:06 PM
NEW: TNA announced 7,794 for Bound For Glory, a new domestic record. Public records we obtained show 5,554 tickets sold and 6,137 scanned.
TNA says premium seating, standing room, guests, and their staff were also included in the announced figure. wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
TNA says premium seating, standing room, guests, and their staff were also included in the announced figure. wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
Bound For Glory sold at least 5,554 tickets as TNA announced 7,794 in attendance
Public records show 6,137 tickets scanned. TNA says standing room, additional guests, and staff brought the total higher.
Public records show 6,137 tickets scanned. TNA says standing room, additional guests, and staff brought the total higher.
Bound For Glory sold at least 5,554 tickets as TNA announced 7,794 in attendance - Wrestlenomics
Public records show 6,137 tickets scanned. TNA says standing room, additional guests, and staff brought the total higher.
wrestlenomics.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Bound For Glory sold at least 5,554 tickets as TNA announced 7,794 in attendance
Public records show 6,137 tickets scanned. TNA says standing room, additional guests, and staff brought the total higher.
Public records show 6,137 tickets scanned. TNA says standing room, additional guests, and staff brought the total higher.
New for @postwrestling.com:
Janel Grant says metadata shows Dr. Carlon Colker accessed her medical file in the days after a federal search was executed on Vince McMahon, which was more than a year after her treatment with Colker ended.
www.postwrestling.com/2025/11/09/j...
Janel Grant says metadata shows Dr. Carlon Colker accessed her medical file in the days after a federal search was executed on Vince McMahon, which was more than a year after her treatment with Colker ended.
www.postwrestling.com/2025/11/09/j...
Janel Grant says doctor linked to McMahon viewed her medical file days after federal search was executed - POST Wrestling | Podcasts, News, Reviews | WWE AEW NXT NJPW
In new filings, Grant alleges Dr. Carlon Colker viewed her medical records shortly after a federal raid involving McMahon. Colker’s side denies wrongdoing and says the case should be over.
www.postwrestling.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:35 PM
New for @postwrestling.com:
Janel Grant says metadata shows Dr. Carlon Colker accessed her medical file in the days after a federal search was executed on Vince McMahon, which was more than a year after her treatment with Colker ended.
www.postwrestling.com/2025/11/09/j...
Janel Grant says metadata shows Dr. Carlon Colker accessed her medical file in the days after a federal search was executed on Vince McMahon, which was more than a year after her treatment with Colker ended.
www.postwrestling.com/2025/11/09/j...
Must-read NYTimes copy throughout. For example:
‘The jury determined that the launching of the 12-inch deli sandwich from what the government described as “point-blank range” was not an attempt to cause bodily injury, preventing conviction.’
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...
‘The jury determined that the launching of the 12-inch deli sandwich from what the government described as “point-blank range” was not an attempt to cause bodily injury, preventing conviction.’
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...
Jurors Find Sandwich Hurler Not Guilty of Assault
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:49 AM
Must-read NYTimes copy throughout. For example:
‘The jury determined that the launching of the 12-inch deli sandwich from what the government described as “point-blank range” was not an attempt to cause bodily injury, preventing conviction.’
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...
‘The jury determined that the launching of the 12-inch deli sandwich from what the government described as “point-blank range” was not an attempt to cause bodily injury, preventing conviction.’
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...
NEW: AEW's new National Title arrives amid separate trademark dispute with NWA over "Shockwave" name
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
AEW's new National Title arrives amid separate trademark dispute with NWA over "Shockwave" - Wrestlenomics
The new belt recalls lineage from the territorial era, at a time when AEW and the NWA are in trademark litigation over a different name.
wrestlenomics.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:03 PM
NEW: AEW's new National Title arrives amid separate trademark dispute with NWA over "Shockwave" name
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
Live ongoing coverage of the TKO earnings report for Q3 2025
Live coverage: TKO earnings for Q3 2025 - Wrestlenomics
This post will be updated with live ongoing coverage of TKO's earnings report.
wrestlenomics.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Live ongoing coverage of the TKO earnings report for Q3 2025
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
Wrestlenomics Business & Legal Update
-More WWE shareholder lawsuit depositions set
-WWE draws $2.6M gate in Birmingham & more gate figures
-Janel Grant-Dr. Colker hearing
-UFC int'l media deal
-Latest on Vince McMahon's 14TH&I
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
-More WWE shareholder lawsuit depositions set
-WWE draws $2.6M gate in Birmingham & more gate figures
-Janel Grant-Dr. Colker hearing
-UFC int'l media deal
-Latest on Vince McMahon's 14TH&I
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
Wrestlenomics Business & Legal Update - Wrestlenomics
More WWE shareholder lawsuit depositions set, WWE draws $2.6M gate in Birmingham, Janel Grant-Dr. Colker hearing, UFC international media deal, latest on 14TH&I.
wrestlenomics.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Wrestlenomics Business & Legal Update
-More WWE shareholder lawsuit depositions set
-WWE draws $2.6M gate in Birmingham & more gate figures
-Janel Grant-Dr. Colker hearing
-UFC int'l media deal
-Latest on Vince McMahon's 14TH&I
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
-More WWE shareholder lawsuit depositions set
-WWE draws $2.6M gate in Birmingham & more gate figures
-Janel Grant-Dr. Colker hearing
-UFC int'l media deal
-Latest on Vince McMahon's 14TH&I
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
NEW: Data confirms WWE ticket prices have roughly doubled since TKO merger.
In terms of real dollars, a WWE ticket that used to cost about $60 pre-TKO is now about $120.
But average Raw & Smackdown attendance has yet to suffer. It's actually up.
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
In terms of real dollars, a WWE ticket that used to cost about $60 pre-TKO is now about $120.
But average Raw & Smackdown attendance has yet to suffer. It's actually up.
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
October 21, 2025 at 7:23 PM
NEW: Data confirms WWE ticket prices have roughly doubled since TKO merger.
In terms of real dollars, a WWE ticket that used to cost about $60 pre-TKO is now about $120.
But average Raw & Smackdown attendance has yet to suffer. It's actually up.
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
In terms of real dollars, a WWE ticket that used to cost about $60 pre-TKO is now about $120.
But average Raw & Smackdown attendance has yet to suffer. It's actually up.
wrestlenomics.com/articles/202...
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
Mark Shapiro is scheduled to testify on November 18 as part of case alleging Vince McMahon steered WWE's 2023 merger toward Endeavor.
TKO President Mark Shapiro set to be deposed in WWE shareholder lawsuit - Wrestlenomics
Mark Shapiro is scheduled to testify on November 18 as part of case alleging Vince McMahon steered WWE's 2023 merger toward Endeavor.
wrestlenomics.com
October 13, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Mark Shapiro is scheduled to testify on November 18 as part of case alleging Vince McMahon steered WWE's 2023 merger toward Endeavor.
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
WWE Elimination Chamber scheduled for Chicago in February
The event would be the first time Elimination Chamber was held in the U.S. since 2021
The event would be the first time Elimination Chamber was held in the U.S. since 2021
WWE Elimination Chamber scheduled for Chicago in February - Wrestlenomics
The event would be the first time Elimination Chamber was held in the U.S. since 2021
wrestlenomics.com
October 14, 2025 at 7:39 PM
WWE Elimination Chamber scheduled for Chicago in February
The event would be the first time Elimination Chamber was held in the U.S. since 2021
The event would be the first time Elimination Chamber was held in the U.S. since 2021
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
AEW All In Texas attendance and public funding detailed in government records | Exclusive
Overestimated attendance will result in lower funding but AEW will still get hundreds of thousands in reimbursements.
Overestimated attendance will result in lower funding but AEW will still get hundreds of thousands in reimbursements.
AEW All In Texas attendance and public funding detailed in government records | Exclusive - Wrestlenomics
Overestimated attendance will result in lower funding but AEW will still get hundreds of thousands in reimbursements.
wrestlenomics.com
October 8, 2025 at 4:09 PM
AEW All In Texas attendance and public funding detailed in government records | Exclusive
Overestimated attendance will result in lower funding but AEW will still get hundreds of thousands in reimbursements.
Overestimated attendance will result in lower funding but AEW will still get hundreds of thousands in reimbursements.
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
TKO CEO Ari Emanuel, Stephanie McMahon among upcoming depositions in WWE shareholder lawsuit
Emanuel will be questioned under oath in December. Stephanie and Brad Blum will also be deposed in the shareholder lawsuit.
Emanuel will be questioned under oath in December. Stephanie and Brad Blum will also be deposed in the shareholder lawsuit.
TKO CEO Ari Emanuel, Stephanie McMahon among upcoming depositions in WWE shareholder lawsuit - Wrestlenomics
Emanuel, who made the deal with Vince McMahon to form TKO, will be questioned under oath in December. Stephanie and Brad Blum will also be deposed in the shareholder lawsuit.
wrestlenomics.com
October 7, 2025 at 2:55 PM
TKO CEO Ari Emanuel, Stephanie McMahon among upcoming depositions in WWE shareholder lawsuit
Emanuel will be questioned under oath in December. Stephanie and Brad Blum will also be deposed in the shareholder lawsuit.
Emanuel will be questioned under oath in December. Stephanie and Brad Blum will also be deposed in the shareholder lawsuit.
A great discussion with Douglas Pucci of Programming Insider on the impact Nielsen’s new methodology is having on TV ratings and wrestling in particular.
Nielsen’s Big Data Shake-Up: WWE & AEW Viewership Takes a Hit | Pollock & Thurston
Nielsen’s Big Data Shake-Up: WWE & AEW Viewership Takes a Hit | Pollock & Thurston - Wrestlenomics
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston are joined by Douglas Pucci of Programming Insider to discuss Nielsen’s new method of tracking viewership and the negative impact it has shown for professional wrestling programs.
wrestlenomics.com
October 6, 2025 at 7:30 PM
A great discussion with Douglas Pucci of Programming Insider on the impact Nielsen’s new methodology is having on TV ratings and wrestling in particular.
Reposted by Brandon Thurston
AEW's HBO Max simulcasts are not counted in Nielsen TV ratings, even under the new methodology, WBD says
AEW's HBO Max simulcasts are not counted in Nielsen TV ratings, even under the new methodology, WBD says - Wrestlenomics
Nielsen's new Big Data + Panel system is measuring lower TV ratings for wrestling programs, but Warner Bros. Discovery says AEW's live streams on HBO Max still aren't counted in those measurements.
wrestlenomics.com
October 6, 2025 at 6:41 PM
AEW's HBO Max simulcasts are not counted in Nielsen TV ratings, even under the new methodology, WBD says